Taylor Johnson Photography

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So you’ve figured out what to wear for your branding session, but… what should you actually photograph?

If you missed my posts on outfits and wardrobe, check them out!

10 Wardrobe Branding Photo Shoot Tips You Need to Know

18 Fresh and Professional Outfit Ideas for Spring Branding Photos

Create Impactful Branding Photos: 8 Tips for Selecting Outfits

Whether you’re investing in a full branding photo session or DIY-ing a few content shots on your own, it helps to start with a plan — and that starts with a shot list.

I know not every business owner is ready to invest in a full custom session yet (though when you are, here’s what it includes). But personalized content builds trust and connection — and with this list, you’ll have a strong foundation for building out your brand’s visual library.

Let’s dive in!

Here is your Ultimate Shot List!

To make things simplified, assume for every shot I list, it needs to be taken vertically and horizontally. Why? You’ll see in the upcoming blog posts.

FORMAL SHOTS (Your “Core” Brand Images)

• Standing headshot smiling/not smiling (leaning against something – giving yourself something to lean on creates interest and makes you more feel more comfortable so you don’t have that “what do I do” feeling, free standing)
• Standing midsection smiling/not smiling (cross one arm below chest and rest elbow of other arm on top to bring most body angles in to the photo)
• Standing full body smiling/not smiling (lean, arms crossed, hand(s) in pocket, hand on hip)
• Seated headshot (bring hand up to chin, off to the side for sassier pose, holding glasses, etc)
• Seated headshot looking off to the side
• Seated midsection looking at and away from camera
• Seated full body looking at the camera and away (smile, no smile, laughing, legs crossed – this is such a versatile pose – I can easily take 20 different shots with a seated full body pose)
• Walking towards the camera (smiling, not smiling, looking off to the side, waving, laughing)
• Walking away from the camera looking back

LIFESTYLE SHOTS (Authentic, Candid Moments)

• Deep thought pose (curled up in a chair with pen and pad, or at a coffee shop with laptop and notebook)
• Pen and notebook looking to the side. 
• Close up of you writing in notebook (if you have branded stationary, this is a perfect shot for a branded stock photo)
• Take from behind or above (faceless shot) 
• With a computer (looking at the computer, camera, away from camera)
• Working on a phone 
• Taken from behind while focused on phone
• Talking on the phone (laughing, taking notes in notebook, taking notes on computer)
• Reading a favorite book (from the front, thoughtful expression while reading, looking at the camera smiling, notebook nearby, from behind, add your favorite beverage to one hand while reading with the other)
• Looking out the window thoughtfully
• Leaning forward in a chair with easy, gentle smile (shows engagement and openness)
• Drinking your favorite beverage smiling at the camera (full shot, close up without face – maybe use a branded cup or favorite mug)
• Drinking your favorite beverage looking thoughtfully to the side
• Drinking wine, cocktail, champagne looking at the camera/away from the camera laughing
• Cheers to the camera
• Handling tools of your trade (smiling or in progress of using said tool)
• Tools of the trade close up in an appealing lay flat
• Your pet (seriously y’all, always include a photo of your pet. You seem more relatable and studies -(check out this article on Newswhip) – show posts get more likes and engagement when you include your pets!)

Here are some location ideas you can visit to do these different types of shots or check out my post on 10 Unexpected Props That Boost Your Brand Story to include.

EXPRESSIVE SHOTS (Emotions & Engagement)

These are great for social captions, promotional graphics, and sales funnels.

• Pointing left or right (high, middle, low) — perfect for Reels/text overlays
• Jumping, laughing, dancing, or looking surprised
• Looking thoughtful or concerned
• Goofy faces, expressive reactions
• Listening (hands in lap, open expression)
• Kicking to the side or shifting weight in a dynamic pose

Want to know how to use these photos across your website, emails, and content? Don’t miss my post: 7 Ways to Use Your Branding Photos

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Session

Create folders for each pose type to organize your gallery post-session.

Practice in front of a mirror. Yes, it feels awkward — but you’ll get a sense of what angles feel most confident and comfortable to you.

Mark the poses that feel like you. You don’t need them all!

Small shifts (hand on hip vs. crossed arms) can give you 5–10 totally different usable shots from the same setup.

Ready for More?

If you’re ready to go beyond DIY and want to build a cohesive, intentional brand image, I’d love to work together. I’ll help you feel confident on camera and walk away with a brand library that truly reflects you.

Other helpful articles:

The Ultimate Prep Timeline to a Perfect Photo Session

Check out Hubspot’s article on visual content marketing stats to understand the data behind why it’s important to include personalized photos as a part of your marketing strategy.