Teaming up with small business owners is always such a joy, and Sofia, the creative force behind Laguna Moon Flowers, brought so much passion and personality to her branding shoot. Her flower cart business is as charming as it is vibrant, and our session was a perfect reflection of her colorful, fun, and one-of-a-kind vibe. Whether you’re a flower cart owner, creative entrepreneur, or small business owner, the key to a successful branding photoshoot is preparation. So let’s talk about how you can get the best results and showcase your brand in the most authentic, eye-catching way.

Find a Photographer Who Fits Your Brand’s Unique Style

First things first—finding the right photographer is key to bringing your vision to life. Your brand’s aesthetic should shine through in your photos, so make sure your photographer’s style aligns with what you want to showcase. For Sofia, we wanted to highlight the vibrant, tropical, and sun-soaked vibes of her flower cart business, and my film-inspired, editorial style was the perfect match. It’s all about creating a mood that speaks to your target audience. When you’re picking a photographer, make sure their style resonates with you. You’ll get the best results when you’re on the same page about the aesthetic!

Create a Mood Board to Organize Your Vision

If you haven’t already, get cozy with Pinterest (or wherever you collect your ideas) and start pinning! A moodboard is such a powerful tool in planning your shoot. It’s a visual guide that helps communicate exactly what you’re envisioning for your photos, from your headshots to product shots and even the vibe you want to capture. Sofia did this beautifully, creating a vibrant mood board filled with inspiration for headshots, interactive moments with her cart, and dreamy details that perfectly reflected her business’s essence. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—I’m more than happy to brainstorm and come up with something magical that speaks to your brand. 

Book a Fun Space to Showcase Your Product or Service

Finding the perfect spot is a huge part of a successful branding shoot. For Sofia, we used a stunning outdoor backyard space in Southern California (thanks to Peerspace for the dreamy location), complete with a tropical vibe and a pool. This sunny setting was ideal for showing off her flower cart, capturing both product and lifestyle shots. If you’re still deciding on a location, choose a space that reflects your brand’s personality—whether it’s a modern, beachy, or vintage vibe, the right location will enhance your brand story and bring your vision to life.

Hire Models or Use Friends to Model With You

Hiring models for your branding photoshoot can elevate your images, but it’s not always necessary—especially if you have friends or team members who are happy to model! Sofia did a great job of organizing a crew, which included her husband and a few friends who helped showcase her flower cart. It was so much fun seeing them interact with the flowers and the space! Having real people (rather than just props) brings authenticity to your shoot and makes the images feel more relatable. Bonus points if they’re super comfortable in front of the camera!

Plan Your Outfits and Color Scheme

Outfits and color coordination play a huge role in creating cohesive, eye-catching photos. Sofia really nailed her wardrobe choices by choosing vibrant colors that complemented the tropical space, her flowers, and her brand’s playful vibe. I always recommend planning outfits that align with your space and the overall mood of your brand. Keep it fun, but also professional so your photos can be used for a variety of marketing purposes, from your website to social media to ads. Don’t forget the details—accessories, shoes, and props can help tie everything together. 

Add a 35mm Film Touch

If you’re into the nostalgic, film-inspired look like I am, consider incorporating a 35mm film add-on to your shoot! It’s a great way to give your photos that timeless, editorial vibe. Film brings an added layer of warmth and authenticity to your images—plus, it just looks cool. Whether you’re looking for a more artistic, vintage feel or just love the look of film, it’s a great way to take your brand photos to the next level.

Ready to Shine in Your Own Branding Photoshoot?

Working with passionate entrepreneurs like Sofia is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer! Her branding shoot was a blast, and I can’t wait to create more vibrant, fun, and creative brand photos for small businesses in Southern California and beyond. 

Preparing for your branding photoshoot doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be an incredibly fun and creative process if you plan ahead. Whether you’re showcasing your product, capturing headshots, or bringing your business’s personality to life, a little prep goes a long way in making sure your photos truly reflect your brand and attract your ideal clients.

I’d love to work with you to elevate your brand with photos that stand out and speak to your audience. Let’s create something colorful, fun, and totally YOU! Reach out and let’s make some magic happen! 

Love what you see? Check out this other trendy California brand shoot I captured!