It's Time for your Promo Shoot
I understand the importance of having a strong and consistent brand image and I believe the photos & videos used to represent your brand are the main component of this image.
That's why I've created this guide to help you prepare for your videography branding session and ensure that the images captured accurately reflect your brand essence.
Whether you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or a creative professional, this guide is designed to help you create a strong and consistent brand image through the power of a camera.
The Importance of a Branding Session
A branding session is crucial because it helps create a strong and consistent visual representation of your brand. The images captured during your session are an essential component of your brand image and are used to communicate your brand's unique qualities, values, and personality to your target audience.
Having professional, high-quality images that accurately reflect your brand can help you stand out from your competitors, build trust, help your stay relevant and build credibility with your audience to create a memorable and recognizable brand image.
Whether used on your website, social media, marketing materials, or other communications, well-crafted branding photos can help you build a strong, recognizable, and consistent brand image that resonates with your target audience.
BEFORE Your shoot:
Define your brand essence
Before the session, take some time to reflect on your brand values, personality, and unique qualities.
Consider what sets you apart from others in your industry and what message you want to convey through your photos.
Think about if there any props (ie. cellphone, laptop. camera, book, journal, equipment, or any object) you could bring that supports your brand and showcasing what you do, how you do it, or something that you relate to.
What to expect?
Storyboarding
The first step to shooting a video is not shooting a video: it's to plan it! We'll start by creating & planning your project's creative direction to plan and organize all necessary shots.
Storyboarding also allows for collaboration and feedback from both parties. We can identify potential problems and make changes before the actual filming begins.
Detailed Planning
Proper planning helps to ensure that all elements of the video, such as the script, visuals, and music, are aligned with the overall message and tone of the video.
Planning helps to set realistic expectations for the project and ensure that the video meets its intended goals.
And... Action!
Once we have planned, its time to hit record. It's important to note now: There WILL be retakes. Extra takes for safety. There will be adjustments. There will be fly away hair. There will be an outfit adjustment. Retakes are completely normal & to be expected. Even despite all the planning in the world, things may happen but it'll be thanks to the planning the message of the promo video gets across.
Remember: Be Yourself!
A branding session is an opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and unique qualities, which can help to build a deeper connection with your audience and position you as an expert in your field.
On the day of the session, relax and be yourself! Unless you are a professional actor, if you try to act, it can be very obvious.
I will ask you questions and prompts to bring out your authentic personality. That's what we want to shine in your promo video and by helping to accurately capture the essence of your brand.
What to wear?
multiple Outfits
Consider your brand essence and target audience when selecting your outfit for the session. Your clothing should be professional and align with your brand image. Avoid wearing any logos or graphics that detract from the focus of the photos.
only 1 pattern
Patterns are great but they can be distracting when they clash. To avoid this, I encourage you to wear only one pattern during any outfit change. We want the focus to remain on you, not your clothing, so you can wear a pattern, just please remember only one at a time.
COlors
The easy answer would be your branding colors! Incorporate your colors into your clothing options either by going bold or by being subtle. I also recommend a basic black and/or white option for latitude when potentially creating graphic or flyers for your brand or business.
Professional Hair & Make Up
Hair & makeup is Required
This is not an option! I require all of my clients to get hair & makeup done before a session. When you get your professional hair & makeup done, go for the night time glam. Some clients choose to just have their hair and/or makeup done.
If you need any help finding a local hair & makeup artist, believe me, I know a few!
Cameras Pick up Everything
These cameras literally pick up everything. You also can not edit skin texture like how you can with photos. I repeat: I can not edit your skin the same way I can edit for photos. Meaning, you have to come camera ready with an extra layer of face to sustain being in-front of these high definition 4K cameras for hours.
Not only that, but I will be using commercial grade lighting to light you up to look as best as possible. Keep in mind, I will also be getting plenty of tight shots too.
"Give me Night time glam!"
Audio, Speech & Interviews
FOr the most Part...
I am not using the audio that Comes directly out of the camera while we are shooting.
That means all the directing, mistakes, bloopers, curse words, or anything that is not appealing or flattering to you as the client will be used.
If we are going to be recording any sort of speech or narration, we will plan it out and use lavalier microphones in a sound-friendly environment.
Recording speech
Preparing your script
If we are recording speech or narration that describes your brand or business, I recommend you writing it down and then rehearsing it several times before the session until you feel at ease & comfortable.
Time will go by very quickly during branding session because we have a lot of content to cover. I also like to overshoot for safety instead of not having enough so we can not afford many audio mishaps.
There simply isn't enough time for numerous pauses or looking at notes, "uh's or um's," or trying out multiple variations. However, we will still aim for 2 recordings of the same speech for safety, posterity & option.
Wearing Microphones
To record clean audio, it's best to get the microphone as close to the subject's mouth as possible. The way we do this is by wearing lavalier or lapel microphones.
These mics have a wire & a small transmitter/recorder that will need to be tucked in a pocket or clipped on a belt. I'll show you how to wire it underneath your clothes and hide it by using Rycote Stickies, which are fabric safe, along with either a wireless DJI Mic or Tascam DR-10L, depending on the situation.
As far as clothing goes, I would recommend wearing something with a collar, like a sweater, button-down, blouse, or something with lapels, like a suit jacket or cardigan. Please avoid wearing skin-tight clothing, or spaghetti straps without a top, as you'll be able to see the microphone and wire.
How long is the branding session?
My branding sessions are typically up to three hours long.
Anything longer will require an additional overtime fee.
How many outfits are included?
I like to recommend a minimum of 2-3 outfits so we have plan of options.
There is no limit to the number of outfits, however, it must all fit within the session time frame. Changing time is included in all sessions and an overtime fee will be added if we go over.
How many locations?
Up to two locations are included to start.
Don't hesitate to ask for opinions on where we should go. We'll need to consider weather as I will not shoot outside if it is raining. If we had planned for an outdoor shoot, we'll see if we can reschedule.
You are responsible for obtaining relevant permits under your name.
What about audio?
For the most part, I'm not recording the audio of me directing and posing.
Unless we are filming an interview, or you are directing a client, don't worry about what you say or what slips!
Want to watch an Promo Video?
Take a look at what the final edited video a promo video can look like as seen here in this promo for an author.