A brand shoot isn’t just about pretty photos—it’s about creating visual content that actually supports your business. But here’s the thing: a lot of people rush the process and end up with photos they don’t love, use, or even feel like them.

If you're planning a persoanl brand photoshoot, avoid these common mistakes that can make or break your results:

1. Underestimating the Time It Takes to Plan

Brand photography isn’t something you want to throw together in a week. A strategic shoot takes time—typically 3 to 5 weeks from inquiry to shoot day. Why? Because it’s more than just showing up and smiling.

Taking time for a brand shoot is essential.

My process starts with a detailed brand questionnaire and a planning call where we map out your locations, outfits, props, and overall vibe. When we take our time, the results feel intentional—not rushed.

2. Not Prepping Outfits (or Waiting Until the Last Minute)

Winging your wardrobe the night before? Not ideal. The right outfits help tell your brand story, and we want looks that align with your personality, color palette, and goals. Prepping in advance also gives us time to troubleshoot—whether that means borrowing from a friend, hitting your favourite store to treat yourself to some new things, steaming your clothes, or grabbing that last-minute blazer that pulls it all together.

3. Forgetting About Props That Add Personality

Props don’t have to be cliché or overdone—and they definitely shouldn’t be an afterthought. The best props are the ones that feel true to you. Yes, your laptop or a notebook might make sense, but think outside the box too.

What do you talk about all the time on social media?
What little rituals, habits, or guilty pleasures make you you?

Maybe it’s your favorite wine, your morning matcha, the lip gloss you swear by, or the candle that’s always burning when you work. Maybe it’s your tarot deck, your AirPods, or the dog who never leaves your side.

Props like these help your audience connect with the human behind the brand—not just the business.

Props that speak to your brand and personality are a must

4. Ignoring Grooming or Styling Details

You don’t have to go full glam—but a little polish makes a big difference on camera.

Let’s start with your hands. So many close-up shots naturally include them—typing, holding a coffee mug, adjusting your blazer—and chipped nails can distract from the overall vibe. A fresh manicure (even a simple clear coat or neutral polish) instantly elevates those detail shots.

And don’t sleep on hair and makeup. Hiring a professional doesn’t just make you look amazing—it takes the pressure off of you. No second-guessing your foundation or fixing flyaways mid-shoot. Plus, makeup artists know how to apply makeup that photographs well, so you’ll look like yourself, just levelled up.

Hiring a hair and make up artist is a smart move

5. Trying to Squeeze It All into One Hour

Let’s be real—brand photography isn’t a sprint. I no longer offer 1-hour shoots because they just don’t give us the breathing room to create intentional, story-driven images. Rushing leads to stiff poses and missed moments. When we slow down, that’s when the magic happens. Brand photography is an investment that pays off for months to come, why rush the process?

Give Your Brand the Shoot It Deserves

Your brand isn’t one-dimensional, and your photos shouldn’t be either. When you give yourself the time and space to plan properly, you walk away with content you’re proud to use—everywhere from your website to your socials.

If you're ready to create scroll-stopping, on-brand photos that actually feel like you—I’d love to chat.

Let's chat!

Brand Photographer - Toronto -GTA - Niagara and beyond!

Planning a Brand Photoshoot? 5 Mistakes to Avoid (From a Toronto Brand Photographer)