Listen on Apple • Listen On Spotify
If you’ve ever stared at your Instagram profile wondering why it doesn’t quite “look” as professional as you’d like… this blog is for you.
I’m sharing the real, unfiltered look at how I planned my most recent brand shoot while pregnant, and all the little decisions that made it a whole lot smoother (and more strategic) than my first shoot.
Let’s break it down…
Why I Booked a Brand Shoot (Even Though I’m Pregnant)
I didn’t feel photo-ready. I wasn’t glowing. But I knew I wanted new photos that could last me 3–4 years… and I needed to take them before I started showing. Personal branding means your face is part of your business.
While you don’t need to be everywhere, you do need a small stash of high-quality, versatile photos that reflect your current season (and the season you’re stepping into).
Start With Your Brand Vibe
Before reaching out to any photographers, I asked myself: What kind of feeling do I want these photos to have?
Luxe and elevated? Earthy and grounded? Playful and bright?
This decision helped shape everything! From the outfits I chose, the studio we booked, and even the kind of lighting we used.
Find the Right Photographer (For You)
Not all photographers are created equal. And not all photographers do brand shoots. I chose someone I knew and trusted, someone who understood my business, knew how to shoot for social and web, and had a style that felt aligned.
Bonus: she’d shot for me before, so we already had a rhythm.
Steal My Pre-Shoot Checklist for Your Own Brand Photoshoot
I don’t believe in winging it. So I:
- Printed out a Pinterest board of poses and layouts I loved
- Tried on outfits in advance, mixing and matching combinations that made me feel confident (and comfy!)
- Chose props that reflected my brand – laptop, mic, purple headphones and a chair I literally brought from home
- Created a Spotify playlist to help me feel more relaxed (because nothing’s worse than posing in silence). You can steal mine here: Spotify Photoshoot Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1UjWSHNzEVFxcwVrJe1PbA?si=fe0dc23808bf40b4
Posing Doesn’t Have to Feel Awkward
I still felt silly at first. But having a reference sheet of poses helped me know what to do with my body. And my photographer helped direct me into positions that felt natural. I even brought along a team member (Vanessa!) to film some BTS content, which means I left with not just brand photos, but a stack of B-roll for Reels too.
Win-win!
Final Takeaways
Because I planned everything before my shoot, I’ve now got a folder of on-brand, strategic, versatile photos I can use across my website, social posts, ads, launch graphics and more. Photos I feel good in… and that my audience can connect with.
It’s saved me hours and helped me show up more confidently.
A brand shoot isn’t about being glamorous. It’s about being prepared. Because even one strong, professional photo can build trust faster than a perfectly-worded caption.
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio
