Getting a set of Photos taken for your business is a big deal right?

So you want to make sure that investment is a good one!

Here are my tips to making sure you get the absolute best out of your commercial photos… so first you have to get the right shots! Planning is key here!

Planning Your Photo Shoot

Define Your Goals:

• What story/s are you telling? Are you introducing yourself, showcasing a product, or capturing your workspace vibe? Jot down three must-have outcomes.
• Which keywords matter most?  You could use something like Answer The Public to find out what people are searching for in your sector. Use these key words to create a list of blog and social media posts that you could get photos for.

Build a Mood Board:

• Collect 10–15 images that capture the style, lighting, and energy you love. It could be screenshots from Pinterest, screenshots of Instagram grids, or stills from your favourite films.
• Share this with your photographer – it ensures you both know exactly what you’re aiming for.

Sort Your Wardrobe (and Props)

• Pick outfits that feel like “you,” align with your brand colours and lay everything out a few days before.
• Add in any props – laptop, product samples, mugs – so you’re not scrambling on shoot day.

Choose the Perfect Location

• Studio? Co-working space? That cool coffee shop down the street? Scout locations that match your brand personality. If you’re after crisp, minimalist shots, a bright studio with white walls is gold.
• For a warmer, lifestyle feel, find a spot with natural textures – brick walls, wooden tables, lush greenery.

Create a Shot List (some examples to get you started):

• Headshots
• hero image for your homepage
• Candid team interactions in your Edinburgh office
• Product close-ups
• lifestyle product shots
• event images
• Stock images

Coordinate with PR Campaigns:

• Time your shoot to coincide with a planned press releases or local media outreach.
• Provide exclusive behind-the-scenes visuals for journalists.

Optimise & Distribute:

• Compress images for web without losing quality (Canva can do this for you or ask your photographer)
• Tag your location on social media (e.g., #Edinburgh)
• Embed in blog posts, email newsletters, and online portfolios