How to prepare for your Branding Session // Maryland Business + Branding Photographer BKLP

Need professional images for your website and social media accounts, I can help with that!

Scheduling a branding session for your small business can be intimidating but I promise it’s one of the best investments you can make for yourself and your business! Personal branding is about creating and crafting connection. Create a brand worth talking about with photos of what it feels like to work with you. My goal is to show off your personality and business in the best way possible. I’m here to help through every step of the way. Here are some of my best tips to help you prepare.


Location, Location, Location!

This can mean different things for different businesses. If you have an actual brick + mortar store or office then this is the obvious choice. Run a business out of your home office like me? I would suggest starting there, and then we will work together to come up with a timeline and visit a few locations that represent you and your brand. If you need ideas I have plenty. If you really want the light and airy look you need to think of a location with plenty of natural light.


What to wear and how to prepare.

I love neutral tones, they are classic and timeless. Layers and a pop of color can also be fun. If you want more formal pictures dress up! You want to wear what you normally do so when clients meet you in person they can say, I recognize you from the internet! Think about your brand as a whole, select colors that compliment your business and your images will compliment your brand. Think about who inspires you! Head over to pinterest, search google for brands similar to yours and get some inspiration. Incorporate your own style and personalize your inspiration to you and your business.

Two questions I like to ask are:

How are you different from other businesses in your industry?

What brands inspire your style?

Another thing I recommend is hair and makeup. It’s one less thing to stress over the day of your session. My editing style is light and airy and my rule of thumb is if it’s not going to be there in 2 weeks, I will take it out, don’t stress over a blemish or 2. I am an experienced photographer and will coach you through the entire session. I will photograph you in the best light I can find and flattering angles so there is no need to stress over losing those 10lbs before your shoot.

Props & Product Placement.

A branding session is all about showcasing what you do, your product or service and the lifestyle that goes along with it. We will work together to create a timeline and shot-list, and you want to be prepared with props and products ahead of time.

Items may include:

  • Anything with your logo/brand in it.

  • Products you make and want to highlight during your session.

  • A phone and laptop.

  • Pen, notebook, planner.

  • A cup of coffee or something that represents you and your lifestyle.

  • Anything you use in your daily business life that you would like to include.

  • Letterboard.

  • Ask family/friends/past clients to join us if you would like to include them, they also make great models!

An example of the types of images we focus on during your sessions are: flatlays, images that have room for text, shots of your workspace, you working, lifestyle headshots and photos of your products.

What to expect.

After your initial inquiry, we will go back and forth over email discussing your vision. We can even set up a time to chat over the phone to go over the process!

Once you select the package that works for you and your business, we will pick a date! Branding sessions take place on weekdays, weekend dates may be available but are usually booked months in advance. Your date is put on the BKLP calendar and once your invoice and contract are signed you are officially booked.

About a week before your session we will touch base and go over the final details including finalizing locations, a timeline and shot list. The day of your session you will have all your props + products ready to go before I arrive to make sure you get the most out of our time together. I will walk you through every step of the session.

After your session you will receive a sneak peek! The rest of your images will be ready in about 3 weeks and will be delivered in a password protected online gallery. This is where you will download the images straight to your computer, and depending on your package your gallery may include web-sized and SEO optimized images.

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Set up for success!

What sets me apart is the BKLP experience. My clients tell me time and time again I have a great sense of humor and make them feel confident in front of the camera and their business too! I am more than just a photographer. I have a lifetime of business experience and spent 10+ years working in Marketing. I've built my own business from the ground up. I do all of my own branding, social media, SEO, marketing and web design, too! I know what it takes to be successful, have tons of experience and ideas to help set you apart from everyone else doing the same thing you are.

Along with your image gallery you will receive The BKLP Guide, What to do with the images from your Branding Session. Full of my best tips to get the most out of your images for years to come and tools to help you grow your business. You will walk away feeling encouraged and inspired with resources in hand to help you get the most out of your images. You will be set up for success!

Hello there! I'm Breanna and my heart lies in helping you and your business succeed.Photo Credit: Penny Lane Lifestyle Photography

Hello there! I'm Breanna and my heart lies in helping you and your business succeed.

Photo Credit: Penny Lane Lifestyle Photography

See what BKLP clients have to say about working with Breanna:

Absolutely stunning photographer with an exceptional eye for great shots! I was blown away with her professionalism and ability to help capture amazing shots of my two pups in a retail store setting. With a million things going on, Breanna helped capture the best of the best moments. For branding photos you won’t find anyone better!
— Jason Hisley, CAKE by Jason
Breanna is AMAZING! I used BKLP for branding photos for my business, Rachel Gill, Personal Stylist and couldn’t be happier. Along with providing me with perfect images for the web and social media she gave me tons of business and SEO advice. She immediately put me at ease during our photo shoot and I felt like I had known her for years. She listened to my vision and has such a great eye for detail. I will certainly be using Breanna for any upcoming photo needs that I may have!
— Rachel Gill, Stylist
We have had Breanna shoot our Commercial Businesses, Immediate family photos and large family photos. Part of a good photograph is the person behind the camera. Her experience and communication is like no other. If you want to be treated well and have fun while you shoot... save up your money because this is the photographer for you. Period.
— Mike Burkentine, Burkentine & Sons Builders
Breanna Martino Kuhlmann is one of the most talented photographers that I have ever had the chance to work. Breanna has a unique ability to capture the true essence of her subjects in a way that looks very natural and “un-posed”. The photos she took of me and my work have been essential in marketing my new floral business and she has always been there for me with advice or a quick answer to a business question. I can’t recommend her enough!
— Christine Donovan, Stems Fine Florals
I worked with Breanna on a photoshoot with one of my clients. She had creative ideas, took amazing photos and most importantly, made everyone feel comfortable in front of the camera. I can’t recommend her enough!
— Molly McGuirk Balint, The Farmhouse Creative Marketing

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Breanna Kuhlmann is a Lifestyle Portrait, Newborn, Business and Branding Photographer. She lives in Fallston, Maryland and regularly travels within Harford and Baltimore Counties, including Bel Air, Forest Hill, Baltimore, Kingsville as well as White Marsh, Phoenix, Towson, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Sparks, Pennsylvania, Delaware and beyond. In the summer months you can book BKLP for Beach Sessions along Delaware Beaches.