Capturing the Magic: Top 5 Tips to Photograph Kids Products WITH Kids | Boston Brand Photographer

Kids are an important part of the process when it comes to branding for what kids like and want to see, so why wouldn’t they be a part of the process? This blog includes our tips and tricks for how we roll with the incredible chaos of a kid’s brand shoot, and how we photograph kids’ products that appeal to parents AND interest their kids.

Be flexible!

We may have a grand plan for (our model) the child, to sit on a stool, surrounded by flowers, with the perfect sunlight falling over them. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, sometimes, reality has different plans. If the kid decides that our plan is not the same as theirs, it's essential to roll with it. Flexibility is a superpower, we are always prepared to embrace the unexpected, pivot when needed, and sometimes, let them think it was all their brilliant idea. After all, magic often happens when we let go of rigid expectations and go with the flow; kids know what’s cool and fun to their own brains and they usually surprise us with what they come up with by just playing.

Connecting with Them

Years of working with kids has taught me that above all, connection is key. Every child is unique, with a distinct personality that dictates how they respond to the world around them. Some are all about silliness, others thrive on compliments, and then there are those who really just want a quiet, safe space. It is so important to pause and make time to understand and connect with each child individually. Building that relationship of trust and making them feel heard is going to open the door to genuine expressions and authentic moments that truly shine in the final photos.

Become an Observer

On a photoshoot, it can be easy to get caught up in the director's role, after all, we love having a good shot list! (IYKYK) But sometimes, the best moments unfold when we step back and just watch what they do naturally. Kids are genuinely curious and creative little geniuses. Given the space to explore on their own terms, we often find ourselves capturing pure, unscripted magic. My extreme type A personality can have a tendency to over-direct, but it's a delicate balance between guiding the shoot and allowing their playful spirits to take the lead.

So, there it is – a sneak peek into the world of kids' brand photography and how we approach it. Our guidelines are: Stay flexible, focus on connections, and step back and observe. The spontaneous shots that we end up with are often my long-time favorite photos.

How Working with an experienced Brand Strategist Can Elevate Your Photo Session (Part 2) | Boston Photographer

If you started on Part 1 of this post, let me pick up where I left off… Enter my dream client, interior design entrepreneur extraordinaire, Ms Rachel Reider of Reider and Co. She is doing a complete rebrand with Kris, and they need next level content to show off what this team is all about. Oh, have I mentioned her amazing, powerhouse (all female) team of 6?

Example of a client shot list

Again, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it was to have Kris on the brand strategy/art direction side of this. After diving deep into the Reider and Co brand and the direction they were going, Kris and I came up with a shot list together. Here is an example of a shot list I would create for every brand photoshoot. It includes inspiration photos, locations, and specific shots we know are a priority.

For this particular shoot, we wanted a heavy focus on the team dynamic. Day 1 included two versatile locations - one in a Back Bay, Boston condo, and the other in a suburban Wellesley home. Our main focus was really powerful team photos, headshots, as well as a peek into all of the many things that happen behind the scenes as they are working with their clients. This was one of my favorites, shot “tableau style” to highlight the all inclusive experience the team provides from start to finish.

Day 2 was on location at Rachel’s studio in the South End of Boston (two blocks away from my condo, perfect!) Our main focus was to show the day-to-day, behind-the-scenes team in action: the start of the process, the sample selection, the team meetings. All of the things we don’t think about when we see the finished product.

All in all, it was a successful brand shoot, and I am THRILLED to see these images on Rachel’s gorgeous new website. Kris did an amazing job. This is what happens when women are in charge.

Check out the Reider and Co brand new website here

Check out the very talented Kris Kennedy of Loudhouse Branding website here

Of course what would a great photoshoot be without gorgeous hair and makeup, by Paula Roderick-Voisembert

7 Tips for What to wear to your Brand Photoshoot

When scheduling a Personal Brand Session, clients always ask, “What should I wear?” I’d like to share my top 7 tips for what to wear to your brand photoshoot! Before we get to the details, my best advice is to work with a wardrobe stylist, especially if you are doing an Essential or All Inclusive Personal Brand Session.

A good stylist will take into consideration what will be most flattering on you and relevant to the overall vibe we are going for in our session. If you love styling yourself and you know you got this, GO FOR IT! You know yourself and your brand best! Whether or not you decide to work with a stylist, here are some items to consider when choosing outfits for your Brand Photoshoot.

1. What do you Want to Convey?

Is your brand upscale luxury? Or, down to earth and casual? Your wardrobe should 100% reflect the messaging you want to put out there.

2. Variety

We all need some variety in our lives, and our photos are no different! You don’t want to have 20 photos of you in the same outfit scattered across your social media. Instead, consider all the different hats you wear.

You dress one way when you’re working at home (although maybe we can go a step up from the sweats and unwashed hair here). I'm going to bet you dress another way when you’re meeting with clients, doing a speaking engagement, or shipping out products. Your looks can be multi-dimensional and still cohesive.

3. Survey your Wardrobe

Go through your wardrobe with a fresh set of eyes before our shoot in order to determine what you already have and what you need.

• What are your absolute favorite go-to pieces?

• What do you love about them?

• Do any of them fit into your brand?

If yes, great! Use these items as a starting point. Now, think about what you need to complete each outfit - a statement necklace or earrings, a floral skirt for twirling, a ripped pair of jeans, or a cute hat, there are a million ways to refresh a wardrobe staple for our shoot.

4. Give Yourself Time

Choose your outfits and accessories ahead of time. You want to give yourself PLENTY of time to order, try on, and return if necessary.

5. Choose Colors Wisely

Keep your brand aesthetic at the forefront of your mind. Now, I’m not saying that if your brand colors are navy and gold, you should come to your brand session dressed head-to-toe in navy and gold. (please don't do that!) But the colors you choose should complement your brand aesthetic. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways like throwing on some gold bangles to complete your look, or draping a navy blazer on the back of your desk chair.

Bottom line:

If your website and insta feed are all neutral, soft tones, we should not be focusing on a rainbow palette for your wardrobe. That being said, don’t be afraid to strategically throw in a pop of color to grab attention when appropriate.

6. Ask for Feedback

Try outfits on, take photos, & send them to your photographer. This is a collaboration, so if you’re on the fence about what is appropriate for your brand photos, ask for feedback!

I LOVE helping clients curate their wardrobe for a brand photo shoot.

7. Fit + Comfort is Priority

Above all, we want you in well-fitting clothes. If something is uncomfortable, too big, or too tight, it will likely translate in the photos. When you feel and look your best, you radiate confidence!

I’ll say this one last time for those in the back:

Try it on BEFORE your shoot

Bonus Tip

While I highly recommend working with professional hair and makeup for your session, keep in mind that whichever option you choose, it is most important to remember that we are almost always going for an everyday look. If you’re done up with smokey eyes everyday when meeting with clients, then girl, Rock it! But we want your clients to see YOU in your photos, not a done-up, unrecognizable version of you. You’ll be at your best in front of the camera when you look and feel like yourself.

I hope you found these 7 Tips for What to Wear to Your Brand Photoshoot helpful! If you are interested in learning more about Emily O’Brien Personal Brand Photography, or want to schedule your Personal Brand session, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Emily O’Brien Photography is a Boston based Photography Studio specializing in Personal Brand and Family Photography.