Expert Breakdown of a Branded Photo Session Timeline
From initial inquiry to final photo delivery, let’s chat about what a full timeline of working with Lightbulb League looks like.
Booking a brand photography session isn’t just about showing up and taking pictures; it’s a strategic process designed to create the best possible images for your business. From initial inquiry to final photo delivery, each step is intentional to ensure that you walk away with a gallery of photos that truly represent your brand.
So, what does the full timeline look like?
Let’s break it down.
Initial Inquiry & Booking (1-3 Months Before Your Session)
Most brand photography sessions book out 1-3 months in advance, so if you’re considering a session, it’s best to reach out early. Here’s what happens once you inquire:
Discovery Call or Email- We’ll chat about your business, brand vision, and photography needs.
Proposal & Contract- You’ll receive package details, pricing, and a contract to secure your session.
Deposit & Scheduling- A deposit annd signed contract officially locks in your session date!
Pre-Shoot Planning (1-3 Months Before the Session)
This is where we start putting all the pieces together to create a session that reflects your brand.
Brand Strategy & Mood Board- We’ll discuss your ideal aesthetic, colors, and overall vision.
Shot List & Session Goals- Planning out specific images you need for your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Location Selection- Whether it’s your office, our studio, or an outdoor setting, we’ll choose the best space to match your brand.
Wardrobe & Styling Prep- Guidance on what to wear, props to bring, and how to make sure your visuals feel cohesive.
This phase ensures that everything runs smoothly on shoot day and that we capture exactly what you need.
The Brand Photography Session (Shoot Day!)
By the time your session day arrives, we’ll have a game plan in place; all you have to do is show up and have fun!
What to expect:
A mix of lifestyle portraits, behind-the-scenes shots, product/service images, and team photos.
Direction on posing, angles, and natural movement to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera.
A relaxed, collaborative experience where we capture images that truly represent you.
Depending on the session that you book, this can take anywhere from 1-5 hours.
Editing & Gallery Delivery (3-4 Weeks After Your Session)
After the shoot, the real magic happens in the editing process.
Culling & Selection- Sorting through hundreds of images to select the very best ones.
Editing & Retouching- Adjusting color, lighting, and minor touch-ups to ensure a polished, professional look.
Gallery Delivery- Your online gallery is sent within 3-4 weeks, ready for you to review and select your final images.
Client Selection & Final Delivery (1 Week After Gallery Delivery)
Once your gallery is delivered, you’ll have about a week to select your favorite images (depending on your package).
If additional retouching or customization is requested, that will be completed before final delivery.
Once selections are made, the final high-resolution images are sent over, ready to be used across your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead for the Best Experience
From the moment you inquire to the moment you receive your final images, the full brand photography process takes about 6-10 weeks. Planning ahead is key!
If you’re thinking about booking a session for a specific launch or season, make sure to factor in this timeline to ensure you get your images when you need them.
Need help figuring out your brand photo strategy? Let’s chat and get your session on the calendar!
