Planning the Perfect Branding Photoshoot for Accounting & Finance Professionals
After years from creating Organized CPA, I finally decided it was time for a branding photoshoot. I was getting interview requests and realized my photos were five years old! I tried taking photos around my home, but it didn’t quite capture what I was looking for.
I honestly couldn’t believe I waited so long, but it was definitely worth it.
If you’re an accountant, CPA candidate, or finance professional thinking about doing a branding photoshoot, here are some tips to make it successful (and actually feel like you).
How to Choose the Photographer for Your Accounting Brand
A branding photographer specializes in photos that help you elevate your brand and tell your story.
After doing a quick search, I came across a photographer whose work I loved. Kira Whitney Photography had experience working with accounting and finance professionals, which made a huge difference because they understood the type of content I needed.
Beyond just looking at a portfolio, I recommend checking reviews and seeing how photographers work with their clients. A great photographer will guide you through poses, bring creative ideas, and make you feel comfortable during the shoot. We also had a planning session beforehand, during which I shared what I wanted, and she helped bring my ideas to life.
A mini session is a great option if you are short on time, want a few photos, or are on a budget. If you decide to travel to see a photographer you love, it could even be considered a tax-deductible business expense.
How to Prepare for a Branding Photoshoot
A branding photoshoot is an investment, so preparation is key.
I wanted to make sure I maximized every minute of my session, so I planned everything ahead of time, from outfits to props to poses. The night before, I packed all my props and clothes in my car so I wouldn’t forget anything or feel rushed in the morning. That alone made the day go so much smoother.
Branding Photoshoot Props for Accountants
Props are one of the easiest ways to make your photos look natural and on-br nd. Here are some ideas specifically for accountants and finance professionals:
- Calculator
- Laptop
- Coffee mug
- Microphone (for content creators)
- Planners or notebooks
- Sticky notes
- Books or tax guides
- Printed documents (like sample tax forms)
- Vision board materials
- Money gun (if you’re feeling bold)
How to Use Each Prop
Calculator:
This was one of my favorite props. We had fun trying different numbers like 1099, 1120, 1065, and 1040. You can also use deadlines like 0315 or 0415.
I even posed with the calculator on my face, pretending to use it alongside my planner. It made the photos feel way more personalized, rather than just generic business photos.
I chose a green calculator to match my brand and planner, which tied everything together really well.
Laptop:
A laptop is a must in our field. It helped with natural poses and made my headshots feel more realistic.
Here’s my new LinkedIn photo that the laptop helped create:
Microphone:
If you create videos or podcast content, this instantly communicates your brand.
Books or Planners:
Quickfinder was my go-to when I was in tax, so that would’ve been a great prop. For this shoot, I used my own planners and printed freebies to represent my brand.
I used my own planner in this shoot to reflect my brand and keep everything cohesive. You can check it out at my shop here.
Sticky Notes:
You can write your business name, fun phrases, or even numbers like the calculator ideas.
Skincare & Beauty Prep for Your Photoshoot
I wanted to look like myself, just a little more polished.
I made sure my nails were a neutral color so they matched all my outfits. As a former nail tech, I recommend getting them done a few days before so there is less stress. If you have themed colors, matching your nails to them is another fun option. For men, getting a manicure or keeping nails clean helps them look more polished in photos.
For skincare, I did a hydrafacial a couple of days before. Ididn’tt want to do anything too close to the shoot, so my skin had time to settle. The night before, I used a sheet mask to make my skin look more refreshed.
Idon’tt wear makeup often, so I actually practiced my routine for about two weeks before the shoot. I found a great makeup guide for photos from Buzzfeed that I followed. My sister, Angelina, is amazing with makeup and hair helped me touch up before the shoot. Since my skin is oily, I used a mattifying primer to avoid getting shiny. And definitely bring lipstick or gloss for touch-ups!
Create a Branding Photoshoot Wishlist
This helped me so much.
I used Pinterest to find inspiration and created a wishlist of poses I wanted. If you have a Pinterest, feel free to Pin any of my photos for inspiration!
I organized my wishlist by location so I could stay on track during the shoot.Here’ss an example:
Studio:
- Headshots
- Working on laptop
- Showing planner/freebies
Coffee Shop:
- Working on laptop
- Drinking coffee
- Casual phone browsing
During the shoot, I checked my list between locations to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Without it, I definitely would’ve forgotten a few shots.
What to Wear to a Branding Photoshoot (Outfit Ideas)
I had a two-hour session, and it still doesn’t feel like enough time. Planning outfits ahead of time was key. I aimed for a mix of professional and lifestyle looks.
Professional Outfitsuit (Client-Facing Look
I chose a structured suit for a polished, professional look. Something I would wear to an interview or client meeting.
Business Casual (Everyday Work Look)
This was a more relaxed but still professional outfit. Perfect for content that feels approachable but still credible.
Lifestyle (Casual Content)
I included a few casual outfits that I love wearing. These worked really well for my blog and more personal content.
Themed Outfits (Optional)
If you want your photos to tie into something specific, themed outfits can be a great addition.
This could be based on your brand colors if you have a set color palette for your business. Wearing colors that match your website, logo, or products can help everything feel more cohesive.
You can also plan outfits around a launch you have coming up, whether it’s a new product, service, or content series. It’s a great way to create photos you can reuse when promoting it later.
Another option is dressing for a season or holiday if you want more timely content throughout the year.
I didn’t focus too much on themed outfits for this shoot, but it’s something I would definitely plan for in the future to make my content even more versatile.
Colors & Accessories
I chose colors that matched my brand, mostly greens and black to go with my website and planner.
I also kept accessories simple. I love my Apple Watch, but I left it in the car so it wouldn’t distract from the photos. I went with simple earrings and a necklace to complete the look. Feel free to add many accessories as you would like, this photoshoot is about your look and brand!
For the week leading up to the shoot, I made sure everything was clean, wrinkle-free, and ready to go. It made the day feel so much easier.
How to Choose the Best Location & Timing for Your Photoshoot
Your location really sets the tone for your photos.
For my shoot, we did a mix of a coffee shop and a studio.
The coffee shop gave more lifestyle, everyday content, while the studio gave clean, professional shots.
When choosing a location, think about what aligns with your brand. A studio is great for polished photos, while a coffee shop or office space can make your brand feel more relatable.
I also scheduled my shootforn the morning, which helped with lighting and avoiding crowds . That made a huge difference in how comfortable I felt.
Quick Branding Photoshoot Tips for Accountants
- Plan your outfits ahead of time
- Bring props that reflect your work
- Create a Pinterest shot list
- Plan poses beforehand
- Schedule your shoot during good lighting
- Prep everything the night before
Final Thoughts
The photoshoot turned out better than I expecte . I now have photos for my website, interviews, and social media, which makes creating content so much easier.
I used to put off getting professional photos, but looking back,it’ss one of the best investmentsI’vee made for my brand.
If you’re thinking about doing a branding photoshoot, this is your sign to go for it.
And if you want to create a cohesive look like mine, I used my own planners and printed materials throughout the shoot to bring my brand to life.
If you are in the Colorado area or willing to travel, I highly recommend Kira Whitney Photography for your next branding photoshoot!
