Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline—it’s a vibe. And one of the most powerful ways to express that vibe is through your brand colors. If you’re planning a brand photoshoot, incorporating your color palette thoughtfully can make your visuals look cohesive, professional, and, most importantly, you. Not sure how to pull it off? Let’s break it down, step by step.
1. Start with Your Brand Colors
First things first: know your brand colors like the back of your hand. Are they soft pastels, bold primaries, or earthy neutrals? Each tone tells its own story. Take a moment to reflect on the emotions and personality your colors convey. For example:
- Pastels = soft, approachable, calming.
- Brights = energetic, fun, attention-grabbing.
- Neutrals = modern, elegant, minimal.
Understanding this will help you plan every element of your shoot. If you need a little extra guidance head over to our blog on How to Choose Your Brand Colors.
Client Example: Brandy Haus’s palette is a harmonious mix of earthy browns, muted greens, and soft creams. It evokes warmth, elegance, and a natural feel—perfect for an interior design brand. By weaving these colors into her wardrobe, props, and settings, your photos will radiate the Brandy Haus aesthetic, creating a cohesive and memorable visual story for her brand.
2. Choose a Complementary Location
Your backdrop sets the scene, so pick one that complements or enhances your colors. A few ideas:
- Bright and playful tones? Look for colorful murals, funky cafés, or vibrant cityscapes.
- Muted, earthy shades? Think natural landscapes, cozy interiors, or industrial settings.
- Minimalist neutrals? A clean studio space with soft lighting or a modern architectural spot could work wonders.
If you’re shooting indoors, add props or decor in your brand colors to tie everything together.
Client Example: This location is a perfect reflection of the Brandy Haus color palette—warm, natural, and inviting. The woven textures of the credenza and lamp echo the earthy browns and taupes, while the terracotta vases and soft wall art bring in the brand’s muted greens and warm creams. The vibrant fiddle-leaf fig adds a fresh, organic touch that ties everything together. Even the natural light highlights the creamy tones, creating a bright yet cozy atmosphere.
3. Plan Your Wardrobe Wisely
Your outfit is a walking advertisement for your brand. Select clothing that features your primary colors or complementary hues. If your palette includes:
- Multiple colors, choose a mix that balances boldness with subtlety. For example, wear a solid top in your main color and accessorize with secondary tones.
- Mostly neutrals, add texture with fabrics like linen, denim, or leather to make the look interesting without overpowering it.
Avoid clashing prints or neon shades that aren’t in your palette—they can pull focus away from your brand identity.
Client Example: Morgan’s outfit is a perfect example of how she truly embodies her brand. She chose the striped two piece self herself, intentionally pulling in the warm browns and creamy neutrals from the Brandy Haus palette. It’s simple yet stylish, perfectly matching the earthy, approachable vibe of her interiors. By dressing in line with her brand’s aesthetic, she effortlessly ties herself to her work, showing that her personal style and her professional vision are one and the same. It’s a thoughtful choice that speaks to how deeply connected she is to her brand identity!
4. Incorporate Subtle Pops of Color
It’s not all about wearing your colors head to toe! Sometimes, less is more. Try adding them in smaller, unexpected ways:
- Jewelry or accessories like scarves, hats, or belts.
- Props that align with your brand (think branded notebooks, coffee mugs, or flowers in your palette).
- Details in makeup or nails—hello, chic coral lipstick or an emerald mani.
These pops of color can weave your palette into the story without overpowering the visuals.
Client Example: This image beautifully demonstrates how to incorporate subtle pops of color into a cohesive design. The soft green of the artichokes adds a natural vibrancy that complements the neutral tones of the marble countertops and wooden cabinetry. The light denim dress Morgan is wearing introduces a gentle blue hue, which feels fresh but doesn’t overwhelm the earthy, muted palette. The warm wooden cutting boards and creamy ceramic vessels add depth while keeping the color palette soft and inviting. This combination is a perfect example of using small, intentional accents to bring life to a space while staying true to a brand’s aesthetic.
5. Lighting is Key
The lighting can change how your colors appear on camera. For example:
- Natural light is great for soft and airy tones.
- Golden hour gives warm tones a dreamy glow.
- Studio lighting can make bright or dramatic colors pop.
Discuss your color palette with your photographer so they can adjust the lighting to make your colors sing.
As natural light photographers, we focus on capturing the soft, organic beauty that daylight brings to a space—and that perfectly aligns with the Brandy Haus interiors vibe. Natural light enhances the warmth and earthy tones of the brand’s palette, creating a sense of calm and authenticity. It highlights the textures of woven materials, wooden finishes, and marble details without artificial harshness. This approach mirrors the inviting, organic aesthetic of Brandy Haus, where every space feels like it’s bathed in effortless sunlight. By using natural light, we help tell the story of the brand in a way that feels fresh, approachable, and true to its roots.
6. Props, Props, Props!
Props aren’t just pretty—they’re purposeful. Use them to add depth to your shots while showcasing your color palette. Here’s what to consider:
- Desk accessories, books, or tech tools in your colors.
- Fabric backdrops or blankets to add texture.
- Items that represent your brand story, like a camera for photographers or paintbrushes for artists.
Keep the props aligned with your brand tone—elegant and minimal for luxury brands, playful and quirky for fun brands.
7. Think About Post-Processing
Even if you nail the shoot, the editing process can make or break your colors. Choose a photographer who understands your brand vibe and can keep the tones consistent in post-production. Avoid filters that drastically alter your palette—your brand colors should feel authentic and true.
8. Tie it All Together
Once your photos are ready, think about how they’ll live in the world. Are they for Instagram? Your website? A newsletter? Use your color tones as the thread that connects all these platforms. Cohesiveness builds trust, and trust builds business.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating your color tones into your brand shoot isn’t about being matchy-matchy—it’s about creating a visual story that feels authentic and aligned with your brand. With a little planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll have photos that not only look amazing but also resonate with your audience.
So, what’s your next step? Go out there, plan that shoot, and let your colors shine!
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