Plan Your Locations and Shot Ideas.
It’s helpful to have a photoshoot direction/concept board. Its helpful to always refer bak to you as there is so much to think about it can get overwhelming. Bring props that relate to your concept, keep color palettes in mind.

Print a Shot List and Remember Orientation.
Depending on what the photos will be used for the orientation will most likely matter. Horizontal is best for websites in the case you would like them to bleed edge to edge and vertical is useful for social media stories/marketing, etc. Take both to cover your bases.

Understand Lighting.
Natural light is best but knowing your light is so important. Direct sunlight is harsh and can highlight flaws and be unflattering a light reflector can do wonders in scenarios where you need to bounce light to the other side of your face or light up a shady spot. A soft natural light is best but artificial light is great as well, soft box lighting set up can help diffuse and soften the light.

Plan Your Outfits.
Planning your outfit, having a few options to change in to and make sure to iron or get them camera ready. Along with clothing a few branded collateral items such as aprons, t-shirts, hats or jackets will add a sense of establishment and professional operations. Keep color palette in mind, your clothes could be a fun way to bring in brand colors, or company swag to help reinforce your brand. Micro stitch clothing gun is a favorite of my secret weapons in a photoshoot, it helps guarantee things will stay put while moving around.

Take your time setting up the shot.
Especially before you take a handful of photos. And always take a few variations of the same shot, different facial expressions, body positions, removing props or changing out props. You can even play with the focus, which subject is in focus, which isn’t, try creating some movement. You never know which outtakes might turn out to be amazing supportive images for social media, marketing campaigns or email blasts.

Style Your Environment.
Environment, don’t hesitate to style the area. Take a few test shots and move things around, sometimes things can look amazing in person and look kinda off on camera, so just move it until it’s right.

Set the Mood.
Play some music, have snacks on the ready so any hangry collaborators don’t get unfocused, and most importantly its helpful to have a photographer or creative partner there that makes you feel comfortable, makes you laugh, or can be honest with you when a pose is unflattering.

Master Body Position and Movement.
Body position, and movement or lack there of can help convey personality. Use movement, try swinging your arms and stepping back and forth repeatedly to get variations of the same shot.

Capture Video Content.
Don’t forget video content. Getting the shot is of coarse the goal, am I right? But it’s also important to capture you in your element, doing what you do best. Video doesn’t have to be so serious and perfect, sometimes capturing just a snippet of you working, your product or studio can be used as “b-roll”. It can add a nice motion element to your website, social media or marketing pieces as background visuals and add movement for a multitude of things.

Have Fun and Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously.
Obviously we want to do our do-diligence of being prepared and know the shots we need to get but its okay to have fun, sometimes those are the best shoots and will help capture your truest self. If you are self conscious about something in particular, let your photographer know, they may have tips and tricks or will let you know if its an unflattering position. They can also make a note to simply pay attention to it while editing the images.