Planning Your Shoot with Brand Designer Carly Stirling
In the ever-evolving world of brand marketing, where first impressions and lasting connections reign supreme, having a carefully crafted visual identity is more important than ever. As the founder and creative lead at Studio Carly, I’m passionate about helping businesses bring their brand stories to life through purposeful, visually stunning photoshoots. With over 18 years in the fashion and e-commerce industries, I’ve had the privilege of elevating brands, designing Shopify websites, and crafting cohesive identities that truly resonate.
Why Brand Marketing Matters
When planning a photoshoot, I always emphasise one thing: it’s about more than just beautiful pictures. Your photoshoot should be a cornerstone of your brand marketing strategy—a tool that communicates your story, values, and identity - your total brand vibe! A strong brand presence isn’t built by accident; it’s crafted with intention.
Whether you’re launching a new product, rebranding, or simply refreshing your content, a well-executed photoshoot can make all the difference. It’s an opportunity to create visuals that inspire, connect, and convert—from social media and Shopify product pages, look books, media kits, to email campaigns and beyond.
Step 1: Define Your Brand’s Purpose and Positioning
The first step in planning a successful shoot is clarity. Before the cameras start rolling, define your brand’s purpose, target audience, and what makes you unique. This step is crucial because it informs every decision, from styling and props to location and lighting.
Ask yourself:
What emotions do I want my audience to feel when they see these images?
How does my brand stand out in a competitive market?
What problems do I solve for my customers?
By answering these questions, we can ensure that your photos align perfectly with your brand’s story.
Step 2: Crafting a Visual Narrative
A photoshoot is about storytelling, create a concept that speaks to your audience while showcasing your products or services in the best light.
Mood Boards: Curate a mood board that sets the tone—defining the colours, styling, and overall vibe. Then break down the boards into Campaign, Content, Product, Personal Brand, Lighting and Location direction, I call this the CCPPLL Strategy.
Styling: Curate a wardrobe and prop selection to ensure every element aligns with your brand’s personality.
Shot List: Arrange outfits to ensure the right looks are organised for the right type of photo, for example, only shoot your best pieces for your campaign shots.
Location Scouting: Whether it’s an urban setting, a studio like Beau Bell, or a lifestyle location, the right backdrop enhances your story.
Step 3: Assembling Your Dream Team
A photoshoot is a team effort. Assemble a talented crew that understands your vision and delivers flawless results. From photographers and stylists to makeup artists and models, everyone plays a role in creating the magic.
Work with professionals who understand the language of fashion, every shot becomes a storytelling opportunity—whether it’s capturing the sophistication of a tailored jacket, the effortless flow of a summer dress, or the aspirational lifestyle your brand embodies. A team that knows fashion will also understand the importance of precision—from perfectly steamed garments to capturing the subtle details that make your product stand out.
Step 4: Optimising for Digital Platforms
Your photos need to work hard for your brand, especially in today’s digital landscape. Ensure your visuals are optimised for:
Shopify Banners and Pages: Use your campaign photos and branded images.
Shopify Product Pages: Highlighting fabric details, fit, and styling to build customer confidence.
Social Media: Creating engaging, on-brand content that stands out in a crowded feed.
Email Marketing: Designing personalised visuals for campaigns that inspire connection and action.
Personal Brand: Curate founder or team photos to showcase on the about page, look books, LinkedIn profiles and more, nowadays fashion brands are not just about the product, they are about what the brand stands for and who they are.
Step 5: Focusing on the Details
When it comes to your photoshoot, details matter. Lighting, composition, and styling must be flawless because every element contributes to how your brand is perceived. Bring an eye for detail to every shoot—from ensuring product textures are perfectly captured to aligning visuals with your overall brand strategy.
Step 6: Strategic Use of Assets
A great photoshoot doesn’t end when the day is done. Strategically use your new assets across all touchpoints, ensuring consistency and impact. From digital lookbooks and Instagram carousels to “shop the look” features on your Shopify site, your images will elevate your brand at every turn.
Final Thoughts
A photoshoot is one of the most powerful ways to communicate your brand story, and with the right strategy, it can transform your business. As a brand designer and creative lead at Studio Carly, I’m here to guide you through the process, ensuring every detail reflects your vision, values, and goals.
Author: Carly Stirling
Brand Designer & Strategist, Studio Carly
A Note from Carly:
As a brand designer and strategist, I bring a unique combination of creativity, technical expertise, and industry insight to every project. Here’s what sets me apart:
Fashion Expertise: My background as a lingerie designer gives me an in-depth understanding of product development, styling, and consumer behavior.
Shopify Know-How: I specialise in building Shopify websites that convert—and your visuals play a huge role in that.
Brand Elevation: I’ve helped brands grow from chaos to cohesion, scaling from start-up stages to multi-million-dollar businesses.
When you work with me, you’re not just planning a photoshoot—you’re investing in a strategic tool that will elevate your brand for years to come.
