The Pros & Cons of Shooting at your own Home/Office
When planning your branding shoot there are so many pieces of the puzzle to consider. There are props, outfits, image ideas, and the stories you want to tell through those images. But we all know the saying “location, location, location”...which is also super important. Where are you going to shoot?
Where you shoot can be a big part of those stories you want to tell and to ensure we are getting the look they want. I always offer suggestions for shoot spaces that I feel fit my client's brand and I give them my Home Studio coupon code for their first reservation. But sometimes we decide to shoot at their own home or office, whether it's because it best tells their story, it’s a large part of their brand or it conserves costs. If you’re in the process of planning your next personal branding shoot then let me give you the photographer’s POV on the pros and cons of having your branding shoot at your own home or office.
Pro
Your client gets to really see the BTS of your operation
When you decide to shoot at your home or office, your clients a truely authentic peek into how you do your thing. They get to see your desk, your work space, your inspiration board. Depending on how much you want to share, you may decide to include some lifestyle shots featuring your kitchen, bedroom or neighborhood. This allows your audience to really get to know you, even the off-duty you. And when your clients get to know you, they’ll come to like and eventually trust you - earning you that “know, like and trust factor” that is so important for generating leads!
Con
Cleaning up the everyday clutter
When you decide to shoot at a studio or home studio, there is no clutter to clean up prior to shooting. Most of the time you are dealing with a tastefully decorated, clutter-free space or a blank slate that you can bring in props and furniture that fits your brand. You’re not picking up toys or cleaning up after last night’s dinner. All you have to worry about is showing up with your outfits and props, ready to shoot! Plus sometimes our homes don’t match our personal brands, so there could be some extra stying needed at times.
Pro
You have everything there that you need for props and outfits
Speaking of props and outfits … no need to worry about forgetting that mug you consider your lucky charm or that shirt you planned on wearing (don’t laugh - it’s happened before!). When you shoot at home or at your office, you don’t have to worry about forgetting any of your props or outfits. All you have to do is get everything together so it’s accessible. But then again, even if you do forget to do that, you’re already in your own space so it will be there if you need it! #brb
Con
Possibly not as many space options
When you book a photo studio, there are usually several different setups that you can shoot in to present the different stories you want to tell with your branding photos. But if you shoot at home or your office, you may find yourself limited to only a few space options, especially if some of your home really doesn’t match the aesthetic you’re going for. This means you’ll have to get creative - and as a photographer, this may mean that I shoot from different angles or we ‘reset’ a scene to make it look different. After all, you don’t want all your images to have the same setting.
There you have it friends….you now know the pros and cons of having your branding shoot at your home, let’s get you on the books and we can chat about where to shoot your next session! And if location has you hung up on booking - send me a DM on IG and let’s talk through it!