Is It Time Yet? When to Book Your Branding Photography Session (Hint: Don’t Wait!)

When to Book Your Branding Session

Spoiler alert: it’s probably sooner than you think.

Hi there! I’m Barbee—your friendly neighborhood branding photographer here in Vermont (+ beyond) and the creative force behind Owl’s Iris Photography. If you’re here, chances are you’re thinking about investing in brand photography. First of all—YES. You’re already making moves toward leveling up your visual presence, and I love that for you.

But let’s talk timing. One of the questions I get all the time is: “When should I book my branding session? How soon should I reach out to get on your calendar?"

And my short answer? Reach out 8–12 weeks before you want to shoot.

Let’s break down the why, the how, and some juicy planning tips so you’re never caught scrambling at the last minute with no photos, no plan, and a launch date breathing down your neck.

Why Booking Ahead Matters (Hint: It’s Not Just for Me!)

Branding sessions are more than just showing up and smiling in front of a camera. They’re a collaborative, strategic process. Yes, I an the director and the one taking the photos, but I consider working with my clients as a creative partnership.

When you book ahead—ideally 8 to 12 weeks out—you’re giving yourself time to do the following:

Strategize your content goals // What are you promoting in the next 3–6 months? A new offer, course, product, website launch, or rebrand? Your photos should support those goals. (Luckily, all my packages include an invaluable 1 on 1 strategy session with stellar marketer extraordinaire Atherton & Co.
Prep your brand assets //That means everything from updated colors and logos to outfits and props. You want your visuals to be cohesive, not thrown together. This gives you time to order anything you need to, go shopping for that perfect outfit- of get a Color Style Analysis with our friends at House of Colour (we love Katie and Christina!)
Choose the right location(s) //Whether we’re shooting at your cozy home office, a dreamy studio, or on-location somewhere in Vermont, good locations book fast—especially in peak seasons. (Renting studios, airbnbs and office spaces can often be expense, so make sure to keep that in mind for your overall budget as well. I will also try to my best to work with you and find a space that matches your vibe AND your wallet)
Have a stress-free experience // Trust me, nothing kills confidence faster than last-minute panic. Booking early = more time to breathe, prep, and get excited. This is also why I don't offer hourly sessions- being tied to a hard time line is just not good for project like these (at least that is what I found works for me)

What Happens After You Reach Out

Let’s say you reach out today—yay! Here’s what typically happens in the 8–12 week lead-up to your shoot:

Week 1–2: Discovery + Booking

We hop on a consult call where we talk through your brand, your goals, and the vision you’re dreaming about. We'll decide if we are a good fit to work together. I’ll guide you through package options, answer questions, and once we lock it in with a contract + retainer, your date is officially secured!

Week 3–5: Planning & Prep

We work together to plan your outfits, locations, must-have shots, and overall vibe. You’ll receive my Signature Session Guide full of helpful tips and visuals. You'll schedule your strategy sessions with Atherton & Co ASAP, and then we will have a followup Zoom call to finalize prep and plans from there. We’ll also talk about how you plan to use your photos so every image is purposeful.

Week 6–8: Final Touches

This is the time to get your nails done, finalize wardrobe details, and prep props (laptops, notebooks, your favorite coffee mug—the things that feel like you). We’ll confirm our plan, timing, and location(s). I'll work out a shot list and timeline so we hit all the aspects of your business while not feeling like we are rushing anything.

Shoot Day: You Show Up, I Work My Magic

Seriously—you just show up as yourself.

I’ll direct you the whole way, hype you up, and capture all the genuine, polished, professional energy your brand deserves. We will stop for water and snack breaks, dance parties, and maybe even some light stretching! The whole session we will also tethered to my iPad, so you'll be able to see the shots large and in real time!

When’s the Best Season to Book?

That totally depends on your brand vibe and what your brand does! But if you love:

Bright, lush outdoor scenes: Book for May–early October.
Warm indoor coziness or studio vibes: Year-round, especially Nov–April.
Holiday promos, Black Friday, or Q4 launches? Book your session by early fall.

SinceI work with a lot of outdoor brands, it can sometimes make sense to book multiple shoots to catch all the seasons!

Keep in mind: summer and fall dates go FAST in Vermont (hello, sunshine + foliage season!), so the earlier you inquire, the better chance you have at locking in your dream date. I only take on a limited number of clients a year, so when you have that first inkling of working together its best to reach out and get the ball rolling!

Pro Tip: Work Backwards from Your Launch Date

Let’s say you have a website launch or offer drop coming in August. You’ll want your final edited photos in-hand by mid-July—which means shooting in late June, and booking the session in April or May.

Use this simple formula:

Your Launch Date – 6 weeks = Ideal Photo Delivery
Photo Delivery – 2 weeks = Ideal Shoot Date
Shoot Date – 8 to 12 weeks = Ideal Inquiry Date

What If I Need Photos… Like, Yesterday?

If you’re in a pinch, don’t panic. Reach out anyway! I occasionally have last-minute openings, and I offer mini sessions each spring (and sometimes in the fall). Just know that availability is more limited—and planning time is tighter—so the sooner you reach out, the more options we’ll have. If I don't think we have enough time to successfully plan and prep the shoot, I'll let you know.

TL;DR – Here’s the Quick Version:

Inquire 8–12 weeks before your ideal shoot date
Plan your session around content goals, launches, or seasonal promos
Don’t wait until you’re desperate—your future self will thank you
Vermont’s prettiest seasons book up fast—claim your spot early!
I'm here to help make the process easy, fun, and totally you

Ready to Book Your Branding Session?

If your brain is buzzing with ideas and you're feeling that little spark of “Maybe I should do this?” — let’s talk! I’d love to co-create something magical with you.

✨ Click here to inquire about your session or shoot me a DM on Instagram!

Whether you’re launching a business, rebranding your current one, or just ready to be more seen in your marketing—this is your sign to stop waiting and start planning. Your dream brand photos are just a few weeks away.