Ever wonder why some photos feel magnetic? That’s the power of aligned energy. Let’s dive into how to align your energy and create photos that truly resonate with your audience – photos that don’t just look good, but feel right.

The Power of Energetics in a Brand Photoshoot

Let’s talk about energy. Whether you’re a full-on ‘woo’ believer or not, it’s there. Like air – you don’t have to believe in it for it to be real. And in your photoshoot? It sets the whole tone.

Think about it: have you ever walked into a boardroom and felt like you could cut the tension with a knife? That’s energy. You’re feeling it. And just like that, the energy you bring to your photoshoot will be felt, too.

Now, if you show up with frantic, scared energy, guess what? It’s going to show up in your photos. And not just the photos, but in how you feel when you look at them. 

(Think about family photos. If there was tension before the shoot, even if the photos are technically perfect – golden light, everything – you’re going to remember that tension every time you look at them. ‘Why can’t you just take off your sunglasses?’ Right?)

That’s why all the pre-shoot stuff, getting comfortable, building that rapport — it’s important. We want you to show up with the energy you want to create. Makes your experience better, and you’ll love your photos more.

And here’s the kicker: the camera picks up on your energy. It just does. When you’re grounded and aligned, you’re magnetic. People are drawn to your photos, even if they can’t put their finger on why.

Now, don’t panic if you’re feeling nervous. We can get you grounded and aligned when you get here. I come prepared – Palo Santo, energy sprays, breathing exercises, the works. But there are still things you can do before the shoot to set yourself up for success.

Pre-Shoot Rituals to Get Into the Right Mindset

Your mindset going into your photoshoot is everything. It’s the foundation for those amazing, authentic photos we’re going to create.

Set Your Intention:

First things first, set your intention. If you’ve never done this before, don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think. It’s about harnessing your thoughts to create the outcome you want. What do you want from this shoot? Take a breath and ask yourself, ‘What do I truly want from this?’

Now, if you’re stuck in your thinking mind (like so many of us!), you might say, ‘I want to look good and sell things.’ Of course! We all want that. 

Let’s go deeper. How do you want people to feel when they see your photos? How do you want to feel during the shoot? Set that intention. ‘I want to feel empowered and confident, and I want others to feel that too,’ or whatever resonates with you. Write it down and keep it with you – a little reminder of your power.

Ground Yourself:

Next, let’s talk about grounding. How do you bring yourself back to center? Breathing, meditation, journaling – these are all fantastic tools. 

Or, try something a little more active. Have you ever shaken it out? Imagine your stress like beads of water on your body, and shake them off. (This is also a great way to activate your lymph system, which helps reduce inflammation and calm your nervous system.) Stomp your feet, shake your arms – whatever feels right. The key is to get that energy moving and release any tension.

Curate Your Music:

Music is a powerful tool. What are you going to listen to on the way to the shoot? What’s your game-time music? Are you trying to get pumped up, or do you need something more calming? Whatever it is, have it ready. So when you get in the car, you can hit play and set the tone for your shoot.

Practice Affirmations:

Finally, affirmations. Some people love to write them down, journal-style. Or, try this: write an affirmation after every little task. Brush your teeth, write an affirmation. Put on your skincare, write an affirmation. It’s a simple way to infuse your day with positive energy and set yourself up for success.

These rituals are your tools. Use them to create the mindset you need to shine in your photoshoot.

Preparing Physically & Emotionally

Okay, let’s talk about the basics — the things you might’ve heard before, but we tend to forget about. How you feel physically and emotionally is going to shine through in your photos.

First, get some sleep! Try to go to bed early the night before your photo session. And drink your water. Hydration is key. If you can, take a walk, get some fresh air. These simple things make a huge difference in how you feel on the day of your shoot!

Looking for more practical tips? Read this post here!

Bring Something Special

Bring something that makes you feel good. Maybe it’s a crystal, a special coin, a meaningful necklace – something that’s just for you. I’ve had clients with crystals tucked into their bra, and it just made them feel more grounded and supported. (Hah! There’s room for a dad joke in there!) It doesn’t have to be part of the shoot, but knowing you have it with you can make a big difference.

Think of it like your little ‘energy buddy.’ You can even use those affirmations you wrote down. Keep them in your pocket, or tucked into your bag. It’s a little something extra that helps you feel empowered, ready, and supported. You don’t even have to tell me about it. It’s there for you.

Plan Your Next Day

Once you’ve wrapped up your photoshoot, you might feel a bit of an ‘energy hangover.’ You were on for hours, maybe feeling a little self-conscious or vulnerable, and you’ve had to think really hard — you’re going to be tired. So plan your day (and even the next day) accordingly. Maybe schedule light tasks or, even better, give yourself permission to have a nap, even if it was just a half-day shoot. Give yourself space to recover.

On-Set Energy: How to Stay Present & Embodied

Once we’re on set, don’t be shy to laugh, move, and play. I’m not afraid to be a total clown if it helps. Laughter helps release nervous energy. If I sense tension building, I’ll dance, tell a silly joke, or just make a fool of myself. Whatever it takes to get you to laugh and redirect that energy.

We’ll also keep moving! If you need a minute to reset, reground, and get out of your head, let’s take a break. We can walk around, check out different props, grab a glass of water or tea – whatever feels right. If we let ourselves drift away, it can throw off the whole shoot. Taking 10 minutes to get back into your body and feel ready is time well spent.

For full-day shoots, I bring peppermint spray – a little sensory reset. And remember those affirmations you wrote down? Keep them handy! Whether they’re tucked in your purse or memorized, they’re a quick reminder of why you’re doing this and what your intention is. It’s all about staying connected to your ‘why’ and keeping that positive energy alive.

After the Shoot: Embodying the Energy Beyond the Camera

You’ve done the hard part — you were the model, you were vulnerable, and you were present. After the shoot is the perfect time to take a few moments for yourself. 

First, appreciate yourself. Seriously, do this! You showed up, you participated, and you took a big step towards building your dream. That’s a big deal! Give yourself a pat on the back.

Take a few minutes to reflect. How did you feel during the shoot? Were you nervous? Did you have fun? Did you feel confident? Did the time fly by? Did you laugh? These are all positive experiences that will help you build confidence for future shoots. It’s about flooding your brain with good vibes. ‘Remember that photoshoot? It was actually really fun!’ Taking a short inventory of your feelings will give you that boost of serotonin and dopamine.

And finally, know that your brand photos are more than just pretty pictures. They’re about telling your story, your unique journey. You’re building something amazing – a dream, a business, a brand. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You’re creating something unique, and when people see it, they’ll start to recognize your style, your essence. You’re becoming an inspiration for others, showing them what’s possible.

Turn off the comparisons, turn off the noise. You’re building something special, and your photos are a powerful part of that story. Own it!

In conclusion — 

Energy is the secret ingredient in a powerful brand photoshoot. It’s the unseen force that makes your photos come alive. But how do you harness it? How do you ensure your energy is aligned, confident, and ready to shine? Let’s talk about the energetics of a brand photoshoot and how to make your next session a truly transformative experience.