Why Every Brand Session Begins with a Brand Map
Because your story deserves more than a pretty headshot.
Brand photos are an investment— in your business, your future clients, and the story you’re building. And like any good investment, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
That’s why every branding session with me starts well before I pick up my camera.
The Process: From Questionnaire to Vision
First, you’ll receive my extensive brand questionnaire — it’s not your average “what’s your favorite color” intake form. It’s designed to pull out the heart of your business. We dig into who you serve, what sets you apart, and how you want to show up online.
From there, we hop on a planning call where we dream, brainstorm, and build the framework of your session together. We talk through location vibes, outfit ideas, and what stories you want to tell with your photos. Because your session isn’t just about what you do, it’s about who you are.
Enter the Brand Map
This is where the creative magic starts to come to life.
After gathering all your answers and ideas, I sit down and create your Brand Map— a beautifully designed PDF that includes:
Your personalized prep list
Mindset tips to help you feel confident and grounded
Outfit and location planning tailored to your brand vibe
A detailed shot list and storyline breakdown
A clear timeline so we stay in flow
Mood boards for each scene we plan to capture
But this isn’t just a checklist or a logistics document. It’s the visual blueprint of our session. The Brand Map reflects the vision I’ve been building in my mind since we first connected. It helps us stay aligned creatively and makes sure your brand’s story is being told with intention, beauty, and heart.
Creating each Brand Map takes time — and I love that part of the process. It’s where your story starts to take shape beforethe first photo is ever taken.
Why It Matters
You don’t have to show up to your shoot wondering what to do with your hands or hoping we get “just one good one.” We’ve already done the work (together!!) to make sure your photos reflect the full story of your brand, and the soul behind it.
The Brand Map is one of my favorite parts of this entire process and it’s a signature perk of working with Kayla Nicole Studio.
THIS.
Actual response from a client after she received her brand map.
Curious what your brand map could look like?
Let’s dream it up together.