How to Prepare for a Brand Photoshoot (The Somatic Way)

Photo

Sep 15

Written By Monica Justesen

A grounded, embodied approach to creating visuals that feel like truth.

Most brand photoshoot articles talk about outfits, locations, props, and moodboards.

But here’s the truth: None of it matters if your body is in survival mode.

You can have the perfect wardrobe, a stunning space, and the best creative direction, but if your nervous system is tight, your breaths are shallow, and your body is trying to “get it right,” the camera will pick up every bit of it.

A somatic approach changes everything.

It softens the edges. It roots you into yourself. It helps your presence arrive before the camera ever comes out.

This is the approach I bring into every single session: an embodied, nervous-system-conscious way of preparing for your brand imagery.

After nearly 20 years behind the camera (and over 200 women-led brands, businesses, and leaders captured) here’s my top advice on how to prepare for your next brand photoshoot: the somatic way.

1. Start With the Body, Not the Brand

Most people begin with outfits and locations. Somatic preparation begins with presence.

Ask yourself: What am I here to express? What era am I stepping into? Who am I becoming?

Let your answers shape the tone and movement of the session. When the body is aligned with the message, the images carry depth, not performance.

2. Regulate Before You “Show Up”

A regulated nervous system photographs differently. It’s softer, more expansive, more magnetic.

Before your session:

take a slow walk
breathe deeply into your belly
listen to music that grounds you
stretch or sway gently
give yourself a few quiet minutes without your phone

Think of it as arriving into yourself before arriving on camera.

3. Use Breath as Creative Direction

Every time you feel your breath shorten or your shoulders tighten, pause. Long, slow exhales open your posture without forcing a single thing.

Breath is the fastest way to shift out of performance and into rooted presence.

I use this constantly during sessions: subtle cues, reset moments, gentle reminders that let the body lead.

4. Let Your Body Move You

Most people think brand photography means: “Stand like this.” “Chin up.” “Pose like your favorite influencer.”

No. Your brand is not a pose: it’s an embodiment.

During every session, I guide clients into:

body-led movement
intuitive positioning
gestures that come naturally
micro-movements that discharge nerves
shapes that arise from emotion, not obligation

This creates imagery that feels like you, not a disconnected performance of you.

5. Choose Outfits That Match Your Nervous System

Your wardrobe should support your expression, not restrict it.

Ask yourself: Can I breathe fully in this? Can I move? Does my body feel honest in this outfit?

A confident nervous system photographs better than any trend.

6. Let Sound Be a Support System

Music is one of the most powerful somatic tools.

During shoots, I often carry a small speaker and choose music that supports the emotional arc of the session: grounding, energizing, softening, expanding.

Sound regulates the body, shapes movement, and helps people drop into a deeper version of themselves.

7. Build in Reset Moments

Shoots are energetic. There’s emotion, adrenaline, vulnerability, excitement.

Reset moments help you: