What should I expect from a Brand photo session with Fortis Media?
You’ve booked the shoot. The date is on the calendar. Now comes the big question: what actually happens next? From planning and prep to shoot day and final delivery, here’s exactly what it’s like to work with Fortis, and why brand photography should feel supportive, strategic, and honestly… a little fun. These are the expectations you should have for any brand photographer or just a photographer in general when you are working to get your business imagery up to date.
The first expectation you should have of your photographer
You should expect that your photographer is creating a specific and strategic action plan. If you are working with me than let me walk you through what that looks like. We start with my specifically curated list of shots that I highly recommend every entrepreneur has! I will send you a digital copy of my Brand Photo Shot list, in the same email that I send to you with our Client welcome packet, & locations guide! Next, we get on a phone call and discuss exactly the type of images that we need to capture for your brand. From headshots, and stock photos, to social media reels, or aerial photos, we create a carefully curated customized list, using our “recommended” shot list as a jumping off point in the process.
The second expectation you should have of your photographer
You should expect your photographer to have a few specific guides and helpful information available to you. For example, when you work with me, you will be able to read through all the guides (including the locations guide and the welcome packet I mentioned earlier), and also our Styling Guide! The locations guide is incredibly helpful if you were stuck on what location you want to use for your session. The guide has information and details (including maps directions and links) to over 40+ locations across Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven & other nearby locations! This list is a list of places that I have either shot at before or just find neat and interesting for a session over the past 6 years I’ve been in business. Our Welcome Packet includes some brief history about Fortis Media, quick guidelines, a bit about our process and policies, and some quick links to some of my favorite business resources! Then, of course, the Styling guide, which is often my clients favorite part, has a quick tips and tricks about clothes, accessories, hair, make up & nails as well as some simple do and don’t strategies that guarantee better photos. It also has some recommendations on some of my favorite local spots to shop for clothes, make up and more! At the end of your shoot, you also receive access to our easy implementation guide that walks you through some quick and easy ways to immediately start putting your photos to good use!
The third expectation you should have of your photographer
You should expect your photographer to guide you through posing during your session, so that you aren’t left to wonder “what do I even do with my hands?” I guide you through posing, where to position yourself, what angles I’ll be capturing and how I’ll be capturing you. So that you aren’t left in a guessing game of confusion.
The fourth expectation you should have of your photographer
You should expect your photographer to be cheering you on the whole time. I may crack a weird joke on occasion to get a genuine smile out of you. I promise you, your photos will look 100% times better when you are actually showing your genuine smile. Just know that I WILL say “YESSSS!”, “LET’S GO GIRL!” or “I LOVE IT!” one too many times. When I say things like that, just be aware that I am in the zone, the pictures are turning out fantastic, and that I am just beyond thrilled that you are trusting me with capturing your business.
The fifth expectation you should have of your photographer
You should expect your photographer (AKA MEEEE 😜) to get you those photos ( and a handy commercial use license) within 3-5 business days. Know that if you aren’t using me as a photographer and you choose someone else (which is totally cool still), that that other photographer probably won’t have the same turn around time or policies as I do. And that is totally okay. I am lucky that I have the capacity to deliver my galleries within 3-5 business days. Give your photographer some grace though if it takes them a little longer. We solo entrepreneur photographers are trying to do all the things that come with running a business and sometimes we get behind too.
The final expectation you should have of your photographer
And last, but not least, you should expect that, while we are having fun capturing your business, I will be bring all my experience, expertise and creativity to the table, so that I can help you show up confidently and courageously so you can wow not just your past and present clients, but also all those future clients you’ll have. After all that’s what Fortis is all about.
In Summary . . .
Booking a brand photo session should feel clear, supportive, and impact-driven—not overwhelming. From the moment your session is on the calendar, working with Fortis means stepping into a strategic, well-guided experience designed around your business goals. You can expect intentional planning, curated shot lists, and thoughtful prep resources that set you up for success long before shoot day. During your session, you’ll receive clear posing guidance, steady direction, and genuine encouragement so you can show up confidently on camera. When it’s all complete, you’ll receive polished, on-brand imagery—delivered quickly and ready for commercial use—so you can update your marketing with visuals that create real impact and reflect where your business is headed.
