How To Prepare For Your Personal Branding Photoshoot

Grab your free prep guide download
 

A personal branding shoot can be fun and also a little intimidating if you don't like having your photo taken (I'm in that gang so fully understand how you might feel). Preparing well for your shoot can help you to feel more confident, in control and ensure you get the most from your session. With our personal branding shoots we have a consultation either online or with coffee (now you know I love a coffee). From my point of view as a photographer this helps me to better understand you, your business, what your vision is, what your brand looks and feels like and how you connect with your ideal client. 

Whether you choose us or another photographer who also specialises in personal branding photography, make sure you book a consultation to discuss your concept, goals, and timeline for the photoshoot. 

Here are our recommendations to help you prepare for your consultation and photoshoot. 

Ahead of your consultation

Considering the following will really help your photographer to understand your business and what you want from your images. You can use these points to start your conversation and agree on a plan ahead of your shoot. 

1. Define your personal brand: Before the photoshoot, take some time to clearly define your personal brand. Consider your values, personality, target audience, and the message you want to convey. This will help you align your visual presentation with your brand identity.

2. Choose a concept or theme: Decide on the concept or theme you want to portray in your photos. It could be professional, casual, creative, or any other style that resonates with your personal brand. Do you have a project/promotion coming up that would benefit from some imagery? Consider the locations, props, and outfits that will complement your chosen concept.

3. Research and gather inspiration: Look for inspiration by exploring websites, social media platforms, and magazines to find images that align with your desired brand image. Save these images and create a mood board to share when we meet for coffee.

4. Complete the brand imagery challenge: It can help to look back through your current images on your website and social media and see how 'on brand' they are. Complete our Brand Imagery Challenge and understand where your gaps are. 

Ahead of your photoshoot

You have a clear plan and the date is in the diary, now's the time to gather all your props together, book your hair appointment and look forward to your photoshoot. 

1. Plan your outfits and book your hair appointment: Select outfits that are consistent with your personal brand and the concept of the shoot. Consider your colour palette, style, and the image you want to project. You may want to bring a few outfits and choose colours in line with your brand colours or that compliment your brand colours (you can use this as an excuse to go shopping). Don't forget your nails, they will be visible in close ups, so if you like to wear polish why not treat yourself to a manicure (considering your brand colours again) and if you don't often wear polish just make sure they are clean and tidy (don't do things you wouldn't normally do - be authentic). If it feels good to you, you might want to have your hair and makeup done too. 

2. Prepare props and accessories: If you have specific props or accessories that align with your brand or concept, gather them in advance. This could include items related to your profession, hobbies, or any objects that represent your personality and brand. Props are also a great way to introduce your brand colours into an image - think:

   • Branded mug, or mug in your brand colours

   • Stationery in your brand colours

   • Cushions or thrown in your brand colours

   • Flowers, guess what?.... in your brand colours

   • Laptop

   • Tools of the trade

3. Practice poses and expressions: It may help your confidence if you spend some time in front of a mirror practising different poses and expressions that reflect your personal brand. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the photoshoot. Depending on your brand this may not be just smiling, think of expressions you can make to illustrate a message for example - surprise, celebration, confusion, frustration.

The Little Waxing Co.

@thelittlewaxingcompany

Most importantly...

Relax and enjoy the experience: The day before your shoot gather your props and outfits together and grab the photo list you created with your photographer. On the day of the shoot, take your time getting ready and set off to the venue/location in plenty of time so you are nice and relaxed. Remember to have fun, and let your personality shine through. The more comfortable and confident you are, the better your photos will turn out.

By following these steps you can be sure that you'll get the most from your shoot and have fun creating a library of images in line with your brand and that connect with your target audience. 

@geraldinecrane_serene

You can see more details about our personal brand photoshoot packages and some more example photos on our website.

Kate x