5 Tips for a Successful Personal Branding Photoshoot

First impressions matter and most first impressions happen online.

Think about it. Where do you go when you’re looking for a specific product or service? Google, Instagram, Facebook……and down the social media rabbit hole you go. All of these platforms give you the ability to showcase personalised imagery that:

a) reflect your personality & brand identity

b) show what you do & why you do it

c) connect you with your target audience & invite them into your journey

No one lands on your page and is inspired by a stock image they’ve seen on five other websites. People want to see and connect with YOU.

Are you ready to step out from behind your business and show the world who you are?

I 100% understand that a photoshoot might feel intimidating, but I promise it’s so rewarding! I believe in your brand’s ability to thrive and make a positive difference in the world. But first, it has to be visually stand out from the crowd and be seen.

If you’re starting to think about booking a personal branding photoshoot, here are five things to think about to ensure your photoshoot is FUN and successful.

1.) Make sure you vibe with the photographer

• When you’re looking for a photographer to capture you and your brand, the obvious first step is to check out their portfolio and make sure their style is in alignment with yours. Every photographer has their own flair, whether its the way they compose a photo or the type of post-editing work they do. So first off, make sure that you really dig their imagery.
  
  So you vibe with their style, do you vibe with them? This is super important and often overlooked. You need to feel safe and comfortable in their presence. This allows you to show up wholeheartedly on the day of the shoot, and that energy will reflect in the images.
  

  • TIP: If possible, ask to meet your potential photographer in person for a coffee. If they don’t live in your town or vice versa, schedule a Skype or Zoom call. You should know within 5 minutes of chatting with them if they’re the right photographer for you. Trust your intuition!

2.) Understand Your Brand

• You should be very clear on your brand’s purpose and messaging before you book a branding photoshoot. For example, do you know who your ideal customer is? And how do you want people to feel when they think of your brand? Strong storytelling images are a result of knowing exactly who your brand is for and why it exists. Help the photographer help you and give them the lowdown on your brand.
  

  • TIP: Go through a brand exercise (there are hundreds of free resources out there. Just google “brand exercise questions.”) I personally send out a brand questionnaire to each of my clients pre-shoot so that I can get clear on who they’re speaking to and what their style is.

3.) Pick a Location That Means Something To You:

• Depending on your company and brand, you might want to shoot indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. One thing is for sure, choosing a beautiful location is an important and impactful part of a brand shoot. Do you work from a home office or studio? If so, this can be a great place to capture you behind the scenes. Or maybe you want to step outside and get some fresh and natural lit portraits. Do you have a favourite park or coffee shop that you always frequent? I’ve found that photographing someone in their special place instantly puts them at ease and the photos always come out looking natural and lovely.
  

  • TIP: Lighting is just as important as location. Good light = crisp and clean looking images. So if you want to do a home-office shoot, but your home has crappy lighting (let’s be real, most of us do!), it’s worth it to hire a studio for a couple of hours and re-create the scene in a well-lit room!

4.) Prep Your Wardrobe and Props

• “What should I wear?” It’s a question that comes up before every photoshoot. I’m no stylist (most days you’ll catch me in high wasted jeans and a comfy t-shirt) but I have a few tips on the subject.

  • Solid colours and neutrals are always a safe bet and I’m a huge fan of denim. Choose clothes that are comfortable, flattering and reflect your personal style.

  • Avoid extremely bright colours, logos and prints (unless of course bright colours are a part of your brand’s personality.)

  • Bring all the props that illustrate what you do. Are you a copywriter that works from home? Bring your laptop, notebook and favourite coffee mug. Are you a yoga instructor that hosts retreats at wineries? Bring your yoga mat, wine glasses (and wine of course) and a cheeseboard. Pack anything that will help communicate your brand story.

5.) Plan around your cycle:

• Last year I read Kate Northup’s book “Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women” Yes, it’s a long winded title but I learned a lot.
  
  Kate’s book breaks down our monthly cycle plus the energy of each phase. For example, when we’re in our follicular stage, we typically have more physical energy and a desire to be active. It’s also a time for new beginnings and creativity! But during our menstrual stage, we often lack energy, experience changes in our skin or body, and want to turn inward for reflection.
  

  • Tip: Start tracking your cycle and energy levels. If you can, plan your photoshoot around your follicular or ovulation phase when you’re feeling your best.

If you’re in need of new or fresh images for your website, social media, and overall marketing strategy, head to the contact page to send me a note!

** If you’re looking for more info on how to prepare for your brand shoot, you can download my free guide here. This pre-shoot checklist was created to help you get the most out of your photoshoot.