How to Prepare for Your Personal Branding Photoshoot: A Guide for Entrepreneurs + Small Business Owners

Personal branding photography captures photos that allow you to share glimpses of yourself and your business to potential clients and customers. By giving them a peek into your world, you increase their trust and understanding of your business. It’s much easier for someone to connect with a human over a product photo or service. The more you’re seen online, the more your business will be remembered, recognized and sought after at time of purchase.

In this blog, I’ll review some of the most important considerations for preparing to have a successful brand photoshoot.

BRAND IDENTITY

To make sure your photos and messaging will resonate with your clients, it helps to take some time to clarify your brand basics.(whether you’re preparing for a photoshoot or not:)

WHO are you helping? WHAT problem are you solving? HOW do you help them? Is your process DIFFERENT? How is their life improved after you help them? What’s your overall mission and purpose?

WHERE WILL THE PHOTOS BE USED?

What is your intention for the photographs? Do you have an upcoming launch or ad campaign that’ll require specific shots? Are you updating your website? Do you need a new banner or profile picture? Do some photos need to leave room for text? Do you want mostly horizontal, vertical or a mixture of both? What type of photographs would your clients need to see from you to build trust? What are your MUST HAVE shots?

WHICH PARTS OF YOUR STORY DO YOU NEED TO SHARE?

During your discovery call, you’ll want to discuss with your photographer the parts of your work life and life away from work that you feel are important to share. For example, as a personal branding photographer, I feel it’s important to share behind the scenes photos to give potential clients a glimpse into my process. Be thinking of how the photographs can enhance the message you share.

WHEN, WHERE AND LENGTH OF SHOOT

Together with your photographer, you’ll decide on a location that’s right for the vibe of your brand. (serious, professional, earthy, artsy, fun…) Would you prefer an indoor studio location or an outdoor more natural environment? OR, your office or workspace? Two important considerations will be how much natural light is available and are there enough options for a variety of shots? How many photographs you need will influence the length of your photoshoot.

WHICH PROPS?

Adding items you frequently use into your photographs gives more context and helps to tell the story. They can be as simple as your laptop and phone, or more specific to you…tools you use, mugs, journals, a cap, marketing materials, seasonal items…

WARDROBE

Some general guidelines: avoid busy prints and horizontal stripes. Neutral colors with an accent of your brand color is usually a safe option. Non-reflective glasses help to reduce glare. Ask your photographer for stylist recommendations if you want help!

MINDSET

One of the most important tips I can offer is to work on your mindset! Your photoshoot isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about being your TRUE self and sharing your TRUE personality. That’s who your clients will connect with! Remember, the ultimate purpose of a brand photoshoot is CONNECTION. Sharing your passion for what you do and your energy will attract those with the same passion! For more confidence, it does help if you can practice some of the poses beforehand. Take note of how you feel and what feels the most natural for YOU! You’ve got this!!!

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Keep sharing your magic✨ Deb