Let’s face it: doing a personal branding shoot is a serious investment of time and money. Naturally, being the good business owner that you are, you’d want to make the most of it.
When you schedule a personal branding photoshoot, you’re investing in showcasing the very best version of you and your business. These photos will become tools to market yourself by telling your story in a unique way.
We live in a visual world and making a good impression can impact how far your business will go. When you use photos that look authentic, you make it that much easier for people to trust you.
So, how do you ensure you’re making the most of this opportunity?
Connect with your photographer
When you work with a photographer that you vibe with (read: someone you like, admire, and connect with) your images automatically turn out better. Find a photographer whose work inspires and excites you. Scroll through their online portfolio and social media feed to get an idea of what they’re capable of and if it suits your personal style.
Speak to them over the phone or better yet, meet them in person to see if you have a connection or not. Your photographer should make you feel at ease and bring out your confident self. At the end of the day, you want to feel completely comfortable in front of your photographer.
It also helps to find a photographer that specializes in the photo that you would like to have taken. A personal branding photographer can offer insight and advice on the types of photos that would work well in your niche.
Communicate your needs
If this is beginning to sound like relationship advice, well, in a way, it is! If you want fantastic personal brand photos, you should have a good relationship with your photographer and that includes communicating well with them.
A photographer can’t give you the results you want if they don’t know what you want. Clearly
communicating your vision to your photographer is essential. Provide them with details on the first impression and message you want to portray. Share your ideas and photo inspirations with them.
If your photographer has had a lot of experience helping entrepreneurs and personal brands, they may even be able to give you suggestions you haven’t thought about yet.
Think carefully about your location
Your location will help set the tone for the shoot, so choose carefully. There are so many options to choose from that go beyond a basic studio setting. Here are some examples. Personally, we love shooting outdoors because nothing beats natural lighting. You can also rent an AirBNB that fits the intended mood of your brand.
If you don’t have an ideal location yet by the time of your consultation call or initial meeting with your photographer, let them know. They might be able to recommend the perfect shooting location.
Plan your look: outfit, hair and makeup
Surprisingly, a lot of people leave their outfit, hair and makeup arrangements to the last minute. Believe us, that is the best way to stress yourself out just before a photoshoot. If possible, get a professional to assist you so that you look your best. In fact, your photographer may even know a stylist or a makeup artist to help you for the day.
The outfit you choose will also play a powerful role in the message you send when people see your photos, so think twice about what you want to wear. At the same time, don’t overthink. You’ll want to stick to outfits that wow but also make you feel like you. Keep in mind that you want to be able to use these photos for a few years, so rather opt for a timeless look.
In our experience, it’s best to have a few options available especially if you’re shooting in multiple locations. Some outfits photograph well indoors but not outdoors.
Need help planning your personal brand session?
Planning is the key underlying factor in making the most of your personal branding photoshoot. If you need help with this, Bravo Image Branding can help you plan everything from your location, makeup artist, stylist, and even personal brand direction! Leave a comment below or shoot us a DM -- we are on Instagram as @bravoimage_branding.
