How to Prepare for Your Personal Branding Session

Know Your Why

Creating a brand is more than just your photoshoot. You must have a vision and set an intention so you are clear as to what your goal is. Being able to see your desired result will help you prepare for your shoot. 

Start with figuring out why you are branding? Are you launching a new product, course or service? Are you rebranding? Are you about to launch your frist business and are ready to attract your dream customers? Once you figure that out the details will become easier to achieve. 

Where Are Your Photos Going?

Is the goal to fill up your website with amazing images? Are you wanting to increase your social media presence? Are you starting a blog? Do you need images for your brochure or your flyers? Knowing where your images will end up is going to prepare you for success so you have everything you need in the end. 

One of the reasons why this is so important is because we need to consider the orientation of your images and the backgrounds choices as well. Do you need a headshot that blends in wit the color of your website? That is really good to know ahead of time. Do you need a banner photo? Then we will need to capture landscape instead of portrait images to fill up that banner. By knowing this in advance you will have the right content to suit all of your needs. 

What is Your Style?

Every brand identity needs a style guide that easily communicates your brands traits. Consistency in your style helps build your brand and brand loyalty so customers can recognize you above anyone else. 

My favorite thing to do is create a mood board which is a visual way of looking at things that inspire you and what you hope to achieve. 

The easiest way to do this is with Pinterest. Never heard of it? It is a visual discovery engine for finding ideas and inspiration. When you find an image you like, save them to boards so you can keep your ideas organized and easy to find. You can also share your boards so your photographer can also see it and the type of images you want to create. 

Try to find images on Pinterest that stand out to you. Or perhaps something that already looks like your brand. Add color palettes that resonate with you and your brand. Find objects that help you communicate your message. You can even look for image inspiration for your photoshoot. 

Put Together a Shot List

Now that you have seen some images on Pinterest it is time to start planning your shoot. Building a shot list is the best way to make sure that you get exactly what you want and need from your shoot. 

To do this just make a bullet point list of some shots that are must haves for you brand. Maybe it is a photo of you on your laptop at your desk, or reading a book, or drinking a cup of coffee. Maybe it is a photo of your desk, or your favorite books or simply a cup of coffee. 

The more specific you can be the better. Here is a couple things to consider: wide, medium or close up shots. What is in the background? Are you on location or is it a simple colored backdrop? Who is in the shot? Are there props being used? What are you wearing?

Gather Your Outfits, Accessories and Props

After you have planned out your shots, now is time to pack for your shoot. Your personal branding photoshoot is the perfect time to show off your individual style. Make sure your color choices match your style profile. This is also your opportunity to be unique. Make it fun and be bold and brave. Feel free to wear funky clothes and jewelry and heels. 

Accessorize your space too. The props around you are just as important as the props you are using. If you don't have a prop you want then what a better excuse to go shopping. If you can’t find what you are looking for then try to DIY it yourself. 

Location. Location. Location

Do you have a cute little office space or retail spot you want to highlight? Do you work from home or a coffee shop? Or do you think some photography studio shots are the best way to go? Wherever it is the most important thing to do is to make sure it fits your brand, personality and vision. 

Knowing where you are going to shoot will also help you figure out what to wear and what props to use. 

Practice Your Poses

We all have our signature selfie pose but the goal is to get a variety of different poses for your promos, your blogs, your website, your instagram stories, and all other social media platforms. One pose is not enough. We need you looking candid, smiling, laughing, serious, silly, and everything in between. 

Add some inspirational poses to your pinterest mood board so you have something to work with. Then sit yourself in front of a mirror and practice. Practice different ways of smiling or laughing and mimic poses you see online. Get to know the angles of your face and find your favorites. But don't stress on this too much because I will be there to help every step of the way. 

That’s it! You’re Ready!

Honestly you will never really feel ready but at least this will get you one step closer to a super successful personal branding photoshoot. Just make sure you are having fun and that the details connect to your brand and everything else will fall into place. 

Haven't scheduled your session yet? Contact me HERE!