Your personal branding photo shoot is going to give you more than just the scroll stopping Instagram feed you’ve been dying for – it’s going to give your business the professional look it deserves. And if you’re planning your own shoot, here’s 5 tips for a successful personal branding photo shoot. Personal branding photography is an investment in your business so make sure you plan for a successful branding shoot.
1. Set your goals. What do you need the photos for? Is it for general brand awareness, your website, or a new launch? The more specific you can be, the better your photos will work for you, and you’ll be able to use your photos in more ways than one. The photos you use for your launch can be used again for social media and email marketing but the photos for social media may not work for a launch or specific sale. Outline your marketing strategy for the next six months before your shoot to help you prepare.
5. Define the mood. How do you want your clients to feel when they look at your website? You should be able to define your brand in three words which will help you set the tone, location, and wardrobe for your shoot. If your words are adventuresome, natural, and warmth, you might choose an outdoor location with casual clothing. Words like sophisticated, elegant, and modern would lead you to a higher end luxury setting with tailored clothing.
3. Look for inspiration. I love this part and it’s something I do for all my branding clients. Start by creating a board in Pinterest and adding in photos that speak to you. Think about the brand you want to be in the next five years and then search for personal branding shoots, industry niches, and photos that will resonate with your ideal client. Also add in images that depict the way you want your brand to be seen like strong or whimsical or free-spirited. Add everything in and then start to narrow down to one board with only about ten images to give you clarity on how you want your photos to look. (You can even make prints of the photos in your mood board to use for your branding photo shoot – just make sure you’re not infringing on any copyrights!)
4. Make a shot list. This will be simple now that you know what you need and the style you want to convey. If your brand is fun and energetic you might want to include photos of you in front of a colorful mural twirling around with a close up of you holding an iced Frappuccino or pointing up for a sale or sign up box. Your photographer will also have a suggested shot list to help you narrow down the photos you need for a successful personal branding photo shoot.
5. Find a photographer you want to work with. When searching for a photographer, look for one that you like the work they show even if it’s not exactly the style you want. Your photographer should be able to incorporate your style into your branding photo shoot. Ask photographers how they will guide and help you have a successful shoot. Do they have shot lists, location, and prop ideas? And do you like each other? You need to be comfortable with your photographer so that you can be confident you’re going to look amazing.
If you can’t find a photographer in your area, I am available for destination shoots and would love to give you a successful personal branding photo shoot. My goal is to give you images that are going to give you the confidence to take your business to the next level.
