A well-prepared personal branding photoshoot can make all the difference when it comes to how you present yourself and your business.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your personal branding session so that you can shine confidently in front of the camera and create images that truly represent your brand.

By following this prep guide, you’ll not only look your best but also feel prepared to create a portfolio of images that truly represent your personal brand and business.

Define Your Brand & Message

Before you even think about clothing or location, it’s important to clarify what message you want to convey through your personal brand.

Ask yourself:

What are your brand values?

Who is your target audience?

What feeling or personality do you want your photos to express? (e.g., professional, creative, approachable, authoritative, etc.)

Write down a few words or phrases that describe your brand and the mood you want to capture in your photos. This will help you stay focused and aligned during the shoot.

Plan Your Outfits: Dress for Success

Your clothing is a major factor in conveying the right message.

Keep the following in mind:

Choose clothes that represent your style and industry.  

  For example, if you're a creative professional, you might wear something more casual or artistic. If you're a corporate executive, a sharp suit or dress is ideal.

Solid colors work best: Avoid busy patterns and logos as they can distract from your face and the overall message. Choose colors that complement your skin tone.

Bring 2-3 outfit options.This allows you to have variety and adapt to the shoot's flow. Consider:

  - One formal look (e.g., blazer, button-down shirt)

  - One more relaxed or creative look (e.g., casual shirt, knit sweater)

  - An outfit that aligns with the type of work you do (e.g., a tool belt if you're a contractor or a laptop for a digital nomad).

Fit and Comfort: Make sure your clothing fits well and is comfortable for you to move in. Avoid tight or loose clothing that could make you feel self-conscious.

Accessories: Keep it minimal, but feel free to add subtle accessories that enhance your look, such as a watch, necklace, or a scarf.

Hair and Makeup Tips

To look your best, you'll want to pay attention to grooming and beauty:

Hair: Style your hair in a way that’s true to your everyday look, but aim for polished and tidy.

Makeup: Same idea as for hairstyling: You want to look like yourself!  Aim for a polished look.  No need to overdo it!

Personal Grooming: For Men: Trim or shave facial hair so that it looks tidy.

For All: Avoid fake tanning!

What to Bring the Day of: If you are doing your own makeup/hair, bring any makeup items you may want in case of a need for a touch up.

Professional Makeup & Hairstyling: You can choose to add-on professional makeup and hairstyling at the studio prior to your session.  

Choose the Right Location

Think about the locations that align with the message you want to communicate:

In Studio: Clean, simple, and professional. Great for headshots and high-end corporate branding.

Outdoor Settings: Nature or urban locations can provide a more relaxed, approachable vibe. Think about local parks, streets, or cafes.

Work Environment: If you're a professional, capturing your workspace (office, studio, or home office) can show what you do in action and give authenticity to your brand.

 We will coordinate ideas about the best spots to based on the look and feel you're aiming for.

You can also have a combination of locations for your personal branding photoshoot!

Props and Personal Touches

Adding props and accessories can make your branding photos feel more authentic and tell the story of your brand:

Work Tools:

Laptops, books, notebooks, or a coffee mug (depending on your profession).

Personal Items: Items that reflect your personality or industry (e.g., a camera if you’re a photographer).

Branding Items: Incorporate your logo or branded materials (e.g., business cards, packaging, etc.) into the shoot.

Accessories: Keep it minimal, but feel free to add subtle accessories that enhance your look, such as a watch, necklace, or a scarf.

Don’t overdo it—keep props subtle and relevant to your brand. Less is more when it comes to showcasing your true self.

Posing and Expressions for Personal Branding Sessions

Good news! You do not need to know how to pose, know what to do or how to make sure your expressions are great.  I will guide you and give direction throughout the entire photoshoot for posing and expressions.  You don’t have to worry about a thing!

After the Photoshoot: Image Selection and Usage

Once the session is over, here’s what you can expect:

After your session, once the images are ready, you’ll have an ordering appointment via Zoom to view them and make your selections.

Choose a mix of images for your website, social media profiles, marketing materials, and other platforms. Make sure to have both portrait and landscape-oriented images to cover all use cases.

Once your order is complete, you will receive instructions on how to download your images with print release.

Make sure you download and save your images and start using them in your social media and all of your marketing!

Make sure that the images and content that you post is consistent with the style and imagery of your brand. doing so will help catch your audience's eye.

Final Tips for Success

Be Confident: You will be prepared and all the details will be planned out!

Trust the Process: Clarifying your brand and your messaging, planning the details for your session, and creating images that convey your branding is proven to work perfectly to give you !

Have Fun: Your photoshoot is an opportunity to showcase your passion and personality. Enjoy the moment!

Your images are a big part of your overall branding. 

Make a great first impression online with standout images.

Elevate Your Image, & Elevate Your Brand.

Your personal branding session will help you build an authentic, powerful image that resonates with your audience.

Ready to Book Your Personal Branding Session?

Now that you’re fully prepared, it's time to schedule your session!

We’ll plan out your photoshoot to make sure you have images that convey your brand’s message to your audience.