So you’re thinking about investing in a personal branding photo shoot!  Yay!  Today I’m going to discuss some tips and pointers to ensure that the planning and execution of your personal branding shoot is a success.  

Step 1.  Find a photographer. 

Find a photographer that gives you good feelings when you look at their work.  Personal branding is a bit different than family and wedding and requires a slightly different mindset and some planning, so find someone that has experience with with it and seems to capture the kind of moments you are looking for.

Step 2.  Do your homework. 

I send out a questionnaire that helps you identify your goals for the shoot, locations you’d like to use (see blog post about PB Photoshoot Locations), etc.  This helps me get a better idea of your brand personality.  A shared private Pinterest board will also act as a mood board and help communicate your brand colors and pose ideas prior to the session.

Step 3.  Identify where you will use your images.  Once you’ve filled out the questionnaire, you should have a thorough understanding of where you want to use these photos.  This is important, because it will let me know if you need more wide, landscape images for web, landing pages or facebook ads.

Step 4.  Create a detailed shot list. 

I’m talking super specific.  Write down all your ideas, poses, emotions, etc that are in line with your brand.  Take time to think about future blog posts, upcoming holidays, ads, etc.  And then create the list.  This will ensure that we use the time effectively and that you get all the photos you need.  

Step 5.  Gather props. 

Find props that show what you do.  If you’re a creative, tools and products you’ve made are excellent props.  Lots of people incorporate their laptops or phones. If you can’t find the props that you need, you can get thrifty, checking out second hand stores, spray paint props in your brand colors, or making your own from a trip to the craft store.  Remember that clothing, makeup and hair are also props.  

Step 6.  Pick out your outfits. 

Take a look at your closet and find pieces that go with your brand colors and feel.  Is your brand more high fashion or does it make sense to dress more casually.  As with all photoshoots, keep in mind colors that compliment your skin tone and make sense with the season/location.  With family sessions, I always advise avoiding logos or wording on shirts, however if you identify as a Boss Lady and have a cute t-shirt that says that, I say incorporate it for a bit a fun!  While you make sure you’re looking cute, you also have to make sure you’re comfortable, because that always reads into the images.  Feel like the shirt is too tight or worried about your arms?  That will translate into an awkward pose. I got over some basics in this blog post about “How to Prepare for Professional Headshots”. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask me!  Use me as a resource.

Step 7.  Strike a Pose! 

Practice your posing in front of a mirror.  You will need a variety of poses and facial expressions to ensure you have a library of images at the end.  Have a future blog post discussing postpartum depression? Or perhaps you want to write about a celebration in your life. Each post will require very different emotions. Want images that will grab peoples attention for your weekly emails? Practice goofy or shocked faces. This doesn’t come naturally, so practice before the shoot.  I always give pose suggestions that help you look your best during the shoot, but it always helps when a client has an idea of what poses to use. 

Step 8.  Have fun! 

At the shoot, we will meet up at your location choice.  I’ll take a look around at the location to start planning out our poses.  We might put on some music that you like, have you get ready in your outfit, and I’ll start looking through the props that you’ve brought.  I might do some flat lays or product shots while you’re getting ready.   Once you’re ready we will start taking photos.  I like to talk while I’m shooting and will ask you questions, make jokes, etc to lighten the mood.  I’ll probably have you do some things that feel silly, like force laugh at the top of your lungs, but trust me it looks good on camera.  If you’re not feeling my pose suggestions or want to try a different background, no worries, just let me know!  I love input from clients in the moment.  

After it’s all said and done, your images will be delivered to you in a couple weeks.  There may be a sneak peak from the shoot within a couple days and a blog post will go up soon after you’ve received the gallery.  

I hope these tips help you visual what this type of session looks like and how to best prepare.  Wanting more information on how to set up a shoot for yourself?  Shoot me a message in the contact form or at katiecolemanphotography@gmail.com