When you schedule a personal branding photoshoot, you’re investing in showcasing the very best version of you and your business. These photos will help you market yourself by telling your story in a unique way.

We live in a visual world and it’s important to make a good impression right away. 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 you love 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. Don’t forget to meet with them in person too as this will tell you a lot about whether you connect or not. At the end of the day, you want to feel completely comfortable in front of your photographer.

I offer FREE consultations in every branding session and thoroughly discuss your options in advance.

Sally Ullman Photography serves the Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch gulf coast region of Florida and it is important to include a photographer from your area when branding your business.

Communicate what you want

A photographer can’t give you the results you want if they don’t know what you want. Clearly communicating your ideas to your photographer is essential. Provide them with details on the first impression and message what you want to portray. Share your ideas and examples with them. They may even be able to give you suggestions you haven’t thought about yet. Sally Ullman Photography will show you a variety of studio backgrounds, outdoor locations and make other suggestions to place you in your business for maximum effect to branding your business.

Plan your outfit, hair and makeup

Don’t leave your outfit, hair and makeup arrangements to the last minute. If possible, get a professional to assist you so that you look your best. In fact, your photographer may even be able to give you a few suggestions. The outfit you choose will also play a major role in the message you send when people see your photos, so think twice about what you want to wear. Better yet, have a few options available. Keep in mind that you want to be able to use these photos for a few years, so rather opt for a timeless look.

Color plays an important role in capturing attention and representing your brand. Perhaps you have a product or a national company that you represent. This is important to convey as you establish a branding look.

Planning is the key underlying factor in making the most of your personal branding photoshoot. Don’t be scared to ask your photographer for additional guidance too.

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. Just make sure that your photographer has actual experience with the setting you have in mind. You may want to be photographed in your business location- this adds to the personal connection your clients want to take with you. You are showing them the real you in the real working environment! Often a photograph from a  real location will help your future clients feel more comfortable with hiring you.

Let’s expand upon this question.

Does My Personal Branding Shoot Need to Be in a Studio?

The location of your personal branding shoot helps tell your story. It will also play a role in the first impression you create and what type of audience you attract.

When you think about personal branding photography, a studio setting is usually what jumps to mind. However, this is only one of the many options that you can choose from. Let’s take a closer look at personal branding photography session location options.

Home Office

Do you work from home? Do you feel that your home office visually represents your personal brand? Then it’s perfect for personal branding shoot. Give people an inside view of how you spend your day. Plus, if you want a more relaxed, personal feel, you can even include your pet in a few of the shots. Some people even go as far as taking a few shots in their living room or kitchen. It all depends on the messaging you want to send. Just make sure that your home office has lots of natural light for the best photos.

Meeting Room or Coworking Space

If you don’t feel your home office is right for a shoot, why not rent a meeting room or coworking space? Just make sure that the décor aligns with your brand image. You can even incorporate a few props if you want to add a personal touch. If possible, choose a space that has other areas you can use, such as a lounge with visually appealing furniture.

Photography Studio

A photography studio is still a great location for a personal branding shoot. It offers a very professional setting, and you get to take advantage of your photographer’s equipment. If you do want to change things up, find out whether you can bring in your own props and furniture. Most photographers already offer sessions at their studio, so you might not need to pay additional fees for the location.

Apartment or BnB

There are so many beautiful apartments and guest houses that can be used for your personal branding shoot. If you know someone who has a great apartment or you’ve seen a nice location on Airbnb, this can be a good option for your shoot. It’s also ideal if you would prefer a more private setting for your photo session.

Cafes and Restaurants

If you would prefer an atmosphere with a bit of a vibe, why not arrange a shoot at a coffee shop, café or restaurant? Unless you make prior arrangements though, you might need to work around other patrons.  Either way, be sure to speak to the owner of the establishment first.

Get Outside

If your personal brand is more adventurous, an outdoor location could be ideal. Whether this is by the seaside, in a park or somewhere more mountainous, there is no rule that says you can’t take personal branding photos at an outdoor location. Plus, the backdrop opportunities are endless.

 

Examples of location shoots in a series of pictures for each subject:

 

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