People buy from people. Personal branding photography highlights the YOU behind your brand and business in a personal and authentic, professional and high end way. You know it's time for personal brand photos when you are embarking on a rebrand, adding new services, refreshing your website, or wanting to show more or YOU in your social media. Hilary from Hilary + Company, a clothing and color analysis boutique, came to me for personal branding photography because she was adding new services to her business and was embarking on a brand refresh.
Importance of Preparing for Your Personal Brand Shoot
Brand photography is about capturing the story in a way that connects you with your audience, shows them who you are, and ultimately promotes growth and builds your brand and brand image. In order to truly capture your brand story and the feeling you want your audience to experience when they engage with your brand, I go through a 7-step personal brand photoshoot planning process.
Step 1: Create a Mood Board
One of the first things I have my clients do is create a mood board. (You may even already have yours started!) This gives them a chance to gather inspiration for their personal branding photos and narrow in on the aesthetic they want for their photoshoot. Pinterest is a great place to gather ideas and create your mood board. You can also browse blogs like this session with Saylor Sewing or this team photoshoot with LOI Design Group to get more inspiration. For my planning call with Hilary, the mood board served as a jumping off point to plan her photoshoot logistics in a way that would capture her upscale, minimalist aesthetic.
Step 2: Choose a Photoshoot Location
Your desired aesthetic plays a large role into your branding photoshoot location. For Hilary's photoshoot we shot both on location at her boutique and at a local Nebraska studio. We chose the CommonSpace Studio located here in Lincoln, Nebraska for it's versatility and the minimalist look. Hilary had used other studios before and wanted to try something new. By also shooting at her boutique, we were able to show off her space and capture the in-person experience of shopping her brand.
Step 3: Plan Photoshoot Outfits
When planning photoshoot outfits, I like to filter every decision through the lens of your brand and your aesthetic. It was important that Hilary wear the looks she sells and to embody the fun experience customers have when shopping her brand! Her vibe is modern minimalist and upscale classic. She wanted to pick outfits that showcased a dressy colorful and casual vibe. Color analysis is a new part of her business, so she really focused on her own season! She was able to select classic, staple pieces with a luxury feeling.
Step 4: Pick Personal Branding Props
Props allow you to showcase your personality and help tell your story in your brand photos. For Hilary's personal branding photography session we were sure to capture photos of important and inspiring pieces including the fashion icon books and the lemon drops from the store she modeled for on her local Main Street when she was a kid. The color analysis was a big highlight since it was a new service in her business. We focused on that at both the studio and the shop.
Step 5: Schedule Photoshoot Self Care
One fun thing about scheduling a photoshoot is you now have an excuse to get your hair, make-up, and nails done! You want to walk into your brand photography session feeling your best. During our planning call, I help clients think through when to schedule these services and refer them to local hair and makeup stylists. Many of my brand packages even include complimentary makeup for those wanting to take advantage. Hilary chose to work with JM Artistry for her brand photoshoot.
Step 6: Create a Timeline
As a planner at heart, a timeline for the session and the day is essential. After discussing all of the details I create a timeline so that we can get the most out of your personal branding photography session and be sure to capture all of your desired shots! Following the planning call, I send my clients a session guide which includes the timeline along with all of the other details we discussed.
Step 7: Have Fun at Your Personal Brand Shoot!
The most important step is having fun at your photoshoot and Hilary did just that! Take a look at some of my favorite shots from her personal branding photography session. While this may seem like the hardest step of all, I have created an experience that makes getting your photos taken not so bad, arguably fun, even though it may be something most people don't love.
Bonus: Video Content At Your Personal Branding Photography Session
We were able to get a lot of social media content and even a 30 second trailer for Hilary during this session! Interested in learning more about video content from RMP? Let's chat!
More Brand Photoshoot Planning Ideas
About the Photographer
 | Hey there! I’m Rebecca, a Lincoln brand photographer. I specialize in creating light, natural, and modern images that truly represent your personal brand. My goal is to make your midwest small business look and feel like the high-end brands everyone loves, with you front + center. With careful planning and preparation, I ensure that the process of capturing beautiful brand images feels completely effortless. Reach out to book a Lincoln brand photoshoot or to tell me more about what you are looking for! |
