How to plan your perfect personal branding session…

Know your why.

It’s really important to have a clear idea of your brand and why you love what you do! Ask yourself questions like these below so that when it comes to planning your photo shoot we have your goals and vision in place to create a gallery of images that stand out to your ideal clients.

• How do I want the viewer to feel when they look at my photos? (inspired, motivated, happy)

• What makes me unique in my industry?

• What do I offer that I am most proud of?

• What brands inspire me?

Where will your photos be used?

Visit the platforms where you will be sharing your photos and have a think about the layout and image requirements.
Would your blogs look best with horizontal (wide frame) photos?
Do you want your biography headshot to be vertical portrait?
Will you need a header for your facebook page?
Make notes and let your photographer know so she has a clear understanding of your requirements on the day.

Create a key shot list.

Perhaps you’re a creative and want to show your audience how you design your products. Or maybe you’re really proud of your routine and process and want you showcase what a day in the life of your business looks like.
How are you going to best relate to your clients, educate them on what you offer and show off your personality at the same time? Plan ahead!:)
Here is an example of a shot list:

• Banner image with space for text on my website

• Sitting enjoying a coffee and making notes (outfit 1)

• Working on laptop in cafe/garden

• Interacting with clients (outfit 2)

• Taking a photo with my phone (outfit 3)

• Flat lay of products

Choose a location.

I love working on location! It’s a lot of fun deciding which backdrops best represents your brand the best. Would you prefer a more natural back drop to show off your outdoorsy side? Or are you a fan of architecture and a vibrant, urban atmosphere? Perhaps you want a bit of both!
An in-home or studio/office setting is a great way to show off your day to day routine as well. Don’t have an appropriate space? A lot of cafes are happy for you to shoot there in exchange for a shout out or tag on social media.

Props & Models.

Gather any products that you’d like to have photographed but also think about what props you like to include that reflect your brand.
If you work face to face with people feel free to bring a long a friend to create some sets of you working together in a ‘pretend meeting’ or consultation. Or if you’re a florist or jeweller you will want to bring a long beautiful things that you work with everyday.
Little things like your favourite mug, notebook or plant are a great way to add some personality and flare to your images as well:)

Plan your outfits.

It’s a great idea to bring a few different outfits to change into. The more the merrier! Choose professional, casual & fun outfits that suit your brand but also the backdrops that we plan to shoot at. I recommend choosing outfits for your shoot that make sense with the story we are wanting to tell in each location we use. You can use the different looks for different marketing purposes, which will help to keep things fresh and interesting.
Not only will this add variety to your website and social media profiles, but it can look like you’ve had several photoshoots done but in reality it all happened in one day!

I can always recommend a professional hair & makeup artist to help you go the extra mile and feel incredible in your skin:)