Personal branding seems to be one of the biggest buzzwords of the past few years. It’s rising in popularity, and you may have noticed personal branding photographers advertising sessions.
But what is a personal branding photoshoot and why should you have one?
A personal branding shoot is often confused with a simple headshot shoot. The difference is the depth. Personal branding shoots dive deeper into personality, charisma and credibility. They showcase more of you.
But before discussing exactly what a personal branding photoshoot entails, let’s first have a look at what a personal brand really is.
What is a personal brand?
Essentially, a personal brand summarises who you are, and how you promote yourself. It’s not just about the images you portray online. It’s not just your logo and colours of your business. In fact, you don’t even need to own a business to have a personal brand.
Your personal brand communicates many things about you. It’s a way to showcase your personality. Are you outgoing, smiley and bubbly, or a little more serious and reserved? By utilising personal branding, your images and language is a great way to communicate these things. And you might be unaware of it, but it’s something you’re already doing.
Not only does your personal brand tell others a little about your personality, but it is also a way to demonstrate your values and professionalism, and indicates what it might be like to work with you, buy from you, or hire you as an employee.
What does a personal branding photoshoot entail?
So if you’re thinking of having a personal branding photoshoot, there are a few things that need to be considered.
Locations:
The setting of your photoshoot is important. Professional studio space can allow for clean, minimalist and professional portraits. You can achieve a range of full length, seated, headshots, mid-length, posed and candid shots in a studio environment, or utilise different backdrops (depending on what your photographer has). You can also request images on a transparent background - to give a cutout effect for websites and marketing material if needed.
If you have a business premises, you might be better off having your photoshoot on-site. This is particularly good for businesses who have small stores and boutiques, so they can showcase themselves at work in their environment. It also gives opportunities for little detail shots that all help communicate that brand as well.
Alternatively, a general outdoor or public space could be used - such as a natural backdrop for a relaxed brand, or a local cafe for a casual environment.
Outfits:
It’s always beneficial to have multiple outfits to choose from. Think about what clothing you wear at work, around clients, to interviews or meetings. These are a good starting point in how you should consider portraying yourself in your personal branding portraits.
Speak with your photographer about colours to compliment your environment - whether that be studio, on location or outdoors. Avoiding big patterns and logos (unless they are your own), can help simplify things. However, if bold patterns are your thing, and really represent who you are, then go for it.
Poses:
Do you want professional, posed images of you looking at the camera, or do you prefer candid shots of you at work or with clients? These are things to think about and discuss with your photographer before your shoot. It’s always beneficial to have a bit of a mix. The more poses and variations you have, the wider you can use them across your website, social media, and printed marketing material.
Props:
Think about what items you might like to include in your photoshoot. If you want candid images of you at work, then consider bringing along a favourite notebook or diary, and some nice pens. You could also bring things along like your favourite mug, some different jewellery or accessories, whiteboards or educational tools and books. Props are all going to depend on what you do.
So why do you need a professional personal branding photoshoot?
A professional photoshoot is a great way to communicate many things. Most importantly, your images will help to build relationships before people have ever met you.
First impressions count, and professional images help to make a good impression. They showcase your professionalism and demonstrate a dedication to your career or business.
Not only this, but personal branding photographs are there to help people get to know you, like you, and trust you.
Where to use your personal branding photographs:
There are many places that you will be able to use your photographs, and you’ll find yourself using your images in more places than you expect.
First and foremost, a great headshot from your session can be used across your professional online profiles, social media, and on your website. You can also use it in your email thumbnail and footer, across your printed marketing material (like flyers and business cards) and on company websites.
Your images are also useful for if you ever get published as a featured blog author, or find yourself being featured in a magazine or newspaper. Professional publications require professional headshots and often need them at short notice. Having a bank of images will allow you to provide exactly what is needed in a timely manner.
Lastly, and most obviously, your personal branding shots can be used all over your website. By showing who you are, and what it is like to work with you, your clients will be drawn to your business. These images can be used offline across your brochures and flyers, or in electronic communications such as email marketing or PDF documents.
It’s scary, but empowering:
While professional photography is daunting, can feel scary and uncomfortable, if you find the right photographer your shoot will do nothing but empower you. Relax, enjoy it, and remember that your images will be unique to you - which is an amazing thing.
Julia Nance is a headshot and portrait photographer based in Melbourne, Australia. Her vibrant creativity is inspired by her experiences. From photographing whales underwater to travelling in Europe. With a vast background in a range of photographic areas, it is Julia’s natural ability to connect with her subjects that ultimately drew her to the art of portraiture.
A guest blog written by Julia Nance - julianance.com.au
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