Why you should invest in a personal branding photoshoot
Having high quality, professional images of yourself is one of the best ways to elevate your website and make your brand both more professional and more relatable. Sure, you can use stock photography and still get a really nice website - but if you truly want to stand out, personal branding photography can take your website (and other marketing materials) to another level.
How personal branding photography elevates your site
Polished custom photography will result in a nicer looking and much more engaging website. That’s the simple truth. But it’s more than ‘just’ aesthetics - having custom photography projects a professional image of your brand that will help you build trust and credibility from the get-go. It’s also a really nice way to showcase a bit of your personality and start to connect on a deeper personal level with your audience (which is not that easy to do online). At the end of the day, people prefer working with people they know, like and trust, and that’s why making a personal connection can be transformational for your business. Lastly, in a sea of competitors, personal brand photography helps you stand out and be more memorable. So I get that it might be scary - we don’t all love a camera - but I really encourage my clients to go down this route. The investment is 100% worthwhile!
How to choose a photographer
First, find a photographer who specialises in personal branding. Steer away from portfolios where 95% of what they do is weddings and families or any other non-related specialisation - you want a photographer who knows personal branding inside and out. Second, work with someone who’s photos you love. If there portfolio is pretty corporate and formal, and you want quirky and fun - they’re probably not the right match. Do your research on Pinterest or from sites you like - maybe create an inspiration or mood board. Then look for a photographer that’s a good match and who you think can capture your personality authentically and deliver the vibe you’re going for.
And when you’re shortlisting photographers, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions - about their process, pricing, what’s included and what to expect from your shoot.
Decide what images you need
Think about where (website, social profiles, media kit) and how you’ll use your photos, and create a shot list - headshots for your “About” page, action shots that show you at work or with a client, informal shots that let your personality come through. Think about the content you create and the things you talk about - can you create images to go with that content? A good photographer will help with this and will also ensure you get a variety of formats - vertical, horizontal, wide angle and so on - to give you lots of flexibility later in how the images are used.
Picking the perfect location for your photoshoot
Pick a location that’s consistent with your brand and personality. If you're aiming for a professional look, consider an office space. For a more personal touch, choose locations that tell your story, like your workspace, a favorite coffee shop, or a scenic outdoor spot.
Preparing for your photoshoot
Think about what you want to wear. Depending on the length of your shoot - you might want more than one option. And really - the only rule here is to wear the outfit(s) that makes you feel AMAZING. Don’t wear something you would never normally wear - you’ll feel weird and it will show. Dress in what makes you feel your most comfortable and your most confident. Have a little think about props and accessories too - whether it's a laptop, coffee cup or personalised notebook, any items that help reinforce your brand and visual identity or that match your brand colours will make nice additions.
A personal branding photoshoot can transform the way you market your business and how you are perceived by your customers. If you’re ready to take the leap, get in touch and I can refer some photographers I would recommend.
