What to expect in a personal brand shoot

What to expect during a personal brand photo shoot                            

Whether you’re a coach, consultant, personal trainer, or the founder of your company investing in a personal branding photo shoot can take you and your business to the next level. However, if you’ve never done a personal brand shoot, or haven’t even thought about it, than it can be a little intimidating at first.

Luckily this blog is here to help you understand what goes into a fun and productive experience, and what you can expect before, during, and after your session.

Plan for success:

Starting with a consultation will allow both you and your photographer to understand the goals and must haves of your shoot. Whether it’s unique corporate headshots or lifestyle shots of you and your company, or getting those hi-res product shots so you can stop using the blurry camera phone images, finding the vision and personality behind the shoot is critical.

Within that consultation you and your brand photographer should understand all facets of wardrobe, props, and overall style of the shoot as well. This is the time to bring any example photos you might have seen that you like the tone, color palate, shot angles, or lighting, this “story board” can give your photographer a very good sense of what you’re looking for.

Diversity planning for the shoot. To get the most of your shoot bring a diverse collection of outfits and props. I recommend to most clients bring  a minimum of 3-4 outfits to showcase their brand along with any “props” that they might use when working with their customers. This might be a business consultant has 1-2 formal business outfits, 1-2 casual business attire, and a couple props such as a laptop and notebooks, to add to the authenticity of his or her work as an example. By doing this you’ll quality marketing material for months!

Location, location, location…We live in one of the most beautiful states so let’s take advantage of that when we can. If you’re not wanting a shoot in a dedicated studio then choosing a location for the shoot needs to align with your brand and can have a big impact on the connection, you make with your customers. Finding an urban backdrop in downtown Denver, or having the beautiful Rocky Mountains as your canvas, connection with your community is key.

A stress free and fun onsite experience

Nervous in front of the camera? Don’t worry most of us are…including yours truly. However, within about 10 minutes of getting some candid shots, some minor posing, and with the music going we’ll all be at ease. Having a fun, relaxed, and flowy environment allows you the freedom to be you and have that authentic connection during your session.

Having a fun and collaborative shoot with a variety of setups, angles, and props, allows us to capture what you do and the impact you have on your customers. Classic headshots, lifestyle brand shots, product imagery, and a variety of expressions, are key to telling your story during the experience.

After your session and delivery of your new assets

Within 5-7 days your photographer will have a gallery of edited high-res images in your inbox. Editing styles can vary but should align with what was established before and during the shoot. As an example, my style is very authentic to each client which means my goal is to always enhance my customers but not completely overhaul them. Crisp sharp images with great lighting and natural skins tones, allows my customers to show their true selves.

Many clients will also take this time after a shoot to book their next session knowing in a few months they might need additional photos to keep their content fresh.

Your branding photos are more than just pictures; they are a strategic tool to attract and keep your customers coming back to you. Through authentic photos; trust, connection, and confidence, can work seamlessly through all your different marketing platforms forming a cohesive network of common language seen by your customers.

I hope this helps you understand what goes into a personal brand shoot and how impactful it can be.

Have a great one!

Stuart