Preparing for your Personal Branding Session

“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”-Bobby Unser

Deep down you know you need a Personal Branding Session, but you have no idea where to start. You are tired of using photos that you have taken to ‘make it work’ but there has to be another way. Maybe you dream of having a folder full of photos on brand, look professional and inspire you! Maybe you really want to focus on other things in your business, like marketing, networking or finding new ideal clients. Whatever the reason, a Personal Branding Session helps you to level up your business. We live in a visual world and it essentially revolves around what see, feel and the actions we take in our life.

This is WHY a session will help you to create the visuals you want people to feel when they go to your website, social media, etc. You are preparing and laying the foundation for a great brand that they will want to work with! Win win!

Here are few tips to help you prepare for your session.

Why do you really need a session? By answering this question, you can see quickly the needs your business has. Most businesses need photos of their brand to share on their website and social media. They truly want to connect with their clients and future clients. Other business owners find it inspiring and feel their business is being taken to another level, more professional looking. Or maybe you need a re-brand and everything needs to be changed. Or maybe your profile photo is so outdated no one recognizes you when they see you in person! This question will help to curate a shot list and also the location of your session. Do not worry as I love creating shot lists and have a list of possible locations in my back pocket! This is something we work on before your session. My personal branding session are totally customizable.

Get in the right mindset. What does that mean? You need to be fully engaged in the process and not wing it. If your photographer has a questionnaire to be filled out, fill it out in its entirety and really think about your answers. I have a client questionnaire that I use to hone in on my client’s brand and who they are as a business. The answers to these questions help guide your session and you need to really know who you are, your brand and where you see your business in 5 years. Please put all doubts aside and insecurities you may have and really dream for a bit. Your mindset will help you answer your questions more authentically and always be true to your business.

Start shopping and think about how you want to look in your session. What vibe do you want to give off? Confident? Dreamy? Inspiring? Laid-back? High-end? Be realistic and be authentic as well. You always want to come off as natural in your final photographs. What are your brand colors, what can you wear to highlight those colors? While shopping, you may need to purchase a few new props (if necessary) that really help to showcase your brand. If you have anything with your business name, logo keep that in mind. If you want to show behind the scenes (people are always curious about it!) what do you typically use in your business? What props can help show value to your business and the process you take with your clients? Remember props make you look more approachable and human and help to showcase the uniqueness of your business. Here are some common props that a lot of my past clients have used: notebooks, planners, office supplies, planner, cell phone, gear they use, items that they sell, anything with their logo or business name on it (think mugs, ribbons, business cards, documents that you may use with your clients, etc.)

Having a Personal Branding Session has the ability to change the trajectory of your business! Please reach out if are interested in a session or have questions. I am here to help. Curious to see how other sessions went? Check out my past sessions!