How to have a stress free Personal Branding Photography Session 

You have finally started your own business and are ready to show it to the world. You know you need professional photographs taken but have no idea where to start! First, really think about who you are as an entrepreneur, your mission in your business and who you serve. Your branding photos are meant to give a glimpse into what it is like to work with you, your personality and your business’s values. These photos essentially help to market you and your business. It is key that they are representative of you.

• Plan ahead  – think about your brand message and what you want to convey to your clients **For all of my Personal Branding Sessions we will thoroughly discuss your brand, your ideal clients and how we can tie that all in together for your session. Do you have a vision for this session? Possible locations that you love and fit with your brand? These are all so important and by sharing this with your photographer, your session will fit you and your brand well.

Your location can truly enhance your session and help give it personality!

• Be personal – now is the time to be real, be yourself and authentic. YOU are your superpower, it is true. Your personality will attract the right clients!  Do you have a silly personality? Show it! Do you have a special tattoo with a powerful story behind it? Share it!! Do you have a funny story on how you started your business? Share it. Something unique about your family? Share it! Your career background and how that relates to your business? Share it. All of this information is useful when planning our your session. The photographs need to feel authentic, real and when your clients meet you in person, they should feel they already know you through these photographs.

• Bring props – It is important for your clients to visualize what it will be like to work with you. Show them what you’ll be using as you work with them.  What are some tools of the trade for your job? Any props that show your brand’s mission, your personality, something to start a conversation with?

Behind the Scenes shots help to demystify what you do in your business.

• Have a positive mindset – I know we hear that word a lot, mindset. You see it everywhere for a good reason. You have to start believing in yourself and your business. Building a business takes time! But it starts with you. My tip is the second a negative thought comes into your head say the word stop out-loud (don’t just think it, say it out-loud…there is science behind it.)  This will help to literally stop the negative thoughts, comparing yourself to others, feeling unsure of yourself, and all of those self-defeating thoughts.

Props help to show your business’s values and/or your personality.

• Give yourself enough time – wake up early, have everything you need packed up and ready to go.  Have a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast.  Drink enough water.  Take a walk before to calm your nerves.  Before your session, there will be an agreed upon shot list, schedule, and a guide for you to help prepare for your session. I believe in planning as much as you can not only ensures a great session but a less stressful one!! This should be fun, right?! 🙂

These are just some tips I share with my clients.  Building a business does take a leap of faith but also a whole lot of work! Planning your Personal Branding Photography Session should be enjoyable and a positive experience.  Reach out if you have any questions.

Take a look at my Personal Branding Portfolio and the kinds of photos every entrepreneur needs.