The secret formula to a successful branding session lies behind careful planning.

Most of the branding sessions that you have already seen seem like everyone is having fun, living their best lives. But, you need to know that this effortless look actually needs some effort and planning is the key.

I put a list of 8 most common steps to follow while preparing for your own personal branding session:

1. Brand clarity.

Before you start, sit down and have a look at your brand. Treat is more like an exercise preparing you to introduce your personal brand to a complete stranger. What is your mission? What are your brand colours? What are your brand values? What kind of energy you want to convey? What are your goals? Most of all, think where you’re going to use your photos and how you want to be seen. Is it going to be online marketing, or are you thinking of the offline world too?

2. Prepare a Pinterest mood board.

Pinterest is the best platform for creating boards for visual inspiration. You may be using it for saving most recent home décor ideas, but you can use it as a helpful tool in planning your branding session. Look for branding portraits that could be supporting the vision of your own brand. You may look at entrepreneurs that work in similar fields or created a brand that you are attracted to. Look at the detail shots helpful in showcasing your products or services. And remember, treat it as an inspiration. Your brand is unique, thus, your photos will be different. This step should help you create vision for your own branding session. It will be easier to communicate your ideas with the photographer too. You will have visual reference which always helps.

3. Create a list of shots you need.

You want to make the most of the time spent with your photographer and you don’t want to waste time on hectic shooting just to hit the number of shots booked. Think strategically. Have a look at your Pinterest mood board and make a list of what you need. Where do you want to post the photos? Do you need a new banner for your website? If yes, do you need a landscape crop featuring you at work, or maybe with props? You may want to show your hobby, what you do in your free time. Yoga? Journaling? Branding session isn’t about you just at work, but it shows your lifestyle, values and personality. If you want to show it all you need a list. It’s very easy to get side-tracked during the shoot, be prepared.

4. Consultation.

Consultation with your photographer may take place in between your own planning. However, I advise you to come prepared for the first meeting as you are more familiar with your brand than the photographer is. You need to know what you want to show and the photographer will help you with the direction and advice. Together, you will create a session that will show you at your best. Good communication is the key to meeting all your needs.

5. Plan locations.

Once you decide what type of shots you exactly need, it’s time to plan locations for your shoot. Good locations should be a combination of spots where you would usually work or spend time. Meeting with clients in a local café, or working on your laptop while having a short break in between the meetings. All these things can be photographed in a variety of spots. You can decide to organize the shoot at your home if the décor matches your brand, in your office, or rent a stylish Airbnb.

6. Match outfits.

Once you decide on the location, it’s time to map the outfits that will go well with the mood of the place. Outdoor shots in a park will require more relaxed outfits than an office environment. Styling may seem a bit confusing at first but treat it as a fun day out. You will be creating a visual story of your brand which sounds almost like making a movie about you. You may need advice from a fashion stylist, makeup artist or have your hair done. Everything can be planned accordingly.

7. Props.

Make a list of props that you may want to be photographed with. If, for example, you are a dietician, you may want to be photographed with a variety of dishes, healthy snacks, or a basket full of veggies… If you work a lot on your laptop, then it’s a must have prop to take for your branding session. Props can be very easily overlooked but they are essential for your shoot. They add context to your brand and make the entire story more appealing. So, please remember to write them down.

8. Take time to prepare.

Good preparation needs time. So, take time to prepare for your own branding shoot. Leaving everything till the last day is not an option. People tend to become more chaotic once in a rush. So, just be ready and you will have more time to relax the day before. You want to make the most of your time with the photographer and it requires preparation. You want to make sure all the outfits are ironed, props ready and you look fabulous. I’m sure your branding session will be a success.

Summary

Please remember that your photographer is with you all the way through your branding session. This list is just a guide to what steps you could take to make the most of your time. It can be adapted the way you feel is best for you. You wouldn’t take risk with your brand image, thus, take you time to consider:

1. Brand clarity.

2. Pinterest mood board.

3. Shot list.

4. Consultation.

5. Locations.

6. Outfits.

7. Props.

8. Time to prepare.

Personal branding photography helps you promote your business in a strategic and a professional way. It supports growth of your business and helps you be more visible in your brand.

I encourage you to believe in the power of good planning.

Love,

Marlena xx

Ready to find out what personal branding photography can do for your business? If you’re looking for a photographer working in Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and across the UK, feel free to contact me. I’ll help you be more visible in your brand.