Visibility is such an important part of running a business and can feel like a big leap, so congratulations on taking this step!

This is your chance to stand out.

If you’ve booked a personal brand photoshoot with me, we’ll have a strategy session to dig into the specifics of your shoot, your brand stories, shot lists, location and logistics etc.

In this guide, you’ll find some ideas to help you prepare for and get the most out of your session. We’ll touch upon brand definition, self-care and preparation before your session, and makeup, wardrobe and styling on the day.

Some of it will resonate and some of it may not - take what feels relevant to you and your business.

Reconnect with your brand values

When preparing for your personal brand session, it can help to take some time to reflect, and reconnect with yourself and your ‘why’.

Why do you choose to do what you do? What gets you up in the mornings excited about the day? What is it you love most about your work and what is it you want to say with your photographs?

Tuning into these deeper motivations can inject meaning and energy into our session and the photos we create.

It can also help to revisit the values at the core of your work.

What benefits do you offer your clients? What do people say about working with you?

Look at some photos of people that draw you in and think about what it is about them that sparks your interest. Add them to our shared mood board if there is something in them that you'd like to capture in your photos.

2. Plan your outfits and styling

Which of your outfits make you feel amazing and at the top of your game?

The most important thing about styling for your personal branding session is that you feel relaxed, comfortable and confident. Now is not the time to experiment with a completely new look or to wear anything that needs frequent adjusting to feel comfortable.

Make sure your clothing reflects the image you want to convey. How formal or casual do you prefer to show up? What would you wear to a meeting with a new client? What outfits do you feel most at ease in?

How would you describe your style? Classic and elegant? Chic and understated? Creative and colourful? What clothing items, accessories, textures fit with your style and your brand? If you like wearing jewellery this can also be a great way to complete your outfit and underscore your individuality.

If you’re not sure, a consultation with a personal stylist could help you identify what clothes and styles work best for you.

We’ll be working with several aspects of your brand in different contexts and settings, so think about what outfit would work best for each scene. What do you want to communicate with each look? A variety of looks will give longevity to your photographs - they won’t all look like they were taken on the same day, for one thing.

Make sure everything is ironed - wrinkles and creases can be nigh on impossible to remove in Photoshop.

Note: If you usually dress in very loose and flowy clothing bear in mind this can look a little shapeless in photographs - consider choosing something a bit more fitted around the waist. Also, it’s best to avoid baring too much skin, unless you’re going for a casual feel to your images.

3. Consider colour

Do you have brand colours that you’d like to incorporate in your photographs? What are the colours you love to wear and surround yourself with?

Consider what will work with your website and branding. You can incorporate brand colours as accents with accessories and props - it isn’t necessary to have outfits in those colours but if they compliment them that’s great. If in doubt, choose neutral colours.

Thinking about the activities and settings we'll be photographing, choose colours that will work in those environments. Think about colour, tone and texture and don’t be afraid of playing with contrasts. It’s wise to choose darker colours where the backgrounds will be light in colour, and vice-versa. On the other hand, avoid tops in pure white and black - creams and greys are generally better options.

A note on patterns

It’s often best to keep patterns simple as busier ones can dominate the image and distract from your message (and your face). If you love a bold pattern, by all means, include it in some of your photos but have some without it as well.

Fine stripes should be avoided as they can cause a distracting optical anomaly called the Moire effect.

3. Stick to your makeup style

Makeup can sometimes get a bit lost in photographs so I recommend wearing just slightly more than you usually would. You want to look and feel like YOU so don’t go for bold colours unless that’s your usual daytime style.

Extra mascara is a must though, and lipstick can add polish to your look, if that's what you're after. Avoid foundation with shimmer or SPF and set makeup with a dusting of translucent powder to keep shine at bay.

If you’re getting a new cut for your session, try and leave a week between a haircut and your photo session to give it time to settle. A little hairspray can keep flyaway hair under control.

If you have long hair, start with it down. You can put it up later in the session – but not the other way round, because you'll have those hair-band kinks.

Many of my clients do their own makeup but it can also be great to work with a professional hair and make-up artist. If you can, meet with them before your shoot and ideally do a test run to make sure you're on the same page.

4. Pamper yourself

You’ve taken the step of investing in a personal brand shoot, so take this opportunity to pamper yourself a little to feel tip-top on the day. Self care can lift your confidence and it can take many forms, but some ideas include:

Booking a massage for the day before your session
Getting a manicure - or go DIY but ensure nails are trimmed and filed and hands well moisturised
Having a few early nights
Getting a haircut - try and leave a few days between a new cut and your session to give it time to settle
Staying well hydrated and avoiding alcohol for a few days

Any potentially irritating facial treatments, exfoliation, eyebrow plucking or tanning should be done a few days before and not on the day of your session.

5. Give yourself space

Clear your schedule before and after your shoot so that you can feel prepared and avoid any rush to get to the next thing.

Carefully pack your outfits, accessories, shoes, props and makeup the night before. A portable steamer might be useful if you have one. A hairbrush and hairspray to tame flyaway hair. Eye drops if you use them. 

Spend a little quiet time reflecting again on your ‘why’. What is it you love about your work? Who are the people you love to serve and what are the benefits they get from working with you?

Your personal branding session is a perfect opportunity to reconnect with your brand as you take this positive step to lift your visibility. I invite you to enjoy the session. Tune into your joy and passion for your business and do what you can to lift your vibe and feel great on the day. It will shine through in your photographs 🌟

Ready to start planning your personal brand photos?

Get in touch