Is your business ready for its close-up?  

As a personal branding photographer, my mission is to showcase my clients as the experts and professionals that people want to connect with. Through contemporary and on-brand imagery, I help businesses share their unique brand stories and connect with their ideal clients. If you're considering investing in personal branding photography, here are five valuable tips to help you get ready for your upcoming photoshoot.

1. Define Your Message

This is your moment to shine and communicate to the world what you do and why others should choose to work with you. Consider the individuals you want to reach and the emotions you want to evoke in them. Think about the keywords that describe your business—words like approachable, energetic, high-end, creative, and genuine. Knowing these keywords will serve as your compass in crafting a compelling message.

2. Plan Your Shot List

It's essential to have a clear plan for how and where you'll use your photos. Do you need images for social media? Perhaps you require a photo for a print advertisement or you're updating your website. Your collection of images should strike a balance between showcasing your personality, passion, and professionalism, and capturing the essence of your products, processes, and team. Do your research—explore competitor advertisements, websites, and social media profiles for inspiration. Pinterest can be a valuable resource. Create a Pinterest board or a mood board filled with content that resonates with your brand and excites you.It’s important to know how and where you will use the photos. Do you need images for social media? Do you need a photo for a print ad? Are you updating your website? 

3. Dress the Part

Select 3-4 outfits that cover a range of styles—casual, formal, sporty, etc. Consider how you would dress for an important client meeting or your favorite weekend outing. Opt for attire that reflects your personality while incorporating your brand colors whenever possible. Additionally, think about how your chosen outfits will complement the shoot location. Remember to shop your closet first; you might have hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

4. Self-Care Matters

Ensure you look and feel your absolute best on the day of the photoshoot. Attend to all your beauty and grooming needs, including hair and nails. If you wear makeup, aim for a look that enhances your natural beauty rather than drastically changing your appearance. A good rule of thumb is to apply approximately 25% more makeup than your usual routine.

5. Showcase Your Uniqueness

Infuse something you're passionate about into the session, whether it's a skill, hobby, loved one, friend, or even a pet. Photos that go beyond the confines of your workplace offer a glimpse into what makes you one-of-a-kind. Providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes look allows them to connect with the person behind the brand and business, fostering a sense of familiarity and affinity. Consider incorporating props into your photoshoot as well; these can include tools of your trade, products you sell, personal items like eyeglasses, books, flowers, or even whimsical elements like balloons..

So there you have it. These five straightforward tips will help you prepare for your upcoming personal branding session. You don't have to navigate this process alone—a seasoned personal branding photographer can assist you every step of the way, from selecting locations and wardrobe to deciding on props and developing a shot list. Personal branding photography is an investment in your business's marketing strategy. Remember, photos tell stories, and stories enhance brands.

If you are interested in learning more about my Personal Branding Photo Sessions please reach out here or you can explore the personal branding collections I offer here.

Amy Quinn Hill Photography specializes in lifestyle and documentary photography. Amy’s work has been published in newspapers, magazines and online. Amy serves the Charleston, SC area and beyond. Ready to book a session? Connect with Amy HERE!