No matter what your business is, if you use digital marketing and social media to advertise and promote yourself, then putting your face out there with a professional brand photoshoot will massively up level your business.
What has been the realm of influencers and famous bloggers has now become the norm for all businesses that are on social media. And let’s face it, if your business isn’t on social media, you’re missing out on a massive slice of the advertising pie. As we make our buying decisions more and more online, that innate human need for connection means we are drawn to businesses that we connect with. And people connect with people, so if you want to attract and grow your audience then it is vital you let people see you.
As this is a relatively new phenomenon, we thought we would put together a little guide on how to make the most of your personal brand photoshoot, so you get maximum benefit and love the results.
Finding the right photographer
The first thing you need to look for when searching for your photographer is their style. If you love the light and airy look then there’s no point in choosing a photographer whose portfolio is full of dark and moody shots. Look for a portfolio you love and would love to see a similar style for yourself.
The next thing to look for is a connection. Not many people love getting their photo taken. In fact, I would say at least 90% of people who we see for a branding a photoshoot start the session by letting us know “they don’t like being in front of the camera”, or “they’re awkward in front of the camera”.
I get it. It can feel a little uncomfortable being the centre of attention. And that’s why it’s super important that you work with people who you feel comfortable with, who make you feel at ease and who you enjoy hanging out with. Make sure you stalk potential photographers’ websites and social media accounts and see if you find some common ground.
Finally, of course, price is a consideration. Personal branding and content creation photoshoots are still a relatively new segment. A lot of existing portrait and wedding photographers are branching into this new area, however, their prices are still reflecting their original specialities. Branding and content creation photoshoots shouldn’t cost you as much as say a wedding photographer would for a day. Make sure you choose someone who understands this new segment and is priced accordingly.
Booking the shoot
Once you’ve chosen the photographer make sure you are both clear on things like:
- the number of shots you will be supplied with at the end
- whether these shots will be edited and to what extent
- what additional beauty retouching will cost you
- how many locations you will be shooting in
- how many outfit changes you will have time for
- who owns the photo’s after the shoot and are there any restrictions on their usage
- how soon after the shoot will the images be delivered to you
It’s important that you have clear communication between you and your photographer so that all these questions are cleared up before your photoshoot and you aren’t left wondering.
Before the shoot
The vibe
No matter if you’re doing an express branding shoot for a couple of headshots or looking at a half or full-day shoot where you can have yourself and product or service captured across various locations, it’s important to have an idea of what you would like to achieve.
We encourage all our clients to put together a Pinterest board full of images they love. This could include locations they think are great, a vibe they connect with, poses that they think they might feel comfortable using, or product shots styled in a way they feel would work for their products.
The Outfits
Whether you will only have time for one outfit during your express session, or you’ve booked a full day and will change clothes multiple times, it’s important that you feel totally comfortable in what you’re wearing. We encourage you to have chosen all your outfits prior to the day of the shot. Try them on and think about what accessories work for each one.
We recommend wearing block-colours and accessorise with scarves, earrings, jackets etc. You can add and subtract accessories for different looks throughout your shoot. Avoid wearing tiny stripes, reds, whites or any super busy patterns (high contrasting colours).
Think about your brand when preparing your outfit, make sure the colours and style suit your existing brand, website and socials. Are you bright and bold? Or pastel and breezy? Dress to compliment your existing look and feel.
The night before the shoot make sure any outfits required are ironed, packed and ready to go so you’re not worrying about it in the morning or that you forget anything.
The location
When we’re shooting we usually arrange the location for our clients. It’s super important that the place your shoot takes place not only has great light but also that the vibe suits your brand. Are you beachy, city slick or homely and comfortable?
Try and shoot in locations where you can use the natural light. Think about what time of day your proposed locations will have the best light and try and work your photoshoot around that.
Discuss this with your photographer prior to the shoot and make sure the location fits your vibe.
Day of the shoot
Whether you’re having your hair and makeup done professionally, or doing it yourself, make sure you have allowed plenty of time for this, so you can relax and enjoy getting a bit glammed up, and not feel stressed about timing. We recommend having a blow-out before your shoot unless you’re totally confident making your hair look amazing. Your hair is your crown, wear it proud!
Let’s talk makeup. I am definitely in the “less is more” category when it comes to day-to-day makeup. But when it comes to being in front of the camera, more is definitely more. Use the style and colours you usually would but just add that bit extra. Make sure you define your eyes. Fake eyelashes are actually amazing these days and really make your eyes pop! Use a lipstick colour you are comfortable with. If you don’t usually wear lipstick, we still encourage you to do so for this shoot, just make sure it’s close to your natural shade you feel confident and enhanced. Don’t forget to bring your makeup kit along with you for those last-minute touch-ups!
Make sure you bring your shot list along and refer back to it with your photographer to ensure you capture everything you need.
Communicate with your photographer about how you will be using the shots, some you may know you want as a full-width website banner, whereas other may be needed for Instagram and therefore need to work cropped to a square. If your photographer knows this they can set up the shot accordingly.
Lastly, but most importantly, have fun! How you feel will absolutely show in your images. Try and relax and enjoy the experience. The results could make a massive difference to your business, and will without a doubt make posting on your socials so much easier!
