Your company’s name or its logo isn’t your personal brand.
Yes. You read it right.
So, what’s your personal brand?
Well, ‘You’ are. In other words, a bunch of your aesthetically shot photos represents your brand.
We live in times where photos have become an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s social media, documents, or your website, you need photos. In fact, if the content is the king, then photos have dethroned words and become the new king. This is where a personal branding photoshoot comes in handy.
It is such a great option that if you know an entrepreneur friend who is looking for a personal branding photoshoot, then you should definitely send them a photoshoot gift card. They will thank you later.
Now, the million-dollar question is that how do you prepare for a personal branding photoshoot, especially if you’re the brand.
Why?
Yes. That’s the word you need to focus on before the photoshoot. Identify the purpose of the photoshoot. What do you intend to achieve with a new batch of photos? Without a clear agenda or intent, you will find extreme difficulty in achieving the desired result. For example, you may want to rebrand your interior design business. Or, you might be looking to capture some behind-the-scenes of your business. Maybe, show the humans behind your brand.
You also have to decide whether you plan to use these images for the website, showcase them as your social media posts or feature them along with the latest products or services. You are identifying the ‘Why’ will go a long way in the photoshoot. In fact, if you have a clear intent about the shoot, your photographer will also seamlessly perform the job at hand.
How?
Once you’ve found the answer to ‘Why it’s time to hustle for the ‘How.’ The ‘How’ will involve accomplishing the personal branding photoshoot.
You can do so by choosing the right photographer… Someone who understands You. Go beyond the past work of a photographer.
Try to understand their approach and style of work because you need images that not just inspire and resonate with your personal brand but also leave a lasting impression on your potential clients and customers.
You need to have a call with your photographer, where you share insights about your audience, brand, and shoot locations. During this call, put some thoughts on the shoot’s length.
You can even discuss your concerns or insecurities about the photoshoot so that he can accomplish the task with absolute ease. The photos should highlight your best self, and it’s possible only if you exude confidence in front of the camera.
And if we’re talking confidence, we must focus on hair and make-up. You just can’t ignore them during your personal branding photoshoot. Most clients expect you to portray your confident and professional self. However, it is down to your personal preference. You can have a test run with your photographer to determine which look perfectly goes with your personality.
Where?
The location of the photoshoot will play a pivotal role in creating images that perfectly fit with your brand’s feel. One of the best ways to capture authentic and genuine images is in your workplace. It can be anything from your home office, a shared place, a gym, a retail outlet, or even a studio.
Shooting in a personally owned space is important because you can not just maintain cleanliness but even ensure that it is free from any sort of distractions. While it is understandable that you may find difficulty in getting your real-life working space, but you should definitely give it a try.
If it doesn’t work out, you can look for shared spaces for a few hours. Alternatively, you can even consider cafes or restaurants in posh areas, as they give a relaxed vibe. You should list down getting at least two to three shoot locations in your photoshoot. Ideally, you should also shortlist at least one outdoor location, like a nearby park or street.
That’s it! You’re now ready for a personal branding photoshoot. As discussed in the guide, the key is to have clarity about the why, how, and where. After that, rest everything will automatically fall in place. Remember, the key is to showcase your authentic self in the photoshoot.
