Wondering how to prepare for your personal brand photos? Let’s dive in!

If you’re feeling those nervous-excited jitters for your upcoming brand session, that’s completely normal! It’s a big and meaningful project you’re taking on for yourself and your business. I know the excitement (especially in the last few days) can also sometimes lead to overthinking and stress. Let’s break down how to prepare for your personal brand session, so you can show up calm and confident!

Focus on Your Goals

When you first inquired about your brand session, you likely had a reason why you felt like now is the right time for new brand photos.

• Is social media feeling too hard because you don’t have a library of fresh content to post?
• Are you working with a designer to create a new website or an elevated brand?
• Is there a big project or launch coming up soon that you want to promote?
• Are you feeling like you’ve outgrown the photos you currently have?
• Have you gone through a transformation (mentally or physically) that you want to highlight in your marketing?

Knowing your goals helps you stay focused on what’s most important, so you can get what you need out of the session.

Plus, as your photographer, this helps me know exactly how to shoot certain scenes for you. Looking for a new website banner photo? Great, I’ll shoot with extra white space for your designer to have room for text overlays. Need to highlight a new product you’re offering? We’ll make sure to capture lots of variations to best show it off!

The deep-dive questionnaire I send to my clients before their session helps you dig into your business, so I can understand your vision and goals really well. Then, when session day rolls around, we can get creative and have fun bringing your brand to life!

Your Can’t-Miss Shots

You don’t need to know how to pose or know what lighting looks best – that’s on me! Your only job is to show up ready to have a good time. However, if there are any must-have photos that you 100% want to walk away with, please communicate that!

Through the moodboard and shot list planning process, if you realize there’s a photo you definitely want, we can add it to the list. Even during the shoot, if you think of something that would be super helpful, voice it so we don’t risk missing it!

Maybe it’s a modern lifestyle headshot for your about page, or a photo of you talking into your podcast microphone. Maybe you need a photo of your blank laptop screen, so you can create a tech mockup of your new website on screen. Or possibly a celebratory champagne pop photo for your launch that’s coming up!

I have a list of personal brand photos that I always focus on capturing for my clients, but I know every business and session is unique. I want your gallery to reflect exactly that!

Pamper Yourself

This day is totally for you, so make sure you look and feel your best! Think about all the little details that help you feel refreshed and confident, so you don’t have any regrets. Spoil yourself extra, so you come into your shoot feeling refreshed and ready to shine!

• Fresh manicure (and pedicure if applicable) – I recommend a soft neutral color if you don’t often wear a bold nail color. If you have a colorful brand, you can absolutely incorporate that into your nails! Choose a color that will pair well with all of your outfits. If you don’t usually have your nails done, I still recommend a natural-nail manicure so your nails and cuticles are cleaned up nicely!
• Hair appointment – A fresh cut and color will do wonders for your confidence! Any coloring should be done at least a week in advance, so you have time in case you don’t love anything!
• Shave, wax, facials, massage, airbrush tanning, etc. – Make sure to take proper care according to your aesthetician’s instructions to avoid any redness or discoloration.
• Plan outfits – Try on all of your outfits with accessories to ensure you love how each one looks together. Don’t just lay them out on the bed and take a picture – I promise, seeing it in the mirror and reflecting on how it makes you FEEL, is most important. I recommend having someone take a few photos of you in the outfit in natural light to see if you want to change anything.

Highlight Your Brand Colors, Patterns, & Vibe

You don’t necessarily need to wear your brand colors (unless it feels true to you), but you can incorporate them into your brand session for some fun pops of color that feel intentional and purposeful!

I’m a neutrals girlie through and through, but my accessories and home decor often highlight my brand colors well. I would likely bring a mug or a fun tote bag in one of my brand colors to add that personal touch! Think about what colors, textures, and patterns show up often in your brand and life – that can inform the props you bring, the locations you choose, and the outfits you wear!

The Day-Before & Day-Of Your Session

Along with planning your outfits and props, here are a few reminders:

• Block the session day off on your calendar, so no last-minute meetings can get scheduled
• Remind team members & family/friends of your session, so they’re aware that you’ll be away for part of the day
• Make sure there’s gas in your car
• Hydrate the day before and the day of your session
• Pack all your props
• Prep any paper materials & merch if applicable (pamphlets, papers, pictures, marketing materials, logo t-shirt, etc.)
• Pack chargers for phone and laptop
• Steam outfits and hang on hangers; put other outfit pieces that won’t wrinkle into a bag or basket
• Pack accessories, jewelry, and shoes
• Pack makeup for touch-ups
• Prep any meals, snacks, drinks, etc. to bring along
• Confirm timing and location with hair and makeup artist
• Confirm timing and location with models
• Pamper yourself and have a slow, relaxing day before
• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat a healthy breakfast that fuels you
• Get excited!! 🙂

Trust Your Photographer & Team

As a business owner, I know that our brand is truly our baby, so trusting someone else with it can feel really big. Trust that you’ve done the work of researching and finding an experienced brand photographer whose work you love and whose vibe you connect with! As your brand photographer, I’ll make sure you look and feel your best while highlighting your brand beautifully. As mentioned, you don’t have to come in knowing how to pose or model – it’s my job to help guide you along every step of the way. Come ready for a fun day with an open mind and willingness to get creative with me!

What I want to remind you of is this: your personal brand session is an empowering and fun experience as a business owner. It also doesn’t have to be the ONLY session you ever do. In fact, I hope it’s one of many brand shoots you plan for your business. That means there doesn’t need to be so much added pressure on this one shoot, because there will be many more in your future to document new phases and stages of your incredible brand. Breathe, relax, and get excited – it’s going to be a great day! 🙂

If you found it helpful to learn how to prepare for your personal brand photos, come check out how to plan your brand session outfits here!