Personal Branding Photography
Personal Branding photography is a way to tell the world your story. It is selling you! It can be used for websites, social media and marketing and it is essential in this day and age to have quality images that reflect your brand’s message.
My advice for personal branding sessions is as follows:
Your photographer must understand the message you want to portray before they pick up a camera. A pre-shoot consult is essential to discuss this. Spend time looking through websites and Instagram accounts of like-minded people that inspire you. Screenshot their pics – a lot of them – and share them with your photographer. You will start to see a ‘look’. Even if you already knew the ‘look’ this process reaffirms your ideas and enables your photographer to see what inspires you and to achieve your photography goals.
Plan your outfits and props carefully and bring a variety. I usually shoot a few different looks with different backdrops (in or outdoors) to add variety to your overall gallery. This will depend on the deal you have struck with your photographer.
Consider using a professional hair and makeup artist who understands what works well for the camera. If you feel good about yourself, you will photograph better. Your confidence will shine!
Posing is a skill which doesn’t come naturally to most, and a good photographer should be able to talk you through poses, so you look your best, even if you are after a ‘natural’ look.
For personal trainers and yoga folk who are doing posing pics, it can be useful to have someone who understands correct technique present. They can correct your form if necessary, during the shoot.
Collaborate with your photographer and have a running sheet of all your planned pics for the shoot. This avoids getting lost in the moment and skipping pics you really wanted.
Be open to spontaneous suggestions from your photographer on the day. I have taken many a ‘hero’ shot by free styling with some creative, in the moment fun.
Don’t forget to have fun. Be yourself, enjoy your session and it will show in your photos.
