Picture perfect: why you need personal branding photography
You’ve worked so hard to build a business and a brand that reflects who you are: your passions, your drive, and your desire to create the best product or service for your clients. You deserve to have an online presence that reflects all of that and celebrates what makes you unique!
Personal branding photography, when done right (and you better believe we’re gonna do it right!) gives you the images you need to launch marketing campaigns, post on your social media channels, refresh your website, and more! This invaluable content helps you connect to your ideal clients and get more of the work you want.
So: is a personal branding photography session right for you? If you’re already convinced, get in touch to start planning your session now! If you need a bit more convincing, let’s dive in.
What is personal branding photography?
Personal branding photography is so much more than a headshot: it’s the visual culmination of your business values, the experience you provide, and your brand message.
A personal branding session will include a wide range of images, from detail shots to portraits to “behind the scenes” photos. Depending on what you and your business provide, this could be photos of you connecting with clients, details of your products, action shots of your day-to-day routine, or you at a location that’s meaningful to your business. All of the images in your session are intentionally designed to help you tell your unique story, which will create brand consistency and an authentic connection with your target audience.
What makes a good personal branding photography session?
There are several key elements to a successful branding session. Let’s break them down:
Understanding your goals and values
In order to communicate your brand story to your photographer, you need to have a firm understanding of your brand’s values and how they’ll be perceived first. For example, if you told your brand photographer that your brand values a sense of rebellion and playfulness, but then asked for an open, airy set full of beige furniture, that wouldn’t add up, right? So, it’s important to take some time to understand your goals, values, and story ahead of time, so we can work together to combine your brand with my visual knowledge and create photos that speak to you authentically. (This is why I send a questionnaire pre-session to kick off our deep dive into your brand.)
Wardrobe and styling
All of us choose our clothing—consciously or not—based on what we want to say to the world. Are you playful and warm? Are you classic and traditional? Are you soft and elegant? You’re probably picturing three very different outfits based on those descriptions! So what does your brand have to say, and what would that actually look like?
Part of our pre-shoot coaching work includes how your brand message translates into your clothing. We’ll consider your wardrobe and brainstorm together to create outfits for your session that feel good on you, photograph well, and speak to your brand.
Expression and body language
Even the way you stand in your brand photos can send a message to your clients. Are you looking to be their friend? Their coach? Or the expert they turn to in times of need? While all three of these roles can lead to success with your clients, they look very different visually. We’ll chat through this ahead of your session, so I can direct you during your shoot to pose in a way that aligns best with the role you and your brand will play to your clients.
Location and environment
While your clothes and posing say a lot about your brand, your shoot location also helps represent you. Is your brand more timeless elegance or modern minimalism? Do you have an urban sophistication, or is your brand more connected to nature? Think about what locations would captivate your ideal client and tell the right story about your brand. It’s also possible to create an on-location feel in-studio, too!
If your business has a physical location, like a store or a studio, you should absolutely show off that space in your branding session! Similarly, if you have a favorite coffee shop you work from, style of architecture that you love, or a park you go on your daily walks through, those can all be great spots for personal branding. Your clients want to know who you are as a brand and as a person, so showing off spaces that speak to you can be a great way for them to feel more connected.
Have an idea for your next shoot? Let’s talk locations!
What are the benefits of personal branding photography?
As you can see, personal branding photography goes far beyond a headshot for your website! It dives deep into the core of your brand message and values. So what are the benefits of professional personal branding photography?
A good first impression
First impressions matter! Professional photographs boost your online presence by making your website and social channels more appealing to potential clients. Your brand will be more memorable when you have captivating images.
Brand cohesion and clarity
A personal branding photography session will result in many different kinds of images, all with a cohesive feel. Using personal branding photography, your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and marketing campaigns will clearly communicate your brand’s message and values. Consistency leads to better brand recognition, which can only create…
Stronger connections with your ideal audience
When you showcase your unique personality, you stand out from the competition: no one else can be you! Personal branding photography allows the personal, human side of your business to shine. The more of this you show, the more trust and credibility you build. Your existing audience is more likely to engage, and it will be easier for your ideal clients to find and connect with you.
Using professional personal branding images, you can target your ideal clients, increase engagement with your current followers, and build stronger relationships with your existing clientele. When you invest in personal branding photography, you’re taking the first step toward creating a strong visual brand identity that feels aligned with you and your ideal clients, which will only serve to set you apart from your competition.
Interested in booking a shoot? Click here to schedule your complimentary consultation!