Not sure how to plan for your branding session? Here are 4 ideas to help you prepare.
You just booked a personal branding session (hopefully with me!) and you’re super excited. Who wouldn’t be? But, you can’t just show up on the day of your photoshoot and expect the photographer to read your mind about what you want to capture in your photos. Your brand is unique to you – which means you know how to portray it best. To make sure your photog is really able to bring out the best in your brand (and you!), you need to come prepared. Here are some things you can do to plan for your photoshoot and figure out exactly how you want to portray you and your brand in front of the camera.
1.Get clear on who you’re talking to
Who is your audience? Do you know everything about them that there is to know? What’s their favorite color? What kind of car do they drive? Where do they spend most of their time? The better you know your audience, the better you’ll be able to prepare for your photoshoot. After all, the point of a branding shoot is to create images that speak directly to your target client. Get specific about who you’re trying to reach and cater to your branding photoshoot towards them.
2. Think beyond how you look
We all want to look good (okay GREAT) in front of the camera, but what’s even more important for brands is to actually speak to your audience with your photos. This means that you have to find a way to portray a message that goes beyond how pretty you are (nothing wrong with that, though!). You want to evoke emotions with your images, and this often requires some planning ahead of time. While a good photographer can absolutely help you capture the emotions and messages you’re trying to portray, you ultimately have to come ready with this emotion and messaging to be captured in the first place.
3. Create a mood board
A mood board (think Pinterest) is a great way to organize all of your ideas and goals for the photoshoot. You can include images you like, colors you feel represent your brand, and other pictures that portray your tastes and style as they relate to your brand. Share your mood board with your photographer so they have a good idea going into the photoshoot of what you want to accomplish.
4. Consider props
A few props can go a long way in a branding session. Think about the props that you use every day for your business and how you can incorporate them into your photoshoot. For example, if you spend most of your time on your laptop, bring your computer to the shoot. If you’re an avid reader, bring a stack of your favorite books. The more personalized you make your branding session, the better it will portray who you are and what your brand means.
Have questions about how you can prepare for your branding session? Fill out my contact form here!