Planning your next level personal brand shoot

If you’re new around here you may not know that my background is actually in photography with almost 2 decades (man I feel old!) of experience in shooting, editing, planning, styling and everything in between. So it’s fair to say I know how to plan a shoot to get the most out of it!

When you’re building a magnetic personal brand, your images are ESSENTIAL to helping you stand out online and to connect with your audience. They show the REAL you. The person your clients will be working with and it helps them to relate to you.

My experience is exactly why I offer shoot art direction for my brand makeover clients!

(Take that as a friendly but firm nudge to book in a brand shoot if you haven’t already!)

Now to get the most out of your shoot and to allow you to have images that will last, the prep work is essential! The more you plan ahead the smoother the shoot will go and the more you will get out of it.

Anyway, here’s a GRWM for the things I do for any personal brand shoot 💛

1. What do you want to have this shoot for? A particular launch? Your website? Social media content? All of the above? Think about the message your images need to show.

2. Wear clothes that you feel amazing in and that reflect your personality, style & brand ethos. If you don’t FEEL comfortable, it will show in your images! So try on your outfits before.

3. Take props along to give variety. Sunglasses, notebook & pen, a mug, laptop, microphone, confetti etc.

4. If there are foods/ things that impact your skin – avoid them in the run up to a shoot! For me that’s cheese & chocolate. For others it might be you’ll have bags under your eyes from lack of sleep. So get that beauty sleep in! And drink plenty of water! I ensure I drink more water than usual in the week or 2 running up to a shoot – your skin will thank you for it!

5. Which leads me onto SKIN! I’m personally rubbish with keeping on top of any kind of skincare routine BUT I do always ensure I am kind to my skin before a shoot. I do a deep cleanse and treat myself to a mask the week before and a few days before. This gives me fresh glowy skin that looks so much better on the shoot day! (Plus it gives you that boost of confidence too!)

6. Get some ideas of poses etc from Pinterest. Even practice in the mirror. Your photographer will direct you on the day but having a go before will just help you prepare and feel more confident. Make a list of different expressions that would be good for your social media and marketing posts. You might not want only happy smiley shots. Maybe your brand needs images to show confusion (because you help with the solution!), maybe you could have some face palm shots (great for social media!), perhaps celebratory images of you with your hands up in the air! Cover all areas to give you content that will give you enough for all messaging.

7. The most important of all – book a photographer who’s STYLE you love, that reflects your brand aesthetic and who you connect with. Not from a recommendation or based on price! Jump on a call with them, look at their behind the scenes if they show any on their social media feed. Get a feel for who they are and how they work. You want to feel comfortable with your chosen photographer and know they will be able to capture the right images to compliment your brand.

So – plan ahead! Don’t rush into it.

If you’re looking to scale your online brand – you will love my Brand Brilliance Blueprint FREE guide!

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