I love supporting creatives on their entrepreneurial journey whether it’s with my coaching or courses, creating art for an inspiring workspace, or doing personal brand photo shoots to elevate their online presence.
I’ve been quiet about photo shoots during Corona – basically because photo shoots were all on hold! Now that things are opening up and I’m fully vaccinated, I’m starting to offer a few sessions again starting with Minis in May!
For some people a photo shoot can be overwhelming – especially if it’s your first time so I’m sharing these tips to help you plan and prepare – whether it’s with me or another photographer.
1 – Have A Purpose
Don’t get me wrong, a photo shoot can definitely be fun (I’m a bit biased) but that’s not the reason to have one! Nor is just because you see other entrepreneurs doing it.
When you’re deciding to have a photo shoot, know the reason WHY. What’s the plan for the images? What’s the purpose? A photo shoot is both an investment in time and money so we don’t want to be wasting either!
Examples can include:
- Need a new headshot and social media profile pic
- New images for content creation (social media posts, blog posts)
- Launching a new program or course – sales page
- Starting a podcast
- Rebrand of your website, blog
Do you need only a few images or many to get you through the year? This will help determine what type of session is right for you – a full session or mini session. Some photographers offer both but many will have pop up mini sessions during certain times of the year. They may not always be an available option. In my case I don’t have mini sessions planned. It’s always a spur of the moment kind of thing. I currently have a few mini session dates in May this year at various locations around they city, but no others planned or scheduled for the rest of the year.
2 – Choose A Photographer
Do your research when choosing a photographer for your personal brand photo shoot. Look through her portfolio to see that her style matches your brand aesthetic. For example if you’re looking for light and airy images but the photographer’s style is more grunge, it’s not a good match. The photographer should also have experience with personal brand photography. If she mainly photographs pets or food, again, not necessarily a good fit.
A lot of people assume if you’re good with your camera you can shoot anything but it’s just not so. There are many different specialties and being proficient in one area doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an expert in another. For me you’ll notice there aren’t any wedding photos in my portfolio! Not my thing!!!
It’s good to get into a convo before the actual shoot so you can see if your personalities mesh and you get all the expectations out on the table.
3 – Location
When deciding on a location it’s good to think about what matches you and your brand aesthetic as well as what’s going to attract your ideal client. It really makes a difference! Years ago when i was deciding on hiring a coach for my own business the images really played a big part in my final decision. One coach was photographed in the mountains and open fields which gave her a down to earth, natural vibe, whereas another one was dressed all fancy in a designer dress with designer accessories, hair all perfect standing in front of the Eiffel Tower. It seemed too stuffy and perfect for me so I went with the mountain girl! Neither is right or wrong but do you see how they will both attract ideal clients and repel others?
4 – Wardrobe
This is always a question – what to wear on a photo shoot? First and foremost be YOU. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and you’re also comfortable wearing. If you wear clothes that you wouldn’t normally wear it’ll show through on the images. It’ll seem inauthentic and there will be a disconnect..
Dressing in layers is a good way to mix and match to create different looks or bring along extra items to swap out. Make sure everything is clean and ironed (unless grunge is your style! 🙂 )
5 – Props
Props aren’t required but it’s a good idea to have something in a few shots. It gives your hands something to do! Again, the props are there to help support whatever story it is you’re telling Suggested props could be a phone, laptop, glasses, hat, pen, journal, crystals, candles, flowers – anything as long it’s authentic to you.
I did a Facebook Live on this topic so if you prefer to watch the video version you can go here.
If you have any questions about a photo shoot, please let me know in the comments and when you’re ready to uplevel your biz, you can check out my full sessions or the few mini session going on in May.
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