The Ultimate Guide to Personal Brand Photography | Denver Branding Photographer, Underexposed®
Creating a "Personal Brand," and therefore personal brand photography, has become an essential tool for entrepreneurs, influencers, small business owners, professionals, experts, speakers, and more. Creating a personal brand helps you establish yourself as an expert, stand out in a crowded marketplace, attract and connect with your audience on a deeper level, and build trust so, typically, you can promote your offer -- whether that be a service, product, digital product, event, book, etc. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your brand, this ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know about personal brand photography.
What is a Personal Brand?
“Your personal brand is a culmination of the experiences, skills and values that differentiate you” (Sprout Social).
The Personal Brand concept has recently grown in the idea that each individual, not just businesses and organizations, can establish their own “brand” that defines and promotes who they are, their values and what they stand for, as well as their skills, background, and expertise. SpoutSocial states that, “For social media influencers, freelancers and keynote speakers, building an effective personal brand is part of ‘selling’ themselves to clients. For everyday people, a personal brand improves confidence, opens the door to new opportunities and helps you better understand yourself.”
What is Personal Brand Photography?
Personal brand photography is a collection of professional images that visually represent you, your brand, and your business, designed to appeal to and speak to your specific audience. Personal brand photography can include headshots, lifestyle shots, action shots, behind-the-scenes images, promotional images, and more. The goal is to create a cohesive visual story that communicates who you are, what you do, and what you stand for.
Why is Personal Brand Photography Important?
First Impressions Matter: High-quality photos make a strong first impression, showing potential clients that you are professional and serious about your brand.
Builds Trust: Authentic images of you and your work build trust with your audience, making them more likely to engage and convert.
Enhances Your Online Presence: Great photos can enhance your website, social media profiles, and marketing materials, making them more engaging and effective -- and personally what I believe will make or break your marketing.
Differentiates You from Competitors: Unique, well-crafted images set you apart from competitors, especially those who rely on stock photos, iphone selfies, or low-quality visuals.
How is Personal Brand Photography Different Than Headshots?
Personal Brand Photography can also include professional headshots. However, a typical Headshot Photography Session only includes a few basic headshot images that only showcase professionalism. Personal Brand Photography on the other hand dives much deeper into strategy and design to understand your specific brand, audience, and marketing needs to design images that will help set you apart and relay the right message to your specific audience.
Logistically, a typical headshots photography session will usually include a 15-minute to 1-hour session with 1-5 final, professionally edited or retouched images, depending on the photographer you work with. In contrast, a personal brand photography session can range from 1-hour to various full-day photoshoots depending on the project scope, marketing needs, location and outfits/materials, etc. with image packages to review all images and select the final images to be edited and delivered. (All photography packages are structured differently, so be sure to know what you need in order to find the right package to fit you.)
How to Find a Personal Brand Photographer Near Me
Finding a personal brand photographer who aligns with your style, vision, and package needs is essential for getting the best ROI (return on investment) on creating compelling, on-brand images that represent your brand effectively and become your marketing assets. I always recommend asking for referrals if you know someone else who has worked with a personal brand photographer and had a great experience and images you like. You can also search online using keywords such as "personal brand photographer near me" or "personal branding photography [your location]." This will provide you with a list of local professionals.
Next, explore their portfolios to assess their style, the quality of their work, and their photography package options to help you narrow down options. I highly recommend looking for photographers who specialize in personal brand photography or branding photography, to ensure they understand marketing and branding, as well as the process to design the session around your specific brand. Additionally, consider reading reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their experience.
Once you've narrowed down to your top options, reach out to them and set up a time to meet with them. Personality match and gut-feelings are always going to help you make the ultimate decision for which personal brand photographer to hire.
Too many photographers treat Branding photography sessions as just another portrait session, which will not be a good investment for you, even if you think you can "save some money" by hiring them. It's important to invest in a specialized, professional brand photographer.
To learn more about the most common mistakes I see most "branding" photographers make to help you avoid a bad shoot and poor investment, check out my other blog post, Avoid These Top 5 Mistakes in Branding Photography.
How to Design a Successful Personal Brand Photography Session
1. Define Your Brand
Before you book a photographer, you need to have a clear understanding of your brand and your key brand elements. Ask yourself:
What are my brand values?
Who is my target audience?
What message do I want to convey?
What are the key elements of my visual identity (e.g., colors, style, mood)?
What am I promoting/selling?
2. Consult with Your Photographer
A great personal brand photographer should walk you through the process of designing your personal brand photography session. This might include a questionnaire, consultation, or even in-person meeting to understand your brand and design your session to fit your needs. During this process, they should help you determine the best location(s), image ideas, outfit and prop recommendations, and officially booking your session date and time for your personal brand photography session.
3. Create Your Shot List
Work with your photographer, as well as your website designer, marketing agency, business coach, etc. if you have them, to plan out the specific shots you need to effectively market your brand and offers and fulfill your content needs. Consider the following:
Headshots: Essential for profile pictures, speaking engagements, about pages, and media features, etc.
Lifestyle Shots: Capture you in your element, whether it's working, speaking, or spending time with family to give your audience a sense of your personality, vibe, expertise, etc.
Action Shots: Show you in-action, doing what you do best -- especially to specifically promote the services you offer.
Behind-the-Scenes: Give your audience a sneak peek into your process and daily life -- these are ideal for social media content to build connection with your audience.
To help you do this, download my Free Branding Photography Checklist here to help you understand the types of photos you need to effectively market your business, why they matter, and how they help increase your revenue!
4. Choose Your Outfits & Props
The outfits, accessories, and vibe you choose should reflect your brand's personality and appeal to your target audience, not to mention be "on-brand" to either match or compliment your specific brand colors. In addition, choose specific props that both are significant to your work or brand, such as laptops, notebooks, books, or products you sell, as well as offer more insight into your personality.
5. Be Intentional with Your Location(s)
The location of your personal brand photography shoot can significantly impact the vibe, tone, quality, and fit to creating the right brand images. Choose location(s) that are relevant to your brand, fit the tone and vibe, and will help to create professional, high-quality images.
For more detailed tips for designing a successful personal brand photography shoot, check out my other blog post: Tips for a Successful Branding Photoshoot.
How to Prepare for Your Personal Brand Photography Session
Once you've designed all the details for your personal brand photography session, now you just have to prepare for the photoshoot day! But how?
Personally preparing for any photoshoot can feel stressful and nerve-wracking. But, to help you best prepare for the big day, I've outlined step-by-step my best tips to help you, not only prepare, but feel and look the best to be in front of the camera. From hair and makeup grooming tips, to hydrating and self-care, and day-of to-dos and not-to-dos, my other blog post will help you best prepare for your personal brand photography session: How to Prepare for Your Brand Photography Session.
Ready to Book Your Personal Brand Photography Session?
If you’re ready to book a photography session, let’s chat!
I have had the honor to travel to and had clients fly to work with me from Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles, Iowa, Florida, Canada, Finland, and more!
Whether you’re near Denver, Colorado, traveling in, or interested in flying me in, I’d love to chat with you!
The best way to do a shoot — make a Mini Business Retreat out of it!
My out-of-state/country clients will take a weekend or few days to fly into Denver, have their photoshoot, and spend an extra day workshopping their business making the trip into a business retreat! (Plus, it’s a write off!)
I have a professional Hair & Makeup Artist and location recommendations to design your Personal Brand Photography Session. In addition, before your session, I send you a questionnaire to design your session and we book a Zoom consultation call to discuss wardrobe and prop options, details for your shoot, and answer any questions you have.
Closing Notes
Personal brand photography is a powerful tool for building your personal brand, connecting and standing out with your audience, and promoting your expertise and offers. By following this ultimate guide, you can prepare for a successful Personal brand photography session and create high-quality marketing assets that strategically promote you and your brand and give you ROI.
Underexposed® is proud to be an LGBTQ Ally and Foster Friendly Business, so all identities, cultures, abilities & genders are welcome and supported.
Start designing your Personal Brand Photography session today!
