So. You’ve booked your personal branding photoshoot. Or maybe you’re still on the fence because you’re unsure what to expect.


You know what? I get it. Preparing for a shoot, or even thinking about booking one, can feel overwhelming. What should you wear? What do you need to bring? Having all that attention on you can feel pretty daunting.


But here’s the good news. What you’re feeling is completely normal, and plenty of my clients have been through the same thing. The key is in the preparation because being ready can take your experience from frightening to fun. 


Let’s dive into tips and tricks that will calm those nerves and help you get the best out of your shoot. 

A book titled 'The Diary of a CEO' sits on a white plate next to pink flowers in a simple vase and coffee cup.
A reader sits comfortably against a brick wall holding a book titled 'The Diary of a CEO' while wearing a pink sweater and jeans.
A hand holding a white pen writing in a notebook with soft pink flowers in the background.

Before Your Photoshoot


First, let’s look at what you can do before the big day to prepare.


What Are Your Goals?

Before your photoshoot, it’s important to double down on what you want out of the experience. The answers to these questions below will guide us in everything from outfit choices to location, and from lighting to props. Ask yourself:


What will the images be for?

Are they for social media content? New marketing materials? Or perhaps you’re completely rebranding and need a fresh look. Understanding the purpose of the images will help us work together to achieve the right shots. 


What message do you want to convey?

Do you want to come across as professional and corporate, or creative and approachable? What is your brand about?


Who is your target audience?

Who will be seeing these images? We want to connect with the people you’re keen to reach, whether that’s potential clients, collaborators or industry peers. 


What Is Your Brand Identity?

I've said it before, and I’ll say it again - personal branding photos aren’t just pretty pictures. Through clever storytelling, your images will connect with your target audience, evoking emotion and nudging them into action. Having a good handle on your brand identity will help us shape your story and perfect the visual messaging. 


  • What are your brand values? Is your business all about innovation and creativity? Reliability and attention to detail? Maybe you’re also focused on sustainability and green credentials. Putting a name to your values will help us to communicate them visually.
  • What is your unique selling proposition?
  • Your USP is what makes you you. Why and how are you different? We want to bring these details to the forefront and make sure your images stand out from the crowd.
  • What is the overall aesthetic and tone of your brand?


Colourful and creative or minimalist and modern? Natural hues or vibrant tones? We will tailor our shoot to ensure your photos match your brand’s vibe. 

Person wearing floral kimono-style top sitting with head bowed and hand raised against blurred garden background.
Wedding detail flatlay with jewelry, prayer beads, and accessories on dark background.
Woman in floral kimono practicing yoga with raised arms against garden backdrop with stone statue.
Healing crystals and stones displayed on a rustic wooden tray with elegant selenite disc and turquoise stones.
Meditation bowls and spiritual objects arranged on a gray cloth with amber bottles and turquoise accents.
A person in a striped floral blouse smiles while holding and opening a ceramic or stone vessel.
Beautiful wooden concert harp and meditation singing bowls in a bright yoga studio with purple mats on hardwood floor.
Musician in a floral striped blouse performs on a wooden concert harp against a white wall with moon phase art.

Get To Know Me


Who you work with plays a huge part in preparing for a personal branding photoshoot.  And hopefully, that’s me!


Forming a rapport with your photographer will help ease nerves on the day. Building a connection, and feeling comfortable and understood, makes a big difference in the final images. 


Before our shoot, I’ll take time to get to know you and understand your goals. We’ll run through what you want to get out of your shoot and any concerns that are bubbling away. By the end of our chat, I’ll have a really clear picture - pun intended - of what you want to achieve and how I can deliver it. 



A person in a black top and zebra print skirt arranges pink and white flowers in a vase against an arched doorway.
Woman in white dress holding a large bouquet of fresh white daisies against a neutral background.
A polka dot dress with sunglasses and white wildflowers in a summer garden setting.

Planning Your Personal Branding Photoshoot


Setting some time aside to plan elements of your shoot will leave you feeling content and prepared.


Outfits

Choose outfits that reflect your brand identity and make you feel good. Bring a few options with you so that we can play around with capturing different sides of your personality. 


Location And Props

What will your shoot location say about your brand? Consider any props you’d like to include, too that will help to tell your brand story.


Hair And Makeup

Some people love to have their hair and make-up done professionally, whereas others prefer to look the way they do in real life. And it’s completely up to you. 


If you’re doing your own, practice beforehand to make sure you're happy with the look. It’s better to opt for a natural look and enhance your features unless a bold make-up style is part of your aesthetic!

A person wearing a black winter coat and carrying a handbag smiles while walking on a path during autumn.
Fashionable figure walking on stone path wearing black coat, beige pants and casual sandals while carrying brown handbag.
Modern fashion portrait of a person wearing a black coat, dark top and beige pants against a white urban background.

Preparing Yourself Mentally

Let’s be honest. Being in front of a camera is daunting, no matter how much of a pro you are. Here’s how you can set yourself up for a great shoot.


Preparing mentally is as important as deciding on outfits and planning the journey to the shoot. 


Get Organised

Plan your journey and set out your outfits and props the night before your shoot. Running around the house like a headless chicken will not help you relax into our session! 


Think Happy Thoughts

Visualise yourself feeling calm and natural in front of the camera. I’ll explain how our shoot will work in our initial chat so you know what to expect, and I know we’ll get you the brand imagery of your dreams. A positive and enjoyable experience awaits! 


Plenty Of Rest

Now, now. No late-night Netflix binges or doom-scrolling! A good night's sleep goes a long way for a successful shoot. (That goes for me, too!).

A three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with pressed dried flowers in muted autumn colors sits on a wooden table.
Someone in a white blouse and jeans stands at a counter displaying multiple small desserts on a wooden serving board.
Someone writes on paper with laptop and wooden cutting board with small baked goods visible on table.
Professional indoor portrait showing a person wearing a houndstooth blazer over light top and jeans against textured walls.

On The Day Of The Photoshoot


It’s shoot day! How exciting! You’ve probably got some nervous tummy feelings going on, and that’s okay. Remember to…


Arrive On Time

We all know it. Running late adds stress; it’s impossible to relax when your adrenaline and cortisol levels are sky-high. Prepare to arrive a little early so that you can take your time, get comfortable, have a cuppa and pace the experience.


Communicate

This is your photoshoot. Don’t hesitate to speak up; it will help us get the best out of the session. Feeling nervous? Let me know - we’ll take things at your pace. Have something specific in mind? Tell me, and let’s get creative!


I’ll guide you through the shoot, and we can take breaks as often as you need. We’ll work together to create photos you absolutely love. 


Relax And Enjoy The Experience

Remember - this is not about perfection. We’re focusing on capturing you in all your brilliant authenticity. That is what makes you, you, and that’s what your audience will connect with (and buy from!). 

 

Have fun, and let your personality shine through. You won’t regret it. 

Person in striped sweater reads a book at dark table with art supplies and coffee cup nearby.
A person in a striped sweater writes in a notebook while sitting at a table with coffee and treats.
Someone arranges art pencils in a decorative white owl mug next to art supplies and a floral teacup on dark surface.

Being Prepared = Better Personal Branding Photos!


It’s simple. Knowing what you want, a good night's sleep, and a healthy dose of PMA (positive mental attitude) can work wonders. Getting prepared reduces anxiety and enhances confidence, setting yourself up for fun, connection and incredible visuals.


Ready to create photos that tell your story? Working with a photographer who you connect with is key. Get in touch, and let's create visuals that show the world who you are and what you stand for.