5 Tips On How To Plan A Successful Personal Branding Shoot

A few weeks ago, I was on set with a client (let’s call her Tara) for her personal branding shoot. A successful chef, she owns a thriving restaurant in her hometown. After the shoot wrapped, we opened a bottle of bubbly, and sat down to review her pictures. While selecting the photos she liked, we got around to talking about personal branding.

“You know Vikrant, I never realized just how much planning actually goes into a shoot like this. I thought we would do a few quick photos of me posing in front of the camera, and we’d be done”, she said. “Now that I look at the photos, I realize just how important it was to plan out every detail.”

Her statement reminded me about how planning was really important for any photoshoot. I tell everyone that professional photography is more than just showing up and getting a few good shots—it’s about capturing your story in a way that really resonates with your audience.

In my previous blog about personal branding photography, I explained why it is one of the most powerful marketing tools out there. It helps you stand out from the crowd and creates a perceived value of you within your target audience. It shows your authentic self and inspires trust, so that you don’t miss out on great opportunities.

Plus, branding photography is a great option for those who are looking to launch a business or revamp their existing brand. It is also good for those who want to position themselves as an expert in their field, or for those looking to build / improve their credibility. You’ve invested your time and effort into building a brand that’s as unique as you, and the right kind of branding photos can make a huge difference. And at the heart of all this, is a well-planned shoot.

Over the last two decades, I’ve done many personal branding shoots as an expert branding photographer. And I can tell you this with certainty—there’s a lot that goes into making those photos look authentic and on-brand. From deciding the location to choosing the right outfits, there’s a lot that I plan out for my personal branding clients.

But as you know, it takes two to tango.

While your photographer can plan your shoot based on your vision and inputs, your efforts are equally required to make it a success. Luckily, I compiled a list of five essentials that you need to work on, to make sure your personal branding shoot gives you the results you want.

A Clear Vision

The key to having your personal branding shoot work out for you the way you want it, is to have a clear vision about your brand. Start by asking yourself, who are you and how do you want others to see you? Do you want to be known for your leadership abilities, or do you want to be warm and approachable?

Once you’ve figured that out, get more clarity by asking yourself these questions:
What message or story do you want your photos to tell?
Who is your ideal audience, and how do you want them to see you?
What are your brand values, and how can you communicate them visually?
What is your main goal with this photoshoot? (for ex: need fresh headshots, need photos for your website, include photos in marketing materials, build social media presence, get new speaking engagements, etc.)

For Tara’s personal branding shoot, these are the exact questions that I worked on, during her consultation session. After listening to her full story, and learning about what message she wants to convey with her photos, we had much needed clarity to begin planning her shoot. Tara was specific about wanting her photos to be authentic and empowering, and showcase her as a chef, a businesswoman, and a thought leader. She wanted people to see her journey, her passion, and her leadership style. For her moodboard, we added simple, yet thoughtful props that focused on her while keeping the space authentic. This also helped in creating a shot list for her personal branding photoshoot.

The Right Wardrobe

Once the shot list was finalized, Tara and I sat with my professional wardrobe stylist, who guided her on the outfits that she would need for the photoshoot. She explained, “Tara, the kind of outfits you choose to wear can make or break your final photos. Especially for branding shoots like this, you need to pick outfits that complement your brand colors and your messaging. This will help attract your dream clients when they see your photos.”

While Tara had the guidance of my wardrobe stylist, selecting the right wardrobe for your branding shoot is a huge deal. Your outfits need to tell your story and communicate your style to your prospective audience. Here’s a few tips you should keep in mind before your personal branding shoot:

Bring solid colors: I’ve mentioned this time and again: when in doubt, bring the solid colors out! This is mainly because solid colors photograph well, while fancy patterns, large logos, or trendy prints may clash with your overall theme.
Plan for variety: When bringing your own, make sure to get multiple outfits for your photoshoot. These should show off your personality, your professional life, and your unique style.
Stick to your brand colors: When choosing outfits, try to incorporate colors that go with your brand’s visual identity. This helps in maintaining a consistent brand image across all your platforms.

Pro Tip: When choosing outfits, make sure to consider your shoot setting or backdrop. Some outfits photograph well with certain backdrops. For example, a formal outfit is better suited to a boardroom or a casual outdoor setting, while a flowy dress is perfect for a garden backdrop.

Professional Hair and Makeup

When Tara approached me for her branding shoot, she was unsure of what look would be better for her. During the consultation, my HMUA and I suggested that she go for a natural, glowing look. This was in line with her brand image and the style of shoot she was opting for.

Just like right clothes are important to convey your brand image, looking your best for your photoshoot is equally important. If you’re able to do your own hair & makeup for your branding shoot, that’s perfect! But if you’re someone who would love to get their makeup done professionally, then Vikrant Photography offers professional hair & makeup stylists included in your branding shoot. You’ll have a polished, camera-ready look, and that’s one less thing for you to worry about!

Hiring a professional hair & makeup artist for your personal branding shoot has many benefits. Here’s why they’re worth the investment:

Custom look: You’ll get a look that’s tailored to your photographer’s lighting and photoshoot style. High-definition cameras can highlight imperfections, so a look that’s tailored to your photoshoot will result in great, polished photos.
Confidence boost: Knowing that you look great is a huge confidence boost, and trust me, that can be a game-changer. You get amazing photos where you look your authentic self and relaxed.
On-set touch-ups: Having professional hair & makeup artists on set helps you stay flawless throughout your shoot. They can help with touch-ups where needed, and can quickly change your look if you’re planning on multiple looks/outfits during your photoshoot.

Strategic Locations and Backdrops

Tara wanted her branding shoot to be in her brand-new kitchen at her restaurant. I felt it was a great place to really show off her personality, and it was a place where she felt the most relaxed and confident. I suggested we could do some shots at the restaurant, and some at my studio to get better photos that she could use.

Choosing a good shoot location is equally important—the setting you choose can really make or break your branding photos. Pick a location that aligns well with your personal brand, or that which has meaning to you. The kind of aesthetic you want for your photos will largely depend on what location you choose for your photoshoot. Depending on your brand’s needs, here’s what you can choose from:

Studio: Perfect for creating a clean, simple look that focuses on you. A studio setting is great for when you need precise lighting and seamless backdrops, and if you’re looking for simple, professional headshots.
On-location: If your brand is associated with a specific place or profession, or if there’s a place that is meaningful to you or your brand, then I’d recommend a shoot on location. This is because it adds authenticity to your brand images.
Outdoor: If your brand has a relaxed vibe, I would recommend shooting outdoors, like at a cafe, park, or an urban street. This will add a casual, approachable vibe and the natural light will have a flattering effect on your photos.

Confidence and Preparation

And at last, the final ingredient for a successful personal branding photoshoot—confidence!

Your attitude and mindset during the photoshoot can be a big factor in the quality of your photos. Being relaxed and well-rested prior to the shoot works wonders for the final photos. Most of my clients are people who haven’t done a professional shoot, so to add a personal touch, I begin my sessions by playing their favorite music so that they ease into the photoshoot.

But being prepared is also a key factor here. Here are a few tips on how you can be better prepared for your photoshoot:

Practice posing: It helps to know a few standard, relaxing poses before going in front of the camera. I would advise spending some time in front of a mirror, practicing poses and understanding your facial expressions. To make sure you feel comfortable in front of the camera, try to find your best angles.
Rest and hydrate: A well-rested body is as important as being confident. Get plenty of sleep (at least 7-8 hours) the night before your shoot, to avoid looking puffy in your photos. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to keep looking your best in the shoot.
Relax and enjoy: And finally, relax! Trust your photographer, they will guide you through the process! You’ll get the best photos when you feel comfortable, and are enjoying the experience.

That’s it! With these tips, you’ll be able to get stunning images that capture your personal brand well, and help you get your dream client!

Ready to tell your story through powerful visuals? Book your personal branding session with Vikrant Photography today or explore my portfolio for some inspiration on branding shoots!

A Clear Vision

The Right Wardrobe

Professional Hair and Makeup

Strategic Locations and Backdrops

Confidence and Preparation

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