Even though I have been a Personal Branding Portrait Photographer for a while, my own portraits were pretty much nonexistent and uninspired. I preach to my entrepreneur clients that unless the photo of you is fabulous, don’t even bother posting it. Each photo you put out there contributes to the image of you and your business.
So finally I commissioned my own portrait session – whoohoo!
How does the branding photographer organize her own session? I simply followed the process that I apply with my clients. These simple steps assured a fun/stress free, successful experience that was a great investment + resulted in a good number of images that I SIMPLY ADORE for my own personal branding portrait session.
When you don’t know where to start when it comes to Personal Branding Portraits, this can guide you. But also know that when you hire a great photographer, like me ;), I am going to help you walk through every part of the process so you have fabulous photo’s and a great experience!
Here’s How I Planned My Personal Branding Portrait Session:
First and Foremost, I hired an amazing photographer for my personal branding portrait session
Nadine Rovner is a longtime friend, and someone who’s style I am in alignment with. I knew that I could trust her with minimal input on my part. She suggested fantastic locations that matched the vibe of who I am.
Second, I had clarity around my branding message
Thanks to Aleksandra Lacka, the branding guru and marketing strategist, who prepared my branding dossier a while ago.
I narrowed down my shoot ideas to three main ones, and focused on those. I worked with ‘adventurous/ high fashion/ working photographer’ as my key words for my personal branding portraits. My outfits and props were matched up with the location and reflected the vibe I wanted to project.
Third, I commissioned a professional makeup and hair stylist for my personal branding portraits
I can’t stress the importance of this step enough. Your face reflects the light in a completely perfect way- when it is done right. The artist (senior stylist from Beke Beau) worked on my face for nearly an hour, and when she was done, I was amazed- I still looked very much like ‘me’, but a much better version! My skin was glorious, and my hair was fabulous- I felt confident and happy, and did not have too fuss with anything myself.
Fourth, I had a clear plan for the day, specific locations & times and organized transportation between the places
Including the order of places to visit according to the quality of day-light. It’s important to not waste time and the best light during disorganized transit.
Fifth, The fun part – I went shopping for clothes for my personal branding portraits
Hello lots-of-magenta pink! And thank you Rent the Runway for allowing me to wear a gorgeous gold Badgley Mischka dress for a day! Well thought out clothing choices (branding colors!) and props are super important to get great personal branding photos. Props bring flavor into a scene, and they’re great to interact with or even use for a mini still life images, useful to have in an archive of photos. It’s also super important to try everything on, and iron out all the potential glitches before the shoot (strapless bras, body tape, etc). And I got a manicure- hands are important!
Finally, I also hired a videographer
Since I was looking my best, and basking in a beautiful light on fun locations, why not have the motion picture as well!
@jiinahn is a true artist whose aesthetics also match mine. She captured some amazing raw footage and some behind the scenes that I can now use in my business to help customers understand what the process of working with me is like “behind the scenes! Checkout her work here she’s amazing! –>> http://www.jiinahn.com/
My most important, final message is ‘don’t wait for perfection to happen’ and stop saying you are not ready for personal branding portrait’s. I literally pulled off this entire plan in less than 2 weeks. Yes- my ideal Pinterest plan for my session involved some majestic taxidermy headdress, and wild horses but honestly life is now, so I had to make the best of what I had at hand. And I am so glad I did! I have been enthusiastically using my new pics in a few marketing pieces- that has already resulted in my Personal Branding Portrait Sessions sold out till the fall – YAY!
If you are ready to up level your business with personal branding portraits, reach out to me and let’s see if my skills, and your wants match! Personal Branding Portraits are for businesses ready to grow their business and influence, if that sounds like you, let’s talk!
