How to Plan for a Personal Brand Photo Shoot

by Alanna Fairey

Most of my early career has been spent on a set. 

Whether it was for Fashion Week, magazine editorial shoots or fashion campaigns for different brands, I became very comfortable on a set, and loved being a creative director. Once I knew what the vision and goal of the shoot were, the photo shoot just felt effortless. 

And these days, more and more of our clients are asking for Brand of a Leader’s help guiding them for their upcoming personal brand photo shoots. 

And I personally love seeing our clients thinking more and more about this. 

If you’ve never done a personal brand photo shoot before and feel like a chicken with its head cut off trying to plan one, fret not. I’ve got a 10-step guide to help you out! 

1. Define Your Brand

Think the first step of this process is to book a photographer? Guess again. The first step is to have a conversation with yourself before you have one with another person. Why? Because you  need to have a clear understanding of your personal brand so it doesn’t get lost in your shoot. 

Having trouble getting a conversation with yourself going (Can’t say I blame you for that one!)? Consider the following questions:

• What are your core values?
• Who is your target audience?
• What message do you want to convey about yourself?
• What makes you unique?

Having a solid grasp of your brand identity will help you and your photographer capture images that authentically represent you.

2. Set Clear Goals

You need to keep asking yourself this one question: what do you hope to achieve with your brand photos? Maybe you need professional headshots for your website, ‘plandid’ shots for social media, or images that tell a story about your business. Defining your goals will guide the shoot and help you get the shots you need.

3. Choose the Right Photographer

Choosing the right photographer is like choosing the right person to marry: if you choose wrong, it will be a disaster. Maybe in this case it’s less melodramatic, but you should look for someone with experience in personal brand photography. Review their portfolio to see if their style aligns with your brand, and don’t be afraid to say no. If you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation to discuss your ideas and see if you have good chemistry.

4. Plan Your Outfits

This is my time to shine! As I have always said, your clothes should say who you are without you having to say anything. Choose outfits that make you feel confident and represent the image you want to project. Consider:

• Colors that match your brand palette.
• Different styles that suit various aspects of your brand (I have the rule of three: Business casual, smart casual and “elevated” casual. A bonus look: formal, depending on the brand identity).
• Accessories that add interest without being distracting.

Didn’t know there was a difference between business casual and smart business? Want to know the difference? Hit me up, and we can shop together! 

5. Select Locations

The setting of your photos is just as important as your outfits. Think about locations that complement your brand. This could be your office, a cozy café, an outdoor space, or a studio with a minimalist background. 

6. Prepare Props

Props can add depth to your photos and help tell your brand story. Think about items that are relevant to your brand and incorporate them into your shoot. For example, if you’re a writer, you might include a laptop, journal or a favourite book. If you’re a CEO of a tech company, consider incorporating some of your prototypes.

7. Create a Shot List

A shot list is a detailed plan of the specific images you want to capture and will help you make the most of your time with your photographer. This can include anything from types of poses, headshots or even video shots you want to get. Discuss this list with your photographer ahead of time so they can prepare and understand your vision.

8. Schedule the Shoot

Coordinate with your photographer to choose a date and time. Consider factors like natural lighting if you’re shooting outdoors or in a space with lots of windows (trust me, you don’t want to get rained on). Allow enough time for outfit changes and travel between locations, depending on the shoot.

9. Prepare for the Day

On the day of the shoot, make sure you’re well-rested and have everything you need. Bring a touch-up kit for makeup and hair, as well as any props and outfit changes. I always bring a sewing kit and a steamer to set (no missing buttons or wrinkled clothes on my watch!). If you’re anticipating a longer shoot, make sure you have bottled water and some snacks nearby to keep your energy up. My last piece of advice: try to arrive at least 15 minutes early to prep. 

10. Have Fun! 

Personal brand photo shoots don’t have to be intimidating. Relax, enjoy the process, and trust your photographer. The more comfortable and confident you feel, the better your photos will turn out.

If you have a personal brand photo shoot coming up and want to talk through any of the above, let’s hop on a call! 

Alanna Fairey is a Client Engagement Specialist at Brand of a Leader. She has a diverse background in fashion communications, branding, and writing.