How to Prepare for a Personal Branding Photoshoot Like a Pro (And Why It Matters)

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Showing up to a client meeting or even creating your magazine-worthy website will boost your personal brand and have an unforgettable impact. You'll give off a professional and legit vibe from the start, unlike those shoddy DIY shots, and you'll stand out from your competitors.

Rosie Parsons Photography

However, were you thinking maybe booking a , forgetting about it until day and hoping for the best? Think again!

Preparation beforehand is just as important as the skills of a photographer, and I say that as a professional photographer. So here's how to succeed to get the most out of your investment.

Related: Want a Billion Dollar Brand? Invest in quality photography.

1. Reconnect with your brand

You can't afford to invest in a personal branding photoshoot without first clearly defining your brand's purpose.

How do you want to introduce yourself? What are your values? How would you describe your brand in three words?

This should be the first step, as it will also influence most of the following steps.

Warning: This isn't just for yourself. Your photographer will need to know all of this so they can shoot your photos in a way that truly represents your one-of-a-kind brand.

For example, to help you look powerful and confident, I would take your photos slightly below, as it inspires an air of authority. Friendly and accessible? Then I'd go for the same height so you're on the same level as your audience (literally).

Related: Your Most Burning Personal Branding Questions Answered

2. Be clear about the purpose of the shoot and prepare a shot list

If you're anything like most of my camera-shy clients, I bet your brain has already imagined a series of worst-case scenarios for this shoot. Whether it's having lettuce in your teeth or suddenly forgetting to smile, most of them are actually extremely easy fixes.

I'll tell you the real tragedy: Investing in a photo shoot, then realizing you forgot the specific photo you needed for this new campaign. Ouch!

So do some proper brainstorming and figure out exactly what type of images you need:

Where are you going to use them specifically? Will you need to add text to some of them? (This will influence background, pose and orientation) Are you looking for versatile photos with a monochrome background or trying to tell a story through lifestyle and work photos? What poses and expressions would complement your written copy? Should this specific shot be landscape or portrait?

Basically, don't leave it on "I need new photos". Compile a detailed plan list to avoid this dreadful initial scenario.

Related: Making the Most of Your Brand Identity Design

3. Choose the right outfits and colors

I always tell my clients to bring eight or nine outfits so they can get a variety of looks and avoid a repetitive feeling. But not just any outfits:

Choose clothes that include your brand colors and would stand out against your favorite background. Wear what you would meet your ideal clients in. After all, your photos will meet them practically 24/7. Go for solid colors for more versatile photos, and choose bold prints over small details that wouldn't really show on camera. Avoid the...