In this post, I’m explaining what a personal branding photo shoot is and why a personal branding photo shoot is more than just a headshot.
You must have noticed by now that we live in a world where visuals are everything. Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, website, marketing, prints. The first step we take when we browse a new website is going to the about page. I’ve to say, it can be rather disappointing to visit a business website with little information about the person behind it. Another downfall is the overuse of cheesy stock photographs. I’ve recently spoken to a website designer who said he abhors stock photography, and it would be refreshing for business to create their own images for branding.
So what’s the difference between a headshot and personal branding? A headshot is, by definition, a type of photograph that we use on our passports, driving licences, and LinkedIn profiles, but it doesn’t tell much about ourselves, and it makes us look just like one of the same in a crowd of profiles.
Personal branding has a personality attached to it, which means a personal branding portrait tells about yourself, makes you more approachable and elevates your brand it doesn’t stop at portraits, though and can include headshots, portraits, action and details shots telling your business’s story. Personal branding is used in various posts, i.e., social media profiles, prints, brochures, ads, promotions, flyers, business cards, about pages, contact pages, newsletters, magazine features, articles, and even your dating profile. The list is endless! The idea with a personal branding photo shoot is to know you and your brand better, understand your message, what you are trying to communicate and where and how you want to use your images.
It will also require some effort on your side to figure out what your brand’s about and how you want to be portrayed. The request I often receive from clients is, “I want to look approachable but still professional” what does approachable mean to you? Your brand might be better suited for an on-location photo shoot or in a studio. It is all down to you. My aim with a personal branding photo shoot is to make you look incredible and allow you to be yourself, not just a face framed inside a border.
These words by Fredrik Eklund summarise everything about showing yourself in your brand.
“You are your brand. Failure to share yourself openly, honestly, is a costly miscalculation. Who doesn’t want to be around someone who’s comfy in their own skin? On the contrary, who likes hanging around phonies?… Who were you as a carefree six-year-old before the world taught you to play it safe and blend in with everyone else? Find yourself; be yourself; sell yourself.”
– Fredrik Eklund
PS. Is it time to elevate your brand? Personal Branding Sessions are available. Get in touch to learn more
