Personal Branding Photoshoot Ideas: the ultimate guide

What you really need in your personal brand photos

When it comes to personal branding sessions, it’s important to think strategically and creatively about the types of images you will need. Generally speaking, as much as I love a good headshot, variety in your images is most important because that is what will give you the most flexibility in the long run. So, let’s talk about the different types of images we can create during your session and how they can be of potential use for you. When you schedule your session with me, I’ll ask for a brief of your required shot list and give you my personal branding photoshoot ideas catered to your own individual needs. But, below is my go-to guide for the types of images to consider.

6 ideas for images to include in a branding photoshoot

• Headshots – the LBD of branding photos

Headshots are the typical images most people think of when they think of professional portraits. They are often used as professional profile images, on corporate websites, or as bio images. Headshots are typically shot in a portrait orientation from the waist up; your background setting is not of significance or importance here. They will be the most formal images you will take with me, but they will not make up the bulk of our time together. 

• Environmental Portraits

If headshots are the “school uniform,” then consider environmental portraits the “free dress days.” While still showcasing only you, there is more sense of movement and interaction with your surroundings. Where headshots feel more formal and posed, environmental portraits can feature a full-length you in a setting appropriate for your brand. The setting is a featured element in helping to tell this part of your brand story. Environmental portraits are a great option for use on an About Me page (see my own) or as part of your social media strategy.  

• Dynamic Action Shots   

Think of dynamic images as the “verbs” of your brand story. These are the photos in the shot list that show you doing your work or practicing your craft. Are you a florist? Let’s showcase you designing and creating a beautiful arrangement. Auto mechanic? This is where you show us working on a client’s car. Veterinarian? Show us how you care for your sweet animal patients! These are your verbs. This is you doing. Dynamic action shots showcase your work/craft explicitly so that your clients know exactly what you do   

• Candid Branding Photos

Consider candids the point where you get to highlight the most of your own personality. Candid images allow for a more stylistic approach that incorporates your environment, your own style choices, and appropriate props. And, true to myself, I’m always advocating for the inclusion of pets here! The focus of including candid images in your brand story is to invoke an emotional response from your audience, to help establish a more personal connection. 

• Branding Details  

Detail images are exactly what they sound like. Stills of the small aspects of your craft, products, workspace, or tools that help to fill in the gaps of your own brand’s story. In terms of personal branding photos…whether on your website, social media, or print marketing collateral…detail images offer your audience’s eye a brief chance to rest and absorb what you are sharing with them. 

• Behind the Scenes

I think almost everyone loves a good BTS still or video. This is an informal opportunity to show your process, exactly how you do what you do. It’s a way for clients to preview the experience they can expect to have with you as well. Behind the scenes images can showcase you crafting your products, working with clients, finessing packaging, preparing your workspace. We are only limited by what you’re willing to share of yourself. Remember: when things about personal branding photoshoot ideas, this is the one where you get to show a sneak peek at the method to your own madness.

3 uses to consider for marketing & web design during your branding photo session

• Website Header/Banner Images

Website header or banner images are typically long and narrow, and require room for branding text. So, whether you envision using a full width image with an overlay of text or would rather pair and image with color blocking; you must consider how this will be laid out ahead of time. Because of the elongated horizontal sizing, you will likely want to consider an image that is more zoomed in if using color blocking. If considering a full-width image for your layout, you will need an image that is more zoomed out. 

• Use of Negative Space

Playing with negative space can be a fun and unexpected way to allow for the layering of additional text or branding elements. Think of these types of images as a creative opportunity to engage your audience. Whether this is through use in a launch, product/offer announcement, or even a contest…negative space gives you flexibility. 

• Landscape vs Portrait Orientation

Consider your website or marketing collateral layout. Are you relying primarily on horizontal or vertical image layouts? As a photographer, this is exceptionally important information to have so I can plan accordingly. Similarly, if our brand shoot will be used primarily for social media, then I will know that portrait oriented images are the priority. Just don’t forget to communicate your needs!

Your branding photoshoot ideas are attainable!

That’s all of it – my ultimate guide to personal branding photoshoot ideas. Ultimately, you and your hard work are the stars of the show. With this list of ideas in mind, we can create a complete and unique story that fully displays all you do. My job is just to find creative and beautiful ways to showcase all that talent!