The Difference Between the Two + How to Prep

In Frisco, Texas, personal branding photography is a relatively new aspect of visual branding, with savvy business owners taking their branding to the next level. With headshots, the focus is simply you from the waist up.

Is a personal branding session right for you?  How do you know if you need a personal branding session? 

You should consider a personal branding session if you:

• own any kind of business.
• are the face of your brand and it is important for people to connect with you.
• wish to take your business to the next level by stepping up your visual branding.
• want your ads to look fresh, polished and professional.

---

Personal Branding: How We Work

BOOKING YOUR PHOTO SESSION

Book your photo session in advance. Especially if you are working towards a specific deadline.Ask your photographer about the time it takes to edit so you know when to expect your images.

The Brainstorming Session

After you’ve set a date for your photo session, we can begin brainstorming ideas. The photos from your personal branding session are very multi-purpose. You can use them for your website, promotional materials, blogs, ads, social media, headers, banners and more. This is why planning and analyzing is so important. Knowing where and how you want to use your images will help us understand whether you’ll require vertical, horizontal or square images for Instagram. If you will want to use text across any of your images, please let us know so that we can plan the image backgrounds accordingly. Commercial Usage can be available for you as well.

Your Brand Description

We ask that you come up with a brief but detailed description of your brand and what it stands for so that we can find ways to bring this across in your images. If there are specific colors that you would like to incorporate, please let us know.

Our goal is to paint the perfect picture of what it is you do, and what sets you apart from your competition. These images will provide an important glimpse into what it would be like to work with you.

PRIOR TO YOUR SESSION

Confirm hair and makeup appointments as well as the address, one week prior to your session. If you will be coloring your hair, this is the time to do it.  Prepare your outfits. Let’s make sure that they’re steamed, pressed and on hangers. Hydrate and get much rest the night before the session.

The Day of the Session

Now it’s all about relaxing and enjoying the experience. We will direct you on how to pose and ensure that you get the best possible shots.  We’ll take a mix of lifestyle images and headshots to give your audience a better view of what you do on a daily basis. We’ll also take some behind the scenes shots for a more personal view of what it’s like to work with you. 

Editing

After the shoot we will spend time sorting through all of the photos, deleting any photos that didn’t work out. Once we’ve done this we will send you the proofs to review. Your proofs will not have been edited so these won’t be the final images. We will get rid of any small imperfections and ensure that the color looks amazing. If you have any specific editing requests, please let us know. 

Selecting Your Images

While our collections do come with a specific number of images, there is always the option to purchase additional shots if you would like to use extra photos. It’s best to choose a good mix of images so that you have a little bit of everything available to you. We are always happy to assist you with this process if need be.

---

Personal Branding: Choosing a Location for Your Session

Before you start considering locations for your session, take the time to think about what your average day looks like. Remember that you want to give potential clients and audience a look at a day in your life so your photos need to tell that story. You may even find that you don’t need to look very hard or far for the perfect location either as your office or backyard might be all you need. Using props to bring your workspace to life is a simple way to create a great setting for your shoot. Consider some of the coffee shops, hotels, studios or co-working spaces in your area for ideas. Always opt for a location with as much natural light as possible as this makes for the best shots.

5 Ways to Use Props In Your Photos

1. Your smile is your best prop, friend! You can use props to bring in your brand colors. Cushions or pillows on a couch or different color files, notebooks or pens are just some examples of how you can incorporate pops of color.  If you’re incorporating any electronics such as your phone or laptop, you could get a cover that matches your brand as a way to feature your brand colors.

2. Personalize your photos. Always, incorporate items that help showcase what you do during the day. A funky planning board is a good example.

3. Your props can also be used to create a connection with your potential client. Showcasing certain books on your desk or coffee table featuring titles that resonate with your audience is one such prop idea. 

4. Add a few personal touches to your workspace to give clients an idea of what you’re all about. Flowers, a camera or a passport (if you love to travel) could work really well for this.

5. Lastly, detail shots such as a close up of your hands typing on your laptop or of your coffee mug next to your laptop are also some popular prop ideas.

---

What to Wear: Choosing the Perfect Wardrobe

Your outfit will make a huge difference to your photos so choose something that suits your personality and your brand.  There is no need to spend a fortune on clothes either. Make sure your clothes suit your body type and fit well. Simpler is better but feel free to add a pop of color to add some personality and flair. Keep your skin tone and hair in mind when choosing an outfit as contrasting colors make for some of the best photos. Want to see what you might look like in photos in a certain outfit? Take a few selfies to decide what works and what doesn’t. 

Tips for the WOMEN 

• Avoid baggy clothing 
• Big hats +accessories are a hit!
• Stay away from clothing with logos and wording
• Wear vibrant colors (yellow, blue, green, pink, fuchsia, purple) 
• Choose the right undergarments

Tips for the MEN

• Avoid wearing any items with logos or wording unless it’s part of your branding
• Your shirt should be fitting. 
• If you are wearing a suit, it should be tailored
• Clothing that’s too big adds weight, so opt for something that’s slightly smaller to avoid the sloppy look
• A tie isn’t necessary but bring one along anyway
• Ensure that your undershirt is not visible

HAIR & MAKEUP

If you really want to make your photos stand out, we suggest you have a professional assist you with your hair and makeup. Opt for a hairstyle that makes you feel like yourself. Don’t try anything new just in case it doesn’t turn out like you want it to.