Personal Branding Preparation Guide

How to Prepare for your Personal Branding Session

Photo of handsome actor with black shirt and gray pants. He's sitting and working on his lines holding the script. Personal branding photography.

Joyful photo of a pretty woman looking up and smiling. She's wearing a black top, long earrings and glasses. She's set on dark backdrop. Charlotte Aucoin Personal Branding Photography.

Product photo of a stylish, handsome black man in dark blue suit with paisley bowtie, floral pocket square, and yellow socks. He's sitting at a table, showing you the patterns of his products. A rack of suits hangs behind him. Charles Davis of A Polished Man during personal branding photo session.

Classy photo of a pretty, smiling woman with pretty wavy salt and pepper hair. She's wearing an aligator print jacket on dark backdrop. Cinnamon McCauley Women's Portrait Photography.

Bright branding photo of a pretty, smiling woman sitting with her elbow resting on her knee and her head rested on her hand. She's wearing a black shirt, jeans and a gold necklace. Myra Ruiz Personal Branding Photography.

Branding photo of a handsome, stylish man sitting. He's wearing a blue suit and tie and nice watch on a dark gray backdrop. Ben Lovelace Personal Branding Photography

Branding photo of a pretty, smiling young woman with brown hair leaning on a box waring a white turtle neck, brown coat and a tan hat. Katie Klaiber Personal Branding Photography.

What to Expect

You may be asking yourself, what is personal branding and how is it different from a traditional headshot?

Headshots

A classic headshot will frame the top of your head to the middle of your chest and sometimes even closer only to include head and shoulders. Headshots are the digital face to face introduction. Many times your headshot will be your first impression. It’s important to make it a good one!

Personal Branding

In comparison, personal branding images can be described as “getting to know you” more in depth than just a “first impression” headshot. These types of images help your audience understand who you are, what you do and who you aim to serve in your business. These types of images are typically considered more lifestyle or editorial in nature.

Our personal branding sessions include both headshot options and personal branding image options that better highlight you in your business.

What to Wear

The biggest question around any portrait session is always:

“What do I wear?”

This will depend on the objective of your images and the tone you want them to have. Are you wanting a more formal, glamorous, playful, lifestyle tone, a mix of the three or something else altogether?

You want your wardrobe to set the tone of your portrait session depending on the context in which it will be used or enjoyed to have the greatest effect. For instance, are you planning to install large wall art in your home? If so, you may want to consider the colors and style of your decor when selecting wardrobe options for your session.

Now that we have considered personality and tone let's go over a few do's and don'ts when selecting your outfits.

Don't:

Don’t wear misfiting clothes; too tight or too baggy.
Don’t wear improper under garments.
Don’t choose anything with bold or distracting patterns (thin stripes for instance).
Don’t wear a color that washes out your skin tone.
Don’t wear accessories that compete or distract the attention from your eyes.
Don’t wing it and hope for the best.
Don’t worry about shoes (if your portraits will be created in the studio); 90% of the time they will not be in your portraits.
Don't wear graphic tees, especially with lettering.

Do:

Select clothing that fits you well.
Select the proper undergarments that are needed for your outfit.
Select textures instead of bold patterns.
Select items that enhance your skin tone and/or eye color.
Select accessories that are understated and help draw attention to your eyes.
Plan for more options than you’d think necessary. This allows us flexibility in case something doesn’t workout as planned.
Send us photos of options you are considering so that she can confirm if they will photograph well and she will add them to your mood board.

Branding photo of a stylish, handsome black man in bright red apron with red socks and bowtie. He is sitting on a box, with his shining tools in front of him and is ready to shine leather shoes. Charles Davis of A Polished Man during personal branding photo session.

Branding photo of a pretty, smiling young woman with blond hair and creme shirt leaning on table. She is sealing a wedding invitation with wax. Personal branding photography session with Printed Water and Alicia Waller.

Bright, professional photo of a pretty, smiling woman with dirtly blonde hair standing with crossed arms. She is wearing earrings and a black sleevless dress set on a cream backdrop. Meredith Dowless Personal Branding Photography.

Classy photo of a pretty, smiling black woman with glasses wearing red lipstick, a black shirt, black necklace and golden earrings. Janice Butler Women's Portrait Photography.

How to Prepare

Expression

If you don’t have your picture taken often then you may not know what expression of yours you like best. We recommend practicing different smiles in the mirror prior to your portrait session; pay attention to your eyes and how they connect to your mouth. This will give you a better idea of what expressions you like best and give you confidence while being directed during your session.

Skin

To ensure your skin is looking its best it is important to moisturize where needed (face, hands, neck, elbows and shoulders) and also to stay well hydrated the week of your portrait session.

Nails

Nails are often overlooked and can be a major distraction in your images. Our recommendation is have them clean and trim at minimum, this includes cuticles.

Ladies, a manicure is not necessary but adding a clear top coat or light/nude color to your nails is a great polished look and can elevate your portraits when/if hands are in the frame.

Hair

Facial hair should be clean/trimmed; this includes eyebrows, nose hairs and rouge whickers. Any hair you don’t want in your images should be removed.

Men, if you are in need of a haircut be sure to schedule one before your session and that your hair is styled to your liking for your session.

Ladies, if you are in need of a cut or color be sure to schedule a salon visit before your session.

Branding photo of a handsome, stylish man standing. He's wearing a blue suit and tie and nice watch on a dark gray backdrop. Ben Lovelace Personal Branding Photography

Classy photo of pretty black woman smiling. She's wearing a brown, textured head covering and a white shirt on tan backdrop. Audra Odom Women's Portrait Photography.

Classy photo of a pretty, smiling black woman with glasses wearing a bright red shirt, black necklace and golden earrings. She's wearing red lipstick and red nails. Janice Butler Women's Portrait Photography.

Bright photo of a pretty woman sitting and leaning on a box, her hand up as she touches her neck. She is wearing a black shirt with golden earrings, necklace and a bracelet. Myra Ruiz Personal Branding Photography.

Sharp photo of a handsome man in a blue suit, white shirt and blue tie with a salt and pepper beard. He's buttoning his suit jacket and looking serious. Donald Aucoin personal branding photography.

Branding photo of a smiling pretty young woman with blond hair and cream tulle leaning on table working on laptop. Personal branding photography session with Printed Water and Alicia Waller.

Photo of handsome actor with white shirt sitting and smiling with hand close to face. Personal branding photography.

Sharp photo of smiling Guy Furay with curly brown hair in a blue pinstripe suite, white shirt and bright green tie. He's casually leaning on a chair. Guy Furay Personal Branding Photography.

Professional photo of a pretty, smiling young woman with dirty blonde hair and red lipstick. She's wearing a green dress while sitting on a stool with legs crossed, arms resting on her legs and chin resting on her fist. Meredith Dowless Personal Branding Photography.

Classy professional photo of a woman with long dark brown hair. She is wearing a red shirt, a pearl necklace, earrings and red lipstick. She is holding her arm with one hand and leaning on the other.

Conclusion

Following these guidelines will ensure you are properly prepared for your headshot session. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out before your session.