How To Add Personality To Your Personal Branding Photoshoot

Are you looking to add personality to your marketing images, but are also the person that isn’t a fan of having your photo taken?

Yeah, you’re not alone. Most entrepreneurs would much rather service their clients than step in front of a camera any day of the week.

However, having brand images that showcase your personality will build trust. These images will help them know 100% that you are the person they want to work with and have them anxious to hire you.

So, how do you go about adding your personality to your next branding shoot? Here I’m sharing 4 easy steps you can take to help you create images that are unique to you and help you scale online:

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Step #1: Determine Your Personality Traits

Who are you? No really, if you had to describe your personality in 3-5 words, what would they be? Adventurous? Fun, Entertaining, Organized, Knowledgeable, may even Glamourous? How about vibrant?

Not sure what words are the right ones to use? ASK! Seriously, ask your closest friend or your favorite client. See what words they use. I literally did this a few years ago and was shocked at how many people came back calling me bubbly. I would have never thought to describe myself as bubbly!

So really, whether you can describe yourself or not, have fun and ask around!

Once you have 3-5 words, you have the foundation for the emotion you want your images to portray. Use these words as a guide to creating Step 2:

Step #2: Create A Visual Inspiration Board

Pinterest by far is my favorite resource to use when strategizing my clients’ personal brand photoshoots. In fact, I create one with nearly every client I work with.

It’s easy to create a secret board and collaborate on ideas for our sessions together. Creating this board helps inspire not just the props and locations for our shoot. But for the energy that the client wants their images to have.

Using a visual inspo board is a tool you can use with your photographer to help bring your vision to life. Now, the goal is not to replicate the exact photo you add to your vision board. The goal is to use it as a communication tool between you and the photographer.

The bonus for doing this is it gets my clients excited since they are able to visualize what their images can look like before we start shooting. CONFIDENCE BOOST.

Step #3: Create A Playlist To Play At Your Session

Don’t underestimate the power of music to keep you in a big vibe state throughout your photoshoot! Create your own “Confident AF” playlist and play it through a blue tooth speaker (I use a small Wonderboom) during your photoshoot to keep a good vibe throughout the entire day!

Step #4: Retrain Your Brain

It’s natural to look at photos of ourselves and focus on what we DON’T LOVE. Instead, retrain your brain to focus on what YOU DO LOVE about yourself every time you see a photo of your reflection in the mirror. Maybe you love your hair today, your glowing skin, or your smile. Be loving and kind to yourself. Confidence isn’t built-in perfection. Confidence is about embracing your unique beauty and accepting yourself just as you are today.

Not to mention, who you share your images with won’t notice your imperfections the same way you do. They will look at you and see what THEY love about you. Which is why they are a part of your life. Even if it’s just a follower on social media. They are around because they like you and are there to see more of YOU!

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How To Add Personality To Your Personal Branding Recap:

• Determine Your Personality Traits
• Create A Visual Inspiration Board
• Create A Playlist To Play At Your Session
• Retrain Your Brain

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Looking for more brand-building tips? Check out these blog posts:

• Keys To Scaling Your Photography Business To 6 Figures
• 7 Ways To Use Your Brand Photos
• How To Build A Personal Brand Online

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Bonus Tips

Ready to take your photo session planning to the next step to really let your personality shine through? Here are some extra tips to up-level your experience by doing the following:

• Select a photographer you feel comfortable with. Seriously, look beyond their talent and get to know them. If they aren’t someone you really like as a person, then chances are you’re not going to act like yourself when you’re in front of their camera.

• Work with a stylist to help you find the outfit(s) for your shoot. Whether it’s something new, or something from your closet, working with a professional can give you the confidence that you look your absolute best.

• Schedule a hair and makeup appointment. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be super fancy with hair and makeup. You can easily do a natural look so you feel like you are in your photos. Having a professional do your hair and makeup can take the stress off of getting ready yourself.

• Don’t forget to grab some behind the scenes before, during, and after your session. Take your audience along with you! This will build anticipation, and engagement, and set expectations that your audience craves.

P.S. If you liked this post and feel others can benefit from reading it, let’s pay it forward! Pin on Pinterest and share on Facebook and Instagram….or email….or text…or shout it from the rooftop! Whichever is your fancy. 🙂