PHOTOSHOOT CHECKLIST FOR PERSONAL BRANDS
We wholeheartedly believe that personal brands thrive online, but to stand out, it is crucial to showcase yourself in a memorable and interactive way. With more and more video content ruling the online space, your brand photography must have that stop factor. Stop their scroll and give them a reason to pause.
Brand photography is the essence of a good marketing strategy and a key factor in your website. In addition, brand photography can be used in a variety of ways, in your eBooks and downloads, in your emails, on flyers, in print advertisements, and the list goes on.
Long story short, your brand photos should give your audience a glimpse into who you are as a professional and give them a taste of your personality.
Here are a few things to check off your list to ensure your shoot is seamless.
Before the Shoot
Create a Mood Board
A mood board can be a great starting point if you don’t already have a strong brand strategy in place. This will allow you and the photographer to get on the same page about what you’re drawn to. In addition, the photographer can use this to create more options for you as well.
Create a Marketing Strategy.
Do you know what your pillar content is? What you’ll be talking about on social? If not, get clear on what message you want to deliver. This will allow you to create content to match your messaging vs. creating messaging to match your content.
Create a Shot List
Your photographer should do this for you, but if you're DIYing your shoot, then it’s best to make a list. Write out some key shots with details you want to get to ensure you’re not forgetting anything in the process. Photoshoots have many moving parts, and you don’t want to get swept away later to realize you missed that ONE shot you needed.
Go Shopping
Nothing makes you feel better about being photographed than a few outfits you feel 100% confident in. Make sure you pick outfits and props you’ll feel comfortable using and wearing. Use your brand colors but don’t overdo it. It could be a hat, sweater, notepad, or even a pop of color on your shoes.
Location. Location. Location.
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to pick a location or locations. Whether it’s in your home on the couch or at a million-dollar listing, you’ll want the location to represent your personal brand authentically.
Ready, Set, Shoot!Showcase your process
Give your audience a glimpse into what you do behind the scenes. What is something people don’t know you do? How can you bring your audience into your world and make them feel a part of? Your process is unique to you, and you only don’t be afraid of showcasing that.
Showcase your personality
This will allow you to give your audience a sense of who you are and what it’s like working with you. Are you serious? Funny? Life of the party?
Enjoy the process and have fun.
Yes, there are lots of details involved, but you want the creative process to be enjoyable. Bring a friend for an icebreaker. Have a glass of champagne. When the process is enjoyable, it will translate into your photography effortlessly.