How to Convey Your Personality in Brand Photos
DUH. Brand photos are great, but there’s only so much the photographer can do to show off your sparkling personality.
YES, the pros can help you prepare, give you wardrobe tips and posing pointers, curate the shot list, and work the editing magic. BUT, making sure your personality rings true throughout needs your help and attention too.
At the end of the day, the true value of brand photography is that it showcases YOU. So here’s some tips to keep top of mind.
Define your brand identity.
Brand identity is crucial when planning for your photo shoot. Your brand isn’t just colors or website/canva aesthetic– it’s the basis for building your entire personality as a business! If you’re not totally clear about your brand identity, consider the emotions and messages you want your photos to evoke.
Here are a few quick questions you can ask yourself for more clarity:
Is your brand more playful or more sophisticated? Does your brand give the feeling of a best friend or a trusted coach?
Think about your pricing: is it affordable, mid-range, or high-end?
Did past clients book with you because you offered the best customer experience or because you had the most accommodating schedule?
If you have time to go even deeper, open a new word doc and answer some of these questions:
How do my colleagues/ coworkers/ clients describe me?
What are my 3 best characteristics as a business owner?
Make a list of words or phrases that describe the way you serve or help clients.
Understanding your brand's essence will guide your photography choices and ensure consistency throughout your visual content.
Choose the right outfits
Overflowing-with-personality brand photos are a powerful way to stand out and connect with dream clients on social media and PR features. That’s why you want to approach these photo shoots strategically.
Feeling overwhelmed by the task of choosing a photoshoot wardrobe?
Start with a mood board:
Look for images, colors, and compositions that align with your brand's personality.
What is already in your closet? What’s your go to grab for client meetings? Just because you booked a photoshoot, doesn’t mean you need a completely new wardrobe for the photos. Wear what you know you love.
Do you walk around barefoot most of the time? Are you always seen in killer shoes? Show that.
Do your clients mostly see you with your hair in a bun? Keep it true to what they know and love about you!
Think about how you naturally and intentionally show up in the world every day – That should be how you are photographed. If you rarely wear makeup when working with clients… don’t go overboard on makeup at your photoshoot. (BIG LESSON LEARNED FOR MYSELF) You may want to boost your natural features with a little lip color or mascara, but you still want to look like yourself!
Strike the right poses
My #1 goal as a brand photographer is to help you convey what it’s like to work with you! I’m constantly thinking about how I can capture your true personality, brand identity, and unique processes so you can show your ideal clients exactly what it’s like to be in business with you.
That being said… We like things extra pretty for photos. It’s very normal to want to wear your best clothes, put on more than everyday make-up, and think you need a picture perfect backdrop. But I will always ask you to consider showing the reality of what your days look like.
Think about your day-to-day activities and brainstorm ways to show them in a way that matches your brand personally – the results are authentic and endearing. I once had a real estate agent say in passing that she keeps several pairs of shoes in her car at all times depending on her agenda that day.. (heels for a client meeting, sneakers for on a job site, slippers for going into her office) so I said…”LET’S SHOW THAT ON CAMERA.”
Do you sign contracts at your office or a favorite wine bar downtown? Do you do most meetings over zoom, the phone, or always in person? Do you greet clients with a hug, handshake, or fist pump? Showing glimpses into these processes helps potential clients decide if you’re a good fit and helps them know exactly what to expect from you.
If you’re a business owner who has a brand shoot coming up, or maybe you’re wondering if you should invest in a specialized brand photographer, I hope this helps you show up more confidently so you can be photographed as your best self!
To learn more about how your investment in brand photography can level up your business, reach out here. We love making your personality shine!