I created this guide with you in mind, in hopes that it should help elevate any initial worries and overwhelm you might feel about planning your own branding photo shoot.
I can't wait to create something that will change and level things up with it comes to marketing for you!
x .iana
Welcome
to your Pre-shoot Prep Guide
Venue & Locations
The beauty of my mini events is that a lot of the fuss has been taken care of for you.
I choose the date and give you a choice of timings, I pick the location (because I know what works, and I only go for the most versatile and stunning spots!), and all you need to do is get psyched up, get ready and turn up.
Voila!
Once you're there, I take care of the rest again :)
Fantastic job on taking the exciting step to book your Mini Branding session!
You're on your way to showcasing your biz in a whole new light, and trust me, having photos you’re proud of will make all the difference when it comes to showing up.
It may even spark a frenzy of inspiration for how you can show up for your business more - and better!
My mission is to create a fun, relaxed vibe during my shoots, so get ready to enjoy yourself!
It's completely normal to feel a bit nervous at the thought of having your photos taken, but I pride myself on making you feel comfortable and at ease throughout the process.
Now, you might be curious about how to prep for your photo session!
It can feel a bit overwhelming, but I’ve crafted this guide from my experience of photographing female founders, as well as from the conversations I’ve had with them about their concerns and wins, both before and after their shoots.
Remember, every headshot session is unique, just like you.
Be sure to use the tips that resonate with you, and feel confident leaving behind the ones that don't feel true to you.
Let’s have a fabulous session!
Everyone shines, given the right lighting
Susan Cain
Wardrobe
What to wear?
This part can be overwhelming and I am here to help you.
The clothes you choose to wear tell a lot about you - so pick carefully.
Do you want to come across as fun? Trendy? Creative? Professional? Easy going? Relaxed?
Clothes are the one thing that can really elevate your photos and act as a prop and a frame to your face. I would even go as far as saying, that what you wear can be more important than where we shoot and any props that you bring.
Usually, when I help clients pick their wardrobe for the shoot, I stay away from being too 'bossy' and saying what the HAVE TO wear.
At the end of the day, you need to feel like yourself and, if comic book print and pink hair is your jam, who am I to tell you that a grey suit and a sleek bun are what you need for your session?
Don't be afraid of colour.
This can be the most important thing to get spot on as the right colours can light up your face and make your eyes sparkle.
You can approach color in a couple of ways - go neutral and use accessories and props to inject brand colours into the images OR wear brand colours OR wear colours that complement your brand colours well, so that when your images are framed by your branding (logo and graphics), it all looks super well put together.
You don't have to be including all your brand colours in one photo.
Hold the colours up to your face and see what they do to your skin tone.
Ask a friend to help or feel free to ping me a message on WhatsApp for another pair of eyes.
Think about your brand - do you have lots of warm hues?
If so make sure you are wearing warm colours - browns, maroon, orange and yellow.
If you have a black and white brand you could wear greens and greys and other pastel, muted colours. Black and white are usually quite tricky and I'd recommend going a little off shade (dark grey/cream, rather than pure black/white).
Do keep in mind the location we're shooting in -
the studio has white walls and I will be featuring a lot of greenery and sprinkling some neutral color pops throughout the scenes.
Imagine yourself in this setting - what feels right?
Pick your clothes well in advance.
Try them on a week or so before the shoot. Don't repeat my mistake, when I planned to wear a stunning Ted Baker dress to a wedding, only to realise, as I was heading out the door, that it barely zipped up and left nothing to the imagination on the bust front (pashmina to the rescue!).
I honestly don’t mean to be patronising (trust me, as someone who hates ironing and doesn’t own a lint roller), but please take extra care to iron your clothes and use a lint roller ahead of the shoot. Cameras (like my hips!) don’t lie and will pick up on flaws and creases in the fabric, and you don’t want your clothing to look untidy in your brand images.
Make sure your clothes fit properly and that they make you feel fabulous!
Try pairing a favourite shirt with a new skirt, a jumpsuit with some statement earrings, or some fabulous new shoes with cropped trousers.
If you are struggling, there are stylists I can put you in touch with who will help you piece together colours and clothes to suit your personality and body shape. If you want to ask my opinion on something, I'm always on hand, and Instagram and Pinterest can also be great sources of inspiration.
Necklaces, earrings, hats, etc. can make an outfit. Many people who view your pictures won't have met you in real life, so you want to make the best first impression.
Have a play around with jewellery, etc.
Take a few selfies to see if you prefer your outfit with or without the accessories.
Never underestimate the power of layers.
A casual jacket, long cardigan or a wrap can give a certain edge to the look and help your outfit look more structured, nipping in your waist. Layers can really help with posing you too.
Think leather jackets over floaty dresses or blazers over a t-shirt and denim jeans.
Layers also helps keep your shoot 'season neutral'. This means you can use your photographs all year round (hello, Scottish seasons!).
Hair and make up are really such a personal thing - I'm not going to tell you that you must get your hair done or have a make over before the shoot.
If professional make up is your thing then go for it. For what it's worth, it can be a really relaxing and pampering experience.
When I got my own branding shoot, I chose to get a stunning blow dry in a salon, but did my own make up. No regrets on either front!
If you are doing either or both yourself, I usually recommend you go with the ‘going out for a fancy cocktail brunch with girlfriends on a Sunday’ approach. This usually results in a ‘not too much, not too little, just perfect’ look.
I can recommend hair and/or makeup artists for your shoot, if you want to take that approach. What I will say is, whether you do it yourself, or book with someone, taking your time over your hair, make up and nails makes for a flawless photograph.
“The willingness to show up changes us, It makes us a little braver each time.”
- Brené Brown
props
We aren’t doing a full-on personal branding shoot, so a whole suite of props wouldn't be appropriate.
However!
This is a mini branding session, so we want to go beyond the portrait and include your business.
I would suggest having a think about one or two 'stories' around your brand and bringing along some props to support this.
Please let me know with a quick note ahead of the day, so that I know what to expect and can have a setup in mind and ready to go.
For example, it might be important for you to show yourself working at a desk, so you could bring along a mug with intentional wording, notebooks in your brand colours, and some books or workbooks.
If you use Trello with your clients, you could pre-load a board onto your phone to use in some of the images.
If what you do involves creativity, you could bring along some sketches of your work or the tools you use to create.
I am going to have an 'inspiration wall' with some quotes, sticky notes and graphics pinned to it.
You could bring along pieces that have texture, colour or wording, or even some images of your work, that we could incorporate so that it becomes bespoke to you.
Props I will have there...
- laptop (silver MacBook)
- neutral stationery
- generic graphics and inspirational quotes on inspiration wall
- neutral mugs
What I suggest you bring along...
- stationery in your brand colours
- graphics, images of your work and inspirational quotes that are very YOU for the inspiration wall
- mug/travel mug in brand colors/with wording that is very YOU
- any specific tools of your trade that you'd like to feature (eg.: yoga mat, camera, microphone (for podcasting...))
- inspiration - for example, if you make jewellery, would it be applicable to bring a couple of real life items that have inspired past pieces?
- software that we can flash up on your phone/tablet for some images (troll board, Pinterest boards, your instagram, your website...)
Wellbeing
The self-care you do before the shoot is your choice and has to fit in with your routine and beliefs, so please just take the suggestions below that resonate with you.
Again, speaking from personal experience, I know that if I don't look after myself, don't drink enough water and don't get enough sleep, I start to feel unhappy with how I look.
I am sharing these tips from the heart and from a place I've been before, and would rather not find myself in again on the day of my own photo session.
Hopefully, this countdown to the shoot will help you feel extra prepared!
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE
Book in for a haircut for this time if necessary so it has time to settle before the shoot.
A FEW DAYS BEFORE
Treat yourself to a manicure or take some time to give yourself a manicure. We might take some photos showing your hands, so it helps that you're confident about your nails! (Also a great opportunity to involve an on-brand color or a color that fits in well with your brand)
– Get your eyebrows shaped or your lashes done if this is something you normally do
– Avoid drinking alcohol and eating super salty foods a couple of days before your session, so your skin doesn’t look tired and puffy (sorry!)
– Drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep so that your skin is glowing for the shoot
DAY OF THE SHOOT
Allow enough time for you to get ready without feeling rushed.
Bring any spare jacket/layers with you and any props that you will be using.
Try and stay relaxed, remind yourself of why you are brilliant at what you do, and trust that I will get the best out of you.
Arrive 10-15 minutes ahead of your slot, take this time to decompress, unwind and get excited. Touch up your hair and make up, psyche yourself up and tell yourself how awesome you are!
I promise we’ll have fun!
Take this time to really connect with you and your brand, and feel happy in the knowledge that you’ve taken a big step in taking your business to the next level and attracting your dream clients.
I have probably mentioned already, but I am incredibly excited for your session.
To see the tale of your passion and expertise told through a professional photo shoot and delivered on your website and social media channels is a game-changing experience.
My mission for your photo session is to help you show up proudly in your business with amazing imagery.
You personal brand is not just about you... it is about the feelings your customers experience when thinking of working with or buying from you.
You offer a very unique and special service and product to your clients - let’s show them how unique and brilliant the person behind the brand is too!
I look forward to photographing you!
x .iana
Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.