Do you need new personal branding photos for your website?  Here are 5 tips to consider before you start the search for a photographer for your personal branding photo shoot.

I have hired two different photographers at two very different price points for my website personal branding images.  I really like the first set of images the first photographer did for me.  They were done in my home and were super casual.

However, I absolutely love and still use the images from the second photographer.  They were done in her studio with props that I brought.  We collaborated on the styling and the look is fresh, fun and professional.

Both photographers did a great job.  My needs and expectations changed.

Here is what you should ask yourself before you begin your photographer search for your personal brand.

1. What is your budget for personal brand images?

• If you are just beginning your business and have limited dollars, it is fine to start with a smaller budget. You will likely learn a lot as you go, so spending less on your first photographer may be a good idea.  A photographer can be $750 to $3000.
• Factors that impact your budget
  • How many image do you need – a few images or a lot?
  • Do you want to have a white background for photos of yourself, or do you want images taken in nature, or in a kitchen?
  • Are you looking for lifestyle images with several distinct scenes?
  • Are you a master with hair and makeup or do need extra hands the day of the shoot?
  • Do you need a clothing stylist?
  • Will you be doing your own props and styling or do you need a prop stylist on set?

Your Action:

Determine your budget and reach out to people – ask who did their personal branding photos and research these photographers.

2. Are you clear about your own brand and colours?

• Create a Pinterest board before you start looking for a photographer. What type of images appeal to you?  Keep the board private, so you can start building a secret personal branding board incorporating your style icons and visual identity.
• This doesn’t mean you will copy the images, it means you are determining what you like. After a few months of pinning, you will see a pattern immerge.  Is it bright colours or muted colours?  Close up or distance.  Is it more fashion or food?  Is it minimalist or filled with favourite props?  What speaks your language and compliments your product offering?
• Hire a branding expert and have them view your personal branding board and assist selecting your main colours. A branding expert can also help articulate what parts of your brand are most important to you – so you can be clear with your photographer.

Your Action:

Hire a branding expert or make your own your personal branding mood board and determine the overall feeling you want to convey in your images.

3. How will you be using the images?

• Are they for your About Page only? Are you going to use them for a specific program you wish to sell? If so, you will require multiple views?  Will you be holding or displaying any items you are going to promote?
• Will you be using the images in a banner vertically or horizontally on your website?
• Do you need images for Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube?
• Knowing this in advance allows you to ask your photographer for different images and sizes and that will impact they way they take the personal branding photos.
• Do you have a list of all the images you need?

Your Action:

Make a list of all the images you need for your personal brand.  Consider the look you want, all the props required and if the image will be vertical or horizontal.

4. What quality and touch-ups do the final images require?

• Will your photographer be doing any touch-up and editing of the images? They will likely do this for white balance and cropping.
• Do you get to select the images or is that their job (you should be able to select them)?
• If your contract states you get an arranged amount, ask if you can purchase more and at what price?
• Will additional images also be touched up or will they be as is?
• Do you want to use the images for print or for web or both? The print versions are high resolution images and take up more space.  Web friendly images are usually lower rez, but allow for quick loading on your website.  Your photographer may supply you with both.

Your Action:

Be very clear with the photographer you hire.  Read the contract terms and conditions. It’s your personal brand, so ask questions if you need clarity.

5. What date do you require the final images?

• Good photographers are in demand. You may need to wait 6-9 months for your personal branding photography session.  Start asking around your circles for people who do good website branding photography.
• View their websites and portfolios. Does the photography appeal to you?  Does it resemble any of your Pinterest board?  Get an idea of their rates and timing.  You must do a few reference checks.
• Once you select your photographer, you should have a couple of planning calls to make sure they understand what you need.
• Some photographers will do styling and may source props and others will expect you do that. Sourcing props take a lot of time so be sure to add that into your schedule.
• Plan out the details of your personal branding shoot, including time with your personal care team. You’ll want to ensure your hair, nails and skin look good for the shoot.
• If the images are part of your new website, be sure to let your web team know when they can expect the images. I would suggest you bring your web team into the planning earlier than later.  They may suggest some specific images for your website – some that you never considered.

Your Action:

Your plan should be created with deadlines – identifying dates for when you will need the images.   Be sure your photographer is aware of these critical dates in advance, so you are working toward your goals as a team.

Final Tips

A good photographer will help you along the way.  I’d highly recommend you hire a marketing and brand expert to help you get a clear vision – by creating a brand identity and briefing document before you invest in a photographer.  Get a great team to support you and your personal brand.

My personal brand photographer was AnnaWithLove Photography.  I highly recommend her.  You are in luck if you live in the Greater Toronto Area, as she is accepting new clients this coming fall (2019).  Check out her site at http://annawithlovephotography.com/