If the thought of having branding photos taken fills you with fear, you’re not alone! Nearly all of the Surrey small business owners that I photograph would much rather stay behind the scenes rather than be in front of the camera. But here’s the good news. Your branding photography session doesn’t have to feel awkward. With a little bit of planning it can actually even feel fun!, We can create beautiful, natural images that feel like you.
Here are seven tips to help you prepare for your branding session so that you can walk in feeling calm, confident and (most importantly) like yourself.
- Really get to know your brand
Your brand is so much more that your colours and logo. Before your session, spend some time really thinking about your brand values and your dream clients. How would you want people to describe your brand if you weren’t in the room? And how do you want people to feel when they look at your images?
2. Pick outfits you love, that feel like you
You don’t need a complete wardrobe update, just two or three outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. Think textures over very bold patterns, solid colours over large logos (unless it’s your own logo!). Anything that you’d wear to meet a client or while at work should work well. My pre-session preparation guide is full of tips on choosing outfits that work for you and I’m always on hand to help in the run up to your session.
3. Think about locations
Whether it’s at home, at your place of work or out in nature, choose a location that feels like you and your brand. Chat with your photographer about where might work best to help the images feel authentic to you.
4. Choose props that tell your story
Gather together a few items that reflect your work or day to day activities. Your laptop, the tools of your trade or even your dog! Fresh flowers, notebooks and a coffee mug are great ways to include your brand colours into the images.
5. Plan in time for your hair and make up
But don’t over think this! Staying close to your usual style will help you feel like you. If you’d feel more confident having your hair and make up done professionally, your photographer may be able to recommend someone who their clients have used before. The goal is to look like you on your best day!
6. Give yourself plenty of time
Don’t plan anything stressful before or after your branding photography session. Start getting ready before you feel you need to and give yourself plenty of time to get to your location. Aiming to arrive with a bit of spare time will hopefully prevent you feeling flustered and rushed.
7. Trust your photographer
Choose a photographer who you feel a connection to. They’ll help you to relax, gently guide you and help you enjoy the process. Let go of the pressure to be perfect. You are exactly what your dream clients need!
If you’re nervous — that’s totally normal. But by the end of your session, I promise you’ll feel more confident and proud of how you showed up for your business. These images aren’t about perfection — they’re about connection, authenticity, and showing the real you behind the brand.
If you’d like to chat about your ideas for a personal branding photography session in Surrey or have a question about how it all works, fill out the contact form on my website here.
Helen x
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