How To Prepare For Your 1826 Personal Branding Session

Our Personal Branding Sessions are all about you! Unlike our in-studio headshot sessions, personal branding sessions are more about showing exactly what your brand is about while providing you with images that highlight you and your brand’s personality.

First and foremost…

Once you book, make sure to fill out our questionnaire! We have taken the time to develop questions that will help us learn the ins and outs of your brand while also allowing you the time to reflect on exactly what you hope to get out of your session. We hope it inspires you to dig deep into your brand and how exactly you want to convey your brand to your customers or clients. Knowing how you’re going to use your photos in the future will help dictate the manner in which we photograph them, such as the angles we shoot, the lighting we use, or the overall vibe of the gallery that you’ll receive. You don’t have to write an essay, or even answer every single question, but the more we know about you, the better prepared we will be to give you exactly what you want and need out of your shoot!

Maybe this isn’t the only appointment you need to make…

We want you to feel your best for the shoot! When you book a personal branding session with us, you are investing in yourself. You not only are investing a lot of money not just in the photography portion, but in the ways you decide to use your photos moving forward (I.e. print marketing, billboard advertising, website updates, etc.). We encourage you to take the time to be as prepped as possible. That might include booking a hair and makeup appointment, getting a spray tan, or setting up a shopping spree to update your wardrobe. Not only do we want you to look your best, but more importantly, we want you to FEEL your best!

Speaking of outfits, what exactly should you wear???

It’s equally important to wear what makes sense for your brand while also wearing something you feel good in. If you’re uncomfortable in a pair of heels- don’t wear them! If you feel most like yourself in a clean white t-shirt and jeans, that should be (at least) one of your outfits! The beauty of a Personal Branding Session is that you’re not limited to only one outfit! Be sure to show off all sides of you- with a dressier outfit (that still fits your brand) and an outfit that is more on the casual side. This will help clients see the real you through your photos. As they say, “a picture is worth a thousand words”!

Last but not least, props…

Props are not necessary, but if you have them, we strongly encourage them! When in doubt, just bring them along.. they can only enhance your photos!

Here are some examples to consider:

• Any technology that you use day to day (I.e. phone, laptop, iPad)
• Marketing materials that have your logo on them
• Products that you sell
• Personal items that are special to you (I.e. favorite mug, lucky pen, planner/journal)
• Items that are unique to your job.  We’ve had people bring in toys/books, sold signs, and even live animals!

Personal Branding Sessions are what you make of them…

We have noticed that when people make the decision to finally update their images and the branding of their business, there can be an urge to rush the process (like throwing some outfits together or booking before they get their roots touched up to just get it over with) – this can be a big mistake!!! We know that photos are not everyone’s favorite thing to do, but it is an important part of branding and setting yourself apart from the masses, so make sure you are taking the time to do things right! We’re here to help make the process of updating your images less daunting and we’ll be there every step of the way! Personal Branding Sessions are some of our favorite sessions to photograph and we can’t wait to help you with yours!