What is a personal branding photo shoot?
First impressions are, more often than not these days, made online. Your clients, customers, and colleagues are looking to figure out who you are, and what sets you apart. You are your brand, and the images that you put forward are your mechanism for building trust and connection before you even meet in person. Personal branding photography serves that need. We will work together to make a coherent visual identity to help your clients understand who you are, and how you work.
Why should I invest in this, instead of using AI or a Phone Selfie?
If you, your business, and your reputation rely on the internet–this is for you. Online profiles, publications, speaking engagements, networking events, and websites require authentic and compelling imagery to maximize impact. In an increasingly ersatz world, people are desperately seeking authentic connections. An AI image is fundamentally inauthentic, and a phone selfie lacks that professional quality that business owners want to project.
How is this different than a headshot?
A headshot is usually a closer-up head-and-shoulders frame, simple, clean, and professional. A good headshot is certainly a part of personal branding. Branding shoots, however, will often provide additional context to the viewer through color, settings, and the tools of your trade to show off what makes you and your brand unique. We're aiming for a library of images you can use in many different contexts beyond just your social media avatar.
I hate having my picture taken, can you help?
I hear this all the time, and I totally get it. After all, I'm the one on the opposite side of the camera with the buttons! Being in front of the camera is a vulnerable position. Fortunately, I have many years of experience helping people feel comfortable and confident in front of audiences and camera lenses. While you may never be in love with photo shoots, I can at least do my best to make this session enjoyable for you.
How should I prepare?
Generally speaking, you should come to the session looking and feeling your best, whatever that means for you. Depending on your package, we may have a pre-session consultation to discuss this process in depth. As a general rule, you should come wearing whatever makes you feel confident and composed. Your package includes a set number of outfit changes (see your pricing tier for the exact count) — a good rule of thumb is to bring one "everyday professional" look and one slightly elevated option, so we have room to adapt.
A few wardrobe considerations: Avoid tight patterns (particularly stripes), as they can cause moiré patterns in camera. Generally, neutral tones and lighter colors are recommended. Bright colors can be fun, but they also tend to bounce brightly colored light onto skin, which can look a little weird. If you stick with neutral tones/lighter colors and solid fabrics, you're going to be in good shape.
Where do we shoot?
This is largely up to you, and what we decide to do for your shoot. I have a portable studio set up, and we can shoot at your office, on location, or at rented studio space (available as an add-on). The appropriate location will depend on the direction we decide to go to get you the best possible images for you and your brand.
How do I choose my final images?
Within 2 weeks after the shoot, you'll receive access to a password-protected private gallery that contains the images. You will use the gallery interface to select your favorite images for final edits and retouching. Your package will include a set number of total images, with additional images available for purchase right from the gallery. Once you've completed your picks, I will do final edits and retouching and deliver a folder that contains full resolution images fit for printing, and more reasonably sized images for sharing. The turnaround time for final delivery is within 2 weeks of my receipt of your final selections, with premium packages getting first priority.
What can I use these for?
All packages and photographs come with full personal usage rights, and can be used on linked in, your website, social media, etc. Larger-scale advertising rights (for billboards, mail campaigns, etc.) are also available as an add-on.
Can we include props or my workspace in the shoot?
Absolutely! In fact, I'd encourage it. The tools of your trade, your office, a favorite notebook, product packaging, whatever genuinely reflects how you work, can add context and personality that a plain studio backdrop can't. These details help tell the story of your brand, not just show your face. If you have ideas for props or a location that feels true to your work, bring them up during our pre-session conversation and we'll figure out how to incorporate them.
What if I need to reschedule?
If we're more than 14 days out from your scheduled shoot date, we can reschedule with no problem (barring any fees related to rented studio space, if applicable). If it's within 14 days of your shoot, a rescheduling fee of 25% of your package price will be added to your final invoice.
What's the deposit and payment policy?
A 50% deposit is due at booking to reserve your date, with the remaining balance due on the day of your session. I accept most digital forms of payment (card, Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc.). If the remaining balance isn't paid on session day, final images won't be released until it's settled.
How do I get started?
Hit the button below to fill out the form to contact me, tell me a little about you and your project, and I'll get in touch within 24 hours to sort out your booking!