20/09/2023
Picking the right photographer for your personal branding photoshoot is super important.
If you don’t ‘click’ and feel comfortable with them it will show in the photos.
Having a photoshoot can seem quite nerve wracking, especially if you’ve never done one before, so you have to find somebody that can make you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera.
Ultimately you want it to be a fun experience that you can’t wait to do again.
So how do you find the right person?
Firstly you need to decide what you want from the photoshoot.
What will you be using the images for and where?
Is it a general branding session or for a specific product or service launch?
What message are you looking to convey?
What sort of style are you looking for?
Do you want light and airy or something more vibrant and funky?
Posed and polished or relaxed and natural?
Now do some research.
Look for somebody that has experience of branding photoshoots and whose style suits your brand.
Somebody that specialises in weddings or newborns isn’t going to be the right photographer for a branding session. It’s a whole different ball game.
Look at recommendations and references and don’t be afraid to reach out to previous clients.
Ask your connections for personal recommendations.
Find two or three photographers whose portfolio matches what you’re looking for and then speak to them.
I always recommend a video call as you can get a better feel for the person.
Ask lots of questions and be up front about your budget.
Here are some questions to consider:
What is their approach to personal branding photography?
Can they provide guidance on location, wardrobe, and styling?
What is their pricing structure and what's included in their packages?
Do they have any restrictions on how you use the images?
How long will it take to get your images?
What is their availability?
Make sure you fully understand the photographer's process from start to finish.
This includes pre-shoot planning, the actual photoshoot, editing, and delivery of the final images.
A clear and transparent process ensures that both you and the photographer are on the same page and can avoid misunderstandings later on.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to trust and your gut feeling about the photographer.
You should feel comfortable and confident in their ability to capture your brand effectively.
If something doesn't feel right or you have doubts, keep looking.
Remember, your personal brand is unique, and the right photographer will help you showcase it to the world.