A branding photography session is so much more than that picture day at school image. Branding sessions show the world that one particular thing in your business that no one has: YOU. Who are you? What do you do? What makes you happy? How do you spend your weekends? You are so much more than just your business. You tend to wear a lot of hats and these are all the things that can make up your personal branding session. 


If you’re not taking advantage of all the types of branding photography to get the most out of your session, you’re missing out on a massive amount of content and marketing materials that you can repurpose again and again. So what are the types of images you should be getting with your branding photography session?

THE MODERN HEADSHOT


Headshot use to mean super formal. All dressed up in attire that you never actually wear to work...(unless you are into that and actually do!) It is actually super simple. You really just need to look at the camera and smile. Show yourself off in the most simple way. Having a photo of you genuinely happy offers your ideal client an opportunity to see you in the eyes and start to experience the trust you provide them.


Play it up! You don't always need the standard backdrop. Change it up, add accessories, add color, or add whatever you feel shows off you and your business!

LIFESTYLE


I love this one! It is, in my opinion, the most candid you can get!


What are your hobbies? What do you love? Where can we find you on the weekends? I will keep repeating this: you are more than your business! Showcase who you are outside of your business walls. You might just be speaking directly to your ideal client without even knowing it!


Take this opportunity to really think outside of the box. Maybe it is a go-to coffee mug. You play a guitar. You have your favorite post work outfit you wear and through your hair up in a questionable bun. Maybe you are super into fitness. Whatever it is SHOW THE WORLD!


With lifestyle images, make sure you have a mix of looking at the camera (see #1!) and looking away, and snag some details too (like a close up of that special tea mug, or your hand digging into a bowl of your fave snack).

BEHIND THE SCENES/IN ACTION


We all know the phrase: know, like and trust. People are extremely visual creatures. They are genuinely curious about what happens behind the scenes. If your behind the scenes are in comfy clothes when your client forward experience is super official, humanize yourself! They will love it!


Get creative with this one as well. If you interact with clients, let's show that off. If you lead classes because you like to educate your clients on your products, let's show you leading a group. If you are a photographer, let's show you looking at the back of the camera with your client stating that you "got the shot". If you lead your empire from your phone and laptop, bring those to your session!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE


Tools of your trade are probably overlooked because they have just become one with you. In reality they help you do your job easier, right? This is when we celebrate them! If you are a hairstylist, I want to see your sheers and coloring brushes. If you are a pastry chef, I want to see your rolling pin and stand mixer. The sky is the limit! 

FLATLAYS/VIGNETTES


These types of photos I often refer to as "stock photos". They are a great way to break up your usual marketing images, and I often say to use them for education and announcements. Flat lays are taken from above (looking down), which can be a different perspective from the straight-on shots we usually incorporate into our websites and social media feeds.


Flat lays work best when your eye has an obvious path to follow through the frame. I look for set ups such as an acupuncturist. What does it look like before the patient comes in? Maybe it is an invite because you are a Stationer.