So you’ve booked your personal branding photoshoot—congratulations! Feeling a mix of excitement and nerves is perfectly normal, and trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with many clients who’ve felt the same way, and that’s exactly why I wanted to put together this guide to help you feel confident, relaxed, and totally prepared on shoot day.

1. Get clear about your brand

Before we even talk outfits or locations, take a step back and think about what your brand represents. I always encourage my clients to really reflect on their values, personality, and target audience. The more clarity you have about your message, the easier it’ll be for us to create images that truly reflect your story.

Consider writing down a few key words or phrases that define your brand, such as ‘approachable,’ ‘authentic,’ or ‘dynamic.’ When you know exactly what your brand stands for, it helps me capture you in the most genuine and relatable way

2. Gather inspiration and create a mood board

One of the best ways to communicate what you have in mind is to collect visual inspiration. I love using Pinterest boards or saving images you resonate with—think about colors, poses, locations, or even outfits. Feel free to share your board with me ahead of the shoot; this gives me a clear sense of your vision.

Remember, inspiration doesn’t mean imitation. We’ll use these visuals as a starting point to create something unique that truly represents you and your brand.

3. Plan your shot list (with a little flexibility!)

It’s helpful to think ahead about the types of images you’ll need for your website, social media, blogs, and marketing materials. Do you envision professional yet approachable headshots to use as your profile picture on LinkedIn or your ‘About Me’ page?

Perhaps you’re thinking about lifestyle images of you at your workspace, showcasing your daily routine and capturing your genuine energy. Or maybe you’d love candid shots interacting with clients, customers, or even during a coffee break—authentic moments that highlight your approachability and the human side of your brand.

I recommend jotting down some of these ideas or making a simple list, so we have a clear starting point. This ensures we cover the essentials on the day, and you’ll have plenty of images tailored specifically for your branding needs.

But here’s the important bit—please don’t stress too much about the list! My job is not only to guide you through your personal branding photoshoot but also to keep things relaxed and enjoyable. Some of the best images come from spontaneous, genuine moments when you’re feeling at ease and genuinely having fun.

We’ll leave room in our photography session for creativity, unexpected opportunities, and natural interactions. After all, your photos should reflect the real you, and I’ll make sure the process feels easy, comfortable, and stress-free!

4. Selecting outfits that feel like you

Your wardrobe choices should reflect your brand personality and the message you want to convey. My advice is to stick with outfits you feel confident and comfortable in—if you feel good, you’ll look good! Choose colours that align with your brand palette, and don’t be afraid to bring a few different looks to vary your images.

If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, just message me. I’m always here to offer guidance on styles or colors that work best in front of the camera.

5. Personal grooming and professional styling

Consider scheduling professional hair and makeup for your shoot—it can make a huge difference in how polished and confident you feel on camera. Even if you prefer a natural look, a pro stylist knows how to enhance your best features subtly.

And guys, this applies to you too! Grooming details matter, from a fresh haircut to trimmed facial hair. You’d be surprised how these small details boost confidence and elevate your final images.

Pack some personal props

Adding a few personal touches or props that represent your work or your passions can really elevate your photos and help tell your unique story. Think about the everyday items you use that instantly feel familiar and comfortable.

It might be your laptop, highlighting your professionalism and productivity, or perhaps your favourite notebook filled with ideas, inspirations, and doodles that showcase your creative side. A steaming cup of coffee or tea could illustrate your approachable, relaxed vibe—perfect for lifestyle shots that feel inviting.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box! If you have a hobby or passion that your clients love about you, why not include elements of that as well? Whether it’s musical instruments, art supplies, gardening tools, or even your beloved dog who’s always by your side, these props provide authentic, relatable moments that capture who you genuinely are.

Having these familiar items around doesn’t just add visual interest—it helps you feel more comfortable, relaxed, and natural in front of the camera. They become conversation starters for our personal branding photoshoot, giving us something genuine to capture and allowing your true personality to shine through effortlessly.

Rest and relax the day before your personal branding photoshoot

Finally, the day before the shoot, take time to unwind. Make sure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and feeling your best. Trust me, it shows in your images. I always notice when clients come in feeling rested and relaxed; they’re naturally more radiant and confident in front of the camera.

Above all, remember that this shoot is about celebrating you. My goal is always to capture your personality in a natural, approachable way, ensuring you feel relaxed and have fun throughout the process. Preparation helps, but there’s no pressure—I’ll guide you every step of the way.

Looking forward to capturing your authentic self—let’s make something amazing together!