Tips for Overcoming Personal Branding Photoshoot Jitters

Let’s keep it real here, not everyone loves being in front of the camera! (I know I certainly don’t haha) However, this doesn’t mean you should skip a personal branding photoshoot entirely! You may have photos of yourself that you can’t stand looking at, or have had bad past experiences with unqualified photographers, but I promise you that in contrast, a professional photo session will leave you with photos you love.

Your photographer is there to guide you and help you feel comfortable, ensuring you have the best possible experience. To make you feel even more comfortable though, here are some top tips.

– Decide what you want to achieve.

When you plan ahead and know exactly what kind of photos you want, it’s easier to relax. Your personal branding story and your unique style are excellent starting points when planning your shoot. What poses, props and settings do you feel would best tell your story? What should the overall style of the shoot be? Brainstorm your ideas and send them to your photographer so that you’re both on the same page before your session. Each of the personal branding portrait sessions I do comes with a complementary pre shoot consultation where we discuss in depth, the plan for our time together.

– Don’t choose just any photographer.

It’s important not to go with the first photographer you find. Spend time researching personal branding photographers in your area, paying attention to style and price. Once you narrow down your selection, look at what past clients have to say about each of them before you make your final choice. The right photographer will help soothe your nerves before and on the day of your shoot.

– Feel comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing.

What you wear can also make a big difference to how relaxed and confident you feel on the day of your personal branding shoot. Spend time creating an outfit that showcases your brand, looks professional, and makes you feel comfortable. Get your hair and makeup done on the day too for an extra confidence boost.

– Be yourself.

Your personal branding photos need to be authentic, so don’t try to be someone you’re not. On the day of your shoot, remember to breathe, have fun, and embrace your unique characteristics. Remember, your photographer wants to help you create images you can be proud of, so enjoy yourself and trust them to take care of the rest.

By keeping these tips in mind as you plan your personal branding photoshoot, you should feel much less nervous than is necessary.

Jamie Salima Love is a FingerLakes, NY and Boston MA based Headshot and Personal Branding Photographer extraordinaire. She has helped thousands of small businesses, brands, and entrepreneurs over her 20 yr career by creating updated photo libraries with stellar imagery. She is available for a multitude of services, whether you’re looking to work with her to simply update your Headshots, or to create an extensive Personal Branding Photography strategy and library with all the bells and whistles she’s got you covered.