How to make sure your brand shoot feels authentic
What defines authenticity for you? Is it the way you dress, the colours you wear, the way you act? For your clients, authenticity is all about how you show up, and you want to make sure your brand reflects that!
It’s more than just matching your brand colours and making sure the images will visually fit in, but it’s about showcasing who you are, and what it’s like to work with you. This is especially important if you’re a service provider.
Part of my job is getting to know you and your brand well enough that I can bring these things out in you on the day, and in the shoot design itself. This all comes as part of the brand support I offer in both my business builder and new starter packages.
Here’s some tips to help you bring your most authentic self to shoot day:
Don’t dress up too much for your photoshoot; going full glam when you typically have a more neutral style might surprise clients when they meet you in person. On the other hand, there's no need to dress down either. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident, empowered, and authentically yourself.
Ask yourself, what do I want my clients to know about me? This is a crucial step that plays a significant role in our planning process. By understanding what key messages you want to convey, we can tailor poses and expressions to effectively communicate with your audience. It’s all about storytelling - crafting visuals that resonate with your ideal clients and draw them in, ultimately leading them to engage with your services and choose to work with you.
If this is your first photoshoot experience, it's okay to not be an expert from the start! It's absolutely fine to feel uncertain, but remember, I am here to support you every step of the way! Approach the session with a sense of curiosity and readiness to ease into it, allowing me to lead you through the process. By letting go of any perfectionist thoughts, you'll find yourself more at ease and free to express your authentic self without the weight of self-doubt.
Choose a location that really resonates with you and your audience. If you’re joining me in the studio, we have total control over how the environment you’re in feels, it’s incredibly versatile! But if you’re picking a location, it should either be somewhere that means something to you personally, even if you work from home and don’t want to shoot in your home office, you pick a favourite coffee shop. Or, it should be somewhere that really reflects you and your brand. I know a number of fantastic local production houses that can be hired out, so if you’re interested, do let me know!
Remember that this is your unique brand, and your personalized photoshoot experience. Ultimately, the power is in your hands to shape it according to your vision and preferences. You are not bound by the photographer's decisions; if anything feels amiss or doesn't align with your vision, you have the freedom to make this experience uniquely yours by sharing your vision and preferences. If anything doesn't feel right or if you want to make any changes, feel free to speak up - we want to make sure you're happy and comfortable throughout the process. After all, the goal is to create photos that truly showcase you and your brand. Let's work together to make it perfect!
Are you looking to level up your personal branding and make a lasting impression with your headshots? Look no further! At Isobel Greenhalgh Creative, we specialise in working with queer, neurodivergent, and disabled individuals, as well as small businesses and creative freelancers, to create inclusive and accessible branding solutions. With over a decade of experience in photography, we are dedicated to helping you showcase your authentic self in the best light possible. Whether you visit our studio just outside Manchester or have us travel to you anywhere in the UK, rest assured that you'll be in safe hands. Elevate your brand today with Isobel Greenhalgh Creative!