What is a Commercial Branding session, and why do I need one?
A personal branding session is intended for small business owners, aspiring professionals, and entrepreneurs who wants to elevate their business game. Think about some of your favorite stores — even large ones like Target, Anthropologie, or Pottery Barn. Each of these businesses has a very distinct vibe, right? In the same way, the goal of a personal branding photography session is to zero in on your current or ideal aesthetic and broadcast it to the world through images that are used for your website, social media accounts, newsletters, and beyond.
These pictures help you come across as put together and confident, and potential clients will feel like they know and understand you more. And we all know that when a potential customer feels more endeared to you, they’ll be more inclined to work with you!
We’ll work closely with you to ensure your personal branding session goes smoothly and that your images clearly demonstrate who you are. That said, here are three things to consider as you prepare for your own personal branding session:
Incorporate Items That Represent Your Business
We may not use them for every photograph, but if your business involves certain tools or products then it’s ideal to include them in some images. For example, if you’re a photographer you’d want to bring a camera, if you’re a jewelry designer then wear your favorite pieces, if you’re a wine maker bring a few bottles and a nice glass. We might incorporate them into the background, or have them in your hands, or something else entirely, but whatever we do with them, it associates you with what you're offering.
Brainstorm Locations That Fit Your Business and Personality
This is something we'll do together at your pre-session consultation. Most likely we’ll want to get a mix of neutral locations and then a space that represents your business. If you’re a restauranteur, images at your restaurant would be perfect. If you’re a potter, we’ll want to shoot at your studio. If your career is less nuanced, then neutral locations will be great.
Wherever we go, it's important it's a place that you'll be comfortable and feel like you're in your element. You want your images to show your personality and the vibe you want your business to have, and confidence is important to achieve that!
Think About Your Personal Style
For personal branding images, we really want to zero in on your personal style. If you’re a brew master or a woodworker, you’ll probably want to opt for a slightly elevated casual look. If you’re the founder of a high-tech smart phone app, then maybe a pressed shirt and bowtie or a well-tailored a-line power dress is better. We can work with you to help figure out the perfect outfit to show your personality and the rock-star boss that you are.
At the end of the day, you're in business to make money. In this age of technology, the best way to convert leads into sales is by winning the confidence of your clients and customers. Branding sessions turn you from a faceless business into a brand and shows the people interested in what you offer that you're a real person. People don't want to buy from businesses. People want to buy from people.
Let's show them the person you are!
*Shout-out to Amanda over at Midwest Nice Food Blog for being such a freaking amazing subject for her branding session with me featured in this blog!
Ready to book your branding session and elevate your business? Contact me here.
Thanks again.