10 Must Have Images for Your Branding Shoot

You know you need headshots. You know its important to have a social media and web presence. You may even recognize that having your headshot on your business card is a huge asset if you are a big networker.  

So, you’re considering scheduling your shoot and you’re thinking, OK, how many pictures do I REALLY need?  Is one good shot enough?  Maybe 3? What else could I possibly need?

Let me tell you, we’re not in Kansas anymore.  We are knee-deep in the millennium and relationships are now forged across a multitude of platforms and not just in person (which is still my favorite, by the way!). With all this visual presence, people get to “meet” you and decide if they even WANT to meet you IRL (in real life, for the rest of us) before you even know they exist.    They are digging through your visual assets before they even think about picking up the phone.

So when you are putting together a Personal Branding shoot, its important your photographer covers some ground.

1. The Traditional Headshot - Evolution aside, this staple will always be important! This is the one that shows you as a professional leader in your industry. If you are an attorney, this is the dark suit and tie shot; if you are a chef, this is the one with the chef’s white coat and chef’s hat.

2. The 3/4 Pose - Basically from head to the mid-thigh - the closer to the camera, the more intimate the photo and more inviting to the viewer.

3. The Standing Professional - This is a full body shot - don’t forget to dress head to toe for this reason! Here we can do loose hands, hands together, hands in the pockets, etc.  Looking straight ahead, looking to the sides, serious, smiling and even laughing.

4. The Sitting Professional - One of my favorites. This could be sitting on the arm of a couch, the corner of your desk, on a barstool - just depends on your brand and style.

5. Working on a Computer or an iPad - Whether you are a realtor or a yoga instructor, you want to present images that your clients can identify with. They want to know you have things in common. This is an easy way to showcase that. Also indicates you are the type of person that checks emails and is up to date on technology.

6. Looking Over Your Shoulder - this one is the same as the one before, but we get to peek 

7. The Action Shot - Capturing you do what you do! Meeting with a Client, setting that baked Alaska en flambé or holding a training session. Let people see what its like to work with you.

8. Loving Life - Don’t forget to show them you’re a real person too - laugh it up, have a good time - grab shots of you enjoying yourself - clients will relate. Plus, let’s face it, they want to join you! They’re thinking, I’ll have what she’s having!

9. The Stock Shots - These are super close ups of details. Shots that don’t include your face, such as you writing on a notepad, your pen laying across a journal, maybe a little stack of your business cards. These will serve you well in your social media posts, especially since they will match the other images and not appear to have been taken from a stock site, which kills your credibility, in my opinion.

10. Wardrobe Changes - OK, so this isn’t a pose, but its to say that you should change clothes at least 3-5 times throughout your shoot. Create all those shots above using those different outfits. 

At the end of the day, you are trying to help the client visualize the type of person you are, what your brand stands for, and what it would be like to work with you.  You want to transmit the message that you are confident, authoritative and approachable all in a manner consistent with your branding. This is why we create a coaching and styling call in advance and go over those details. 

Here’s a sample Branding Session that hits all of these 10 points.

Let’s have a chat about your brand and create incredible photos to take your business to the next level.  hello@gracielavaldes.com or call (754)-200-8476.