Why Renting a Brand Photoshoot Location Is Totally Worth It
During all planning sessions with my clients, the *very* first thing we pin down is location. Location is the foundation for the rest of the photoshoot. It solidifies everything else about the experience, like:
What to wear
What accessories to bring
Whether you’re going to be standing or sitting
What props to bring
…and so much more
I recommend renting a location because you can literally choose what details will be in your photo backdrop.
You’re already putting so much time and energy into your photoshoot. You’ve taken the day off, gotten your hair/makeup done, and picked out a whole new wardrobe. So, might as well go ALL IN and invest in a perfect-for-you location to make sure your background brings everything together seamlessly.
HOW TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL BRAND PHOTOSHOOT:
The location — To reflect your personality and brand’s mission.
Hair/makeup — To ensure you feel radiant and stunning for your big day.
Wardrobe — To make sure you’re sporting the look that aligns with your brand.
I highly recommend investing in a photoshoot location. A place that aligns flawlessly with your brand.
Without a hand-picked location, you risk having your brand look less coordinated, which could hinder your overall branding.
Here are some ideas where you can find your ideal location.
HOW CAN I FIND A PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION?
Many of my clients have asked me, “where can I find a location for my photoshoot?”
And I have a few different methods I always give them. Here are my top three ways to find your perfect photoshoot location, so you can get a head start on your search.
1. Peerspace
This is a great resource for photography sessions. It’s basically like Airbnb for photoshoots. There’s a cool search feature where all you do is add your activity (ex: a photoshoot), the city of your photoshoot, and the day you’re looking for. It’ll then give you many options to choose from.
This is another great one for finding a beautiful location. There are tons of spaces to choose from there. You can filter according to what you’re looking for — whether it’s a mansion, a lakefront home, a beach home, or a cabin. The sky’s the limit. There are so many choices — make sure to choose one that aligns with you.
3. Rent a nearby location
If there’s a location you have your eye on in the city of your photoshoot, chances are you can rent it out. Places like hotels, beautiful cafes, and restaurants are a few that come to mind. Some require a small fee, and others don’t — it depends on the location, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
What’s important is that you have a clear vision about what location is right for your brand. Think about what words describe the look you’re going for.
When I first start working with my clients, we work through my Brand Strategy questions so we can get clear on their brand story and who they want to connect with.
Then, I look at the details of the locations and make sure they match what they want to express.
THE RESULT OF CHOOSING AN AMAZING PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
I’m passionate about the importance of investing in a location for your photoshoot. As a photographer, I see how much it can uplevel your photos.
When you have authentic and magnetic photos, your ideal clients come knocking on your virtual door excited to work with you.
I’ll leave you with a few BONUS tips to keep in mind when choosing a photoshoot location:
➤ Choose a location that is not overly distracting. Locations with minimal decor are best, so it doesn’t distract from you and your branding. If a location is beautiful, but there’s too much clutter, the viewer’s eye goes straight to the “stuff” — taking away attention from you.
➤ Make sure the location is either neutral or includes your brand colors. If your brand colors clash with the background, it’ll distract the viewer’s eye. The focus should be all on you for your personal brand.
➤ Locations with beautiful natural light can be very flattering on your skin, so it’s best to choose spaces with tons of natural daylight.
If you need more help finding the perfect locations for your brand shoot, I am happy to help.
If you haven’t yet booked your personal branding photoshoot, I’d love to work with you so we can get you some outstanding photos that you will be excited to show off! Contact the studio here.
I am also travel, so if you’re outside of California, I’d love to meet you in your town too.
Headshot Tips for Success
Not all photographers coach their clients on what to do and what NOT to do during a headshot session.
Knowing my client's goals are IMPERATIVE to creating beautiful imagery that they will be happy with. Not to mention, this is my favorite part - getting to know one another so I can have creative liberty to create images that fit your needs.
Here are just a few of my favorite TIPS:
1. Don't expect the photographer will retouch your image unrealistically to look like an instagram influencer. I provide a detailed guide with tips to ensure a successful photoshoot.
2. Don't assume YOU know the best way to pose for the camera. I have years of experience in facial expression coaching and posing to make you look your best.
3. Don't forget styling and makeup. Styling comprises of clothing and makeup. Professional makeup application is very helpful for ladies and also nice bit of pampering right before your photoshoot. Ask me for artist recommenations. (Did you know that eyebrows and lips are the top 2 things that I say must be visited by your makeup artist to make a great portrait?)
Now that you are ready to get a modern updated headshot that you’ll love, set up a free consultation to learn more about my Signature Headshot and Personal Branding Sessions.
3 Steps to Check Up On Your Personal Brand
Have you ever googled yourself? No, I’m serious (even though it sounds silly.) Here are my steps to ensure your personal branding and marketing is working for you.
Step 1: Google yourself and see what the results are.
Step 2: Give your old profiles an update. Whether it’s an old blog, old website, , a stale LinkedIn profile or the neglected YouTube channel. Make sure all search results reflect your current brand and message.
An outdated profile can give the impression that you’re not staying current or growing…or even still in business!
Step 3: Use tools like Google Alerts to monitor mentions of your name and your business name.
The more you work on your personal brand, the more authority and confidence you will build.
The more authority your build, the more trust you will gain from your audience.
The more trust you gain from your audience, the more likely they are to become your client.
A Few Reasons Why to Get a Branding Photoshoot
A personal branding photoshoot is a powerful tool for those looking to establish and promote their brand. In today's digital age, where personal and professional identities often merge online, the importance of a personal branding photoshoot cannot be overstated. Here are several key reasons why it's crucial:
First Impressions: Your online presence is often the first impression people have of you, whether it's on social media, your website, or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. High-quality, professionally taken photos can help you make a positive and memorable first impression.
Authenticity: Personal branding photoshoots allow you to showcase your true personality, values, and passions. Authenticity is highly valued by audiences today, and your photos should reflect who you genuinely are.
Consistency: A personal branding photoshoot ensures that you have a consistent and cohesive visual identity across all your online and offline platforms. Consistency builds trust and recognition with your audience.
Professionalism: High-quality photos convey professionalism. Whether you're an entrepreneur, job seeker, or a professional in any field, having professional photos can give you a competitive edge.
Storytelling: Photos can tell a story and evoke emotions. They can communicate your journey, experiences, and aspirations, helping you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Versatility: Personal branding photos can be used across various channels and purposes, such as social media profiles, website banners, email signatures, and marketing materials. This versatility maximizes the value of the photoshoot.
Brand Recognition: Over time, consistent personal branding photos help people recognize you and associate you with your brand. This recognition can lead to more opportunities and networking connections.
Engagement: High-quality photos are more likely to engage your audience. Visual content tends to receive more likes, shares, and comments on social media, which can boost your online visibility.
Confidence: Knowing that you have professional photos that represent you well can boost your self-confidence, whether you're promoting yourself for career advancement or personal goals.
Competitive Advantage: In competitive industries, having a well-crafted personal brand that includes professional photos can set you apart from others with similar qualifications or skills.
Adaptability: As your personal brand evolves, your photos can be updated to reflect these changes, ensuring that your brand remains current and relevant.
Memorability: Memorable photos can help you stand out in the minds of potential clients, employers, or collaborators. They can leave a lasting impression that makes people more likely to remember and reach out to you.
In conclusion, a personal branding photoshoot is a strategic investment in your online and offline presence. It helps you convey your identity, values, and professionalism to your target audience effectively. In today's highly competitive and visually-oriented world, personal branding is essential for personal and professional success, and quality photos play a significant role in this branding process.
How to feel comfortable in front of the camera
Almost every single person who comes into the studio says “I really hate having my picture taken.” Or, “I’m not photogenic.” To which I reply, don’t worry - this will be more fun that you think!
During a recent session with a resident from San Ramon, I was able to change his mind, and together we created some incredible headshots for his personal brand.
So how do I make you comfortable in front of the camera, when you’d rather be anywhere else…some have even said - they’d rather go to the dentist!
Even before your session, I will send you my guide with tips and tricks to help you prepare for your session. This quick guide covers things like what to wear, what not to wear, what to bring, makeup and hair suggestions, just to name a few. Throughout the session I will coach you on posing and expression.
Your session is a collaboration. I will show you what we are capturing throughout the session so I can give you feedback on what I see as improvements and most importantly, so you can tell me what you are loving… or not. My feelings will not be hurt. It’s critical that you are honest with me so that I know how to pivot and adjust to make sure we are on the same page.
A pre-session is super helpful so that I can explain my process and we can plan out your session. If you’d like to set up a discovery call please click on the button below. I look forward to hearing from you!
Dentist Headshots
Just about any person could use a great headshot of themselves in this digital age. Most especially if you are an independent business owner. Tell me, do you research your dentist or doctor online before booking an appointment? Wouldn't you want to see a friendly and confident face like this? Meet Dr. Joseph Hwang - of Tri-Valley Aesthetic Dentistry.
