Let’s dive in to Branding Sessions!

Whether you’re new to the idea or ready to book, I’ve got everything here you need to know about personal branding sessions. I love partnering with female business owners, creative souls, and lady bosses to help them create perfect content to reach their target audience!

Small business owners know the importance of investing in quality content, but they often don’t know where to start or what they need. Which is why I’m answering the top questions that land in my inbox. When you have a clear vision of how to use your images, you can adequately prepare, and execute your plan with confidence.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL BRANDING SESSION?

A personal branding photography shoot is for small businesses and entrepreneurs that aim to elevate and grow their online presence. These sessions equip you with cohesive and consistent imagery that convey quality. Completely customized for each business, a branding session will show off your unique personality and style. Branding sessions are a targeted way to attract your ideal client and stand out in a saturated market!

WHO NEEDS A BRANDING SESSION?

Any business or entrepreneur with an online presence should invest in a branding session. If you have a website, social media accounts, or do email marketing, then eventually you’ll need to ditch the stock photos and invest in custom content!

Branded images are critical if you are the face of your company or a solo-preneur. People work with brands they know, like, and trust. A branding session is a perfect way to make that connection and attract your ideal client.

WHY IS A PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT IMPORTANT?

Did you know that working with professional photographers leads to small businesses immediately raising their prices by 10-15%? No joke. These sessions automatically elevate your brand! While a website and logo are essential, high-quality images will do the leg work to promote your offerings.

Additionally, personal branding sessions aid in boosting your SEO and social media engagement. Static websites without updates and new content are considered “dead” to search engines like Google. Branding sessions equip you with content that you can use to update your site and stay relevant.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A BRANDING SESSION?

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

But seriously though, as a business owner, I understand that it’s often times a slow process to create your ideal brand. Which is one hundred percent okay. You launch your business with the mantra “done is better than perfect,” and invest as you go.

With that being said, I think it is vital to invest in branding pictures as soon as you are able. Once you have a website and a solid brand, your branding session should be the next investment.  A lot of my branding clients are female entrepreneurs that have been in business for a couple of years and are finally ready to take the next step to enhance their brand through photography.

DO I NEED TO BOOK A BRAND PHOTOGRAPHER, OR CAN MY FAMILY/WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TAKE PICTURES FOR MY BUSINESS?

While many photographers are amazing at capturing headshots and portraits, you want to make sure you hire a photographer that has extensive experience in branding for two specific reasons.

First, they have a clear understanding of imaging that businesses needs explicitly to enhance their online presence. It’s a seamless experience, and you will leave the session knowing the outcome was worth the investment (no buyers remorse here!).

Second, images used for business require a particular written agreement with your photographer that allows you the right to do so. As soon as you use a picture for your business, you need a license or release to protect you legally. A photographer that isn’t familiar with personal branding or commercial photography may also restrict your ability to edit or alter your images (which is sometimes necessary when creating ads and social posts) and they may require you to credit them when you post! Most family and wedding photographers only grant you permission to print and post your images for personal use. Imagine the disappointment when you receive a gallery full of images you love, only to discover you can’t use the pictures for business profiles! 

WHAT TYPE OF CONTENT WILL I GET FROM A BRANDING SESSION?

When we partner on a branding shoot, it’s not merely another cute picture. We create an extension of your business, weaving the same excellence you strive for into every image and truly empowering you with confidence to be the face of your company.

I love entirely customizing each session to fit the brand and business that I am working with. Sometimes this looks like headshots and lifestyle portraits, but other times the sessions include flat lays and product images. Different clients require consistent imagery for social media, and some need quality photos for their website. The key is always to capture an array of images that you’ll have at your fingertips, ready to roll, the next time you click to upload an image.

When I work with female entrepreneurs in East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Raleigh for their personal branding photo sessions, I send them a questionnaire to fill out about their business and photo needs! This helps me craft a session that perfectly fits their business! Ready to take the next step? Lets pick the package that’s right for you and get you started with that brief questionnaire!

Here are a few of my go-to shots that I often include in sessions:

-Quality headshots
-Lifestyle images that show your personality,
-Your inspiration or the “why” behind your business
– Your workspace or office
-Your creative process and images of you working
-The tools and supplies that you use for your business
-Products you sell
-Clients you work with

WHERE DO I DO A BRANDING SESSION?

This is my favorite part! Personal branding photos can be taken anywhere! I work with my clients to find the perfect location for them. Sometimes that means a co-working space, a luxury model home, an Airbnb, or even a coffee shop. Don’t have a home office or traditional workspace? No problem. The possibilities are limitless.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BOOK A BRANDING SESSION?

This definitely depends on each business, but I would suggest booking at least 2 branding sessions each year. I can’t say it enough, Google loves websites that are frequently updated. Additionally, it’s evident that social media platforms continuously require content. Your branding photos will help your content remain relevant and your brand to stay front of mind. Get in touch to learn more about my branding session packages!

So there you have it! I hope this was helpful as you consider booking your own session. Branding sessions are a significant investment, but with a little passion, vision, and preparation, it will hands down be one of the best ways to promote your business.

Have a question I didn’t cover? No problem, email me or leave a comment below.

Still looking for more information about branding sessions? Head on over to 5 Ways To Put Personality Into Your Branding Session for more! You can also check out The Milky Way House to for your photos!