3 Tips to Prep for Your Personal Branding Shoot
How to prepare for a personal branding photoshoot
Okay, let’s be real for a second. You’ve finally decided to invest in a personal branding photoshoot (hell yes!),
but now you’re staring at your calendar like… wait, what do I actually need to DO to prepare for this?
I get it, and I’ve been there. Between picking outfits, finding locations, and overthinking literally everything, it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be. I’m about to break down the three most important things you need to nail before your shoot so you can show up feeling confident, prepared, and ready to absolutely crush it.
Also I need to say this, so hear me out. The term “personal branding” can feel abit… I don’t know, impersonal? I believe you are more than a brand, and your business is often an extension of you so, which is there the “personal” comes from, so remember it’s ok to get PERSONAL with your photos! Allow your true self and the for what you do to shine and be an authentic representation of you!
What You Can Expect
In this post, I’m sharing my top three tips for prepping for your Vancouver personal branding photoshoot.
We’re talking location ideas, outfit strategy, and all the unexpected ways you’ll actually USE these photos.
Spoiler: it’s way more than just Instagram and your website.
TL;DR
The Quick Version: Choose a versatile indoor location (hello, Peerspace, more on that to come), pack outfits for multiple vibes and seasons, and think beyond social media for how you’ll use your photos. When you work with me,
I’ll help you nail all of this, promise.
Tip #1: THE LOCATION + Rain Plan
Let’s talk about Vancouver for a hot second. Beautiful? Absolutely. Predictable weather?
Ummmm about as predictable as mortgage rate *insert eye roll*
This is why I’m a huge advocate for booking an indoor location for your personal branding shoot.
I know, I know, you’re picturing those gorgeous outdoor shots with the mountains in the background.
And trust me, we can still do that… if the weather cooperates! But having an indoor home base means
you’re not at the mercy of the Vancouver rain, and since this is quite the investment for you,
then I say a rain plan is necessary.
Why indoor locations are your secret sauce
Platforms like Peerspace are absolute goldmines for finding spaces that feel like YOU. Whether you’re into
industrial loft vibes, cozy coffee shop aesthetics, or that sleek modern minimalist look, there’s something
out there that’ll make your brand shine. I have shot in many locations my clients have found on Peerspace and all have delivered beautifully, each with their own flavour and flair. The options are truly endless.
And hey, your home or office can totally work too! Just make sure you’ve got enough space to move around
and create variety, and please, for the love of all that is holy, declutter first. I’m talking Marie Kondo levels
of tidying. We need clean, uncluttered spaces so the focus stays on YOU, not that stack of papers or random
pile of stuff in the corner.
Aesthetic alignment
Does this place feel like you? If you’re warm and approachable, maybe a bright, airy space with plants.
If you’re edgy and bold, perhaps something with exposed brick, or my personal fav concrete and moody lighting.
Variety is key.
You want a space with different areas and backdrops so your photos don’t all look like they were taken in the exact same corner. Think: different colored walls, furniture you can move around, interesting textures, good natural light from windows.
And here’s the best part: once we nail your indoor shots, if the weather cooperates, we can pop outside for some bonus content. It’s a win-win, and you walk away knowing you got the photos you need no matter what Mother Nature decided to do that day.
Peerspace Vancouver
All of these Personal Branding photos were taken in
Peerspace Vancouver locations across the Lower Mainland
Tip #2: OUTFITS – More Than Just “Something Cute”
Here’s where people usually stress out the most, but honestly? This should be the FUN part.
If you’re only doing a brand shoot once a year (which, same—I get it), you want to maximize every single frame. That means bringing outfits that give you range and versatility.
How to Build Your Personal Branding Photoshoot Wardrobe
Reflect YOUR personality.
This isn’t about what’s trending or what you think you “should” wear. If you’re quirky and colorful, BRING THAT. If you live in black and feel like a badass, own it. Your brand photos should feel authentically you, not like you’re cosplaying someone else’s aesthetic.
Think all seasons.
Even if you’re shooting in July, pack a blazer or cardigan for those “fall launch” vibes. Shooting in winter?
Bring a tank top for content you can use in spring. Future you will thank you for this. The goal is to walk away with a library of images that works for you all year long, no matter what you’re promoting or what season you’re in.
Consider the vibe spectrum. I tell my clients to bring:
- Something casual (jeans and a great top, that effortlessly cool look)
- Something polished (the “I mean business” outfit)
- Something that makes you feel like you stepped out of Vogue (go full drama, baby)
Tip #3: USAGE – Beyond social media
Okay, this is where things get exciting because most people don’t realize just how MUCH they can do with their branding photos. Yeah, you’re definitely going to use them for Instagram, your website header, and LinkedIn.
That’s a given. our investment goes SO much further when you think beyond just social media. These photos become the visual foundation of your entire brand presence online and offline.
Here’s a quick list of all the other places that you personal branding photos can work for you:
- Email newsletters and signature
- Speaking engagement promotional materials
- Podcast cover art and episode graphics
- Media kits for PR and collaborations
- Course or program sales pages
- Workbooks, PDFs, and digital products
- Pinterest pins (hello, long-term traffic)
- YouTube thumbnails
- Business cards and print marketing
- Guest blog post author photos
- Conference or event slides
- Your Zoom background (yes, really)
- Thank you cards to clients
The Bottom Line
Look, I could write an entire novel about everything that goes into planning the perfect personal branding shoot.
There are lighting considerations, timing, prop styling, posing strategies—the list goes on.
But here’s the really great thing: when you work with me, you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. I help you through every single step, from choosing the perfect location to planning your outfits to making sure you actually LOVE how you look and feel in your photos.
Your personal branding shoot should feel exciting, not stressful. And with these three tips in your back pocket, you’re already way ahead of the game. Ready to book your personal branding photoshoot? Let’s make some magic happen. Your future self (and your Instagram feed) will thank you.
Save this post for later or share it with a fellow entrepreneur who’s been putting off their brand photos!
IN hOME PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT
VANCOUVER GOLDSMITH ALICIA Agarrabeitia
Thanks for Reading!
Hi I’m Michele Mateus, an award winning Vancouver Portrait Photographer specialized in raw portraits with an artistic and editorial edge.
I am the owner and Creative Director of Mateus Studios, a full service portrait and web design studio in Metro Vancouver serving Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Langley, Abbotsford, Squamish, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster and the Great Vancouver area.
Book a chat with to learn more about working with me!
