As the name implies, a personal brand photoshoot is simply a shoot with the objective of taking great shots which will elevate your personal brand. If you're a micro business like us, your personal brand and your business are effectively one and the same. Are you a one-person business / entrepreneur / founder-owner? Congratulations, you are your business!

Sure, your business itself has a logo and its own visual identity, but guess what? People don't buy your fancy logo, they buy you - the person behind the brand. We get nice comments on our Avery & Brown branding all the time, but it's never the reason a prospect decides to choose us. They choose us because we are Russ and Tim. They buy into us as individuals thanks to the fact that we put ourselves out there on our social media channels and - back in the day - in real life.

Why invest in a personal brand photoshoot?

Tim and I have had two personal brand shoots done since we've known each other. One when we worked together informally, through our separate businesses - Russ Avery Consulting and Tim Brown Creative, and one since we have been Avery & Brown. On both occasions, the investment has been well worth it.

Here's a good way to think about it. You want your business to grow and you know (I hope!) that business growth can very rarely be achieved without spending money on marketing. But your budget is tight; you're a micro business after all. Well, you'll be pleased to know that having a personal brand photoshoot is actually one of the most cost-effective marketing activities you can do! How so? It's all about how you use the photos and the return on investment they can provide. Keep reading!

(Oh, but before we carry on, remember: it's not a cost, it's an investment.)

So, here's the main reason to invest in a shoot: assuming the photos your photographer takes are good and you're happy with them, you will start using them everywhere.

Your website, proposals, pitch decks, countless social media posts, social media profile pictures, PR photos, event / podcast headshots, your Google Business listing, you name it...

Getting high-quality professional photos of yourself out into the world will elevate your brand in so many ways and create a much better first impression to your target audience and prospective customers. Of course, this is assuming that your photos are on-brand - but Ben talks about this more below, so keep reading...

6 Top Tips for a successful personal brand photoshoot

Who better to ask about this than our good friend Ben Horsley-Summer, who is the creative legend behind our most recent shoot? Ben take it away with your top tips, mate!

1. Avoid the passport-style headshots, or the school yearbook photo – you know, with the textured backdrop. Think carefully about locations but also context too. It may sound obvious, but it makes no sense to have a gritty, industrial background if you're a sustainable business, or lush rolling hills if you're a city-based architect. Choose a number of suitable locations to get a good variety of photos and vary the types of shots that you take within each set. 

2. Chat to your photographer in advance, or even better, work with someone you know. Even the most confident people can become a little awkward in front of a camera. It's important to feel at ease and relaxed, as it'll really benefit the final product. This is a two way street though. Only work with a photographer if they make you feel comfortable. A good photographer will give firm direction when needed but won't bark orders like Christian Bale on a film set.

3. Think about the final creative output. Are you looking for just headshots, or something more like header images, backgrounds, social graphics, or print work? It's important to tell your photographer, so that they can frame any additional shots suitably. You can crop a photo, and whilst you can extend a background in Photoshop, it's not fun and doesn't always look great. Also ensure that you get the full resolution photos if you're using them for print. 

4. Block out time. A clear calendar will free you from distractions and allow plenty of time for location or outfit changes. Make the most of the time you have and don't think that you can squeeze it into a lunch break. A half or full day shoot will really maximise the longevity of your investment. It's generally a fun process too, so don't be afraid to step away from your business for a few hours, at least.

5. Use them in your marketing whenever possible. Photos add personality and authenticity to your brand. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that I like to see who's behind a business. You'd be surprised how many well-established companies and individuals get this so wrong. I've run marketing campaigns for big conferences and have been sent some appalling low-res photos from speakers who can surely do better.

6. Great photos benefit from good design. I'm at risk of sounding like a design snob here, but my heart breaks when I see my photos thrown into a Microsoft Word flyer or a UX nightmare of a website. Photos are just one piece of the brand puzzle, so invest in good design too and your marketing will not only look a lot better, but have greater appeal to your prospects.