how to prep for a personal branding session
Welcome, bestie 🤍
Let’s talk first about what a branding shoot is and why you need one! Like… yesterday!
Think of this like headshots for actors, but elevated for entrepreneurs. As a business owner, you are the face of your brand. People want to connect with people, not logos or companies. You’re not just selling a product or a service, you’re selling yourself and the experience of working with you.
Your branding photos should be a visual representation of that experience. The energy. The confidence. The personality. And yes, you can absolutely do better than iPhone selfies. I promise, you are worth more than that.
This guide is here to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited walking into your shoot.
No overthinking. No stressing. Just showing up ready to be hyped, guided, and celebrated.
My sessions are fun, high-energy, and very much come as you are, just the boss babe you don’t always allow yourself to be! I’ll pose you head to toe, hype you up the entire time, dance when needed, and make sure you leave feeling powerful and seen. This guide is simply a quick reference so you know what to bring and how to prep.
Outfits: Think Variety, Not Overwhelm
When choosing outfits, the goal is to feel confident and stay on brand. Your clothes should support your brand, not distract from it.
I recommend planning 2–3 outfits that reflect different sides of your brand. If you’re unsure, that’s okay. We’ll talk through it on your planning call, but this gives you a solid starting point. And a pop of color, if it fits your brand, is a fave!
A few general outfit guidelines:
Avoid logos (unless it’s your own)
Skip fine lines like thin pinstripes or small patterns (they are not friends of the camera, and distract from you)
Incorporate brand colors without feeling like you need all of them, just a healthy mix
Also consider shape and movement. Try sitting down, standing up, and doing the actions you normally do. I always recommend trying everything on before your session so you know you’re wearing what makes you feel the most comfortable and confident!
Boutique Recommendation!
Joann’s Wardrobe Loft is SUPERB! She has the cutest pieces, whether you’re wanting something more casual but still professional, or elevated CEO, she has the goods! (Peep this outfit I got myself, how cute are these pants!!!? And I received SO many compliments throughout the entire day).
And a shopping experience with her leaves you feeling SO seen, so understood, and just like a best friend held your hand as you stepped into your next self. HIGHLY recommend paying her a visit!
1. Polished & Professional
This is your “she means business” look
Blazer, tailored jacket, or structured top
Dress, trousers, or elevated jumpsuit
Neutral tones or brand colors work beautifully here
Clean lines, minimal patterns
Perfect for:
Website headers
LinkedIn
Sales pages
Press or speaking opportunities
2. Casual & Approachable
This is where your personality shines!
Jeans, trousers, or skirts paired with a relaxed top
Sweater, tee, or open button-down
Sneakers, boots, or casual heels
Perfect for:
Instagram content
Reels
Behind-the-scenes moments
“Come work with me” energy
3. Elevated / Bold / Signature Look
This is the extra outfit. The one that feels like you on your best, most confident day.
Statement pieces
Pops of color
Texture, movement, or something a little unexpected
This look is great for:
Launches
Personal brand storytelling
Confidence forward content
If you’re torn between options, bring them! Always always bring them! We’ll choose together.
Props: Bring Your Tools, Not Clutter
Props help tell your story and reinforce what you actually do day-to-day. The key is choosing items you genuinely use, not things that feel forced.
Some must haves for most brands:
Laptop
iPad or tablet
Phone
Notebook or planner
Calendar
Pens or markers
Coffee mug or drink you’re known for
Branded materials (business cards, packaging, products)
Something celebratory (confetti popper, balloons, cupcake and candle, think about how you would want to post a special laugh or surprise, what type of content you would want behind that)
If you use specific tools or gear in your work, bring those too. Examples:
Camera or lenses
Beauty tools
Art supplies
Stethoscope
Signs (like for sale signs for realtors)
Think about what you do day in and day out, what relates to your business, and what relates to you! This is a chance to have some fun with different items that you’d want to incorporate into your marketing.
Accessories Matter
Small details elevate your photos.
Jewelry (studs, hoops, statement pieces)
Watch
Rings
Hair accessories
Shoes for each outfit (though jeans and a barefoot look always slays too)
A quick tip: lay everything out together before your session so you can see how it all works as a set! (and send me pictures if you want some extra eyes!)
Hair & Makeup
Confidence shows up beautifully on camera, and professional hair and makeup can make a big difference.
Professional hair and makeup is highly recommended. It helps your photos look polished, consistent, and camera ready.
I have my own go-to hair and makeup artists you can choose from, or you’re welcome to use someone you already love. If you do your own makeup, aim for a slightly more defined look than your everyday routine. I always say cameras and lighting tend to wash out or soften makeup, so you lose about 30% to 40% of its intensity and color in photos. Just to keep in mind! And hiring an experienced professional means having someone that knows how to balance that.
The Planning Call
Before your session, we’ll walk through:
Your brand goals
Where these images will be used
Outfit and prop ideas
Location details
Any specific shots you want
This blog is just an extra resource that supports that conversation so nothing feels overwhelming. Everything here, we’ll go over on the call, don’t worry!
Mindset Prep (This One Is Important)
You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to be “photogenic.”
Your only responsibility is to show up as yourself and be ready to have fun and willing to trust the process! We’ll laugh, move, dance it out, reset when needed, and create images that feel real, powerful, and aligned with your brand.
The biggest tip I can leave you with: Have fun and don’t be afraid to be a visible part of your company! You are the boss, the CEO, the head honcho! Stand on your business, be confident in what you’ve built, what you’re building, and running that thang!
If nerves pop up, that’s completely normal. But! Rest assured. They always disappear within the first few minutes. I gotchu!
Final Reminder
This is not about being perfect. It’s about being present.
You’re building a brand, telling your story, and stepping into the version of you that already exists. I’m just here to help capture it.
Let’s make magic ✨