How to Elevate Your Professional Portfolio with Personal Branding Photos 


Personal branding photos are invaluable to your marketing strategy. 

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, ambitious entrepreneur or on the job hunt, establishing a personal brand is essential to your success. 

The first step is creating a visual - enter branding photography. 

Photos introduce who you are and tell your story by capturing your personality and values. In turn, they build credibility and trust with your audience. 

A professional branding photo shoot can help launch your business and elevate your portfolio.


So, What Exactly is Personal Brand Photography?


When you think of personal branding, you’re likely picturing a professional headshot. While not far off, branding photography adds a new layer of storytelling.

Beyond snapping photos from the waist up, a personal branding photo shoot communicates the message you want to tell your audience.

Are you a creative professional who exudes passion, fun and imagination in their work? Branding photos convey the story through imagery.

From creativity to professionalism, every aspect of your brand will be captured through curated visuals. The goal is to set the tone, feel, and style that you want to represent you and your business identity. 


Here are Tips for Elevating Your Portfolio with Personal Branding Photos:


  • Establish Goals for the Shoot

Before booking a personal brand shoot, think about what you want to get from it. Are you launching a new business or building your portfolio? Do you have a growing business entering a new phase you want to showcase? Maybe you’re rebranding or targeting a new audience. 

Whatever your reasoning for booking a branding photo shoot, determining goals is important. Doing so will guide the planning and execution to produce your desired photos. 


  • Think About Your Brand Identity

Consider the message you want your brand photos to express. It’s essential to start by understanding who your audience is. Are these photos for new and existing clients? Or are they for potential employers?

Then, reflect on what you want your audience to know about you. Is it your strong work ethic, your core values or sources of inspiration? Focus on how you want to be perceived through the images.

This is your opportunity to ensure your brand is well represented. Think through all aspects of the shoot from wardrobe choices to backdrop colours and props. Each element should reflect your personality and values to let them come alive in your portfolio. 


  • Plan a Shot List

Now comes the fun part! Here’s where you get to plan out the shots you want to get. Your photographer will help guide you through this step but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Planning your shot list comes back to the goals of your branding photo session. What kinds of images are you looking for? If it’s a professional branding shoot, you may want to have a shot of you sitting at a desk. If you’re promoting a new product, consider having a shot of the product up close and in action.

The options are endless and unique to the personal brand you want to build. Planning a shot list will ensure you get the photos that tell the right story. 


  • Select the Perfect Location

Like the shot list, selecting a location for your photo shoot can bring together the entire feel of your brand. It’s crucial to choose a setting that complements your brand identity. This could be a professional office space, a painting studio or a cozy home environment. 

Think about what reflects the story you want these images to tell. Then select a location that generates a similar feel. The location and backdrop will set the tone of your photos. 


  • Find the Right Branding Photographer

This is arguably the most important step in the branding photography process as you’re trusting someone to bring your vision to life. Do your research to ensure you choose a skilled branding photographer who understands the aesthetic you want to achieve. 

Most importantly, be comfortable and be yourself around them to have your true personality shine through the photos!


Where to Use Personal Branding Photos


Once you’ve shot the photos and have the edited images in your hands, it’s time to put them to work! Here are a few ideas of where to share them: 

  • Professional portfolio
  • Company website
  • About page
  • Social media profiles 
  • Promotional social media posts
  • Email marketing campaigns 
  • Print materials (banners, flyers, business cards)


The Impact of Branding Photos in Your Portfolio

Personal branding photos are more than pretty pictures. They’re powerful tools to promote and enhance your professional career. By using them in your portfolio you will: 


Stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re using these photos on your company website or to attract a new employer, the online space is crowded. Differentiating yourself with unique and professional images will help you stand apart.


Establish credibility and trust. Beyond being noticed, personal branding builds credibility around yourself and your business. Capturing authentic brand photos will humanize you online and build trust with your audience. 


Support multichannel marketing. As we’ve said, branding photos are excellent tools in your marketing strategy. Use your images across digital and print channels to promote your business! 


Book Your Personal Branding Photo Shoot Today

The value of personal branding photos is undeniable. 

We’ve given you tips to elevate your portfolio by preparing to have an effective photo shoot. We’ve also told you where and how to use the images to promote your brand. Now, it’s time to put the lessons into action!