Let's face it - first impressions matter, especially in the world of freelancing. When you're trying to attract clients and stand out in a crowded market, a professional personal branding photoshoot can be a game-changer.

It's a chance to showcase your unique personality and make a lasting impression on potential clients. A well-crafted personal brand can also help you communicate your values and message effectively, building trust and establishing a loyal following.

In this article, we'll go through three shot types you need to keep in mind, as well as how to prepare for a professional photoshoot to get the most out of your time and investment (yes, you should hire a photographer to do this!).

If you've never had a personal branding photoshoot before, worry not. These are the three different shots you'll need to take your website and socials to the next level.

Headshots

Perhaps the most important type of photography for freelancers are headshots. A good headshot helps potential clients connect with the face behind the business and get to know who you are or at least how you choose to present yourself.

So, taking headshots is probably going to be the main event of your photoshoot. However, not every headshot needs to be overly professional. If the professional, corporate style isn't your thing (which is the case for most freelancers, we are free spirits), then keep things light and make sure your headshots match the vibe you're trying to go for.

Negative Space

Negative space photos will come in handy as you're building your website. Shots of your office space in the background or shots of items that represent your brand will give your website an extra touch of personality.

While headshots and photos of you should be the main focus, it doesn't hurt to take a few quick snaps of your work area to fill up the space on the site.

Action Shots

Your potential clients want to see you in action. Sure, headshots and office photos are great but, what you need to showcase is the thing you're best at - your craft.

If you're a creative writer, try to capture the essence of your writing process, whether that's a shot of you working from a cozy coffee shop or a faraway hut in the mountains. Whatever it is you do, ask your photographer for ideas on how to show your work in action.

‍While hiring a professional photographer will take a lot of weight off your shoulders, you still shouldn't entirely leave the ball in their field. After all, a professional photographer can create amazing quality photos but they cannot portray your style and personality the right way if you don't give them at least the basic guidelines.

Your goal is to make the most out of your time in front of the camera. Here are a couple things you should keep in mind before your photoshoot:

#1 Research & Bring Examples

Don't be afraid to communicate with your photographer about your goals and expectations for the shoot. However, keep in mind that you can't expect them to guess what you're looking to get out of this photoshoot.

Hence, you should do your homework first, research what type of photos you'd like to have, and always bring examples so the photographer knows what to aim for. Make sure you've got examples for every type of shot you need to avoid going back and forth or even having to re-do the whole shoot.

#2 Get Some Rest (and a Haircut)

Another important aspect of preparing for a photoshoot is to make sure you're well-rested and hydrated in the days leading up to the shoot. This will help you look and feel your best on the day. After all, you don't want to show up with dark circles under your eyes from sleepless nights (even if you have deadlines to catch)!

Additionally, consider getting a fresh haircut or styling your hair in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Remember, you have to look and feel your best to get the right message across.

#3 Bring Multiple Outfits

It's important to choose the right outfit that not only looks professional but also reflects your personal style. Think about the message you want to convey to your potential clients and dress accordingly.

Most importantly, make sure to bring multiple outfits for the shoot so you'll have a variety of options to choose from when posting on the site. Keep in mind that you might not like the way some outfits look on camera, so having a replacement will save the day.

Now that you know what you need to do before a photoshoot, it's time to look for a professional brand photographer in your area and get things going. Personal branding sessions are one of those things that can propell small businesses to the next level. So, if you're looking to create a brand image and impress potential customers from day one, then you know what you need to do.

Remember to prepare for your photoshoot by choosing the right outfit and bringing multiple options to the set, taking care of yourself, and communicating with your photographer. And here's an additional tip: make sure to talk to your photographer about post production editing to set the right expectations regarding the style of your photos.

Having a great photoshoot is one thing but ultimately the result depends on post production. So, you want to know ahead of time what the photographer plans to work on in terms of color adjusting and editing features.