I really believe in the value of getting a shoot done. The difference between a website with and without high-quality personal branding photos would be seriously night and day!
Because what else are you going to put on your website?
Unless you want your whole site to be illustrative (which brings in its own set of challenges and costs) OR you want to rely solely on stock images (which I personally feel usually undermines the credibility of a website), then you’re going to need brand photos.
Some illustrations on your website are great, and having a few stock images is fine too, but if you are the face of your brand and you want people to feel like they know you, like you and trust you, then you’re definitely going to need to show yourself!
A lot of the time, clients don’t have a trusted photographer that they turn to for photoshoots. So, I need to go hunt down options and provide recommendations.
Want to know what I look for when searching for photographers to recommend to clients?
At this point, I’ve helped organise COUNTLESS personal branding photoshoots.
I’ve seen clients book AMAZING photographers and not-so-great ones.
Let me tell you what to look for so you book an amazing one!
Here are nine meaningful questions to ask before you book, so you can feel confident they’re the right person to help bring your brand photography style to life.
1. What is your photography style?
So this isn’t really a question you have to ask your potential photographer, you should be able to see it CLEARLY from the moment you check out their website or Instagram profile.
There are three typical photography styles I see:
* Light and Airy
* Muted and Earthy
* Dark and Moody
The vast majority of brand photographers I see shoot light and airy.
Many family photographers shoot more muted and earthy, intentionally desaturating the photos.
And dark and moody, I’d say, is a more niche aesthetic. But a lot of that can come down to using dark backdrops/locations and also the time of day of the shoot.
Can you find a photographer and get them to alter their photography style to suit your desired aesthetic? Yes and No.
Technically, they could probably do it. Some might flat-out refuse because they want to have a consistent portfolio or they’re not comfortable deviating from their style.
Ultimately, I would be trying to book someone who you can clearly see has a style that matches what you’re looking for.
That way, you can say with a fair amount of confidence that you’re going to like the style of the photos they give you.
When I’m looking at photographers for clients, I’m usually intentionally trying to avoid anyone who has a super corporate-looking portfolio (and there are PLENTY of them that you’ll find).
We’re not necessarily looking for a “headshot” style shoot. If I see a bunch of photos of people in corporate attire shot against a dark grey wall, I steer clear.
2. How many shots, locations and outfit changes will I get?
The majority of photographers I come across charge based on a package of how many photos you receive.
You’ll still find some photographers who will give you everything they shoot, but I would say that’s not very common for photographers who specialise in personal branding.
Typically, photographers have three tiers to choose from, which could look like 10 photos, 25 photos and 50 photos or any other number of options in between! Each photographer does it a bit differently.
So clients will inevitably ask me:
“How many photos will we need.”
Depending on the length and intention of a given page, we could use 5 or more photos from the shoot. So let’s say you have a 5-page website. 5 x 5 = 25 shots (unless you want to repeat photos, which I generally avoid if possible).
So you can see how we end up needing quite a lot of photos.
That might sound like a lot of photos of you per page.
This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but generally, I approach website design for personal brands wanting to allow the audience to build an emotional connection with the client.
To feel like they really know, like and trust them. That requires lots of photos (and ideally video too!) of them!
Now remember, these don’t all have to be of your face.
They can be hand shots, prop shots, back shots and so on. I mention this because some clients feel awkward about splashing their face across everything.
That’s why I recommend clients get a photography package with 20+ photos.
Any time clients have only got a package of 10 photos, it’s been quite limiting. I personally feel even just 20 is a bit limiting, but doable.
Obviously, it’s going to depend on your photographer’s packages and pricing as to what you can afford.
Also, bear in mind that your chosen package may dictate how many outfit changes you can have and locations you can go to. Be sure to speak to your photographer about your intentions so they are clear on what you need and can direct you to the right package.
3. Will You Guide Me on Posing, or Do You Capture More Candid Moments?
Of course, we want poses and expressions to feel authentic and in the moment.
But I also have found that photographers who want you to go completely free-range and just keep clicking without saying anything aren’t always the best.
Great if you have modelling experience and know what you’re doing, but most of us don’t!
It’s really hard to tell sometimes how a shot is actually looking.
Do I have hair on my face?
Where should I put my hands?
Is my dress not sitting right?
I personally have found guidance and direction to be helpful.
An experienced personal branding photographer will know good poses to do which are flattering as well.
However, if you find direction to be stifling and the photos end up looking inauthentic, go with a photographer who doesn’t give direction and focuses on candid shots.
4. Will we get to speak and get to know each other ahead of the shoot?
I’ve done shoots where I got to speak to the photographer beforehand and map out the shoot and I’ve done shoots where I just met the photographer on the day.
I would say that if you’re..
- New to doing a branding shoot and have no idea how to approach it; or
- You’re shy in front of the camera
…then being able to strategise with your photographer is a huge value-add.
Very rarely have I seen a photographer actually plan out a shoot for a client like I do for mine, but the majority of photographers will offer a Zoom call to verbally map out and plan out the shoot.
I recommend putting together a mood board on Pinterest of shots you like which you can share with them so they can get an idea of your vision.
5. What Are Your Suggestions for Locations and Styling Choices?
You really want to lean into your photographer for venue ideas if you’re not shooting in your own home.
They deal with shoots every day.
If you’re working with a brand photographer and you like the locations of their past work, they’ll likely have a list of suitable places to rent or can give you ideas of fun cafes or public spaces.
Location and styling play huge roles in the overall vibe of your brand photography.
An experienced brand photographer can help you choose backdrops and outfits that enhance the overall feel of your shoot, whether it’s an outdoor space for a natural vibe or an urban setting for a bold, edgy look.
Their advice will help create a cohesive, visually engaging style that makes your brand feel grounded and intentional.
Trusting Your Gut and Finding the Right Fit
Finding the right brand photographer is a soulful process, a blend of intuition and alignment.
You want someone who feels more like a creative partner than just a service provider—someone who shares your vision and can see the story you want to tell.
🌟 As you ask these questions, pay attention to how you feel talking with them. Do you feel seen, heard, and understood?
Do they bring a calm, collaborative energy that helps you relax? Those gut feelings are just as important as their answers.
When you find the right photographer, the results go beyond beautiful photos; they create a magnetic representation of your brand that people can feel.
Ready to capture the essence of your brand? Use these questions as your guide, and choose a photographer who resonates with your vision, someone who brings creativity, heart, and intention to the experience.
With the right photographer, brand photography becomes more than an image—it becomes an invitation for others to connect with the story you’re here to share.
Catch my podcast episode, How to Plan Your Photoshoot So It Feels Aligned and Authentic, where I share tips to help you create a photoshoot that truly reflects your brand’s essence. ✨
