What to expect at a personal branding photoshoot

Hello, I am glad you are here with me! A Personal Branding Photoshoot is an exciting event but can also seem a little daunting if you don’t know what to expect.  Please enjoy one of my lovely clients article, Karen Phillips, SEO specialist and copywriter from Blossom and Grow. I met Karen in the beautiful Redlands Coast of Bayside Brisbane, she works with clients all over Australia, New Zealand, the US and Canada.

I had the absolute pleasure of capturing Karen when she was just starting out with her new business as SEO specialist and copywriter, and it’s is booming now. We had so much fun with Karen creating visual content for her business, Karen is fool of energy, who loves good laughs and singing, and motivated by good cup of tea.

I just love seeing her fun and vibrant website, her beautiful feed on her Instagram account and how she uses the photos we created together to grow her business.

In this article Karen describing her experience and letting you know what to expect when you create personal branding photos and videos for your business.

– sending excited smiles, Olessia, xo

Hi, I’m Karen. I had a personal branding photoshoot in August with Olessia, and I’d like to tell you all about it, so you’ll know what to expect when you book your photoshoot experience.

I decided on the photoshoot as I was in the process of building my new website, and I wanted some really good images to use on the new website and on social media – not the 10-year-old professional ones I’d been using, and definitely not the selfies I’d accumulated on my iPhone!

I was a bit apprehensive – and yes, even nervous, not quite knowing what to expect. Olessia was brilliant and took the time to put me at ease, keeping me reassured every step of the way.

BEFORE BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT

The date was agreed on, the contract was signed – I’m really doing this! 

The first step was to complete a questionnaire about what I wanted out of the photoshoot and how I was planning to use the images.  Olessia created a mood board on Pinterest and encouraged me to add examples of profile and lifestyle shots that appealed to me, which was challenging at first and then became quite addictive. She advised me to start thinking about outfits in my brand colours, jewellery, and props – OMG what am I going to wear?  I don’t have anything in my brand colours. 

Shopping here I come!

I absolutely love the way Olessia made me look and feel that day, and the beautiful images have brought a whole new energy to my business… ~ Karen

A few days before the photoshoot I had a face-to-face consultation with Olessia, taking along a variety of outfits I thought might be suitable.  This was so valuable.  I tried everything on, we came up with 4 outfits to use, and talked about shoes, accessories, and how to prepare beforehand – hydration and sleep being the two most important things.  Olessia also showed me some poses to practice so that I would feel natural and relaxed on the day. 

DURING PHOTOSHOOT

Finally, the big day arrived!  I had an early appointment with my hairdresser to blow-dry my hair and arrived at Olessia’s Brisbane Bayside studio at 9.30 am for the appointment with the hair and make up specialist Dyan Acuesta.  I was feeling a bit nervous, but Olessia and Dyan soon made me feel comfortable and I relaxed into being pampered. The hair and makeup artist did a great job, and I have to say – I looked pretty damn good when she finished.

And then came the photoshoot! 

Olessia made it so much fun, making me laugh and calling out instructions and words of encouragement as I posed away, tossing my hair, smiling for the camera and just having fun. The time just flew by. 

Four outfit changes, two videos and few images, it was time for a location change. We headed off to a local café with a beautiful white peacock chair for some lifestyle shots, and then to a nearby beach for some outdoor shots. I didn’t feel at all self-conscious or inhibited – I put my trust in Olessia and just did as she asked. It was a wonderful day, and I enjoyed every moment.

A consummate professional, Olessia knows exactly what to do and say to ensure the person being photographed feels comfortable and relaxed, able to show their authentic self and let their personality shine through.

I was completely blown away by the images… ~ Karen

AFTER PHOTOSHOOT

A week after the shoot was the final consultation with Olessia – viewing the photos and selecting the ones I wanted.  I was completely blown away by the images, they were so good. It was hard to narrow them down to just 20.  Luckily Olessia keeps the images for a year, meaning I do have the opportunity to purchase some more. 

I absolutely love the way Olessia made me look and feel that day, and the beautiful images have brought a whole new energy to my business.  It was a brilliant experience, and I will definitely do it again in a couple of years.

Thank you Olessia, you are an artist 😊