Your Guide to Preparing for Your Personal Branding Shoot In Bend
Preparing for Your Personal Branding Session in Bend
Showing the face behind the brand is so important in building trust with your future clients. So you’ve decided it’s time to show up online but then you realize how much there is to consider when planning a personal branding shoot.
You’ve scrolled online for endless hours, researching photographers with your BFF Google and have finally found a photographer who can capture you and your brand and make you stand-out. You schedule a session and now …. now what?!
Stepping in front of the camera can feel uncomfortable but it doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it should be fun!
From deciding on the location, what to wear, hair and makeup, here are some tips on how to prepare for your personal branding session in Bend.
When should I Schedule My Branding Session?
Planning a successful personal branding session takes time. I recommend scheduling your session at least 4 weeks out so there is ample time to strategize and prepare for your shoot, so you can arrive to the session relaxed and ready.
What Is The Best Location for a Personal Branding Session in Bend?
Whether you are scheduling a personal branding session or family portraits, you may be unsure of the the best location for your shoot. I’ve created a list of some of Bend’s top photo locations both in and around Bend. The landscape of Central Oregon is unbeatable, why not take advantage of it?
Click here to view the Best Photo Shoot Locations in Bend, Oregon.
Best Clothing Boutiques in Bend
What do I Wear?
My favorite tip is wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you feel good in your clothing you will look good!
The following question is how many outfits do I need? This depends on the length of your session. Your branding session will fly by and you don’t want to try to do too much in a short period, which will result in you feeling frazzled.
However, the point of a branding session is to walk away with a content library with a variety of images that can be repurposed and used for many months. Typically 2-3 outfits an hour is a solid amount. Don’t forget to bring accessories that can be added/removed quickly for a different look.
Vanilla Urban Threads
Located in the heart of the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon, this gorgeous, eclectic boutique offers both stylish women’s and menswear tailored to the bohemian, free-spirited look.
Website
425 SW Powerhouse Dr #307, Bend, OR 97702
EVRGREEN Clothing
Located in downtown Bend, Oregon, this boutique offers a premium shopping experience (including sips of beer while you shop) with the latest trends in women’s clothing. It’s brought to you from the folks from Bozeman, MT who founded Revolvr Menswear.
Website
945 NW Wall St #150, Bend, OR 97701
Banana Republic
Located on the south side of the Old Mill District in Bend, Oregon, this well known shop is the place to go for modern classics like blazers, button ups and everyday essentials.
Website
545 SW Powerhouse Dr #901, Bend, OR 97702
It’s In The Details…
Hair and Makeup
Having your hair and makeup professionally done before your personal branding or headshot session is not required.
Many of my clients chose to have their hair and makeup professionally done prior to their shoot so they can feel camera ready.
My All Inclusive Personal Branding Session includes hair and makeup by one of my preferred HMUA artists in Bend. Professional hair and makeup can be added to any Personal Branding or Headshot Sessions.
Props or B-Roll
Props are not needed for a headshot session but they come in handy for personal branding sessions. B-roll is the secondary content that can be used for background imagery or filler details.
Personal branding sessions are more in depth sessions that tell your story or the story of your business. Often clients will include tools of their trade (cellphone, computer, paint brush, etc.) for some of the photos. In fact, I recommend including some sort of prop, details, or textured surfaces that can be photographed for added variety in your content library. B-roll footage is great for website banners, instagram stories or posts where you want to establish a visual scene.
These details add visual interest and can be used as filler when you don’t want or need to share the face behind the brand.
Ways to Use Your Branding Photos
Ok, your branding shoot has come and gone, you’ve received the stunning set of images from your photographer and you may be wondering how/where do I use these images??
Here are some of the top ways to use your personal branding photos:
-LinkedIn. Update that profile pic!
-Social media. Your biz page or personal.
-Your business website. Update your headshot and use some ‘b-roll’ content to update the rest of your site.
-Email Marketing. This could be your email newsletter or email signature.
-Google your name or business name and see what platforms pop up where you can update your image.
If you need a second set of eyes on which image to use on which platform, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to talk about image placement for the biggest impact.
Keep Your Headshot Relevant
If it has been over a year to two years it is time to consider updating your headshot. If you are a real estate agent, I recommend updating your headshot about every year. After all it’s a great write-off. 😉
If you are heavily engaged on social media, have a rebrand, or are launching a new product or service it may be time to update your content with a personal branding session.
Click here to view some of my favorite portraits in Bend, Oregon.
Get In Touch
If you’re looking for an awesome photographer and you connect with my work, reach out!
Gwen Shoemaker is a personal branding and portrait photographer based in Bend, Oregon. Servicing the local area of Bend and the surrounding area of Central Oregon. Providing services for photography across the country and worldwide. Specialties include authentic personal brand photography, bold portraiture and joyful family photos. Forever searching for the best gluten-free pizza. Read more on the blog here.
