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Personal branding photoshoot questionnaire to help plan your brand shoot
- Gracie Ryan
- May 2, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30
This personal branding questionnaire will help you decide where your shoot should take place, what you should wear, what props to incorporate and how to pick the right photographer for the job.
If you're ready to take your side hustle seriously or want up-level your small business marketing, there's one thing you'll need in order to succeed: brand and product photography. So what exactly is personal branding photography? What goes into a personal branding photoshoot? And how do you figure out what your shoot should look like?
Before your personal branding photoshoot, you'll want to answer a few questions to get an idea of the creative direction you want for your shoot. As much as I love documentary-style photography, when it comes to personal branding, going in with a plan is always best. Taking the time to brainstorm creative direction and truly understand your personal brand from a visual and creative perspective will pay off huge in the long run.
10 Questions to help plan your personal branding photoshoot
1. Get Clear on What You Actually Offer
Are you a service-based biz (like a wedding planner or hair artist), a product-based brand, or a mix of both? Knowing this helps shape the *focus* of your shoot. Are we spotlighting *you* in action, or showcasing products that need their own moment? Your photos should instantly communicate what you do — and why people should care.
2. Pick Your Brand's Alter Ego
What fictional characters, celebs, or internet icons vibe with your brand energy? Are you giving “cool art teacher who DJs on weekends” or “power CEO with a soft spot for vintage bookstores”? Channel their style, mood, and attitude — and build your shoot around that. It’s creative direction *and* confidence fuel.
3. Choose Your Core Brand Vibe Words
Your brand should have a *vibe* — and your photos should match it. Pick 3-5 words that sum it up. Playful? Editorial? Cozy? Edgy? Luxury with a little chaos? These words will guide everything: lighting, styling, posing, props, and editing. Don’t skip this step.
4. Make Color Work *for* You
Your brand palette shouldn't just live on your website — it should show up in your visuals, too. Clothes, props, locations, even your makeup should feel like an extension of your brand colors. Solid layers always win. TL;DR: don’t wear something your brand would never post.
5. Plan a Shoot That Moves
You’re not a statue — so don’t just stand there. Think of movements or actions that align with your brand: lighting a candle, flipping through a book, sipping coffee, sketching, running your hands through product. Natural movement adds depth and helps you create both photo *and* video content in one go.
6. Choose Locations That Match Your Brand's Personality
Not every shoot has to be a white wall or studio. Retro brand? Think record shop, vintage motel, or diner. Playful brand? Amusement park or market day. Chic and minimal? Monochrome walls, cafes, open-air spaces. Your location tells part of your story — make it count.
7. Use Symbols to Tell a Bigger Story
What objects or icons say *you* without saying you? Think disco balls, dried florals, roller skates, crystals, books, matchbooks, vintage cameras — whatever fits your brand identity. Props can transform a simple portrait into a vibe-y visual that sticks in people’s heads.
8. Know Who You're Speaking To (and Shooting For)
Your ideal client should always be in your creative rearview mirror. What kind of imagery would *they* stop scrolling for? Whether it’s polished, playful, or artistic — make sure your branding visuals speak directly to the kind of people you want to work with.
9. Plan for Multi-Platform Content
Think ahead: how can your shoot give you photos *and* content you can use across Instagram, Pinterest, your website, and even video platforms? Little motion clips, slow pans, and behind-the-scenes moments can give your visuals more range and help future-proof your content.
10. Choose a Photographer Who Gets It
Look for someone who understands personal branding — not just pretty portraits. Consider their style (film vs digital, editorial vs lifestyle), their vibe, and what they include (video? gifs? studio access?). And yes, budget matters — but so does finding someone who gets your vision and can help elevate it.
Want more guidance on your brand shoot? Explore the articles below:
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