How to Prepare for Your On-Location Personal Brand Photoshoot

Let’s get one thing straight — this isn’t about becoming someone else for a day.It’s about showing up as the best, most polished version of you… with slightly better lighting and someone telling you what to do with your hands.

Here’s how to make the most of your session so you walk away with images you actually want to use.

1. Bring Options, Not Chaos

Planning your outfits in advance will make a big difference on the day.

• Choose pieces that reflect your personal brand

• Bring a few options for variety

• Ensure everything is clean, pressed, and on hangers

• Keep accessories simple and intentional

Every brand is different, which is why I don’t provide strict outfit rules. What you wear should align with your personality, your business, and the clients you want to attract.

2. Keep Your Brand in Mind

Before your session, take a moment to think about how you want to be seen.

• Are you aiming to feel approachable, professional, creative, or calm?

• Who are your ideal clients?

• Where will these images be used?

  
  

Having clarity around this will help guide decisions around outfits, locations, and the overall feel of your images.

3. Hair and Makeup – A Polished Version of You

For your photoshoot, aim for a refined version of your everyday look.

Professional hair and makeup is always recommended, as it helps ensure everything looks polished on camera and lasts throughout the session. That said, it’s important you still feel like yourself — just a little more put together.

The most important thing is how you feel. When you feel confident and comfortable, it naturally comes through in your photos.

4. Props, Yes or No?

Props are awesome for telling your brand story. Bring things you actually use in your business – laptop, notebook, coffee cup, food (if you are a nutritionist), that fancy pen you bought to look like a CEO. Just don’t bring so many props that it looks like you’re moving house mid-shoot. If it can fit in one hand or bag, you’re winning.

And BTW you don't have to bring props, it's totally optional.

5. Create a Pinterest Board (Trust me on this)

Head to Pinterest and start pinning.

Not because we’re copying other people — but because:

• It helps you clarify what you like

• It gives us a visual direction on the day

• It stops the “I don’t know what I want” panic spiral

Think poses, outfits, colours, locations, moods.

6. Your "Must Have" Shot List

This is the part most people skip… and then regret later.

Think about what you actually need:

• Website homepage image

• About page portrait

• Social media content

• Behind-the-scenes / working shots

• Client interaction moments (on a laptop, on a call, writing notes, etc.)

The more specific you are, the more useful your images will be.

7. Posing: You'll Be Fine, I Promise

You don’t need any experience in front of the camera.

I will guide you throughout the session — from how to stand to what to do with your hands — so you can relax and focus on being yourself. Most clients are surprised at how easy and natural it feels once we get started.

8. Feeling Nervous? Remember the Purpose...

Remember - these images are more than just photos — they’re a way for your audience to connect with you.

They help your clients:

• Put a face to your name

• Feel a sense of trust and familiarity

• Connect with you before they even meet you

This is an important part of building your brand and growing your business.

A Few Final Tips

• Get a good night’s sleep before your session

• Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your shoot

• Avoid trying new skincare or treatments right beforehand

• Bring a small kit for touch-ups (lipstick, powder, hairbrush)

• Allow plenty of time to arrive so you feel calm and prepared

✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to know how to pose or feel completely confident before your session.

With the right preparation and guidance, your photoshoot can be an enjoyable and relaxed experience — and one that results in images you’ll feel proud to use across your brand.

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Britt is a photographer based in Brisbane she specialises in headshot photography, personal brand photography and family photograpy