What the heck is a Branding Session?
A lot of Clarksville small business owners have been reaching out to me lately and telling me the same thing: I need some updated headshots.
But, when I do a little digging, it turns out that what they are actually wanting is a Personal Branding Session —they just didn’t know what it was called!
So, what is it?
A Personal Branding Session is a professional photography session that tells the story of a small business or a personal brand.
This goes WAY beyond a pretty headshot…
We’re talking about images that show the process of what you make or do, pull back the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes, and puts your personality on blast for your audience to see.
You leave with cohesive and consistent imagery to fill up your social media calendar, breathe new life into your website, and show your potential customers and clients that they can trust you, because you’re a professional.
A Personal Branding Session is the perfect opportunity to show off your workspace or storefront. For Sprig & Spire owner, Tori Laumb, we used the inside and outside of her shop.
Tori raises plants so it was important to show the care and attention that she puts into their growth.
Cool! I still need a headshot though…
Of course! All of us business owners do!
A headshot is simply a portrait with the focus on one person and usually just from the shoulders up. These are insanely easy to work into a Personal Branding Session and it makes sense to do them at the same time so that all of your images look cohesive.
Every time we moved to a new area or changed outfits, we got another headshot. Now, Tori has plenty of options when it’s time for another “Let me introduce myself….” post!
While Tori is not afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty, we also needed to show her professional side. She’s running a business and wearing all the hats so it was obvious we should share ALL of those roles with her clients.
Am I ready for a Personal Branding Session?
That depends on a few things (and we can chat on the phone if you want personalized advice) but usually, I recommend that someone just starting out should stick with a more straightforward Headshot Session while they find their footing in the small business landscape.
For the brand that is in growth mode; posting regularly to social media, launching products, or retooling their website, etc. I typically recommend a full Branding Session. It makes everything come together visually and encourages someone to STOP scrolling instead of flying past you.
Tori was in the midst of launching her first storefront (SO exciting!) and having a professional website designed so she had LOTS of image needs.
How does this help me?
If you’ve been in business for more than 3 seconds you’ve probably heard that someone needs to know, like, and trust you (KLT for short!) .
This means branded images are non-negotiable if you are the face of your company or a solopreneur. You need to make a strong connection with your clients fast. Stock images are not cuttin’ the mustard.
Did you know that over 90% of the information that we take in every day is VISUAL? In fact, I’m surprised you’re still reading this!
Seriously though, how would it feel to have a folder of custom photography that was specifically tailored to YOUR marketing needs, ready to pop into your next e-mail newsletter or batch posting to social media?
It’s a game-changer.
Where are you at in your business? Is now the time for a Headshot Session or a Personal Branding Session?
Be sure to check out Tori’s shop: Sprig & Spire, plant garage and custom woodworking worthy of alllll the hearts! You can also follow her on IG and FB!