Personal branding photography has become the go-to solution for professionals who want to show up authentically online—but what makes a personal branding shoot different from just getting some nice headshots? And more importantly, how do you make sure your session actually delivers images you’ll love using across your website, LinkedIn, and everywhere else you show up professionally?
Generic stock photos or that selfie you took in good lighting two years ago? They’re not cutting it anymore.
After photographing entrepreneurs, coaches, and creative professionals, I’ve learned that the secret to a successful personal branding shoot isn’t just about looking good (although that’s definitely part of it). It’s about creating a visual story that feels authentically you while hitting all the practical marks your business needs.
So here are some of my personal branding photoshoot tips for a successful session.
1. Pre-plan well
What’s your vision?
This is where the magic starts, and honestly, it’s my favorite part of the process. Before we even pick up a camera, we need to get clear on what your brand represents and how you want to be seen.
I always start by sending my clients a planning form and then we have a proper chat—whether that’s over email, a video call, or in person over coffee. This way, we’re building the foundation for images that will represent your business for years to come.
I encourage all my clients to gather reference images that speak to them. It’s amazing how much this reveals about your aesthetic preferences and helps us create a moodboard that feels authentically you.
Location, location, location
Location choice can make or break your personal branding shoot. I typically suggest a few spots that match your vision, but I’m always open to shooting at a place that’s meaningful to your business.
Your office or workspace tells the story of you in your element—perfect for showing the behind-the-scenes reality of your business. Your home can work beautifully for lifestyle businesses, coaches, or anyone whose work is deeply personal. Outdoor locations in Amsterdam offer stunning backdrops and natural light that feels fresh and approachable.
The key is choosing locations that don’t compete with you for attention but instead support the story you’re telling.
2. Be smart with the styling
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: what you wear can make or break your photos. I’ve seen incredible people feel disappointed with their images simply because their styling choices worked against them instead of supporting their best features.
Simplicity is power
Solid colors and subtle patterns are your best friends. That beautiful floral dress you love? It might be stunning in person, but on camera, busy patterns can distract from your face and create visual noise that competes with your message.
This doesn’t mean you have to be boring. Bold, solid colors can be absolutely stunning—just avoid anything that screams a tad bit too loud for attention.
Color palette? Yes, please
If your business has a color palette, this is the perfect opportunity to weave it naturally into your personal brand photos. You don’t need to wear your logo colors head-to-toe (please don’t), but incorporating one or two brand colors through accessories, a blazer, or even props can create beautiful consistency across your visual brand.
At the same time, neutrals like white, beige, navy, and soft pastels have staying power. They photograph beautifully, age well over time, and won’t date your photos. But don’t feel limited to playing it safe—rich, natural colors like deep greens, warm terracotta, or classic burgundy can be absolutely stunning and still feel timeless.
What I suggest avoiding (unless it’s specifically part of your brand): neon colors, overly trendy patterns, and anything that feels more important than you in the frame.
Layering is your friend
Here’s a pro tip that multiplies the value of your session: bring layers and accessories for easy outfit changes. A simple white shirt becomes three different looks when you add a blazer, remove it for a more casual vibe, then add a statement necklace for a third variation.
Blazers, scarves, light jackets, and even different accessories can transform your look without needing complete outfit changes. This means more variety in your final gallery without the stress of bringing ten different outfits.
3. Make-up & Hair
The goal is to look like the most polished version of yourself—not like someone else entirely. I always recommend a natural, fresh makeup look that enhances your features without looking heavy or overdone.
The “dewy not shiny” rule: Avoid super heavy foundations or SPF-heavy creams that can create unwanted shine under camera lights. A light, dewy finish looks healthy and natural on camera.
Don’t underestimate lips and brows: These two features frame your face and can make a huge difference in how polished you look. Even if you usually skip makeup, a little lip color and defined brows will serve you well in photos.
Hair prep: Consider a quick brush-through or light spritz of hairspray before we start. Amsterdam weather can be unpredictable, so taming flyaways is always a good idea.
4. Props!
Props help us tell your brand story.Which props are best? Well, it depends totally on your business and vision. We decide on these together during planning, but they might include your laptop, a coffee cup, notebooks, or anything else that’s authentically part of how you work. Think well about it, and as inspiration, have a look at Pinterest or the photos whole visual identity you like.
5. Select the photos strategically
Within 2 working days of the session, you’ll receive a proof gallery with all the unedited images from our session. I’ll also include a couple of editing direction options that match your brand, so you can choose the style that feels right.
I recommend selecting your favorites for final editing keeping in mind where you’ll use them most. For a versatile gallery, select a mix of landscape and portrait images, headshots and details, and photos with both lots of elements and lots of negative space.
And if choosing feels overwhelming, I’m always happy to select the best shots for you based on what we discussed during planning.
Last but not least, make it work for you
Personal branding photography is collaborative by nature. The best results come when we work together to create images that feel genuinely like you while serving your business goals.
When you have professional personal branding photos, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Your website looks more polished. Your social media has more visual impact. People take your LinkedIn profile more seriously. Most importantly, you feel more confident putting yourself out there because you know you’re represented authentically and professionally.
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My job isn’t just to make you look good (though that’s definitely part of it). I need to understand your brand, your audience, and your goals, then create images that bridge the gap between who you are and how you want to be seen professionally.
Whether you’re just starting your business or ready to elevate your established brand, the right personal branding photos can transform how you show up in the world. They give you the confidence to put yourself out there, attract the right clients, and build the business you’ve always envisioned.
Ready to create images that truly represent your brand? Let’s chat about bringing your vision to life—I’d love to help you tell your story through photos that work as hard as you do.
