When you book a Personal Branding Bhotoshoot, you’re investing in images that represent your business and show the world who you are. While I’m here to guide you every step of the way, a lot of what makes a shoot successful happens well before I ever lift my camera.
I’ve seen some common mistakes that can affect the outcome of your images. But the good news is they’re all avoidable with a little planning. This post isn’t about pointing fingers or criticising anyone. Instead, I’ll share how you can set yourself up for success so your images feel authentic, confident, and aligned with your brand.
1. Choosing the “wrong” outfits
What you wear plays a huge role in how you feel during your shoot – and how your images will translate. The biggest mistake I see is choosing outfits based on what you think you should wear rather than what truly represents you.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Ill-fitting clothes that make you feel self-conscious.
- Materials that attract fluff or wrinkle easily (they never look as polished in photos as they do in the mirror!).
- Brand-new clothes you haven’t worn before – they might look great on the hanger but feel uncomfortable or behave unpredictably on camera.
- Dressing in a way that doesn’t feel like you. If your clients usually see you in jeans and a jumper, there’s no need to suddenly show up in a blazer if that’s not your style.
What to do instead:
- Bring a variety of outfits if you’re unsure. We can always swap things out during the session.
- Stick to comfortable, familiar clothes that you feel confident in.
- Consider your brand without being too literal – that doesn’t mean dressing head-to-toe in your brand colours, but rather choosing outfits that reflect your personality and how you show up in your business.
2. Getting a haircut too close to your session
A fresh haircut can boost your confidence – but it can also go very wrong if there’s no time to fix it or let it settle. Hair often needs a week or two to feel more natural after a cut.
What to do instead:
- Only book a haircut if you’re going to a trusted hairdresser.
- Aim to have your hair done at least 2 weeks before your session to give it time to settle.
- If you’re not sure about your hair, feel free to message me beforehand – I’m always happy to chat about what might work best.
3. Picking the “wrong” location
The location of your shoot should support your brand story, not just be a pretty background. It’s important to think about whether the space feels relevant to your business and the impression you want to make.
Common pitfalls:
- Choosing a location without checking its opening times (I’ve had clients turn up to closed venues before, it happens!).
- Picking a space with poor natural light.
- Not checking if photography is allowed there.
What to do instead:
- Research your location in advance and confirm opening times.
- Make sure the space aligns with your brand and is accessible for photos.
- Have backup options in mind in case of bad weather or last-minute closures.
4. Planning too many activities
It’s tempting to try to squeeze in as much as possible during your session, especially if you have a long list of ideas. But rushing from one setup to the next can leave both of us feeling stressed and that’s not the energy you want to bring to your photos.
What to do instead:
- Plan as if we only have half the available time, that way we can move through everything at a relaxed pace.
- Choose quality over quantity: fewer, more intentional setups will give us the best results.
- Discuss your ideas with me before the shoot so I can help you prioritise and advise on what’s realistic.
My role in your session
I’m here to help, advise, and support you – both during the planning process and on the day itself. However, you know your business best. Choosing outfits, locations, and ideas that align with your brand is ultimately your responsibility. I’m just here to make sure we translate that into images that feel like you.
If you’re ever unsure about any part of the process, please reach out. The more we collaborate beforehand, the smoother everything will go – and the more you’ll love your final photos.
