I remember starting out in my photography business and there was so many things that I had to do – get a business licence, buy the photography programs, figure out a business name and register it, some advertising to get my name out, create a website, start social media, and the list goes on. But one that that I didn’t do was get head shots because I didn’t like how they were back then – you know on a white or black background just looking at the camera – so boring. Head shots was something that I didn’t actually do because I didn’t like the look of them and didn’t think I needed them.

Fast forward 11 years to personal branding sessions! They are so much different than in the past! They have a lifestyle feel, you can go outside, use fun props that reflect you and your business, and have a variety of different poses with different emotions. These photos also get so show off more of your personality since they have a lifestyle feel to them. You get to know the business owner so much more than just a typical head shot. You can relate to them more. Plus they are a bunch of fun!

When Johanna, a friend, contacted me wondering if I do personal branding sessions for her upcoming graphic design business, I had to say yes. We met downtown in Moose Jaw, Sask as she wanted more of an urban feel for a background. And I loved it! We went to three locations to add variety to her final gallery and give her more options for her to use on her website and social media.

Johanna is currently a volunteering graphic designer while she is on my maternity leave. Her focus is helping non-profits and smaller businesses increase their social media engagement, work with them on new ideas of how to increase exposure and for them to just see graphic design as an asset to reaching their goals.

Since becoming a mom, her heart has really been opened to increasing the voice of other moms who struggle with perinatal and post-partum depression. She wants to use the skills and talents she has to help give voice to the survivors, the experiences and those who still struggle. You are never alone.

Here are a few tips about personal branding sessions to add a unique spin/more variety to your session:

• Bring several outfits (EX: a casual, an outfit that is more dressy or your career uniform)
• Add accessories that we can add or subtract from the outfit to add variety (Ex: a jacket, or a hat, or switching jewellery)
• Bring a few props/tools that represent you and your business (Ex: a laptop, a paintbrush if you are an artist, a wooden spoon if you are a baker, scissors and a comb if you are a hair stylist, etc)
• Go to 1 – 2 locations
• Get ready and have fun!!

Johanna’s shirt is from Elegantees They do amazing work with women in Nepal.

Johanna’s earrings are a partnership with Vi Bella and Elegantees.

If you want to check out some of the organizations that Johanna volunteers with, they are Inuit Youth Discipleship Training and Hope Restored Canada. Check both of them out for the amazing work they do and both started by amazing women following their passion and heart for others.

Note: At this time I am no longer accepting personal branding sessions.