Personal Branding Photography Amsterdam: Complete guide from strategy session to photoshoot day

Alex Tkanova
Sep 18, 2024
5 min read

Updated: May 12

Not sure what to do before a personal branding shoot?

This guide walks you through everything -from clarifying

your brand positioning to choosing outfits and locations that

actually show who you are now

Most photographers in Amsterdam will take your picture and call it personal branding.

Before the camera comes out, you have run a positioning session to answer:

Who are you now?

Who are you trying to reach?

What needs to be visible in your images for that to land?

The photoshoot is where your brand becomes visible and not where you figure out your brand.

WHY STRATEGY COMES BEFORE THE PHOTOSHOOT

When someone Googles you, your photos show up before your LinkedIn summary. If the image doesn't match who you are now, you've already lost them.

Professional photos that show your personal brand can attract dream clients, significantly enhance your trustworthiness, and establish you as an authority in your field.

Yet, it takes more than just a pleasing and attractive photo to make a remarkable impression online. Your photos should show who you are now - not who you were two years ago, and not a version of yourself you think people want to see.

Let me help you master your next personal branding photoshoot.

This blog post will equip you with ideas and techniques to level up your personal branding photos for achieving your personal and business goals.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BRAND IDENTITY:

This is why every OLBRAND shoot starts with a strategy session, not a camera. Before planing your photoshoot, you need to understand the essence of your brand:

What are your core values?
What is your mission?
Who are you trying to reach?

Identifying these points is crucial for creating visuals that resonate with you and your ideal audience. Once you have this foundation, you can decide on the visuals that best align with your brand identity. This is a key step in mastering you personal branding photoshoot.

This is what we call translating your personal brand into visuals - taking your positioning, values, and audience and turning them into concrete decisions about location, styling, expressions, and framing.

CONFIDENCE IS KEY

The proper posture conveys confidence and authority, which are crucial for entrepreneurs to succeed. Standing tall with open shoulders will make an effective appearance in your photos, even if you usually lack traditional signs of confidence in real life.

Here are some tips for maintaining good posture during your photoshoot:

Lengthen your spine: imagine a string gently pulling the crown of your head upwards.
Relax your shoulders: don't hunch! Roll your shoulders back and down for a more poised look.
Engage your core: a strong core creates a supportive foundation for good posture.

EMBRACE YOUR AUTHENTICITY

While confidence is crucial for your photos, they should also reflect your true personality. Don't be afraid to smile, laugh, or show your unique spirit.

The goal of personal branding is to authentically show yourself, highlighting essential aspects of your brand and personality.

Don't hide yourself behind a "pose."

This is why we focus on fun personal branding photography in Amsterdam - shoots that feel relaxed, not stiff. When you're comfortable, your real personality shows up. And that's what people connect with.

BODY LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

Your body language says a lot in photos beyond just posture. Keeping your arms uncrossed and hands relaxed gives off a welcoming and approachable vibe.

Use gestures and facial expressions that feel natural and reflect the message you want your personal brand to convey.

The best personal branding photos come from relaxed branding shoots in Amsterdam where you're not performing - you're just being yourself, guided. That's the OLBRAND approach: strategic direction without the stiffness of traditional corporate photography.

POWER UP YOUR POSES

Did you know how you stand can indeed affect how you feel?

Take "power poses," like standing tall with your hands on your hips, just like Wonder Woman. Research shows these poses can help boost your confidence and make you feel more empowered.

So, why don't you strike a few power poses during your photoshoot to project your strength and confidence?

TAILORING YOUR POSES

Not all social platforms are created equal.

Keep in mind that the pose you choose for your LinkedIn headshot may not be the most suitable for your casual Instagram post. It's essential to adjust your poses based on the platform, and to carefully consider the audience and the vibe you want to create with each photo.

Your thoughtfulness and strategic posing will be appreciated by your viewers and empower your brand.

Yoga teacher posing for personal branding photoshoot

DRESS FOR SUCCESS (AND YOUR BRAND)

Personal branding photography is about how you present yourself to the world, and what you wear is important.

Your outfit should reflect who you are and what your brand stands for. It also needs to resonate with the people you're trying to reach. When choosing your outfit, consider your target audience's preferences and style. This will help you connect with them on a deeper level.

Going with something professional is always a good choice if you're doing a business headshot. It sets the tone for your professional image and prepares you for a successful shoot. However, if you're posting on a more casual platform like Instagram, feel free to show off your style with an outfit that's thoughtfully put together and true to you.

SETTING THE SCENE: LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

The location of your personal branding photoshoot brings your brand's story to life.

Choose a location that resonates with your brand and message. If you're unsure how to do this, your photographer can be a valuable resource, offering advice and helping you select the best option.

The setting background for your photos shapes the message they send.

As a creative entrepreneur, a lively and colorful studio might be the perfect fit. But if you're someone who loves the outdoors, an inspiring natural scene could really highlight your brand's personality. If you are an office worker, organize the photoshoot in the office.

There are plenty of different options and variations!

As an Amsterdam-based photographer, I know the city's hidden spots - from clean, modern co-working spaces to parks and canals that feel authentic, not touristy.

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: POSING EXERCISES

Want to feel more confident in front of the camera? Here are some simple posing exercises you can practice at home:

The Mirror Check: Stand in front of a mirror and play with your posture and face expresion. Adjust until you find a balanced point that gives you that perfect look.
Wonder Woman: Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on your hips, and hold the pose for a few seconds. This power stance is not just a pose - it's a confidence booster!
The Shoulder Drop: Roll your shoulders towards your ears, then drop them down and back. It will relax your body and help you avoid looking stiff. Try angling your shoulders slightly towards the camera for a more flattering pose.