How to Prepare for Your Personal Branding Session

For creative business owners who don’t feel “ready” (and don’t need to be)

If you’ve landed on this page, you’re probably not buzzing with camera confidence.

More likely, the idea of a personal branding photoshoot makes you feel a little nervous, unsure, or wondering whether this is something you should put off until you feel more ready, more confident or have lost a bit of weight.
If that’s you, carry on reading...

You’re not supposed to feel ready.
You’re not supposed to know what to wear, how to pose or where to begin

And you’re definitely not alone if the thought of being in front of a camera makes you nervous.

Practically every client I have ever worked with feels this way at first. A little uncertain, a bit self-conscious and hoping I’ll guide them through every step.
And that’s exactly what I do.

This guide isn’t about becoming someone else or fixing yourself for the camera. It’s about preparing in a way that helps you feel supported, seen and gently guided through the entire process.

What “preparing” for a branding shoot really means

Branding photography isn’t about pretending. It’s about showing the real, working, creating human behind the business.

So instead of thinking:
What would look impressive? Try asking yourself:

What feels true to me?
Where do I feel most myself?
How do I want people to feel when they land on my website or socials?

This becomes our direction.

From there, I help translate those feelings into visuals that fit your brand naturally, without forcing anything that doesn’t feel like you.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Some people come to me with full Pinterest boards, clothes at the ready and tons of ideas. Others arrive with nothing and no idea where to start. Both are completely fine.

When you need more support, I’ll help with outfit suggestions, moodboards, location ideas and a simple questionnaire to understand your brand and the creative direction we should take. And when you already know what you want, I’ll meet you there too. There’s no ideal way to be a client. There’s just you, and the kind of support you need.

Choosing the right location and why it matters

Where we shoot shapes how your images feel

Through Lincolnshire, I work in a mix of locations, depending on your brand and what feels right for you and your budget.

Your own space

Your studio, workshop, kitchen table or creative nook.This is often the most authentic option, the place where your tools, your hands and your ideas actually live.

Your home

A bright room, a quiet corner or any space that reflects your personality and brand story.

Public or hired spaces

Coffee shops, co-working spaces or small creative venues and Air B&Bs. These work beautifully when you want something clean, neutral or lightly styled and more aesthetic.

Outdoors

Perfect for brands that suit open space, natural light and a more organic feel.

What to bring and what you absolutely don’t need

You don’t need props unless they genuinely reflect your work

No balloons
No trends
Nothing that feels fake.

Meaningful objects are always welcome. A sketchbook, your laptop, your tools, your materials or simply yourself.

What to wear without overwhelm

Think comfortable, confident-enough and true to you.

A few gentle guidelines:

  • Choose pieces you can move in

  • Bring options, soft layers photograph beautifully

  • Avoid anything that needs constant adjusting

  • Consider colours that match your brand feel, we’ll talk this through.Don’t aim for perfect, aim for you on a good day

Your clothes don’t need to transform you.
They just need to let you breathe

On the day, you don’t need to perform

Most people worry about posing. But posing is really just another word for guidance and that’s my job, not yours.

I’ll support you with soft direction, gentle coaching, small resets to help your body relax and space for in-between moments to unfold too. I work intuitively, adapting to you. You don’t need to know what to do.

The real purpose of preparing

Preparation isn’t about perfection.
It’s about easing that familiar feeling of:
“I’m not ready.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“What if I look awful?”

By the date of our session, you will feel a shift from insecure and unsure to:
“I can give it my best effort and I won’t be doing it alone.”

Not confidence, but clarity. Not excitement, but trust. Not readiness, but willingness.

You don’t need to feel ready. You just need to feel supported. And that’s what I’m here for.

If you’re a creative, a maker or a business owner in Lincolnshire and you’ve been putting this off because you didn’t know where to start, this is the time to take that leap and get in touch.

You don’t need to have everything figured out.

If you’d like to talk things through, ask a question or just see whether this feels like the right fit, you’re very welcome to get in touch.

I’ll reply personally and there’s no pressure to book.
This is simply a chance to see if working together feels right.

Camila Clarke | personal branding photographer based in Lincoln, working in Lincolnshire & beyond with creative business owners.