Behind the Scenes of a Personal Branding Shoot with Me
OKC Branding Photo Session Info
So—you’ve decided you’re ready for a personal branding session (yay, go you! 🎉). But now you might be wondering: “What really happens behind the scenes of a branding photoshoot?”
I get it. It can feel like a mystery until you’ve actually experienced it. That’s why I want to pull back the curtain and show you exactly what goes on when you work with me as your personal branding photographer here in OKC.
Spoiler: it’s a thoughtful, strategic process—not just me showing up with a camera and telling you to smile with your laptop. 😉
Why Planning Matters
A successful branding session isn’t something you throw together last-minute. From inquiry to session day, we’re usually looking at a 2–3 month timeline.
This time is what allows us to:
- Strategize your brand story
- Plan locations + outfits with intention
- Prep your visuals so they work for your actual marketing goals
Want to use your photos for a launch or specific deadline? Plan ahead and book early. Think of it like ordering custom stationery—you want time for the details to be done right!
Step 1: The Pre-Shoot Questionnaire
Once you’ve signed your contract, you’ll get two things from me right away:
1️⃣ My Branding Client Experience Guide (hello, FAQ answers + tons of planning tips).
2️⃣ A Pre-Shoot Questionnaire.
Now, don’t roll your eyes—yes, it’s homework, but it’s fun homework. ✏️
This is where you get to tell me all about your brand: your dream clients, your services, your personality, and what makes you stand out. It’s like giving me the “cheat sheet” to your business, so I can design photos that feel 100% you.
👉 Bonus perk: once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll walk away with fresh wording you can reuse in your own marketing. Win-win.
Step 2: The Pre-Shoot Call
About three weeks before your session, we’ll hop on a video call. This is when I share my ideas for your photos—storylines, props, and shot lists based on the research I’ve done with your questionnaire.
We’ll also talk outfits (I’ll ask you to send me photos of your clothing picks so I can start pairing them with specific looks). This helps us head into shoot day prepared, not stressed.
Step 3: Final Details + Shoot Day
A week before your session, I’ll send you a final info email. Inside:
- a prop packing list
- a timeline for the day
- last-minute reminders
Then comes the fun part—session day! We’ll laugh, create, and capture photos that truly reflect your brand. You’ll leave feeling confident and excited to put them to use.
Step 4: Previews + Full Gallery
The best part? You don’t have to wait long. Within 5 business days, you’ll receive 10 preview images—perfect for updating your LinkedIn, website, or social media right away.
Then, within 3 weeks, your full gallery is delivered (yes, fully edited and ready to use).
Step 5: Your Feedback Matters
Even though the photos are done, the experience doesn’t stop there. I’ll send you a quick feedback form to learn how the process felt for you. Your input helps me refine the experience so every client gets the absolute best.
And that’s the "BTS Scoop"!
A personal branding photoshoot isn’t just about showing up for pictures. It’s a thoughtful, collaborative process designed to help you get the most out of your investment. The more you pour into it, the more your images will serve you across your brand.
Ready to see how personal branding photography can transform your business?
Let's elevate your marketing with brand photos that speak to your ideal clients.
I’m Cheryl Jackson, an OKC based branding photographer, and I specialize in branding photos for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you need fresh headshots, product shots, or lifestyle images, I’ve got you covered.
Let's create photos that help your business grow — because you deserve to feel confident in how you show up online!
