FAQ’s about YOUR BRANDING PHOTO SHOOT
I'M USUALLY QUITE SHY OR TENSE UP IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA.
SHOULD I STILL GO AHEAD AND BOOK A SESSION?
Photo sessions with me are usually quite relaxed and laid back. No stiff & endless posing, shouting directions or long awkward silences. It will be more of a collaboration between us with my guidance and what looks and works best in photos. We can also start with a coffee and chat before we start shooting if that makes you feel more comfortable.
I've had many clients over the years who were apprehensive or nervous beforehand and actually ended up enjoying the experience and loving photos of themselves for the first time in ages. You'll see 5-10 min into the shoot that it isn't actually a big deal and no reason to be nervous about. I promise.
I've actually created 2 separate posts with tips that can help you get on top of any nervousness or anxiety you might feel.
3 TOP TIPS AHEAD OF YOUR BRAND PHOTOSHOOT & HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY FOR YOUR BRANDING PHOTOSHOOT
I'M NOT SURE WHAT I WANT MY PHOTOS TO SHOWCASE YET. CAN YOU HELP WITH THAT?
Of course, no problem at all. After you booked your shoot I will send you a little questionnaire that will help us determine where and what to capture to get the best possible results for your business. Both the full day and half day branding sessions include a 15-20 min phone or skype planning call where we can chat more in depth about the best options to showcase you and your work.
Even if you opted for the shorter one off branding session you'll receive the questionnaire and we can discuss an action plan via email or a short call.
CAN YOU PHOTOSHOP THAT?
I could, but I'm not going to. I don't airbrush people in my branding, headshot or event work. My rule is to edit temporay things like spots for example, but I don't photoshop people like magazines do. It's all about authenticity and self-love. Even things like roots or overly wrinkled shirts and blouses would be difficult and time consuming to retouch as well as easily avoidable by visiting the hairdresser beforhand or ironing your clothes and using a clothing bag for outfit changes. It would also most likely more than double the delivery time of the your gallery.
Photoshop itself is an art form and although I'm able to do the basics, all extensive retouching outside of your package will need to be outsourced by an experienced & trusted retoucher and charged additionally.
DO I GET THE COPYRIGHT TO THE IMAGES?
The copyright legally lies automatically with the photographer as soon as the photo is taken. This is also to protect my work. However all my packages include a usuage license for promoting yourself and your business in print and online media. What is not allowed is commercial use (selling the images) or altering the photographs without permisson. If you are planning to use any of the images for publications such as books, album covers etc. an addtional license fee depending on the usuage will be charged according to industry standards.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS, SNOWS, HAILS OR GETS FREEZING COLD?
Sometimes the British weather can be a bit unpredictable, but if the forecast suggests relentless and/or heavy rain/drizzle/snow/hail at the time of your shoot I will contact you the day before to see if you would like to reschedule. Also, if it looks like it’s going to be freezing cold at the time of your shoot making you uncomfortable, then that’s OK too, as long as you let me know by 6pm the day before your shoot, you’re free to reschedule.
FAQ’s about AI and personal branding content
Can people tell if a photo or video is AI generated?
More often than you'd think. AI visuals tend to look a bit too smooth and a bit too perfect, and the details give them away: odd hands, strange backgrounds, lighting that doesn't quite make sense. Even when people can't say exactly what's wrong, they often sense that something is off, and that feeling is enough to make them scroll past.
Are AI headshots good for LinkedIn?
They might look polished, but LinkedIn is all about real professional relationships. If someone meets you on a call or at an event and you don't look like your profile picture, that's an awkward start. A real headshot means people recognise you straight away, which is exactly what you want when you're building connections.
Is AI personal branding content worth it for small businesses?
It can feel like a quick and cheap fix, but personal branding is about people getting to know the real you. Generic AI content doesn't show your personality, your space or the way you actually work with clients. Real personal branding photos and videos give you a library of content that is genuinely yours, and that's what builds know, like and trust over time.
I'm camera shy. Will a real personal branding shoot work for me?
Yes, and you're in very good company, because most of my clients would describe themselves as camera shy. I guide you through the whole shoot, from what to wear to what to do with your hands, so you never have to stand there wondering what happens next. The aim is for you to feel comfortable and to end up with photos and videos that actually look like you on a good day.
Any questions I haven’t covered above or if anything is unclear, please feel free to drop me a line and I will do my best to answer your query.
