Personal Brand Photoshoot Ideas: Shots Every Coach and Creator Needs

A good set of personal brand photos can power months of content, your website, your LinkedIn and your launches. Here’s a shot list and planning guide so one shoot gives you everything you need.

The essential shot list

Headshots

• Classic smiling headshot, looking at camera.
• Serious, confident headshot.
• Laughing candid.
• Horizontal headshot for LinkedIn and podcasts.

Working shots

• At your laptop.
• Writing in a notebook.
• On a video call.
• Speaking or teaching at a whiteboard.
• Coaching a client (with a model or real client who consents).

Pointing and presenting

• Pointing to empty space (for adding text later).
• Holding a blank card or tablet (for adding offers later).
• Arms crossed and open-hand gestures.

Lifestyle

• Walking outside.
• Coffee in hand.
• Reading.
• Doing a hobby that reflects your brand.

Details

• Hands typing.
• Desk flat lay.
• Your products or books.
• Branded items.

Planning tips

• Outfits: bring three to four that match your brand colors; avoid busy patterns.
• Locations: one indoor workspace and one outdoor spot.
• Orientation: shoot vertical for Instagram and horizontal for websites and banners.
• Negative space: ask for shots with room for text.
• Moodboard: share examples with your photographer beforehand.

Using your photos

• Carousel covers and quote posts.
• YouTube thumbnails.
• Website and sales pages.
• LinkedIn profile and banner.
• Launch graphics and ads.

No budget for a photographer?

A friend, a tripod and window light can go a long way. You can also use AI tools to edit your own photos into new settings; see Gemini Nano Banana prompts. Keep your face and features unaltered so you look like yourself when people meet you.

Put your photos to work with LinkedIn banner design and quote post design. See the full strategy in our personal brand content guide.