Creating a personal brand is all about setting yourself apart from the competition. Your personal brand is what makes you and your business unique -- it’s what makes you a relatable, authentic, go-to professional instead of just blending in with everyone else in your field. While putting together your personal brand involves a lot of different parts -- from how your website looks to your logo to the words you use to tell your story -- your personal brand photos can really make or break your entire image. So how can you make sure your personal brand photos really pop? Here are a few things to consider before getting in front of the camera.

1. LOOK YOUR BEST
   Put your best face forward for your personal brand photoshoot by hiring a professional hair/makeup artist. ( Makeup never looks as vibrant behind the camera as it does in real life -- a professional will know exactly how much makeup to put on to make you really shine. Plus, a pro will be able to make your vision come to life better than you can, whether you want a look that will make you look fun, young, sophisticated, or somewhere in between!

2. CHOOSE YOUR WARDROBE CAREFULLY
   Wear something that makes you feel confident and that tells your audience about who you are. Most photographers allow for an outfit change or two as part of their personal brand photography package, which is a great way to try out a few looks if you can’t decide!

3. USE PROPS
   Try using a few props to better tell the story of who you are and what you do. If you’re a blogger, get a shot of you writing at your desk. If you’re a florist, ask your photographer to snap a few shots of you arranging some blooms. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with it!

Remember: Your personal brand should be an accurate reflection of you. As long as you’re sharing your authentic self with the world, your intended audience will eat it up. Your personal brand photoshoot shouldn’t be about trying to be something you’re not -- it’s about making sure you present the absolute best and most confident version of yourself to the world. So embrace those qualities that make you uniquely you!