How to Choose
the Best Locations for Personal Branding Images

Location, Location, Location

We all know that the physical location of your business makes a huge difference in its potential for sustained growth. It matters in conveying context to your branding images too! Essentially all of my photoshoots are on location, even when shot—or made to look like they were shot—in a studio! I rent studios whenever called for, with a few favorites in Peekskill, Dobbs Ferry and Port Chester. It’s when the desire is to incorporate your environment to tell a story about what you offer that we get to be more creative, and what this post is all about.

7 Popular Locations for Branding Sessions

1. Office/Home Office

2. Coworking Space

3. Airbnb

4. Natural Setting

5. Coffee Shop

6. Kitchen or Living Space

7. Fitness or Art Studio

It Starts with What You Do

My personal branding clients are entrepreneurs who use their library of images to market their offerings. Wellness experts (like yoga/meditation instructors, personal trainers and physical therapists), writers/artists, and service-based professionals like real estate agents and accountants hire me to elevate their visual presence on and offline. The location we choose for your personal branding images sets the tone. So, my first question to you is what do you do, and who are you looking to attract? Whether working as an engineer or as a jewelry designer, you’ll want to hone in on your own aesthetic. Be strategic!

7 Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Do I want corporate, high-end or homespun appeal?

2. Where do I normally perform or sell my work?

3. What kind of personality do I want to interject?

4. Is my space suitable or would another work better?

5. Do I prefer an industrial, modern, natural, or warm & inviting setting?

6. Will it complement the look and feel of my logo and brand colors?

7. Will I feel at ease, authentic and inspired?

Getting Creative: A Case Study

And now for something completely different… Check out this out of the box location for this award-winning, Croton-on-Hudson dark fiction writer, Samantha Talbot, shown in her “Imaginarium” and a cemetery we unearthed for her in Cold Spring. You might consider a spot that’s unique to your personality and offerings too.

Same Location, Multiple Narratives

Your backdrops absolutely matter but sometimes the same space can be used to completely different effect. Take for example this renovated factory building I used with both a young actor and a financial engineer. Make sure the location speaks to you and then make it yours by showing up as your authentic self.

7 Practical Considerations to Look For

1. Good Lighting

2. Walkability

3. Parking

4. Bathrooms

5. Elevators

6. Space for Hair & Makeup

7. Variety/Depth

Behind the Scenes

You may be wondering where all the magic of pre and post production happens. Running the business accounts for well over half of what I do as a photographer. I operate my small business from a light and airy home office replete with a MacBook Pro, an old but trusty workhorse Mac Pro tower, Adobe suite, dual monitor display, gaming mouse, 8 bay raid, cloud backup (plus an orchid and some crystals for visual inspiration and good vibes). Music—like DMB, The Stones or little Hozier—is usually in the air. That or a good wellness podcast. My black cat, Jade, and my son’s bearded dragon, Norbert, are often occupying the sunny window seat/cat tower interchangeably and humoring me with their antics. It’s here that I’ll spend hours on end editing galleries, marketing, accounting and communicating with clients. When I need a change of scenery, you’ll find me and my laptop at the best local coffee shops to work in Northern Westchester—Peekskill Coffee House and The Black Cow in Croton-on-Hudson, iced latte to my right. Where do you get your best work done?

Let’s collaborate!

Are you ready to create your personal brand image strategy? What locations speak to you? I can’t wait to help you craft a plan that’s all your own and watch you grow.

Shine on set,
Leila