During discovery calls with my clients I always ask about brand vision and mission, expectations and purpose of the photoshoot. There are no wrong answers, some of them are deeper, well thought and conscious, connected with visual language and some are more generic.

My mission, as a personal branding photographer, is to understand your mission, your brand universe and values. In order to show it visually I need to understand what vision you have for your brand and choose the best direction from unlimited possibilities for your branding photoshoot.

If you started planning your personal branding photoshoot and you freak out…

Hold on, relax and let’s go through a checklist together.

There are few basic points that never change, and it’s good to have them planned ahead. If you already have chosen your personal branding photographer, she will definitely help you. Nevertheless it’s good to start the preparations a few weeks before by building a concept.

Personal branding photoshoot checklist will keep you relaxed.

1. Why do you need personal branding photos?

   Be clear on your purpose and goal of the photoshoot.

   Are you launching your web for the first time?

   Do you need photos for your newsletter, podcast and articles, or you will use them more frequently on Social Media?

   Do you want to create a cohesive visual identity or you need a starting pack of excellent portraits?

   Do you want to showcase a new service or product?

   Where and how you’re going to use the final photos is a crucial information for every personal branding photographer. By knowing your long term goals and plans we help you better with ideas and planning, as it determinate the format and style of photos.

   For example if a photo is destined for a landing page it has to have more impact that a photo for Instagram that will be exposed among complementary graphics and photos.

2. Your Story Brand: Vision & Universe

The second most important thing is a universe of your brand and a message you send to the world. It’s good to be conscious about your brand mission and how you’re going to help your costumer.

Ask yourself which of your rituals or routines are relevant to your brand and do you want capture them.

It’s great to show behind the scenes of your work, don’t forget to add it to the list.

Your hobbies shape you and your brand, do'n’t forget to add one or two.

I wrote a whole blog post on how to build a successful personal brand.

3. Aesthetics: Look & Feel of your Brand

Gather all the inspirations. Start building a mood board that could help transmitting your branding photoshoot ideas to a photographer.

4. On brand props

Don’t forget to include on brad props for example: a notebook, pen, coffee cup, everything in your brand colours. If you work in a creative field you can build a mood board on a wall or on a floor using magazines, printed photos, textile - it will show your creative skills and also make you feel relaxed during the your branding photoshoot. Depending on the industry and ideas is cool to show food, cakes, coffee.

Explore and have fun during gathering them before the photoshoot day!

5. Dreamed location Ideas

Close your eyes and imagine a place that you feel happy and comfortable, that feels that it brings all the values of your brand. Is it a cosy apartment or a modern design studio, is it an outside location as a picturesque vineyard or and incredible coast?

Make a list of all these places.

If there are out of your reach, maybe you are planning a vacation trip in the upcoming months - that is a great way to explore the possibilities for dreamy location for your imaginary branding photoshoot.

6. Shot List

Ask your photographer for sending you over the final shot list before the photoshoot. So you can be sure you have every idea covered!

7. Outfits planning

Plan at leat 3 different outfits. Be sure that they are comfy and you feel good wearing them. Depending on your budget I always recommend to hire a Fashion Stylist that helps you with all the troubles connected with finding the best outfit choices and helps on the set during the photoshoot.

8. Hair & Makeup & nails

Don’t leave it for the last moment! Book a makeup artist and remember that the close up photos are very important, so don’t forget to prepare your nails.

If you’re visiting Barcelona and you’re planning your photoshoot here let’s create together.

“People don’t buy products, but rather the stories that these products represent. Nor do they buy brands, but rather the myths and archetypes that these brands symbolise”

“Storytelling: The story making machine and formatting minds” Christian Salmon

We all love stories. They connect us, evoke emotions, help us understand the world. Since the day we were born we are surrounded by them. Some of us mastered the science of storytelling and they achieve the state of pure connection, their stories become desirable and unforgettable. We are all familiar with brands like Apple, Nike or Dove. These brands are the greatest examples of the art of storytelling.

Why do they succeed, what does make their stories last forever?

As always it’s the creativity, but not only. To achieve this state of pure connection and desire we have to use the same language and techniques, we need to be understood.

The core of storytelling is a fundamental and profound conflict. Mostly among subjective expectations and ruthless reality. This is the fuel of the story, we, storytellers, have to dramatise it, keep the tension by spinning between victory and failure to keep the narrative flow.

Besides you have to keep in mind these key elements: character that would resonate with your audience (your dreamt client should refer to your character, understand it and feel united with him) and finally the resolution that wrap up your story and leave a moral framed in context with a clear call-to-action.

How does it help to build a story brand?

If you missed my article about How to build a successful personal brand start from there. It will help you shape your brand statement.

Knowing and using these main elements while building your brand’s journey you attract your audience on an emotional level. It’s not only about the product or service, it’s about why they need it. You create an interesting plot, without using too many dry facts.

You make your brand desirable and unforgettable by connecting it with emotions, conflicts and characters.

As always knowing your audience, their fears and frustrations is the key. This will help you find out the conflict and your mission. You need to know with whom you want to connect and who will respond to your call to action. 

The trick is in treating your target audience as a brand hero in the making and you are their mentor. Your brand empowers and inspires your audience, subtly you pass a force, a magic which is your product or skills and that puts your brand hero in motion, empowering them to act. You give them tools, strategy and show other realities, a better world. Don’t forget that marketing call-to-actions are not only to fulfil themselves, but to heal, change and empower the world.

These questions will help you create a narrative for your brand: 

• What does my product or service solve?

• How do I help my audience? 

• What is my brands gift that makes my brand special and makes my brands hero pursue their higher level values through a relationship with my brand?

• What does my audience want in order to restore balance in their life? Is it something I can help with?

• What is keeping my main character from achieving it? (lack of time, doubt, fear, confusion?) What is our contribution to the world, culture and people surrounding us? 

• What are my brands values?

  
  

How to transmit your story brand with your Personal Brand Photography?

When you find your story go further and search for visual representation. It’s good to use accepted cultural symbols that will create a visual narrative. In this case you’ll have more variety of personalised and engaging branding photos for your website and social media.

Finding appropriate props for your session which help visualise your story is essential. Search for places that add value and meaning to your photos. All the colours and textures sum up and create a visual story.

Think in unconventional way, but always keep it simple enough for your audience to understand the symbols. Don’t focus only on you on your portraits and headshots - think about photos that will complement your story: objects, places, details.

Personally I love using mirrors, reflections and flowers during my creative photoshoots. Mirror symbolise sight, vision, reflections, self-knowledge, contemplation, self-control, truth, self-realization. Each flower has it’s meaning, colours reflect emotions and are perfect for building a visual narrative.

Remember that your personal brand photography, web design and brand identity need to correspond and complement each other. All together they invite your audience to a new journey.

If you are interested in creating stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to hear from you. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska.

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]]>How to transmit your story brand with your Personal Brand Photographybranding photographypersonal brandpersonal brandingpersonal brand photoshootJulia MalinowskaSun, 09 May 2021 19:06:12 +0000https://www.juliamalinowska.com/photographer-barcelona-tips/how-to-dress-for-personal-brand-photoshoot55f6788be4b04a24f1745947:5df2a5874e0d57635d121a7d:6097d6f0376c3c778d1562a0

Are you ready to rise above the sea of sameness with your Personal Brand Photos?

As always in the beginning of building your brand story you should asked yourself Why, Where, What for and figure out your dream client. Finally you need to know with who you want to connect and what message you want to send. I’ve been talking about it before, as it’s essential. Check my latest article if you want to know How To Build a Successful Personal Brand.

Clothes and colours can easily help send a message and communicate your personality and professionalism. To make the whole preparation process more enjoyable and less stressful I teamed up with Jasmin Teichtmeister, personal stylist and founder of Pur.Style. We sat down after a successful personal brand photoshoot for her new project and we chat about what to wear and how to show up during the photoshoot.

We prepared an interview full of tips and useful insights that help you choose perfect outfits, not only, for your brand photoshoot.

The most important takeaways:

· Choosing your outfits you should consider the colours that not only fit your brand but also match you. Sometimes a small colourful detail in your branding colour is enough (a belt, a ring, shoes etc..)

·It's better to use cloths that are not too oversized or too casual. If you have a bigger shirt, just use a belt.

· Think about the poses choosing your outfits. Choose them accordingly. Look at the textile and how they fold down, if they wrinkle fast.

Listen carefully to the full interview and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us.

Follow Pur.Style for more styling tips and inspirations!

If you are interested in creating stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to hear from you. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska.

Are you ready to shine above the average creating your Personal Brand Visual Story?

We all know that a personal brand quickly communicate who you are and what are you standing for. It’s not only an image, but everything you do and say. Moreover it helps connecting with your potential client on an emotional level.

We all have a personal brand. Some of us unconsciously build it, others curate and shape it. If you want to start having a unique and powerful personal brand you should be conscious who you are and where you’re leading to.

It’s not enough to be just yourself and show your face from time to time on Social Media in pursuit of likes and more followers. A personal brand photo with a morning coffee and a croissant next to the keyboard is not enough, besides everyone has it.

A visual storytelling is important, but it’s the next step. If you want to succeed your brand should be extension of your personal goals and values.

You need to start with these so basic yet sometimes forgotten questions:

• Who am I?

• What am I going to accomplish with my work?

• What problems am I going to solve?

• Who is my ideal client?

Understanding what you want to accomplish and knowing your niche will help you identify how you differ from others. Those questions also give you a sense of purpose, clarify your values.

You need to be sure why people should follow you. Why they should trust you?

So be honest with you and figure it out:

Why did you start building your brand?

What are your values?

It doesn’t matter if you’re service or product based brand. You need to have it clear. And believe me, the answer can’t be that you’re here for money.

You need to think as a lider, you should believe and create a community.

You have to know what the success means to you. Obviously it will change depending on a different stages of your solopreneur journey. Defining it will help you find the services and uniqueness you could offer to your clients.

Next step is to create a Brand Statement:

Write down all these answers from above questions, add your skills and values. It will be your statement, your guideline. It will help you be consistent across your website and on every Social Media, Newsletter and articles.

You will craft your voice, your message. Your brand becomes you.

What next?

I’m a big fan of asking questions. Sometimes it takes me a long time to find the answer, or to be satisfied with it, so I dig more.

As it goes about building your personal brand you can’t stop. Always ask questions, make surveys and listen to your followers.

You need to think strategically. Ask yourself some additional questions as:

How do I show my values? How do I express my statement? How do I get to my dream client? How do I share my vision? Where do my ideal client is? Where I need to show my content? How do I talk to my clients?

What about visual storytelling?

When your statement is ready and when you know why do you need personal brand photos you can plan your photoshoot.

Here you can find out how to prepare for it as a pro!

Combine art and business. Be different, don't be afraid of doing things in your own way and just show it! Find creatives that will help you create your story and visualise it in a stunning way.

Be authentic, be you, be confident, be friendly, help without waiting for something in return, send positive message, inspire and get inspired, talk about your passions, connect people, don't just work, make a movement out of it.

Being yourself is not enough, unless you know your story brand and your values.

When you'll start thinking more strategically, you'll build not only a strong brand but a whole brand experience and a beautiful and unique visual story brand! Also on the way you find people with similar values that support and believe in you, creatives who can help you reach your goals.

So why loosing this first impression and be as the rest of the world?

LOVING THESE SHOOTS?

If you’re enjoying this photography gallery let’s talk art and create magic!

Take the first step and download a Brand Questionnaire for free!

If you are interested in creating stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to hear from you. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska.

Let’s enter in 2021 in a creative mood!

Inspirational Portrait and Brand Photography Ideas

Although this year is shorter, more difficult and we are still adjusting to the new reality and norms our creative ideas and imagination have no limitations.

I’m thrilled to be able to develop and create visual content and brand strategies for female solopreneurs, makers, creators and visionaries from Barcelona. This is a big shout out to all powerful entrepreneurs starting new businesses specially in such uncertain time.

As this year is ending I want to present you my five faves creative brand and product photo shoots we did in this so weird year and that haven’t been published yet.

I’m grateful to all the powerful woman who trusted me with their vision and let me create stunning visuals and build the visual story brand. Some of them you’ve already seen in my blog before like: Christina Rovira, Natalia Florek, Michelle Valentinova, Walaa, Laura Moreno Calvo a documentary filmmaker, Sarah owner of Maison de Sabra brand, designers: Madara Couture, Nebula Lab and ThinkOver, Sarah brand designer and owner of Mist Design Co. By the way check out the interview that I did with her about the brand photo experience.

As this year is ending I made a resume of five creative brand and product photo shoots We created in this so weird year 2020.

Personal Brand Photography for Dorota Walkarz

Dorota, a talented interior designer and owner of Idea(I)Makers, decided to create content for her web and social media in Barcelona. It took us few weeks to build ideas and inspiration for her personal brand photoshoot. Besides creating a killer head shot we shot many beautiful pics in a stunning location in Eixample. Every photo is poetic and unique, as her creative work.

Personal Brand Photography for Christina Rovira

With Christina we met just after the lockdown. We met in new reality and it was my first shooting after the lockdown. Christina is super curious, creative and passionate entrepreneur. During those three months of a lockdown in Barcelona she reinvented her business. Check out our first personal brand photoshoot we did for her. We met already few times and we have some more dope ideas, so stay tuned!

Fashion Lookbook for Madara Couture

Madara is an ethical and sustainable fashion designer based in Barcelona. During the lockdown she created a new, timeless collection for woman. She combined the high end, feminine and elegant designs with comfort, they are perfect for our new reality and work from home. As we have very similar sense of aesthetic, she gave me a freedom to find a perfect location and to produce the whole shooting. I’m thrilled with the effect!

Creative Flat Lay Product Photography for Hummingbird

Siun recently started an ecommerce business. I helped her creating professional and creative photographs for her online shop. She gave me the creative freedom and trusted me in my vision. And as you know that is what I love the most. We discussed some ideas for the flat lays and product photos before, such as main colour palette and the style, later I spiced it a bit. We love the end result!

Creative Brand Strategy & Photography for Jacquelyn Pearce Jewelry

Jacquelyn moved from Canada to Barcelona recently. She was craving for more mindful life, slowing down and developing her passion. Finally she decided to leave her software development job and create a beautiful collection of hand made jewellery inspired by places and moments.

One day we met in my small studio in Barcelona and we created those gorgeous and creative flat lay product photos. Check out her new collection that is

“inspired by stars around the world so you could think of your loved ones whenever you look up at the night sky.”

I’m happy to be part of these projects, to be surrounded by all these powerful dreamers and change makers. I strongly believe in every project I participate and I’m thrilled to know so many female entrepreneurs making their vision real.

As a sustainable and slow life lover, I totally believe we can change the world. It’s a process, but the revolution starts now.

LOVING THESE SHOOTS?

If you’re enjoying this photography gallery let’s talk art and create magic!

Make a first step and download for free a Brand Questionnaire!

If you are interested in creating stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to hear from you. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska.

Let’s enter in 2021 in a creative mood!

Building a new business from scratch in the middle of the pandemic times.

web: christinarovira.dk

IG: christinarovira

location: Christina’s Home Office

When the faze 0 of a total lockdown was coming to the end in Barcelona (finally after so many months) Christina contacted me to shoot new visual content for her new brand. As many of us, during this time she needed to pivit and rebuild her business.

She had this fresh and positive energy, new creative ideas were popping up all the time, but also she was focused and she knew what she wanted.

The faze 1 started with a fresh beginning for both of us. I was out again, working, shooting, creating - with and for someone, outside my home. That feeling was incredible and it lasts until now, although the things are uncertain again.

ABOUT CHRISTINA

• she is a creative and passionate entrepreneur living in Barcelona
• her mission is to help companies and solopreneurs optimize their visual online expression
• is and always was travel obsesed writer living the most of the 2019 in Mexico
• many of her travel articles were published in: Børsen, Femina, Jysk Fynske medier, The Barcelona Edit
• she's got 8 years expieriece as a Project Manager in Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center in Copenhagen, during that time she learnt all that tricks about making great presentations that she creats now

How did we start?

After the first e-mail with all the needed description of Christina’s new brand, her values and expectations we started to build a mood board that helped us to have an integrated vision for her brand photoshoot.

We have chosen every prop and element very carefully, starting from flowers and ending on her magazine publications, chocolate bar and outfits.

As we started planning the photoshoot still during the lockdown, we met online. That helped us to connect really quick. It also allowed me to see her home office, where Christina planned to do the photoshoot.

CHRISTINA’S BRAND PHOTO REVIEW

“I work with Julia as a branding photographer for my business. She has been very responsive from day one and lovely to work with. She started out by creating a nice mood board to ensure we ran in the same direction style wise. She has made gorgeous pictures for my website and we'll continue working together to create material for my web and SoMe channels.”

Personal Brand Photography Tip:

Make a list of all the props that fit to your brand's philosophy and are adequate to your industry. You should include them in your brand photoshoot.

For some brands an obvious choice would be a laptop, agenda, cellphone, a book and a cup of coffee.

But don't limit yourself to those common objects, try to think out of the box and surprise your audience.

Think about props that will build your set: flowers, fruits, fabrics, tables or mirrors.

LOVING THIS SHOOT?

If you’re enjoying this personal brand photography gallery let’s talk art and create magic!

If you are interested in creating stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to hear from you. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska.

Talking about branding and keeping work - life balance with career coach and brand specialist Natalia Florek.

web: www.nataliaflorek.pl

IG: nf_personal_branding

location: Oranzeria

How can you show your PERSONALITY & VALUES through photography?

For me every personal brand photoshoot is very individual, everyone has their story which I aim to bring out and make it unique. 

While we were preparing a photoshoot for Natalia, she was focused on highlighting the work-life balance, professionalism (but not in a stiff business meaning), understanding others.

reliable, effective, hopeful, non-corporate, professional

These were the words chosen by Natalia, she wanted to show these values that described the way she works but also lives.

Sounds perfect. But how to show them through images…

 This is a collaborative process and you really have to rely and trust your photographer. We talked a lot, exchanged ideas for places, poses and props that she actually uses while working. This was the moment when I became to know her again, deeply and honestly. Here is when the magic happens, this click between you and your photographer.

While she was describing me all the values and her hobbies, I was seeing images. A kind of a creative ping pong. As she was saying words like open minded, inspirational, present in the moment, mindfulness, and I was already searching for visual references. I saw images of her in a forest connecting with Mother Earth and her inner self.

By choosing the right location you’re getting closer to create a mood that you want to transmit. Remember all the additional elements like colors, your outfit, hairstyle, make-up or no make-up, posing. Every element on the photo is part of the story, is a symbol that most of us understands.

Try to include your passions while preparing a shoot list for your brand photo session. If you meditate, do it during the shooting. If you love to dance why don’t show it. Those are the values that create who you are, and those principles attract people’s attention.

Natalia wanted a visible strong connection with nature and meditation, that’s why we chose two locations and we aimed for a portrait with closed eyes. By combining the way she was dressed, the environment and pose, the ability of listening and understanding was brought out.

As for the second indoor location we didn’t choose a typical business center or studio, but a place filled with light and flowers where you can really feel comfortable and relaxed, but also motivated for work.

How to keep work-life balance being a successful entrepreneur?

Intimacy and Personal Touch is the answer.

When you realize that your professional values are the same as personal ones it’s the most powerful key to unlock your meaningful career. The moment of defining what’s the most important to you and then using it to create a connection between professional and personal is a victory.

Right now, facing the pandemic, we should keep our values and support each other with our actions. Being more personal, does not mean less professional, but more human and understandable. We are in a identity-drifting moment where ignoring the personal will be received apathetic and indifferent.

Find a way of hearing people fully, be gentle and compassionate not only with others but also with yourself.

Personal Brand Photography Tips:

While thinking of a personal brand photoshoot keep all this in mind and follow your character, your passions, your abilities and values.

That will allow you to think more creative, open your mind to many more possibilities, locations and it will connect you with your ideal client.

You will not only have cool pics but also you create a community and become a leader, people are going to trust and believe in you.

Let’s talk art and create magic!

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Talking about branding and keeping work - life balance with career coach and brand specialist Natalia Florek.

web: www.nataliaflorek.pl

IG: nf_personal_branding

location: Oranzeria

 While I was visiting my family in Poland an old friend asked me to create branding photographs for her new business. As we haven’t seen each other for more than 10 years, I was excited and a bit nervous about our meeting.

Entrepreneur Journey

Natalia worked for an international corporation in the fashion industry for ten years. After having her second baby they tempted her back with a great, at that point of her life, promotion.

She decided to come back and work for few more years on a management position. Although she felt that the work environment in her company wasn’t coherent with her values, she always was human centered and tried to pass her principles within her team.

Her internal conflict was growing faster than she was expecting. Working in such industry isn’t easy. The overwhelming specifics of the fast-fashion industry, like consumerism and pollution, and the focus on corporate results rather than people got her to apply for other jobs in August last year. As nothing happened, she decided to stay in her company, although they already noticed her “rebellious “attitude, which was more self-and-environment-conscious.

Finally, the world paused in March 2020.

For Natalia, as for many of us, it was the moment of big changes and big ideas, but also budget cuts. Her company wanted to demote or let her free. That was the moment when Natalia decided to create her own business and live the life with the values that she believes in.

Work – life balance was more needed and important than ever. As she has an outrageous experience in management positions, leading teams and decision power in hiring candidates, she achieved great abilities as a career counselor.

Why you should highlight your brand values and show what you stand for during your personal brand photoshoot:

As we’re living in uncertain times, changes became our mantra, almost every industry is having its moment of reinventing not only their business models but also trying to keep their costumers by adjusting their principles, moving where the money is.

For us, freelancers there should be one thing that stays the same: VALUES.

They connect us in communities, build trust and finally attract ideal costumer.

Who if not Natalia would be a better person to talk about highlighting them in your branding strategy while still keeping a professional look and work-life balance!

Professionally she helps people like us create a coherent and effective professional image emphasizing the best features and values. As Natalia recruited and managed a multi-task team during her work in the corporate world, she knows where to put attention as it comes to your professional image, effectively distinguishing it from the competition.

Don’t be afraid of showing who you are during your personal brand photoshoot. Don’t aim to do the same shoots as you see on Instagram, or you could download from stock photo agency, be more creative and trust yourself and your photographer.

The first thing I always ask my clients is to choose five top values and then define what those values mean to them.

Try it!

Let’s talk art and create magic!

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Starting a branding journey with brand expert Sarah Holmes

web: mistdesignco.com

IG: mistdesignco

 A few weeks ago I had a chance to shoot new branding content for Sarah: branding expert, designer and owner of Mist Design Co.

In the last blog post I've been talking about the meaning and many pluses of having a cohesive personal brand and how to prepare for a brand photoshoot. Everything was told from my perspective, as a photographer, so it will help you to get organised and started. If you've missed it check it out, there is a bunch of useful information.

Both of us are creative freaks we couldn't stop talking about all those subjects. We decided to give it a try and transmit her journey. Sarah is not a photo lover; she doesn't feel the need of taking pics of herself and this brand photoshoot was more like a survival for her. Yet she knew she needed unique visuals for her new website and creative business.

 So, we talked about her fears, expectations and a whole brand journey.

I found it super interesting and I'm sure it's good for you to know some tricks from her, and if you're not really a fan of photoshoots it will definitely help you get through it with less stress and more pleasure.

Entrepreneur Journey

Let's start from the beginning.

Sara's story is outstanding and shows a lot of strength and determination. She is fierce and a hard-working female entrepreneur. Before starting her own designing business, she worked in sales and consumer service 9 to 5.

She started to upgrade her education, build a portfolio and she decided to invest in a business coach. Believe it or not her coach was from USA and she had coaching sessions from 2-3 am. So, she was not only working full time, but she was super determined to change her life. It lasted for three months.

Due to the COVID crisis she changed her status from full time employed to unemployed. She decided to take all the control in her hands and instead of searching for another job she dedicated her free time to build a portfolio and start her own company.

What to Prepare Before a Brand Photoshoot

Sarah had her brand vision very clear, although she didn't have all the branding done before we met. She said that it's crucial to have:

• a brand colour palette organised
• various mood boards prepared
• consistency with fonts.

She also advices to search for five adjectives that describe the character of a brand. Her chosen words were fresh, feminine, modern, vintage and fun. She was conscious she wanted a mix of photos with modern and vintage look.

Sarah had also a specific idea for her e-mail header involving a photo from a distance showing a lot of space around her. Also, she knew that a killer headshot for her newsletter and all the profile photos is a must. So definitely knowing your web design and being precise help prepare a shot list and transmit your vision to your creative team.

How to search for your location and style for the photoshoot

Sarah put great emphasis on showing her style and reflecting her brand in a realistic way.

She doesn't work in an office nor studio, so she didn’t want this typical studio personal brand pics. She wanted to show herself in the places where she feels happy and can relate to.

Including her branding colours was a priority.

We were choosing places together, very strategically after preparing a mood board. That's why we decided for all those locations the pink wall with a palm tree in the background, the vintage window, the greenhouse and a minimal and modern concrete wall.

Tips for people who don't like pics

My favourite words that Sarah told me are: "Starting a new business means doing everything you don’t feel comfortable with. Everything is new. Every time you're out of your comfort zone." And it's so true!

Although she wasn’t the most at ease on the photoshoot, imagining the finished effect without these pictures, that was even worse than having them taken she told me.

Trust is a key element. Although Sarah didn’t enjoy a being the center of attention of the photoshoot, she had faith in me, as her photographer, that I would provide those photos she needed and liked. She trusted that I would help her with posing and that we would succeed. And we did. After seeing the photographs from our shooting, she became much more confident.

Remember that the atmosphere in the places you choose have a great impact in the photoshoot.

We decided for a sunrise time, not only because of the magical light but also because we knew there won't be so many people around and that she's going to feel more comfortable. Sarah really didn't like to hear the sound of the click, it made her really stressed. If you find yourself in a similar situation ask your photographer to put the camera in silent mode (yes, there are some cameras that have this option).

How to choose a photographer for your personal brand photoshoot

Choosing a photographer might be a bit stressful, there is the money factor, talent and communication. You're choosing someone who you want in your team, that you will not only spend time together but also create your vision.

For Sarah it was a journey. First, she saw my photos of Christina Rovira, a Barcelona based virtual creative assistant. As she is also a creative female entrepreneur, she liked her style and photos, so she could relate to her.

Sarah started to follow my Instagram profile and checked my portfolio where she found my article about How to prepare for a photoshoot.

We also met before she made her mind, and this meeting was, as she says, very important. As she was looking for a photographer not for her own enjoyment but for a necessity, she needed to be sure she wouldn't be intimidated.

Finding a perfect fit is not easy, but it's really worthy. There are many talented photographers, but the human factor always wins. Be sure to check their portfolio and references before making a decision, even an online chat is really worthy to do. That’s how you will feel more comfortable and you will know if there is magic between you and your photographer.

Sarah interviewed me few weeks ago and created a wicked and full of useful information blog post about Brand Photoshoot: Everything You Need To Know. I totally encourage you to read it before booking your photographer.

Let’s talk art and create magic!

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

You’ve already decided for a personal brand photoshoot, but you do not know how to start preparing for it?

No worries, I’ve got you covered. As a branding expert and photographer I will explain you the whole process step by step.

The one thing that you have to remember is that it's not only about photos, it's about YOU!

It's the way you send the message to the rest of the world and your potential costumers, it's about showing your personality and attracting your dream costumer.

It’s your voice, the way of connecting with people, the way others see you. It’s about colours, imagination and honesty.

Sounds overwhelming?

It shouldn't!

I'm here to help you have lots of fun and enjoy every moment of preparation for your shoot and during the session. Finally, you're the one with the vision, you're the entrepreneur with power and you want to show that.

If you missed my post about the importance of having a personal brand you can read it here.

So, are you ready to start brainstorming?

What next?

Prepare few ideas for your photos and write them down. Making a shotlist is super useful and help you and your photographer find a perfect balance between creative and business content. Also you're making sure of not forgetting any idea during the shooting. Believe me, there are many emotions during the session and it's easy to leave out some things you wanted to have or do. Be as much specific as you can.

Here is a shotlist that guided us during our brand photoshoot with Christina:

• killer headshot
• working photos sitting behind the desk with a cup of coffee and laptop
• overhead photos: hands on laptop, agenda, mobile
• standing next to the desk looking at the laptop, looking at the camera
• sitting/working on the floor with laptop and glass of wine
• siting next to the balcony with a magazine and glass of wine
• shoot from above with magazine on the floor
• sitting next to the table with a glass of wine and a book
• details of working space

Analise what type of photos will atract your ideal client and are a perfect fit for your brand.

While planning and choosing places and styles for your visual identity photo session think about your ideal client. Are you going to work with people from tech industry or creatives, small entreprenours or big companies?

Create a real person, give it a name and a profession, emotions and interests. This will help you define the tone not only for your brand photos but also the way you communicate and express on your social media and your website.

• Think about the props

Make a list of all the props that fit to your brand's philosophy and are adequate to your industry. You should include them in your brand photoshoot. For some brands an obvious choice would be a laptop, agenda, cellphone, a book and a cup of coffee. But don't limit yourself to those common objects, try to think out of the box and surprise your audience. Think about props that will build your set: flowers, fruits, fabrics, tables or mirrors.

• Plan your outfits

Prepare a minimum of 4 outfits that you feel comfortable with and match the style of a session. It's always better to have more and to decide during the shooting which one suits better. Think about the colours, structure of the fabric, how they fold. It's important that the clothes are not too used.

Tip: Patterns are great but they also are very seasonal.

Here you can find some more styling tips from Pur.Style.

• Choose your branding colours

It's important to choose relevant colours that will visually represent your brand. You should use them across every media, website, newsletter, photography and even gadgets like laptops or mobile cases. It's essential to choose them wisely and consciously thinking about the feelings and meaning they transmit.

Just as an example:

yellow: intellect, self-motivation, creativity

purple: ambition, luxury, wealth, spirituality

blue: wisdom, truth, loyalty, integrity, leadership

• Think about the location

Would a studio or outdoor location fit more to your brand's philosophy and character?

Both locations are great.

Studio has more minimal vibe, might be more consistent with your online visual strategy.

Having a session outdoor gives you more freedom and a variety of backgrounds.

In Barcelona you can easily find urban minimal locations, as well as exotic nature. The amounts of possibilities of choosing a location for your personal brand photography is insane!

Create an inspirational mood board

This is the best way to visualise your ideas, styles and search for inspiration for unique places for your brand photoshoot. Creating a mood board is also searching for an atmosphere for your session, style of pics and a way of posing. You will realise if you're searching for more business-like headshots or candid-lifestyle photos.

Here you can find boards that I helped create for some of my clients on Pinterest.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Let’s talk art!

We thought we knew it all. We felt that the world was ours.

In few days our world turned upside down. Many of us had to change their business strategy and all of us needed to introduce our products and services online. The whole world became virtual within a second. We changed our mentality immediately. That`s revolutionary!

During three months of quarantine and self-isolation we were mastering different online strategies, we were exploring unlimited ways of creation new visual content and leading business in a new virtual world.

Do we still ask ourselves why we need a personal brand photographer?

We live online, we chat online, we sell online, we create online, we connect online, even we have online conferences and events.

Now more than ever personal brand photoshoot is extremely important and relevant.

Strong personal brand requires a professional headshot and creative photography. It's better to use the same professional headshot across all of the social media channels, website, email and published articles. Depending on the character of your career it should be more corporate or artistic. People will recognise you easier and remember your brand for longer. Everything you incorporate in the image: colours, clothes that you wear, props that you use and your facial expression create your personal brand and influence people's first impression.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Let’s talk art!

Shooting a Personal brand portrait photography being apart from your model is challenging. If you direct well your facetime photoshoot you can achieve surprising effects.

After more than two months of being in a total lockdown in Barcelona we teamed up with Jasmin, my good friend and a great stylist, owner of Pur.Style, and we came up with some ideas for an online photo session.

We prepared every little detail few days before, we brainstormed our ideas, checked out the light and found cool spots in her place. We wanted it to be fun, but also connected to the self-isolation theme. I think we nailed it, and definitely we had tons of laugh.

So, here is what you need to achieve photos like that.

Videocall before shooting and choose the best spots for your pics.

While choosing the perfect background for your personal brand photography through FaceTime photoshoot remember to pay attention to every detail. Check out the light situation. Put attention to shades and forms. It's good to plan it before, sometimes moving some furnitures around is a good option.

Choose places where it's easy to place your phone.

Remember that sometimes it's really hard to place a phone during the FaceTime Photoshoot and some of the angels are impossible to catch. I would recomend to choose the spots the day before and also figure out where to place the phone. If you have a tripod, it's easy. If not be innovative: use books, shelfs or a table.

That's a very useful thing. While you're in a shooting mode, it's easy to forget what photos you wanted. If you have a list of your photo ideas next to you it's most probably that you'll get every click you planned.

Together but alone, supporting each other and waiting for a new world.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content by virtual FaceTime photoshoot or soon in new reality I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Five creative self-portrait ideas: stay at home photography tips by Barcelona branding photographer

Have you been thinking lately about shooting self portraits while you stay at home and wait until the outside world is a bit safer?

Have you got stuck with some creative ideas and you feel like you need to boost your creativity and create a bit different photographs than everyone else does: me and my home office or me drinking a coffee.

Self portraits are a great way to express your feelings and thoughts. It doesn’t matter if they are for your social media or just for you. Through the history of art and photography they always played an important role, they were an integral part of exploring the ways of creativity.

Thats why I prepared 5 creative self-portraits ideas to boost your imagination.

1. Blending in

I love mysteries, when the story is blurred and fuzzy, when there is more space for interpretation.

That’s a beautiful way of visual storytelling, a way of leading the narrative in a surprising direction. This is the perfect method to move away from standard self-portrait.

Get lost in the scene. Find a unique landscape that reflects your mood or character and try to make composition about it.

It can be a living room, bedroom, you can hide behind the curtain, or just cover yourself with a blanket. In this way ordinary spaces gain other meaning and transform into the unique backdrops.

2.Play with shadows

Observe the light and how it moves around your flat and how it spreads on the wall.

Depending on the time of the day you will have shorter and longer shadows. Incorporate them into the composition, play with the meaning, shapes and reflections.

You can make them the most important element of your composition or you can create patterns on your body or face.

You can get creative by using different props to create shades: flowers, palm leaves, fruits, textiles. If you want to make hard lined shadows just use a piece of paper. If you have shutters in your windows, use it, they give a really cool effect.

3. Search for transparency

Play hide and seek. Use different thin fabrics, scarfs, cloth, glass doors or a plastic foil to achieve a semi transparent effect.

The pics become more delicate, soften.

Play with composition and with transparency levels.

If you shoot a close up portrait through glass doors take your head a bit further from the glass and touch the glass with your hand. If you shoot the whole body, get closer to the textile with only one part of it.

What's situated closer is more visible, and what's further away is more blurred and unclear.

4. Use props

Use fruits, flowers, shells, mirrors, hats and whatever you have and you can incorporate into your photo.

Be creative, use daily, natural objects in a surreal way.

Don’t get stuck only with a cup of coffee! It gives more meaning to your photo and tells more about your mood and character.

5. Use some movement

It will bring some dynamic to your composition.

If you shoot on a DSLR camera it’s cool to do it on manual option and set the long exposure. You will see some elements that are blurred and other that stay in focus.

Read More about Self-Portrait Photography on Pixpa.com

Together but alone, supporting each other and waiting for a new world.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content by virtual FaceTime photoshoot or soon in new reality I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Being a branding photographer in Barcelona during a total lockdown isn’t easy.

My friend needed some new photos for her social media and website and I’m always eager to shoot, no matter what.

We decided to do a FaceTime photoshoot.

I thought I would show you how to stay creative and use every moment to create cool content for your social media or just spend some dope time with your friends and family capturing beautiful moments of togetherness during this weird time and by the way have lots of fun.

Second important thing: prepare the props you want to use.

Boost your creativity, it can be everything what you have in your place: starting with laptop, notebook, a cup of coffee ending on mirrors, fruits and flowers.

A key to successful FaceTime shoot: find a spot with natural light.

Your backdrop can be a white wall next to the window, your sofa just next to the entrance to the balcony, colourful coupboard or a table where you usually work. If you want to experiment more you can use some colourful textiles as a backdrop.

Remember that the quality of the pics is not amazing. That's how it is and we can't change it. Here what counts is an experience, a fun and productive time spend with your friend. It's cool to have new content and it's great to challenge yourself and shoot. This kind of an exchange could be good for both of you.

Technically you don't need much!

(click here to see the whole instruction how to do a screenshot on Widnows or Mac)

If you have an an iPhone, it's so easy to shoot with FaceTime.

There is an onscreen button to take a photo.

Here is a manual:

• it has to be iOS 11 or later
• You have to have FaceTime Live Photos enabled (Settings>FaceTime>Live Photos – turn on)
• You need to have your phone set to upload photos to iCloud
• If you changed any settings you'll have to restart your devices (this one is super important, I lost some pics by not following the last step)

Together but alone, supporting each other and waiting for a new world.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content by virtual FaceTime photoshoot or soon in new reality I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

I dig my own grave
drowned in money
and lack of oxygen
a dreamworld
full of waste.
I wish I'd learned 
when I still had hope
earlier
but I wrapped myself
in a belief
of a fake future.

Poem, Painting and Clothes by Fanni Kopacsi founder of Thinkover brand

Together but alone, supporting each other and waiting for a new world. If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Keeping a routine and figuring out new habits during lock down isn't easy. I've been acting chaotically and desperately. This is what helped me to feel better during the self-isolation time during Covid-19 and help me to stay sane.

If you feel a bit like me I just want to give you some tips that helped me to feel better during this weird time.

I read a lot of blog posts and attended lots of seminars during these weeks. I felt that the time is passing too fast, that I'm not doing enough. I've been acting chaotically and desperately trying to change the night into the day to get some more hours of work. Being a freelancer specially now is challenging and overwhelming.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

The Covid-19 epidemic has changed our world, our social behaviour, our form of communication and our life.

The world stands still. The streets and districts are deserted, the world had became quiet and we had sank into the virtual world chaotically jumping from an online event to video chatting in search for a substitute of social life that we knew.

The world is changing and we are waiting. During this nightmare, when we all are together but separately, I started talking to people I have closest to me. Social distancing has brought us together, I have learned my neighbours names, dreams and doubts.

This is how this documentary photographic project came to life.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

When the Covid-19 pandemic started, most of us locked ourselves in our homes, losing ourselves in the virtual world.

We focused on our families and friends, perhaps hundreds of kilometers away. The lack of physical contact with loved ones we tried to replace with long video chats, our lives moved to the Internet. The chaos of the virtual world began to govern its own laws, participation in every interesting online event was a substitute for life before the virus, a reality we knew and felt safe in.

I started to deal with this unknown situation by visiting my closest neighbours. Simple questions, sincere intentions to help and kindness prompted me to work on this documentary project.

From unknown people, sometimes passing by in a hurry in the staircase, we became close to each other. Thanks to Social distancing I got to know the people around me, their names, dreams, fears and routines.

Paksha loves spending time on her balcony, the view of the blue sky makes her feel positive and gives her energy for the next days.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

When the Covid-19 pandemic nightmare started, I visited my closest neighbours, willing to help. Every time I met them, I was having my camera with me, I was wearing a mask and a hoodie. I didn’t know if they could recognise me in my new outfit, if they would be able to know that I’m the neighbour from the second floor.

Not long ago, I didn't know the names of the people I passed in the hallway. I didn't know their dreams, desires, fears.

Magic happened while keeping a physical distance ironically it brought us closer together.

We are all in this together and all of us are trying extremely hard to continue with our daily routine and work. We are so focus on ourselves that we forget to ask others how they feel.

We are getting lost in virtual reality, which is more real and vibrant then reality that surrounds us now.

That’s why I would love you to stop for a moment. I would love you to listen to the stories and to feel another person.

If you have any questions let me know. And if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona, in new reality, I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

I've been thinking long and hard about how I can help you to get through this crazy weird time. The world as we know it is changing, and we must keep on going. What we have is today, and we all should try to exploit our full potential and support each other in positive ways.

After days of browsing Instagram IGTV, live and stories I want to help you create a good quality visual content that you share with your community. We are faced the unknown situation, and now more then ever we are connected almost 24 h to Social Media. I’ve seen many business owners struggling with recording videos, myself I’ve took some days to experiment different techniques having only my phone, books, tape - nothing pro from photo studio.

I prepared some basic tips that will help every entrepreneur improve photography and video skills at temporary home studio.

Think about the source of light.

The light is a basic element in photography and videos. If you choose to record your social media content with natural day light, first analize the room and see how it lighten the space.

DON'TS

• place your mobile toward the direct source of light (it will help you avoid too much contrast in the video)

• stand in a direct sunlight

DO'S:

• stand in front of a source of light (the light should iluminate your face not the back of your head)
• if there is too much direct sunlight coming through a window, you should cover it with transparent courtine, to defuse it (if you don't have a courtine, you can use white paper)
• if you don't have enough natural light in your space, use additional light (if you're planning to buy additional light the RINGFLASH is the best option to record videos for Instagram)
• if you're recording a video on your balcony/terrace try to find a shade

• Keep the distance form your mobile

To diversify your photos and videos it's good to change the distance from your camera. If you don't have a trpiod or a selfie stick you need to use your imagination. A shelf with books, a table, a chair...don't be afrait to experimet with different angle. In this video I used a tape to stick my mobile... Be carefull and don't cover the lens.

• Always remember about the composition.

The composition is the second most important thing in photography. There are few main rules, but the most important is to keep the lines and horizont straight. The rule of thirds and a central composition is quite helpful, depending where you want to post your photo afterwords. Central composition is pretty common on Instagram.

• The rule of thirds.

It's a key part of taking better photos and a good composition. Most of the smartphones have a grid option that overlays over the camera app and helps you to focus on the most intersting elements of the composition. So the subject of your image should be placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.

• Experiment with central composition

Are you posting a lot on Instagram? Central composition is perfect for it. You can make self portraits or e-commerce photos that directly speak to yur client.

Hope that it will help you!

If you have any questions let me know.

if you are interested in creating some stunning content in Barcelona in better times I would be delighted to talk about your project. Just shoot me an email at: julia@juliamalinowska.com

Or find me on Instagram: @jul.malinowska

Let’s talk art!