Your Personal Branding Photoshoot Location is a Storytelling Tool

When it comes to personal branding photography, the location is more than just a backdrop—it’s a key player in telling your brand story. The right setting helps visually communicate your brand's values, personality, and the experience you provide to your clients.

For a recent photoshoot in Seattle, I worked with a personal trainer who specializes not just in fitness but also in lifestyle coaching. While she owns a workout facility, we wanted to highlight a different facet of her brand—her personal coaching approach, which extends beyond gym workouts and into her clients' everyday lives.

The Client: Julia Nicole Wellness Coach

Location: A personal home in Seattle, WA neighborhoods

The Challenge: Finding the Perfect Location

Julia initially explored using a client’s home, but timing and availability didn’t align. Originally, we had booked the use of a rental studio that had a home-like atmosphere to capture the intimate, one-on-one coaching experience. Unfortunately, a double booking issue forced us to pivot just a week before the shoot.

That’s when I reached out to my sister, who has a bright, neutral, and simple home gym space. It ended up being the perfect solution. The space not only fit the aesthetic we were looking for but also allowed us to create multiple storytelling setups within a small area.

Creating a Visual Narrative Through Location

On the day of the shoot, we transformed the space into two distinct sets:

Home Gym Coaching Session – Featuring two client models, we captured personal training sessions in a setting that felt comfortable and approachable, reinforcing the trainer’s personalized coaching style.

Dining Room Coaching Scene – At the kitchen table, we set up a scene where the trainer reviewed food labels and guided clients through journaling and mindful eating. This emphasized her total approach to health and wellness.

To further showcase her brand, we leveraged Seattle itself, the Julia's home base. We took the session outside, capturing images of her walking and coaching her clients, which aligned perfectly with her 1:1 coaching service. The blend of indoor and outdoor locations helped to communicate her dynamic and flexible approach to fitness and lifestyle coaching.

Why Location Matters for Your Brand

Selecting the right location isn’t just about aesthetics; it plays a significant role in shaping the perception of your brand. Here are a few key factors to consider when choosing a location for your personal branding photoshoot:

Aesthetic and Mood: Does the space align with your brand's colors, style, and overall vibe? Light, bright spaces can convey openness and positivity, while darker, moodier settings might evoke strength or sophistication.

Props and Elements: What furniture or built-in elements are available? Think about chairs, tables, and decor that can help bring your brand story to life.

Versatility: Can the space be used in multiple ways to create different scenes? Can we move around furniture within the space to make it our own.

Surrounding Area: Is there a park, café, or street that fits into your brand story? Outdoor locations can add variety and context to your images.

Authenticity: Does the space feel natural to how you actually work with your clients? A well-chosen location reinforces trust and relatability.

Location as a Storytelling Tool

Your photoshoot location should enhance and support your brand story, not just serve as a pretty background. The right setting helps potential clients visualize working with you, making your brand feel more tangible and relatable. While finding the perfect space can be challenging, being open to creative solutions—like repurposing a home gym or stepping outside into the city—can lead to authentic, compelling imagery that truly represents your business.

Next time you plan a personal branding shoot, think beyond a standard studio. Consider how different locations can shape the story you’re telling, and don’t be afraid to get creative in finding the perfect setting!