How to Capture the Perfect Personal Branding Photos in Austin Texas
When it comes to personal branding photos in Austin, Texas, a simple headshot just doesn’t cut it anymore — and Abby Kaemmerer of ZE Collective totally gets that. Abby is a powerhouse web designer who creates the coolest branding and website packages (my website and branding are a perfect example — she’s that good!). This shoot needed to reflect not just her professional side, but also her creative energy and what it’s like to actually work with her.
Choosing the Perfect Locations
Location matters when it comes to brand photography. It’s so important to choose locations that won’t just make you look good, but feel good too! I love choosing locations where you feel comfortable and like yourself – where you take meetings with clients or where you meet up for post work drinks. For Abby’s shoot, we started at Hank’s Austin, a coffee shop and restaurant with incredible golden hour lighting and the perfect relaxed vibe. Abby loves champagne, so we ordered a round, invited a friend to join, and let the atmosphere work its magic. The golden light mixed with the laid-back setting made it easy for Abby to relax and let her personality shine.
After Hank’s, we moved to WaveForm Austin, a local photo studio where you can completely customize the vibe. They set everything up for you, let you play your favorite music, and even allow drinks, snacks — and dogs! We blasted Abby’s go-to playlist, cracked open a seltzer, and got creative. We used an umbrella flash and reflectors to create a cozy, retro feel, layering in Abby’s personal items — books, mugs, her film camera, and of course her laptop — to make the space feel authentically hers. Abby’s laptop has stickers that really highlight her vibe, from aesthetically cool design elements to a sticker of her cat, I loved highlighting these details. The combination of thoughtful locations and personal touches made the photos feel intimate and true to her brand.
Bring Your Friends — Seriously
Being in front of a camera can feel awkward — but when you have a friend with you, it shifts the whole vibe. Abby’s friend joined in at Hank’s, which made the whole shoot feel more like a hangout than a formal session. The laughter, inside jokes, and relaxed energy translated into natural, candid shots that showed off Abby’s real personality.
This is why I love when clients bring friends (or even pets!) to their shoots. It helps you relax, gives you someone to bounce energy off of, and brings out those unfiltered, joyful moments. Abby’s confidence shone through because she wasn’t trying to perform — she was just being herself, and that’s what makes great branding photos.
Why Personal Branding Photos Matter
Your brand is more than just a headshot — it’s a reflection of you. Abby’s brand is creative, approachable, and artistic, and now her branding photos reflect that. Personal branding photos help potential clients connect with you before you even meet them. They show your personality, your style, and what it’s like to work with you — and that makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a brand photographer in Austin, Texas who will make you feel comfortable, capture your personality, and create artistic, on-brand photos that tell your story — I’ve got you covered. And yes, you can absolutely bring your friends (or your dog) to the session. In fact, I highly recommend it!
