Branding Portrait Session with Planning Within Reach at Gud Times Studio in San Diego, California
Let’s talk about branding portraits—the kind that actually look like you, authentically represent your brand, and help you attract your dream clients. Clients who visit your website, see your photo, and immediately know y’all will click and make a great partnership.
I had the absolute pleasure of working with Linda, founder of Planning Within Reach, on her personal branding session at Gud Times Studio in San Diego. Linda is a financial planner with a heart. Her business is all about helping individuals and couples feel confident and informed about their finances—with guidance that’s equal parts practical and empowering. She offers services like money coaching, financial planning, and support for life’s biggest transitions, all with a refreshingly calm and friendly approach.
Why Personal Branding Portraits Matter (A Lot)
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, professional and authentic brand imagery isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s crucial. The truth is, stock imagery is not even close to as powerful as personal branding images are. Your own branding imagery is an investment in your business and yourself.
People aren’t just hiring you for what you do—they’re hiring you for who you are. The energy you bring. The way you make them feel. The confidence they gain by working with you. Your photos should tell that story.
Having updated personal branding portraits helps your audience understand what it's like to work with you before they ever send an email. When your visuals feel aligned with your values and personality, your brand becomes instantly more trustworthy, relatable, and memorable.
The Immaculate Vibes
We shot Linda’s branding session at Gud Times Studio in San Diego, and the space couldn’t have been more perfect. With its flood of natural light, curated mid-century modern furniture, and a variety of backdrops, the space gave us so many options to play with.
We captured a mix of imagery:
– Headshots with personality and polish
– Lifestyle images that show Linda in her flow
– Brand visuals that feel elevated, yet totally relatable
To create more dimension, we flipped one of the painted backdrops over and used the raw, blank canvas side. It gave the photos a subtle texture and depth that felt artistic and effortless.
Strategy Meets Personality
Linda and I brainstormed ways to show her true brand: thoughtful, encouraging, and deeply rooted in helping people find peace with their finances. We talked about her ideal client, what kind of images would align with her new website, and how she wants people to feel when they land on her page. She wanted imagery that communicates trust, calm, and approachability—so that’s exactly what we captured.
Our goal was to make sure every photo not only looked beautiful but worked hard—building connection, trust, and clarity for her audience.
The Takeaway
By the end of our shoot, Linda had a versatile gallery of images she can use across her website, social media, newsletters, and beyond. These portraits don’t just show what she does—they show who she is.
And that’s the heart of personal branding photography: giving people a genuine preview of what it’s like to work with you.
If you’re a coach, creative, consultant, or business owner ready to take your brand visuals to the next level, this is your sign. Your audience wants to see you. Let’s show them.
✨ Reach out here to book your personal branding session in San Diego (or beyond). Let’s create imagery that reflects you to your core.
