University of Michigan Professor Branding Photography Session in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Creating a professional and polished brand portfolio is essential for individuals looking to extend their influence and establish their presence in new areas. Recently, we had the privilege of working with Dr. Minal Patel, a professor at the University of Michigan, on a branding photography session tailored to her evolving professional goals. This session was an exciting opportunity to highlight her expertise and approachability while crafting imagery that reflects her confident and professional persona.

Understanding Minal’s Vision

Dr. Patel is a respected academic who teaches graduate-level courses at U of M and has a strong desire to expand her professional reach beyond the university. Having relied on standard headshots taken about 1.5 years ago, she was ready for a branding refresh that could meet her ambitious goals. She envisioned using the images on her professional website and faculty photo, with a particular focus on a versatile portfolio of candid and structured shots.

Defining the Objectives

Together, we worked to create a cohesive set of images that aligned with her personal and professional brand. Minal’s brand vision descriptions were expert, approachable, and confident. She wanted a balance between being seen as a serious professional and someone accessible to a wide audience. For her website, she sought a variety of images, including:

• A strong, eye-catching hero banner photo that would serve as a “money-maker” image on the main page, with excellent eye contact and a balanced composition.

• Candid settings that felt natural rather than overly scripted.

• Photos that could be easily incorporated into her “About Me” section and other professional materials.

As a very busy working professional, using an all inclusive service that plans and executes her vision with complimentary Hair & Makeup is a key part of creating a branded portfolio that allows her personality to shine through her portraits!

Bringing It All Together

To meet these objectives, we planned a session that included:

Wardrobe

Minal chose two primary outfits, with a third as an option to add variety. Each look was carefully selected to match her branding colors (provided prior to the shoot) and project a polished, professional image. The outfits struck a balance between formal and approachable, with clean lines and classic styles.

Props and Settings

We incorporated props such as a laptop and phone, which are emblematic of her day-to-day work and added context to the photos. These props also helped create dynamic and engaging imagery, showing Minal in action rather than simply posed.

Composition and Framing

We focused on compositions that would allow flexibility for web design, such as images flushed to the left or right, leaving space for text overlays. The hero banner shot featured Minal making confident eye contact, a powerful visual cue that engages viewers and establishes trust.

Capturing Balance

Throughout the session, we worked to ensure the images balanced professionalism with warmth. Candid shots captured Minal’s approachable side, while more structured portraits emphasized her authority and confidence.

The Value of Branding Photography

At Two Wild Souls Photography, we understand that personal branding is about more than just professional headshots. It’s about telling your story and creating a connection with your audience. High-quality branding photography helps you:

• Build Trust: Professional, polished images create an immediate sense of credibility.

• Increase Visibility: Strategic visuals are essential for standing out online and in-person.

• Enhance Your Brand Message: Each photo is designed to align with your unique story and goals.

Reflecting Your Unique Brand

Our branding sessions focus on delivering imagery that supports our clients’ aspirations. Whether you’re building a personal brand or enhancing a business presence, our process emphasizes:

• Strategic Planning: Tailoring every detail to align with your brand values and goals.

• Creative Direction: Guiding you through poses and settings that feel natural yet impactful.

• Professional Polish: Delivering high-quality images optimized for various platforms, from websites to social media.

The Final Outcome

The final collection of images perfectly encapsulates Dr. Patel’s vision. Her updated brand portfolio is a testament to her expertise and readiness to take on new professional challenges. Whether consulting with government agencies or appearing on her website, these photos tell the story of a confident, approachable, and accomplished expert.

We’re honored to have played a role in helping Minal craft a visual identity that aligns with her ambitions. If you’re ready to take the next step in your professional journey, let’s create a branding session that captures your unique story.

Jasmine Robertson