The Ultimate 15-Minute Personal Brand Audit Checklist

FREE DOWNLOAD

Discover What’s Holding You Back from Being Seen as an Authority

RECOMMENDED
READS

LATEST articles

A mood board filled with textures, color palettes, typography samples, and brand imagery on a designer’s wall — representing the visual identity process

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is building their website, offers, or marketing before they’ve ever clarified their brand identity. They hire web designers before they’ve defined their vibe. They write sales pages without knowing the feeling their brand is meant to transmit. But everything — your website, your photos, your content, your brand world — should stem […]

For most people, a photoshoot is about looking good. For Nicky Clinch, it became a mirror for transformation. Nicky is a master maturation coach, author of Surrender, and co-leader of the Emanate Mastermind. When she came to me, her brand was successful—multiple seven figures, sold-out programs, a global community—but something wasn’t resonating. She had reached a plateau. […]

Personal brand shoot in Los Angeles with natural light and editorial styling.
Lewis Howes standing confidently in a European location during his personal brand shoot with Nick Onken
A creative team reviewing photo previews with a client during a personal brand shoot, showcasing collaborative planning and leadership-focused visual strategy
Photographer Nick Onken reviewing brand photos on dual monitors in his creative studio, highlighting the professional editing and high-value experience of a personal brand photoshoot

Let’s cut to it: The cost of a personal brand photoshoot depends on one thing—the level of transformation you want to create. You can hire someone to take nice portraits. Or you can co-create an identity-elevating experience that reshapes how the world sees you. So… How Much Does It Cost? At the top of the […]

Entrepreneur reviewing photos with personal brand photographer during photoshoot

If you’re an entrepreneur, coach, or speaker looking to stand out online, then you know photography is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But hiring the right personal brand photographer can feel overwhelming. With so many options, styles, and price points, how do you find the perfect fit for your vision? Let’s break it down […]

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

Nick Onken directing a subject during a stylish personal brand shoot in an iconic Austin setting

If you’re building a brand in Austin, you already know—this city has a vibe. Creative. Wild. Soulful. Free. But when it comes to personal brand photography, not all photographers can capture that essence. If you want photos that go beyond headshots and into transformation… Nick Onken is the name to know. Austin Roots. Global Vision. […]

Nick Onken directing a personal brand photo shoot using music and movement to evoke confidence

A great photo is more than just perfect lighting and good composition. It’s about capturing your subject’s truest essence—that confident, authentic, magnetic self that already exists inside them. My job as a photographer is to bring that forward. Over the years, I’ve built a toolkit of both physical and psychological tools that help guide clients […]

Entrepreneur photographed in a bold editorial setting, exuding confidence and leadership through Elevated Realism™ brand photography

Introduction In today’s hyper-visual world, the first impression you make online can determine whether someone trusts you, hires you, or skips over you. Your brand photography is often the first point of contact—and if done right, it can immediately communicate authority, confidence, and influence. This is where my Elevated Realism™ style of personal brand photography […]

Nick Onken seated in his creative studio surrounded by tools, textures, and visuals that reflect his Elevated Realism™ process.

What to Look for in a Personal Branding Photographer Choosing a personal branding photographer isn’t just about skill. It’s about trust. Storytelling. Presence. You don’t just want someone who takes great photos. You want someone who can see who you really are—and reflect that on camera. Look Beyond the Lens A great personal brand photographer […]

Nick Onken seated in his creative studio surrounded by tools, textures, and visuals that reflect his Elevated Realism™ process

Why Visual Consistency Is the Secret to Building Brand Authority Online In a world built on scrolls, swipes, and split-second judgments, your visuals speak before you do. Your audience doesn’t read first. They feel. They feel your energy through colors, composition, and frequency long before they engage with your message. That’s why visual consistency isn’t […]

LATEST in brand intelligence

A mood board filled with textures, color palettes, typography samples, and brand imagery on a designer’s wall — representing the visual identity process

One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is building their website, offers, or marketing before they’ve ever clarified their brand identity. They hire web designers before they’ve defined their vibe. They write sales pages without knowing the feeling their brand is meant to transmit. But everything — your website, your photos, your content, your brand world — should stem […]

Nicky Clinch standing in nature during her brand shoot, styled in flowing earth tones and captured in soft light
Personal brand shoot in Los Angeles with natural light and editorial styling.

LATEST in creative intelligence

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

LATEST in life intelligence

Entrepreneur preparing emotionally for a personal brand photoshoot with Nick Onken

Getting in front of a camera isn’t just about appearance—it’s about energy, mindset, and emotion. When you’re being photographed, especially for something as intimate and revealing as a personal brand shoot, the camera becomes a mirror. A mirror of confidence—or insecurity. Of ease—or resistance. Over the years, I’ve learned that the emotional preparation is just […]

meet nick

I was born in a low middle class conservative religious family in the suburbs of Seattle. Art was and always has been my passion, and more than that a way of life.

Starting as a graphic designer, I taught myself photography, built a commercial/editorial business shooting for the worlds biggest brands like Nike, Coca-Cola, Adidas and more. I've also had the opportunity to photograph the world's biggest celebrities like Justin Bieber, Usher, Jessica Alba and more. I've curated a lifestyle around creativity and have learned a lot along the way which I get to share here. 

read nick's story

SHOP MY FAVORITES

Book a brand photoshoot

book nowshop now

DESIGNING YOUR WORLD THROUGH Conversation and Art

join the list

This space is a celebration of creative expression as a divine conduit for personal and global transformation. Dive into thought-provoking content spanning beauty, art, fashion, and design, intertwined with insights on spiritual and personal development.

thank you for subscribing!