These days, the term “personal brand” is everywhere. From A-list celebrities to high school students, it appears that everyone with a social media account has his or her own personal brand.
A personal brand is an effective way to educate others about one’s set of values, either personal or professional—or both. It can be used to communicate a person’s credibility, reputation, and integrity. Since trust and transparency rank high on the list of customer must-haves—and this is especially important for small business owners—a personal brand that conveys total honesty can be the deciding factor that attracts new clients.
Showcasing Your Authenticity
Today’s customers seek consistency, and this applies to both their regular dealings with the business and their overall perception of its brand.
The word “authenticity” has become inextricably tied to personal branding, and consistency is an important part of this element. People need to know that what they see on social media or at a networking event is what they would experience in a face-to-face encounter. In other words: the brand image they perceive must be truthful, not just for show.
Using photography to reinforce one’s personal brand is an excellent way to take advantage of the visual nature of the human brain. For those who are running an online business or those who are building an online portfolio, high-quality, authentic photography can play a crucial role in conveying a brand’s personality.
The right online presence can make any business venture stand out of the crowd, and this applies to aspiring entrepreneurs as much as it does to established business owners.
With personal branding photography, a brand’s story can be showcased to reveal a unique personality that builds trust and loyalty with existing and potential clients.
Once a personal branding photographer has been booked, the real work begins. But how much effort should one put into preparing for the photoshoot? And what strategies should be used to maximize the experience and narrow down the best photos?
The key to getting the most out of a photo session is to be prepared. The following 10 tips will help any business owner harness the power of photography for an online presence that dazzles.
1. Dress for the part
Wardrobe is extremely important. Before the photo session, it is a good idea to discuss color palettes with the photographer. As a general rule, a wardrobe and a brand’s colors should be cohesive. If the brand logo is pastel, then some pastel colors should be worn to bring harmony to the overall message. Using consistency in images will allow clients to easily recognize a brand from the competitors.
2. Flatter yourself
Silk button-down shirts or bulky sweaters may look great in real life, but these aren’t always flattering in photographs. Loose clothing can add volume and bulk, while tight clothing can look unprofessional, so instead, it’s best to opt for a fitted look. It is also recommended to steer clear of prints, which look busy and can distract the eye. Clothing should be used to accentuate, not steal the show.
3. Use professional make-up & hair artists
It’s worth the extra expense. Professionals know what type of make-up and hairstyles should be used to bring out a person’s best features, and they will also use specific strategies that work best for a professional photo shoot, such as using heavier eye make-up and highlighting techniques. DIY may be less expensive, but it may result in poor quality photos that turn people away.
4. Eat well & stay hydrated
A week prior to the shoot, it is a good idea to minimize salt intake, drink lots of water, and increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables. Eating well will help reduce unexpected breakouts and give our face and body that desired glow. A healthy diet and proper sleep will also provide us with the energy and stamina required for the photo shoot, which can often be exhausting.
5. Be clean and well groomed
Unless bright nails and hair color are part of the brand, it’s best to stay away from anything flashy or employ looks that may appear dated in the future. Clean, neutral colors always work well. Also recommended: a lint remover and an iron. Wrinkles and link look terrible in pictures.
6. Use music to enhance the mood
The right playlist can turn nerves into courage. A photoshoot may feel intimating, especially in the beginning, which is why music is often used on set to help everyone relax and feel at ease. The photographer may already have tunes on hand, but it is perfectly acceptable to bring one’s own for added inspiration!
7. Location, location, location
From the cozy comfort of a local café to a blooming lavender field, locations can speak volumes about a brand. Whatever the concept, choosing several locations for the shoot is a great way to narrow the choices when the time comes.
8. Create a mood board
Pinterest is a valuable asset. When it comes to branding photography ideas, pinning is a creative must. Pinning everything from jewelry to locations is a fantastic way to communicate a set of ideas with a photographer and remove guess work.
9. Use props
Props can be very useful to express a brand’s mission and aesthetics. Those who wish to keep a continuity of color in all images but don’t want to wear same color of clothing can use a prop to make the scene pop. A nutritionist, for instance, could use some fresh fruit and vegetables in the background, or hold a glass of brightly-colored juice. A splash of color can go a long way.
10. Decide where the photos will be used
Last but not least, it is crucial that the photographer know where the images will be used. For example, a website may require a horizontal banner on its landing page, while some images may be needed for a press release. Whatever the need, jotting down a list of requirements will help direct the photographer and ensure that nothing is omitted when the day comes.
