Your Brand and Photography

Have you considered how others see you? In business or online? How are you showing up? A photograph is the fastest way to convey a message without words. What I am talking about is your BRAND.

The definition of brand : A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that identifies one seller's goods or service as distinct from those of other sellers.

As a photographer, I see so many people online using bad photography. Bad lighting, a really old photo, photography that is just bad. There are so many options out there and so many creatives that can help you get the best images for your brand. The bottom line is that if you don’t represent yourself as modern, authentic and real, especially these days, you will not succeed in the online marketplace.

You want people to know, like and trust you within minutes of meeting you (and meeting you online), and everything is online so you need your photos to say all of that within seconds.

You need a ‘headshot’ that conveys your personality, shows your honesty and illustrates your integrity and style. You need interesting portraits that will make your prospective client get curious. Most importantly you will need to make sure your photo is consistent with your brand.

Consider your brand message in your business and what you are trying to say. Who is your client? Does your message match your brand and match your visual representation? They all have to be cohesive and compatible. How are you showing up?

The best way to stand out from your competition is to make sure your first impression is a great one. That makes the photography you use on your website, whether it is just your headshot on your ‘about page’ or the multiple images on your website that lead your client through your story, the ultimate priority.

How many times have you looked up (googled) someone that you have a (phone) meeting with, before you have the meeting or while you are on the phone? (we all have) We need to see who we are talking to or meeting up with and your headshot is the first thing that people look for. Are the photos that are on your website consistent with your brand and your message? More people are buying from brands that have a mission and a message that they can relate to.

People also care if you or your company are committed to a cause greater than just financial growth.

A founder presence and mission illustrated with beautiful photos that tell the story are very important.

How will you stand out? With the very best photography you can afford because you only have 7 seconds to make an impression to your prospective client, 7 seconds to peak their interest so they click through and want more of you. 7 seconds to keep that prospect and turn them into a client.

Your business portrait and your website photos of your business should be modern and show who you are RIGHT NOW.

5 TIPS TO GET A GREAT HEADSHOT

1) Hire the best professional photographer, that takes portraits of people, that you can afford.

2) Make sure your photo is not more than 2 years old, if it is then it is time to get a new one.

3) Make sure that you wear clothes that represent your work life; always go a little more upscale if you can. (casual is fine but consider your style, mission, vision)

4) Wear modern clothes with solid colors and appropriately fitted to your shape. No one wants to see you in ill-fitting clothes.

5) Make sure that your hair and makeup (Ladies) is done in a light and fresh manner. Hire someone if needed. Men make sure that you have a recent haircut.

A good headshot is priceless.

A bad headshot will damage your brand