Personal Branding Photography – What to Look For
So you know you need pictures. You see other business owners getting pictures taken so it must be important, right?
Correct!
Those other entrepreneurs have probably heard the buzz…Your potential clients’ first stop is no longer your website; they are marching directly over to your social media accounts. Why? Because today’s consumer wants to know WHO they are giving their money to, they want to know YOU, the person behind the brand.
This shift in how consumers are making purchasing decisions has upped the value of well branded images. But what, how, who??? Where do you even begin the hunt for a good picture taker?
Let’s start with the “what” — personal branding photography.
What is Personal Branding Photography?
Personal branding photography is a new and rapidly growing industry that has developed out of the need to support the ever evolving way consumers are doing business. Consumers flock to social media where it is make it or break it time for the “like, know, trust” factor. Think of social media as your potential client’s first impression of you and your business — no do-overs. Being strategic about what you are sharing with the virtual world is more important than ever.
Enter personal branding photography, a method of using pictures to tell the story of you and your brand. The idea is that you are strategic about the pictures you have taken, ensuring they represent who you are as an individual, a business owner, and a brand. This is the point where many entrepreneurs get scared — no this does not mean you have to divulge personal information on social media. What you share is 100% up to you.
Images That Help Craft a Personal Brand:
Photos That Represent You:
- Your morning routine
- Your pets
- Your love for coffee, chocolate, spicy food, etc.
- Your favorite books
- Your love for nature
Photos That Represent Your Brand:
- Tools you use within your business
- Steps of client onboarding
- Client meetings/zooms
- Where you do business
- Your differentiator – yes! Bring it to life!
* “Back up! Did Shannon just say this is a new industry? Hmm…” *
Yes, you heard me correctly! The reasons you need personal branding photography in your life are plentiful and being one of the first to utilize this quickly growing marketing strategy is just one of them!
The Benefits of Personal Branding Photography:
- Elevate your brand
- Establish yourself as a thought leader/expert
- Attract and connect with your ideal client
- Allow your clients to get to know you and your brand
- Become relatable and authentic to your audience
- Increase conversion!!!
- Your competitors aren’t doing it!
Now that’s value! You will be one of the first that are utilizing personal branding photography to give your consumers what they are asking for. Who doesn’t want to be 1st?!?
What to Look For In a Personal Branding Photographer
Now let’s tackle the “how.”
Finding the right photographer can be hard. Let’s be honest, there are a lot of us out there which means there is a just right fit for everyone, but it also means you have to do your homework.
Be specific about the type of photography you are seeking. Just like other businesses, we have our specialities. I highly recommend selecting a photographer that is solely niching in personal branding photography. There is validity in the statement “jack of all trades, master of none.” We cannot be experts at everything, and it holds true to the field of photography.
If you want pictures that tell the story of exactly who you are and why you are different while also representing your brand aesthetic you want someone who specializes in creating personal branding photos.
5 Things to Look for A Personal Branding Photographer:
- A great communicator = They let you know what to expect and how to prepare
Your photographer tells you all the things: wardrobe, props, color coordination, location. You need someone who leaves no detail unturned and helps you prep for every step of our photo session.
- A pretty and diverse photo gallery = Skilled at their craft and working with different aesthetics
A diverse personal branding portfolio means the photographer can take and edit pictures to fit different brand aesthetics. That is essential! You need a photographer who can create imagery that fits your individual external branding.
- Also a brand strategist = They get to know your brand like it is their own so your pictures celebrate your individuality
Your external and internal branding will be supported by your images which means your photographer needs to know those aspects of your brand inside and out. You should be talking about how and where you will use your pictures down to even the messaging you will use. This is why you need someone with expertise in both branding and photography.
- Personable = Being comfortable with your photographer means relaxed, fun and authentic pictures
Meeting your photographer face-to-face is a must for creating pictures that show off your personality. Try being 100% relaxed, confident and truly yourself with someone you have never met. It’s just not going to happen. Make sure you and your personal branding photographer “click” and get each other.
- They know other experts so you don’t have to = They handle it all: hair, make-up, venue, etc.
This! You want someone who has a network of professionals they work with. It will make your life easier and provide you with links to the experts needed to pull off well branded pictures. Location is also a key factor in developing imagery that is consistent with your branding so make sure your photographer helps you with this as well.
Now it’s time to take the how and turn it into a who. Use the list above to start researching personal branding photographers. You are NOT looking for just a picture taker or an updated headshot. You need a photographer that helps you create an image gallery that aligns your visual identity and messaging. Start the hunt for your just-right personal branding photographer and take the first steps to elevating your brand.
👇 What’s your opinion — Which of the above “5 Things to Look for A Personal Branding Photographer” do you consider the most important and why?
This is a must read! Thanks @Shannon_Arney
Thanks, Melissa!!
Great post @Shannon_Arney! Corporate headshots of old are soooo tired. The biggest eye opener for me is the team involved to elevate everything in the photo. This mug needs all the help it can get 😛
Thanks @tom935! It definitely takes a village. Such a fun and rewarding experience too, but I’m a bit bias. 😉
Thank you Shannon, this is a great article with a lot of helpful information. I have spoken to a photographer and will review our conversation to make sure she is the right fit.
Can’t wait to see the pictures!