4 reasons why you haven’t booked a branding photo shoot
There are 4 reasons why you haven’t booked a branding photo shoot and they’re the main reasons the business women I meet through networking and online haven’t done it.
You think you’re too fat/too old/ not pretty enough
I hear this all the time. The biggest reason is usually feeling like you need to lose a few pounds before your branding photo shoot. But I’ve heard ladies say that they think they’re too old or not pretty enough too.
And that really makes me sad.
In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.
Who says you have to be model-like to be worthy of having nice photos? Since when did you have to be young to show your face on your website?
And what is prettiness? It’s what we see in magazines aimed at teens (don’t get me started on that) and advertisers who want you to feel bad about how you look so they can sell you something!
It’s a tough one ladies, something you have to work out yourself, but having a photographer who totally gets your concerns is going to make the whole process so much better.
You need to be visible.
And you’re more than just your face or body. It’s just that having a great photo gets you the recognition you need.
You don’t know what to wear
I’m not an expert on this, I leave that to people like Anna Mewes. But I can certainly tell you what looks bad.
- Badly fitting clothes
- Anything that doesn’t feel like you or makes you uncomfortable
- scruffy clothes if you’re trying for a professional look
Basically I advise people to think of the type of photo they’re going for and to choose the type of clothing accordingly.
You think that those sorts of shoots are for certain “types” of people
This is definitely a mindset issue.
I remember when I first started photography nothing would get me in front of the camera. I even named the business something random so no one would know it was me. That way I could hide and if people didn’t like my work then they wouldn’t know it was me.
The problem was that once I’d met people they’d know who I was anyway.
And those “types” of people who have professional shoots are just in on a big secret… customers like to see the face behind the brand. Clients engage with real people.
It’s so much better to have a professional branding photo shoot where you’re in control of the final photos (you’ve had hair and makeup and used a personal stylist). Because you’re going to be out there anyway, every social media platform practically demands that you have a photo.
You think it’s going to cost a fortune
On an average half day shoot we get about 200 images.
Now imagine you’ve just started your website, you’re on instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest… you’ve got all your profile photos sorted, your cover photos and your “about” page covered too. Add to that you’ve got potentially 200 days worth of photos to post on social media.
You’ve got images that would be great for your latest online course, your poster for a speaking engagement or even just for your latest sale. Perhaps you’ll be featured in the press or have other PR opportunities where you’ll need a headshot.
Yes, professional photography is a serious investment (especially as you might want to do it a couple of times a year), but when you think about how useful it is and how many times you’ll use the images it’s really worth it.
And if all this hasn’t convinced you that you need a shoot, give me a shout. I’m always happy to pop on a quick video or phone call!
And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:
1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.
Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots. Read here
2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.
We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.
3) Join ‘Visibility School’.
Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2023 members) . Read
