Being authentic in your brand photos can mean a lot of things to a lot of people, which is why it’s such a confusing and almost too general term these days.

It’s easy to pick out photos that don’t seem authentic but not so easy to say what is.

For me it’s capturing a genuine moment, one that hasn’t been completely staged.

But thats very difficult. as a photographer I often pose people – we’re not all models so we don’t know how to hold ourselves in the most flattering way. But it’s a two edge sword.

People need direction. But if I do it to an extreme then the photo looks contrived and definitely not authentic.

How to be more authentic in your brand photos

Act natural

Ok, so thats definitely easier said than done. Someone tells you to act natural and your first thought is to wonder how you look right now. You start to obsess over whether you look natural and then just end up looking self conscious.

Soooo…take photos of yourself doing something that you would normally do, in the place that you’re familiar and comfortable in.

Some ideas

• Drinking coffee in a cafe
• Reading a book on a sofa
• Stood at your kitchen counter cooking.
• Talking on your phone
• Sat with your dog

Get candid

Get someone to take photos of you from a distance. Even if its just with an iPhone, you’ll get more natural photos if the camera isn’t right in your face.

Avoid posing

To look natural in pictures, you don’t want to do anything in front of the camera that you wouldn’t do in real life.

Do you blow kisses in real life eevrytime you look at someone? Is it normal for you to hold you head to one side and wink? Would you normally look sultry?

I’m guessing you probably don’t (although I apparently wave and grin at the camera whenever its in front of me 😉 ) .

And thats not to say that you cant use photos like that, but if you’re wanting people to see the authentic you, it’s probably not quite that type of photo.

Hold something or do something.

If you’re not sure what to do with your hands, hold on to something. Or even do something. Grab a drink of coffee. Get a book and read.

Just don’t leave you’re hands dangling at the side…

and if you’re stood up but feel exposed – sit down. It’s easier to be comfortable if you’re sat down.

Step away from the filters

Everyone can spot a heavily filtered photo from a mile off. If you find good natural light it will be so much more flattering than if you apply heavy filters.

Its the same for Photoshop. Just because you’re a whiz on photoshop doesn’t mean you should remove every blemish, wrinkle or mark just because you can. You’ll look less like the “you” people actually get to meet.

Use a light touch. Its like good make-up. It should enhance the photo not make you look like someone else entirely!

Hope this all helps and I look forward to seeing the authentic you!

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