You might have asked yourself… Am I too old for for brand images?

You’ll notice when I answer this question, I haven’t included any portraits in the text. And that’s really unusual for me.

But it was on purpose.

Clearly it would be an issue if I suggested that some of the people I had photographed were old 🤣…but also, if you’re in business and you have customers then I honestly think age doesn’t just matter at all.

However, while there’s no age limit to entrepreneurial success, it’s younger entrepreneurs who often get more attention on social media.

They’re also more likely to use social media too and have a better grasp of the technology.

But that doesn’t mean that Personal Brand images are only for those sickeningly young smooth skinned entrepreneurs.

Whatever your age, having a personal brand and being visible online is a must for any business.

How to have Brand images even if you feel like you’re getting on a bit.

Personally I’ve found that the hardest part of having photos as I’ve got older is that in my head I still look like I’m 20 and it comes as a bit of a shock that I now look my age (47 next year).

And I’ve found that not having many photos of myself makes it worse. When you’re constantly using older photos it becomes a bit of kick in the pants when you see yourself in photos.

But I’ve found a few things have definitely helped me…

Don’t follow the trends

You don’t have to have brand images taken where you’re posing in some elaborate stance, in a fancy bar with glam clothing and the latest trend in make-up.

We’re not trying to compete with the latest Instagram starlet.

Following the trends will either make you feel like you’re competing against people or that you’re not being authentic.

Show your experience

It’s not all about how you look.

I know… a ridiculous thing to say as a photographer. But if you can show your experience in other ways it will make the shoot much easier.

Consider showing how you work, or include images that are not as direct? Maybe don’t have too many posed photos, or go with a photographer who can do more of a documentary style of photos.

Know your limitations but don’t let them define you.

Yes, you might have gained a little weight. Your crows feet might be more “big bird” feet than fine lines. You might have lost confidence through the menopause or just through what life has thrown at you.

Work with the problems and not against them.

• Wear clothes that make you feel confident and don’t highlight what you’re uncomfortable with.

• Get your make-up done professionally

• Consider a check up at the doctors… the menopause plays havoc with our hormones and confidence.

Be a (role)model

Do you want to be the sort of person that younger women look up to?

I know I do, and if that means embracing being older but still being awesome, I know that I’m not feeding into that whole idea of women becoming less as they age.

Your style

What worked for you in the past might not be working now. Have you considered getting in touch with an expert?

There are so many stylists around now, and I absolutely love the ladies who are embracing growing older. They’re showing that you can still be stylish without having to wear the latest trends that kids are wearing. Or having to resort to buying clothes in Bon Marche and giving up on life…

Check out the hashtags #styleover40 #styleover50 on Instagram for inspiration.

Colour

As you get older your hair changes colour, and overall your colouring changes. Which can mean that the colours you once wore might need to be tweaked a bit.

Get in touch with a specialist and have your colours done. Dawn Farr of Apparel Leeds can help you look amazing in your photos…just by working out what works for you!

You’ll be amazed at what a difference it makes.

Be unapologetically YOU

I’ll always come back to this point. There is only one you. Every day you’re getting older.

What are you missing out on, by not being visible?

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 a Visibility Toolkit (new for 2022 members) . Read