Being authentic and true to yourself is crucial when it comes to Branding images.
Here are some ways to be completely you in your branding photos:
Unapologetically you in Branding images
Show your personality
Allow your unique personality and quirks to shine through in your Personal Branding photos. This can help to create a stronger connection with your audience and make your brand more memorable.
Here are some ways you can do this:
- Include props that mean something to you – things that you’re known for like huge dangly earrings or crazy coloured yoga pants?
- Wear colours that are associated with your brand. I have a lady who comes to Visibility School and she always includes her brand colour (Turquoise) in every single photo.
- Consider how your friends and family view you. The people who know you most will probably be able to give you ideas on how they see you. Perhaps you’re a smiley person, or maybe more quiet and thoughtful. Using expressions in the photo will demonstrate this.
- Take a look on PINTEREST and get some ideas of what other people are doing.
Be natural
Choose a photographer you feel really comfortable with so you avoid any awkwardness.
Even if you’re only spending an hour with your photographer – it’s a pretty personal experience. You need to know that they ‘get’ you and will feel more like a friend than it being business.
That way even if you’re being posed, you’re more likely to be relaxed with them, and then when you feel silly and both laugh about it – you’ll get some natural photos.
Choose meaningful surroundings
Consider using your own workspace or home as the setting for your branding images, to give your brand a personal touch.
Or perhaps you have somewhere special that you like to visit? Like a beach or a local café.
Maybe you always do ‘lives’ while out walking the dog or you want to include something important about where you live – which gives people a huge clue about where you’re from?
Incorporate your passions
If there’s something you’re passionate about, such as a hobby or pet, consider incorporating it into your photos to showcase your interests and personality.
A few ideas
- Guitars & other musical instruments
- Family pets
- Your kids
- A huge Lego head
- Gardening equipment
- Cars & campervans
- Favourite books
The idea is to visually show something that is unique to you.
Be consistent
Finally try to be consistent with your messaging and visual style, and stick to what feels true to you and your brand.
Don’t be tempted to use images that don’t reflect who you are now.
Show real life
Whether that’s by doing a shoot in your own office or just showing behind the scenes of things you do, showing real life can feel much more authentic than overly posed photos.
Ideas for showing real life
- Showing you having a zoom call
- Behind the scenes of you recording a podcast episode
- A photo of you on your bed doing work because you’re tired.
- Lunch out with a group of friends.
- Cooking or baking is always fun.
Remember, your brand is a reflection of who you are, and the more you embrace your authenticity in your branding images, the stronger and more impactful your visual brand will be.
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
