How is it different from traditional headshots and why would you want to invest in personal branding photos?
I believe the days of boring headshot photos are gone. They are still useful, especially in the corporate environment but if you are serious about your business or job, you will want to stand out from the crowd. Did you know it only takes 3 seconds for people to decide whether they like you or not just by looking at your profile picture? It’s only a short but crucial moment when people create a mental image of you as a person just by looking at your photo. More and more entrepreneurs realise how important visuals are, especially now with so many businesses conducting their operations online. There is a growing emphasis on your website and social profile photos reflecting who you are and what your business is about. Â In other words, your brand! Â Particularly, if you’re a service-based professional and want to stand out in your industry. A standard headshot, looking almost like your passport photo, or worse – a phone selfie – simply doesn’t cut it anymore.
So what is personal branding photography?
Branding session photography focuses on you and your business. Personal branding is a relatively new term that is being used specifically to describe business photoshoots for business owners but also freelancers, professionals and speakers. It is the ‘practice of people marketing themselves and their careers as a brand’.Â
Each business needs to attract exactly the right clients to survive and flourish. How you are perceived by your ideal clients as well as potential business partners is therefore critical and whilst we can’t control what people think, we can certainly shape it. And this is the role of personal branding. It provides the framework for communicating the WHO – WHAT -WHY of your business.
In my opinion, this genre of photography can be further divided into lifestyle personal branding, business portraits, product photography and headshots.
Lifestyle Personal Branding
These are very often environmental portraits, taken either at your home, on business premises or outdoors. They often look very candid and unposed though they are of course planned. These are good, especially for social media content. During a session like this photographers usually take a lot of images captured in the moment and clients purchase the bulk of images that will fill in their social media for the next few months or even the whole year. They effectively tell your story, reflect your brand and build trust with your audience.
Business Portraits
These are more high-end portraits, either studio or on location, carefully posed and lit as well as fully retouched. They often have a fine art vibe to make them look more high-end, artistic and bespoke. There is a very fine line between personal portraits and business portraits, often they can be both. The posing and expression, as well as outfits, will be different for personal branding. For example, in the case of women’s portraits, the focus is on creating beautiful figures, accentuating curves, and often sultry expressions, to make her look very feminine, sexy, and attractive. For photos that will be used in your business, we would tone this down. This doesn’t mean you cannot look attractive and confident but the overall feel for the photos should not be “sexy”.
Product Photography
A product photograph is an image of a for-sale item. These images are meant to urge viewers to buy the portrayed goods. They are supplementary to textual copy and product descriptions and can be taken anywhere that complements the theme of the product.
Modern Headshots
This is a portrait of the individual from the neck up. The subject might be looking in a different direction; however, they are, of course, posing for the camera. These headshots can be styled to tell the subject’s story in whatever way a photographer wishes. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and artists use these headshots to promote their own distinctive brand identity. The classic chest-up portraits bring out the personality with a dash of charisma and professionalism.
How Can You Use the Personal Branding Photography?
Personal branding photography can help small business owners and entrepreneurs build their brands and generate money. Your branding photos must match the visual identity of your target clientele.
Personal branding photography shows your customers who you are and allows them to know you better. As a business commodity, you can use this to connect with your customers more personally.
Why Is it Important to Invest in Premium Personal Branding Photography?
A professional photoshoot can cost a lot upfront. Because of this, many business people take their photos or make use of stock images. They avoid hiring a professional photographer to save money. Remember that the images you portray should accurately reflect your brand. You should never cut corners when it comes to photography.
Low-quality photos will give customers an unfavourable impression of the brand’s products and services. Positive branding increases customer retention. Therefore, you should never skimp on quality.
Benefits of Personal Branding Photos
The following are some benefits of getting personal branding photography done by a professional photographer:
Customer Interest
A compelling visual will entice your clients to invest in your brand. A good first impression is vital to a company’s brand identification. If the buyer doesn’t see the brand’s image, they won’t remember it.
Visual Identity
People tend to remember images better than text. Images imprint memories in customers’ minds. A competent Photoshop service knows how to enhance your brand’s image through the photos they take. As a result, you can enhance your brand’s visual identity, ideology, and how it functions.
Positive Impression
Professional photos show your clients that you understand their needs. Your brand image and the visuals you show your customers give them confidence. This gives you a better understanding of what they are looking for from your business.
Community Building
Using excellent photography helps purchasers understand a company’s mission and values. As a result, the brand’s committed customers build a community.
Competitiveness
Professional photographs provide you with an edge over your competition in the same area. Your competitors who opt for amateur photography cannot match you.
Self Promotion
A personal branding photographer can help you promote yourself. The photographer is available at all times. Once the photographer understands the brand’s aims, they will best suggest ways to capture them through photography.
How Do Personal Branding Photos Help in Creating the Right Image?
Personal branding photos help businesses tell their story, connect with their audience, and grow their brand. You can use these photos on your website, social media, and marketing campaigns. Your brand’s identity is all about communicating your uniqueness, offerings, and values.
Photojournalism is a powerful storyteller. Beautiful, eye-catching photographs will help you express your story uniquely. Images enhance the impact of your message on your website, blog, social media, or email. Does your story motivate, entertain, or educate? Your visuals should support that statement.
Who Would Personal Branding Photography be Beneficial For?
Customers who share your hobbies, objectives, and vulnerabilities will directly connect with you. You have to work extra hard to get your authentic selves in the digital age, especially now when every business is conducted online. This will be beneficial for you, your brand, your clients, and your customers.
If you would like to experience a powerful transformation and create high-end business images to raise your business profile and attract your ideal clients, please get in touch to book your personalised personal branding photoshoot in my Worcester portrait studio or your chosen location. This is a full-service business photography experience with guidance given on the photoshoot preparation, design and wardrobe consultation and full posing guidance on the day of your photography session. See the online scheduler below to reserve your free consultation and find out more.
Renata owns a boutique portrait studio in Worcester, UK, providing high-end photography experience for everyday women and female entrepreneurs alike. She specializes in capturing upscale portraits, boudoir sessions, and personal branding photography. Her goal? Empowering women through personalized experiences and stunning fine art portraits. Renata is passionate about helping women feel confident and feminine, while also supporting business owners shape their brand identity to attract their ideal clients. Ready to chat about your custom photoshoot? Schedule your complimentary consultation today!
