When you go through the process of personal branding, photographs can be extremely effective. In fact, a lot of people build their entire careers through personal branding photography. Take the example of a personal trainer who needs the right imagery to develop his fitness brand.
Let’s take a look at what personal branding photography is and how image consultants can help. Personal branding photography can refer to any photography that is used to illustrate aspects of someone’s “brand.” In other words, how they differentiate themselves from others.
When you go to someone’s LinkedIn account, you see their headshot. When you go to their Instagram, you see photos of events and vacations. When you Google their name, you see pictures of them in magazines and newspapers. Photographs shape the essence of someone’s public personality. Any photo or visual can be used to develop someone’s public image. A public image can begin with a “media kit”; an assortment of materials that are being used to display someone’s personality and professional acumen.
How does that relate to image consulting? An image consultant has to be able to support an individual’s public image. And that includes not only their physical, in-person image but also their digital and online image. Today, people look more into what people do online than they do in person. But as always, we are looking for two things. First credibility: does that person know a thing or two and can I trust him? Second, and approachability: will I like and get on with him?
Many image consultants work with social media and help their clients express and expand their social media brand. It’s well-known that Twitter, Instagram, even LinkedIn posts which show interesting images achieve far better engagement than those with just text. Even though the trend today is to use candid and relaxed shots, those too should project the same message as your brand. We have all heard of stories of potential employers and clients who have been turned off by inappropriate photographs and continue their search elsewhere. If you consider yourself a brand, be aware that every public shot of you represents your brand, and invest in a professional image consultant and photographer to get the material you need.
What is the Impact of Personal Branding Photography?
There are few things that are as impactful as photography.
They say that a picture is worth 1,000 words and this is valuable for branding. Take a look, for instance, at a politician. They can say that they care about issues, but that may not be as important as a photograph that shows them working to clean up a riverbed. That one photo shows that they care about the environment and are taking action. A photograph that shows them working to clean up a riverbed while smiling and laughing and talking to people says even more; it makes them personable and approachable.
An image consultant will dig down to the values that someone wants to present.
An image consultant will dig down to the values that someone wants to present. Maybe a female client wants to be seen as trustworthy and approachable but also a little edgy. To achieve the look, she needs to be photographed in a classic-trend outfit: tailored enough to look credible but fashionable enough to look current. From there, she would do well to be photographed working with clients and coworkers that would display her convivial personality.
On the other hand, a conservative lawyer might want to be photographed at his desk, studying paperwork. The target market he wants to attract would be more likely to identify with the appearance, posture, context and surroundings to learn that he is dedicated, hard-working, and conventional.
A realtor will need to brand some of his best listings. These also need to be excellent photographs otherwise the houses will never sell! A chef will want to be photographed in chef’s whites in his kitchen, an easy candid shot. But his food is more difficult to appear delicious and requires the magic of a professional photographer to look appetizing.
An image consultant needs a headshot showing a warm smile and some photos of her working with clients or presenting in front of a group.
Can You Start to Develop a Personal Brand?
Image consultants will build personal branding photography by talking to their clients, helping them with their appearance, and talking to them about things like their body language. by discovering the image and brand they want to project, analyzing their colors, figure and style and coaching them on their body language. From there, they will build their client’s media; help them take pictures, connect them with photographers, and work with their photographers to create the right images and brand.
In many cases, this is a public relations (PR) position; it’s meant to show not only who a person is but how they are interacting with their community, creating a brand for themselves, and building their identity.
Image consultants often work with photographers to help their clients develop their personal brands. Today, social media is so incredibly important that digital photography is an essential requirement. But with the right photography and the right brand identity, anyone can begin to develop a Personal Brand.
10 Do’s and Don’ts for Branding Photography
- Do smile or have a friendly expression on your face
- Never frown, squint or raise your eyebrows
- Do wear small patterns or solid colors and avoid black and white stripes
- Don’t cross your arms which communicates a closed disposition
- Do employ the services of professional makeup artist
- Keep your hands away from your face
- Do look straight at the camera
- In a conventional headshot, keep your body upright and your head straight
- Even in candid or relaxed shots avoid hair falling over to hide your face
- Know and wear your most flattering colors. Under lights, or even in daylight, the right colors light up your eyes and teeth and enhance your bone structure and skin quality
Contact London Image Institute Today
Image consultants often work with photography to help their clients develop their personal brands. Today, social media is so incredibly important that digital photography is essentially a requirement. But with the right photography and the right branding, anyone can take control over their image. Call us at London Image Institute to learn about our personal branding courses and consultants for hire!
