When asked about the most personal brand photography, they can do for their businesses, many entrepreneurs will answer “blogging.” And while creating content is certainly an important component of branding your business, being able to photograph yourself in a way that presents you in the best light possible may be just as vital to your success. That’s because good personal brand photography used in conjunction with attractive written content can give a online shoppers more confidence in buying products or services from you. And, if done right, it can generate priceless free publicity through social media sharing. Here are some helpful tips on how to boost your business by investing in professional photos:
Know Your Limits
If you don’t have any experience taking pictures, digital cameras on the market are purpose-designed for personal use. These make it easy to take high-quality photos by doing everything from adjusting the white balance to set up your shot automatically. However, if you want more technical control, a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera is probably your best bet. That’s because they provide what used to be only available with expensive professional cameras: You can change lenses to accommodate different types of shots, and you have manual settings that allow you to modify the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO on the fly, so you get exactly the look you want.
Location Considerations
If you live in an urban area or near stores where people frequently walk around, chances are there are people out there who will snap candid photos of you on the street for a fee. In order to get more control over your environment, plan by going somewhere with lots of great backgrounds — whether it’s a park or a museum — since you don’t want your background to detract from your message.
Wardrobe and Props
Make sure you look your best by wearing something that complements your personality and highlights what’s special about you. For example, if you’re a dog walker or pet sitter, make sure the images show off something cute, like a puppy; florists looking to get publicity should carry some flowers, and landscapers should carry an old-looking rake. As for photo props, they can add visual details that enliven your profile photos and help potential clients see themselves using your services. For instance, photographers might want to bring along their cameras; dog walkers could carry leashes and chew toys, and flower vendors could go with vases of colorful flowers.
In conclusion, the right photos can help you stand out in a positive light to potential clients. There are plenty of free options for getting good-quality pictures, so the only question is if you have the time and money to invest in them. If you do, don’t hesitate to boost your business by putting up some attractive photos online!
