Updating your headshots and bio

Did you know one of the best ways to share your brand and connect with clients is with personal branding? It’s an effective way for individuals and businesses to establish their reputations and connect with potential clients to convey one’s unique value proposition and build trust with their audience.

Why is personal branding so important?

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As a photographer, we can help individuals and businesses with personal branding by creating visually appealing and high-quality images that accurately represent them and their brands. These images can be used across various platforms such as websites, social media, and marketing materials to help establish a consistent image and message for the brand. Additionally, we can also help our clients to discover their own brand message by guiding them through the process of finding their own personal brand.

Personal branding doesn’t have to be all about business, it can also include elements of an individual’s personality. By showcasing one’s unique interests, values and passions, individuals can differentiate themselves from others in their field and connect with like-minded individuals. It helps people to see beyond the professional side and to connect with the person behind the brand. This can be a great way to build trust and establish a deeper connection with clients, as they can relate to the person behind the brand on a more personal level.

But I hate getting in front of the camera

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One of the most common comments I hear. I get it, many of us don’t like to have our photos taken, but with the right photographer, it can actually be a lot of laughs … I may not be drop-dead gorgeous, but you know what? I seem to be the only one hung up on that. Everyone else likes me for who I am, so I guess that makes it alright.

Another tip … Don’t do your own makeup, especially if you’re not an expert. Even for people who do their own makeup every day, it’s totally different from Photography makeup. So unless you’re a trained makeup artist, or have had makeup training by a pro, consider paying a little bit extra and getting a GREAT job. So totally worth it.

So, who photographs the photographer?

So WHO photographs the photographer? Well, I suggest another photographer. Selfies are one thing but to know exactly how you are posed, how your hands, clothes etc. are sitting, well that’s a different story. So trust me when I say get a pro.

I’ve just had my own personal branding images done by Yvette Pethebridge Photography. Thanks Yvette you’re amazing! (She also did my makeup). We made our own agreement, but it can be a win-win for two photographers to work together. My colleague Jemma wrote about this recently. I picked someone I know, trust and adore their work. That way even though I might not look like a supermodel, I at least know that the photos will be beautiful.

Personal branding is such a serious business

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I call bull*hit! Have fun, real fun and catch the real you or your clients. Oh and that smile … the real smile, there is a trick. HAVE FUN! Don’t be so serious. I even had photos with my dog this year. I love my dog and any person who knows me knows this. But it’s also another touch point with clients, especially those who love their pets too.

Look, let’s be honest, I know I’m not thin or 20 or drop-dead gorgeous, but that’s all 100% beside the point. As a photographer, people want to know if I am a friendly and approachable person. They also want to know I have been where they are and I actually had fun. I know how nerve-wracking it can be and I will do my utmost to make it fun. They also want to see the real me in photos, not necessarily the straight-faced professional shots. I mean there is a place for them too, but these days people want a connection.

What about your bio?

If you’re updating your photos, perhaps once every 1-2 years, it’s not such a bad idea to give your Bio and Mission Statement a thorough once over as well. Do they still reflect your current business goals? If not, perhaps give it a few tweaks too.