So you’re a business woman looking to do personal branding photos? You’re likely a woman serious about your business and ready for something other than the standard “smile at the camera” waist-up headshots. You want to introduce new photos of yourself, but you are a bit hesitant, I get it. I feel similarly when getting in front of a camera, all my insecurities come out. I understand that being photographed can sometimes feel uncomfortable. What if there was a photographer who can help you feel amazing RIGHT now, the size you are, the age you are, and help you love how you look NOW?
These days, our virtual images are a necessity, and it’s important to put yourself out there, but in a comfortable way. Think of all the places we are now using photos of ourselves to connect with our “tribe”. Let’s name a few of those places where your images matter: social media posts, Zoom Profile, LinkedIn Profile, email signature, website (about and contact pages) and business cards (yes, put your image BACK on your business card and watch how much MORE you are contacted).
MOST of my clients are everyday women wearing a range of dress sizes. And I can tell you as a photographer who has photographed women for 19 years, your CURVES are a good thing! Many of our curvier clients hesitate to be photographed because, let’s face it, we haven’t always been told “curves” are a good thing. I was sent to a weight loss clinic at age 13, and my weight has always been on my mind. But not anymore.
I’ve learned to appreciate my body (and my AGE) and I’m here to help you do the same. I’ve learned a lot when it comes with how to POSE all women in body affirming ways. When lighting and posing are done right, your curves will not only look okay, they will look AMAZING. And one thing is for sure, we’re not here to tell you how to look THINNER, we are here to help you appreciate your body the way it is NOW. It’s okay to step in.
Take a look at a recent behind the scenes video. You can easily tell how this session was a body affirming experience! Doing photos like these are a gift to yourself, a form of self care. You will feel amazing during your session and the results will show it.
Here are some personal branding images that work no matter your size or age
1. Go with a black outfit on a BLACK background
What I love about black is that it shows the curves of the body so well and highlights the skin beautifully. Try BLACK on BLACK and watch the magic happen. Notice the neckline and how the lower scoop neck creates a lovely vignette. Also, the LONGER necklace creates a subtle “v-shape” that is artistic and interesting.
Black on black works. Add a lower neckline and a longer necklace.
2. Work the shoulders
Ever notice how actresses “work the shoulders” (usually up towards the chin) when they pose on the red carpet? Because it looks FUN and a bit flirty, and SUPER feminine. All you have to do is lean a bit and work your shoulder across slightly. Or simply turn to the side and look OVER your shoulder.
Leaning in with shoulder slightly rotated around
Completely over the shoulder
3. Arm on waist shot works!
Creating negative space between the arm and the body is a GREAT idea to define the waist and project a bit more of a CONFIDENT look. Bring your hand SLIGHTLY higher than you might think. The “v-shape” with this pose is also very flattering. This is a version of the “cover girl” shot which also works and that is TWO hands on the waist (coming up a bit from the natural waist).
Arm on waist photo
4. Lean over
In this photo, we leaned her over the top of a stool. Note how the arms came in to again create that pleasing “v-shape”. Notice the v-shape in the arms repeats the v-shape in the jacket neckline and lapel. Repeating v-shape patterns are particularly interesting and pleasing to the eye.
Lean over pose
5. Shoot with camera WAY above
Why? Because looking up is not only alluring, it stretches the neck and chin forward and your eyes will really pop. In this image below, we also had the client hold a shiny reflector UNDER her face to bounce light back in. If you want to contour the face more, you would put the reflector on one side, causing a shadow on the other side.
All this preparation will lead to FANTASTIC results! When your proofs are ready, we celebrate at our Reveal Sessions where you get to see your images for the first time! Check out Stephanie’s reaction here & get ready to feel this CONFIDENT in yourself!
If YOU are a busy working woman and need amazing, flattering personal branding photos, we’ve got you, please contact Kelly Weaver Photography: 720-201-0402, or choose go to our GET STARTED page here!
