With over 17-years as a professional photographer to my name, I’ve come to realize that capturing authenticity is key to successful personal brand photos. Of course, it also takes a certain amount of trust and confidence during a photo session to make for some amazing results customers walk away feeling great about.
Personal branding photography is far from your traditional headshot setup. Instead of finding just the right waist-up pose, a personal branding session features more of the subject in a bright and light space. I make sure the environment is not only comfortable but completely customized to my subject’s individual style.
Telling Stories One Personal Branding Photography Session at a Time
The goal is always to capture a moment that tells a story. There’s nothing rigid about personal branding photos.
Instead, I aim to showcase a sense of individuality and authenticity that shines through the personal branding photos. The results are designed to let viewers know what the person is really passionate about.
Individuality is essential within personal branding photography. No matter who I’m working with, I strive to find those expressions, postures, personal accessories, and furnishings that bring out their one-of-a-kind personality.
Personal branding images go beyond anyone’s About Us page. They’re the heart and soul of letting potential customers see you for who you are across many marketing platforms. These images are a first impression that helps you build trust with potential clients based on that authentic representation you provide.
How Personal Branding Photos Can Be Used
Gone are the days of simply posting a headshot on a website and calling it good. Now, more than ever before, personal branding photos are a priority across platforms.
The fact that they’re useful in so many ways is a good thing. Over time, I’ve found that personal branding photos not only are great on websites but are also just as effective on social media platforms.
Business cards and email newsletters also offer up a great frame for these shots. Similarly, event flyers, postcards, and blogs all provide a place for getting your authentic images out into the world.
Q&A with Carole Edwards
Personal branding photography is a particularly effective tool for clients who are transitioning into new and exciting careers. I saw this demonstrated recently in an incredible way when I photographed Carole Edwards.
After 30-years in the oil and gas industry, Carole decided to shift gears entirely and get into life coaching starting in 2019. Carole’s new mission to help clients understand the connection between their beliefs and outcomes made her an ideal match for a personal branding photography session. Here’s what she had to say about why it was such a great option for this turning point in her life!
1. What prompted you to do a personal branding session vs. doing a headshot session?
I wanted branding photos, not just headshots, that show me in a variety of settings for different platforms and events. For example, I love the branding photo of me standing behind my desk, with an inviting look that says to my prospective clients, “I am here for you! Please call me today for your initial coaching consultation.” I am using that photo on my landing page for my new website! Whether the branding photos are showing me in a desk setting versus seated in a relaxed sofa setting, each branding image creates a certain ambiance that sends a specific vibe to my intended audience that cannot be fully conveyed through a headshot.
2. What are the types of images you liked best?
I really love the poses where I am standing by the window in my suit jacket, which are great for my coaching website and for professional sites like LinkedIn. I also really love the more colorful images where I’m wearing a bright red sweater and sitting on the floor in front of the sofa, looking happy and relaxed!
3. How did you use your branding session photos after they were done?
I posted one of my branding photos where I’m wearing my bright red sweater on my Facebook profile and have received dozens of likes and positive comments! I used a variety of branding images in my new website and on LinkedIn as well. I also had the trio photo done through one of Kelly’s offerings, with three of my favorite poses where I’m wearing my red sweater, which looks amazing! And I have framed other branding photos for friends and family already.
4. How did your personal branding session make you feel about yourself afterward?
The branding session made me feel special and boosted my confidence level. I knew that I was getting beautiful branding shots that show who I am and that I can proudly display on my business platforms as well as personally for family and friends.
5. How has personal branding imagery impacted your business?
I am about to launch my new website that has several of my beautiful branding photos, and I’m sure these will have a positive impact on my business.
6. Describe your experience working with Kelly Weaver on a personal branding session.
Kelly was wonderful! She gave me very thorough pre-session tips which were super helpful. Then during the photoshoot, Kelly made me feel relaxed and comfortable. She played a great selection of 70s music, which immediately put me at ease, and throughout the photoshoot, we reminisced about the 70s bands and interesting things that happened during that era, which made it such a fun experience! Most of all, Kelly really understands the concept and importance of personal branding and knows how to translate that into the photoshoot settings and poses that show who you are and let your positive energy and confidence shine through the photos!
7. How have your personal branding images helped you attract the right type of audience and portray your brand?
I feel very confident that my branding photos will attract the clients I am wanting to coach and portray who I am in my coaching business. My branding images add tremendously to the professional ambiance of my website!
8. Do you feel your marketing efforts have been more effective with genuine, personal photos instead of home photos or stock imagery?
Absolutely. Genuine personal photos are SO much better than stock images! My branding photos show the world who I am. I am projecting great energy and confidence in my photos, which translates to connecting with the clients I want to attract for my coaching offerings.
If you are looking for a great life coach whose focus is emotional intelligence, you can contact Carole:
Carole Edwards, Certified Goleman EI CoachContact: Cell (303) 859-9579LinkedIn Address: Linkedin.com/in/edwardscaroleEmail Address: carole_edwards@rocketmail.com
Connect with Me
If personal branding photography would help you put a customized touch on your marketing efforts, I’m here to help! Be sure to check out my personal branding page to learn more or contact me to schedule a session. I can’t wait to bring your authentic story to life one photograph at a time!
