The dos and don'ts of personal branding photography

Do’s And Don’ts Of A Personal Branding Session

Here are some do’s and don’ts of a personal branding session. Personal branding photos are a critical part of your online presence, your marketing, and your business. They are the first thing people see when they visit your website or social media profiles, so it’s important to make sure they make a good impression. The dos and don’ts of personal branding photos can help you create images that are professional, authentic, and memorable.

The Do’s

Be intentional. Take some time and write down what you want out of your personal branding photo session. Who are your customers? How can you use your photos to reach them? What are your strengths and skills? What do you want people to know about you? Your photos are more than just a LinkedIn photo, it’s part of your marketing plan.
Be confident and Professional. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and smile. Confidence is attractive and will make you look more approachable in your photos. Remember, your photos are for your clients to see you and build trust with you. Confidence is key! Your photos should be well-lit and well-composed, and they should reflect your industry or profession
Be yourself. Your personal branding photos should be a reflection of your personality and style. Use locations that are impactful to you and your clients.
Be versatile. Take a variety of photos in different poses and settings so that you have a good selection to choose from. This will help you show off your personality and style in different ways.
Wear appropriate clothing. Your clothing should be clean, well-fitting, and appropriate for the location and occasion. Be patient, it may take a few tries to get the perfect photos. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t like the first few shots.

The Do’s Summary

Be professional. Your personal branding photos should be professional and polished, but they should also be warm and inviting. This means wearing appropriate clothing, choosing a good location, and posing in a way that is natural and confident.
Be yourself. The most important thing is to be yourself in your personal branding photos. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, or you’ll come across as inauthentic. Let your personality shine through in your photos, and people will be drawn to you.
Have well-lit photos. Good lighting is essential for any photo, but it’s especially important for personal branding photos. Poor lighting can make you look washed out or tired, so choose a time of day with good natural light or use artificial lighting to create a more flattering effect.
Work with a professional photographer. A professional photographer will have the experience and skills to take great photos that will help you achieve your branding goals.
Have fun! Personal branding photography should be a positive experience. Relax and enjoy the process of creating photos that represent you well.
Plan your shoot in advance. Decide on the purpose of your shoot, the location, the clothing you’ll wear, and the props you’ll use.
Be prepared to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try different poses and expressions until you find the ones that work best for you.

The Don’ts

Here are the don’t of personal branding photography. Bad personal branding photos can have a negative impact on your business in a number of ways. They can make you look unprofessional, untrustworthy, or even incompetent. They can also make it difficult for people to connect with you on a personal level. This can all lead to lost opportunities, decreased sales, and a negative reputation.

Don’t use filters or editing software excessively. Your photos should look like you! It is important for your customers to trust you. If you show up looking nothing like your headshot or personal brand photos, this could cost you a new client.
Don’t use stock photos. Stock photos are often generic and impersonal. Use photos that are specific to you and your brand.
Don’t take photos in bad lighting. Poor lighting can make your photos look washed out or grainy. Choose a time of day with good natural light or use artificial lighting to create a more flattering effect.
Don’t use old photos. You should have your personal brand photos updated every 2-3 years.

Summary of Don’ts For Personal Branding Photography

Don’t Try to Fix Bad Lighting with Filters and Editing. Take your time and plan out your personal branding session.
Don’t forget to look at the background of your images. The main focus should be on you. Make sure that the background is neutral and free of distractions
Don’t think that your photos don’t matter, because they do!
Don’t wear clothing that doesn’t fit well, feel well, or compliment you and your business.
Don’t Rush. Your personal branding photos are important. Take your time and have fun!