Why Branding is More than just a Headshot

We’ve all heard about branding and personal branding, but most people think it’s little more than a glorified headshot- sort of a 1990’s Glamour Shots version of your business profile image. Not really. But first, let’s define “branding”.

Branding is the combination of images, photos, written content, and emotions generated in someone’s mood when they hear your company name or see the logo. It’s a concept, more than anything, the memory or perception of the experience of working with your business or purchasing its product or services. Because of the age we’re all living in now, this branding takes place across multiple platforms- your social media accounts, your website, your pint materials, and - you guessed it- you, yourself.

Yes, personality is important! Your potential clients want an emotional connection to you and your business, and creating this actually encourages them to reach out to you. It makes the first contact easier for them and, ultimately, brings in additional income for your business. Branding then communicates, via these images, who you are and what your business does so your potential clients get to know you before they even reach out to you.

Don’t get me wrong- a branding photo shoot will include headshots of you! Gone are the days of plain, boring grey backgrounds and the stilted look that comes by wearing a suit. So… how are these headshots different, and how do you prepare for a modern branding photo shoot?

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woman sitting at table with laptop speaking with another woman

First, think about your environment. You can have these done in the comfort of your office to fully immersed in your business persona, or in an outdoor location like downtown. Alternately, rent an Airbnb or commercial space, use your photographer’s studio, or ask a hotel. Do some looking around for a place you feel comfortable, that looks like where you would interact with clients, and which matches your personality.

Second, think about what your business does and what props you could use to show what you do. An interior designer might bring fabric samples, a paint deck, and some furniture catalogs. A wellness coach could bring a yoga mat and some weights. Have a mug with your logo? Bring that! Think about your tools of your trade without which you could not do what you do.

Third, your outfits. Bring several, and wear what you would wear to meet a client. In order to get the most longevity out of your branding session, think classic and solid, rather than prints. Coordinate with your brand colors, and bring something for the variety of seasons so you can have images which correspond to the changing weather.

woman sitting in chair with legs crossed

When I work with my branding clients, I check in with them before the shoot to go over options and answer questions. I find this alleviates the nerves and builds their confidence before they arrive. Always make sure what you bring to your photo session remains consistent with your company’s identity and your own personality.

These photos will support and complement your written content and your logo and, together, all these things make up the brand identity concept which connects your clients to your business. But without your photos, you will lose their interest before you even know they are a possible client, and they’ll interpret a fear of showing your face to the world.

A polished personal branding photo will show you for the expert that you are in your industry and elevate your professional image. It will also boost your confidence when you see the photos that illustrate what the world sees when they look at you. Take yourself seriously, ands others will too.

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Why Branding is More than just a Headshot

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