Gone are the days of stock photography. Whether you're a solopreneur or you have a few dozen employees under your umbrella, it's vital that you create a portfolio of images that represent you and your business in a engaging, authentic and personable way. These will help you distinguish yourself from the competition and attract the right clients to your brand.
To maximize a photoshoot investment, these are my recommended six must-have portraits for the small business owner and solopreneur. All of which should optimally, be designed and planned out in collaboration with your photographer before your session.
Number 1: “THE MONEY SHOT”
It’s the key shot for use across your social media profiles including your Homepage or About page.
It is the portrait you are investing in a photographer to create for you. This portrait should showcase your authentic best. It’s the photo that sells “you” and your brand. I suggest a vertical format for ease of use and optimal viewing on most social media platforms.
The headshot should be a closeup of the face. I prefer a smiling, engaging and clean shot but how the client chooses to represent themselves is entirely up to them. A great money shot pays dividends for your personal and business profiles.
Number 2: “THE PERSONALITY SHOT”
It’s the runner-up portrait for your website that denotes an engaging aspect of your personality.
It can be a close-up but should contain a measure of casual spontaneity. This portrait is to reinforce the feeling and tone of your Money Shot. Keep it simple and heartfelt.
I often suggest a lifestyle shot. As it makes it easy to share your character and reinforce connection with the viewer.
More of the body in the frame. Wider crop. Can include environment, background and any other elements or props that reinforce your personal brand.
Number 3: “THE HERO SHOT”
Once you’ve got the smiling headshot in the bag, you can try for something a tad bolder in style. An assertive pose or expression can create a feeling of authority and self-confidence for your viewer.
This shot can be used for press and editorial coverage. As long as it’s on brand, it can reinforce your marketing collateral for use on social media and for speaking engagements.
Number 4: “OFF CAMERA LOOK”
You’re so damn appealing you look great even when you’re not posing for the camera.
Often fun, in-the-moment feeling that gives the viewer of sense of what being “friends” with you is like.
It reinforces trust, likability and a feeling of knowing who you are. This lifestyle portrait can be a side profile shot, black and white, or a blurred in-between moment, etc. As long as it looks attractive and genuine, it’s gold.
Number 5: “THE WHAT YOU DO”
Show your potential client how working with you might look and feel like.
Having a photo of yourself engaging directly with clients, an audience or performing your service, goes miles in helping your customers visualize themselves doing the same.
Get friends or family to stand-in as models. Capturing you in-action is the best way to build a library of images that truly showcase your talents and sell you to your audience. Stock photos are so yesterday.
Number 6: “THE PERSONAL TOUCH”
Birds of a feather flock together…
Whatever matters to you in terms of activities, hobbies, relationships can be shown here. You can create immediate, natural connections with like-minded clients and cu.
Home environments, props, pets, loved-ones, sports activities, and any other personal elements can help round off your brand in a meaningful way.
For more information on designing a session that matches your brand and showcases your business through unique and captivating photography, contact nicolette@NJPphotography.com or call 310.622.4580. I'm always happy to chat to see if we are a good fit.
A photoshoot with me is a transformative experience that gives you permission to shine in all your wonderful and beautiful uniqueness.
You'll leave your session feeling exhilarated and emboldened to tell your story, your way. Your photos will connect you with your target audience. Your photos will connect you to yourself.
With the use of my certified life coaching techniques and a fine tuned emotional IQ, I will help you feel at ease and lit up with genuine self-confidence. I invite you to book a session with me. I guarantee, you'll love the results. It might even change the way you see yourself.