Stop #4 On the Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success ~ Your Branded PHOTO

The Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success

  

Your Branded PHOTO

Are You Ready for Your Close-up?  Say Savvy!

 

On Stop #3 on the Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success, we discussed your Branded BIO.  Stop #4 we will discuss your Branded Photo.  Your Professional Photo is your calling card to brand you for social media marketing success.  If you plan in advance, your photo can pull double duty and be used throughout all of your marketing materials both online and off.  Investing in yourself and your brand in this way will go a long way to brand yourself and your business. It will position you to present the image you want to help you or your business stand out whether you are a professional trying to advance in your career or you are a business owner.  

Consider this, you have been asked to speak at an event, you have been invited to guest blog, you need a press release written, you write your best selling book, you are being interviewed for the paper or local station.  The common denominator in all of these scenarios is your professional photo!  Can you imagine the mad dash you will do if you don’t have this done ahead of time?  Once it’s done, you can use your photo in a variety of ways. Photos should be up to date and changed if you have a big change in your look such as your weight or a new hairstyle.  When I went with a shorter, natural hairstyle I had to get new photos otherwise I may not have been recognizable. 

Here are Savvy Tips for before during and after your photo session to help you get your “Smile On!” 

Before Your Photo Session…

1. Pick a Photographer. 

A great photographer will be able to give you great direction during your shoot and help you feel comfortable.  They will have a excellent referrals and have an awesome portfolio.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of photographers at different experience levels from fashion and editorial to amateurs.  Let your budget dictate what works for you.  There are great photographers out there who can provide you with headshots to help you brand yourself for your business.  Rates run anywhere from $150 and up for about an hour.  I have worked with photographers that range from $150 to $500 with a makeup artist included.   

2. Get Ready for Your Close-up. 

      Preparing for your photo session is just as important as the actual session.  You’ve got the look!  Check with the photographer to see if you will have the opportunity to change your wardrobe for a different “Look” for example, you may have one look with a suit that is very professional and then you may have a second look that is more casual.  Select which looks you want to bring for the shoot.  The photographer can also give you suggestions.  Avoid bold and busy patterns.  Light blue and jewel tones work well on all skin tones.  Go with looks that make you feel confident but present you in an approachable, positive, professional light.

I suggest you go all out and have your hair and makeup done by a professional makeup artist and stylist on set or you can do it yourself.  This goes for the gentlemen too. Some photographers may have their own makeup artist/stylist at the session. This cost may or may not be included in the fee so be sure to ask.   

 

 

3. Strike A Pose! 

Practice your poses in the mirror.  It is important for you to know what poses look well and how the light hits your face.  Be sure to have fun for your close-up!  Here are samples of my most recent photo shoot.  I used two of these looks as a part of my branded photos.  One for my social media profiles and the other for my “about page.” 

 

 

During Your Photo Session…

1. Say Savvy! 

Smile, Relax and Have Fun!  It will take about 20 minutes to get warmed up where you are feeling comfortable and natural in front of the camera and working with your photographer.  Initially, it may feel a little awkward but that is normal. 

2. Blot, Blot, Blot! 

Make sure to touch up during the shoot and refresh yourself.  Reapply lipstick and lip balm.  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Blotting powder is your friend during photo shoots to keep down the shine on your face.  Don't worry, if you have too much shine, a blemish or other flaw the photographer is capable of touching up your final photo…they’re digital!  

3. Take Direction.

The photographer will be direct you on different poses and provide suggestions for great shots.  If you have ideas be sure to share them. Most of the photos will be taken either headshots or ¾ shots from the waist up. 

After the Photo Session…

1. Get Feedback. 

You will walk away with possibly 100 digital shots or more.  Pick your favorites out of each look.  Your photographer can assist you in picking out a look.  Also, you can enlist the help of your friends, fans and followers by posting your looks on Facebook and Pinterest to get feedback from others to help you narrow your choice.  

2. Pick a Primary Photo.  

You can use your primary photo on your profiles then you can pick a secondary complimentary photo for your “about page” to give yourself a little variety.  I highly recommend a  real professional photo of you alone versus a logo or likeness on your profiles so people can connect with you.  

3. Work Your Look! 

Use your new photo everywhere.  Insert it into your about page on your website, upgrade all of your social media profiles with your new look, include it in your Branded BIO and other graphics.

In Closing… 

Now that you have your Branded BIO combined with your Professional Branded Photo, you are positioned ahead of rush hour traffic on the Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success! 

Join me next time on the Road to Brand YOU for Social Media Marketing Success! 

 NEXT… 

 

Brand Consistency!  

Supporting You One "Savvy Step" at a Time!

                Share with me how you will use your professional branded photo to help enhance your brand.