Why Personal Branding Photos Are Essential

Hard to believe I’ve had my website for more than a year now — it took a lot of work and effort to get it going but I’m proud of how it has evolved. One of the main items that has made my website strong and professional-looking is the photos. I worked with my friend and colleague Lina Welle to make sure the photos would represent me and my business as a writer and editor.

Lina and I spoke before the day of the shoot, deciding what types of photos I wanted, and where I would use them, such as my website, for social media and for profile photos for sites such as LinkedIn. I brought a few different outfits and she called ahead to a funky pizza restaurant to make sure they would allow us to shoot there.

We took some photos indoors at the tables, with different backgrounds, using brick or wood and natural lighting. She also took some outside, sitting and writing or walking down the sidewalk. Not all of these came out, I was awkward walking towards her while she was taking the photos, but it gave me lots of options for different photos.

Also think about sizing, you want some vertical photos for certain shots, or for backgrounds for Pinterest graphics for example, and more square shots for Instagram or Facebook. It also is important to have some long horizontal photo ideas for website banners.

We took photos of props, such as my computer and a notebook or teacup, for use on social media or for blog graphics as well. I had looked on Pinterest ahead of time and made a collection of similar stock photos to share ideas with her.

Keep it Natural

Although I did get my hair and makeup done prior to the shoot, I kept a natural look that was comfortable to me. I wanted to project a professional image, but at the same time keep it approachable and real.

Definitely talk with your photographer ahead of time about these ideas, set up a contract, make sure you include that you will be using the photos on your website, for social media or Pinterest, and determine what they will charge you for their time, editing and the finished product. Working closely with Lina enabled her to take amazing photos that I could use on my website and beyond and use to show current and potential clients my professionalism and attention to detail.

Do you need someone to help you with your content for your website or social media so you can focus more directly on your business? Contact me today to find out more about my services and how I can help simplify your life and improve your business online footprint.