How do you showcase your personality and values in your personal branding photos?

Many women I work with are camera shy. Having photos taken is just one hurdle they feel they have to overcome - sharing the photos, especially online, is another hurdle. One way to move through the doubts and fears that we can have about ourselves in pictures or video is to take the focus off of you. Shift focus onto the audience you’re wanting to be in front of. What do you want them to see, feel, or recognize? Yes the photos are of you, but change your perspective on who they’re for - they’re ultimately for your audience. To help them feel or realize something about you and want to connect with you.

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

I took advantage of a dramatic haircut (substantial change in length) to encourage me to get new professional headshots. I intentionally wore clothing in my brand colors so that the photos stand out. Pre-planning also ensured they'd be harmonious with my website and marketing materials as well.

1. Look into the camera so people can see your eyes. I see a lot of photos of people who don't look into the camera and it's an easy narcissistic tell, "look at me, look at how great I am." 2. Don't wear sunglasses. Eyes are the gateways into your soul. 3. Don't be pretentious, the shots of you on stage at XYZ conference or with X celebrity, no one cares. 4. If you have kids, pets, or something you love, include it in your photo. It shows folks that you are human, and when people reach out to you, they now have something to talk to you about. 5. If you can be funny in your photo go for it, there are too many stiff people in this world that are deeply insecure and folks that can self-deprecate demonstrate strength.

The purpose to personal branding is mainly to help you stand out in the crowded digital space & also to connect with your ideal audience. Your personal branding photos should mirror your personality—be it the location or wardrobe choices they should align with your style, vibe and profession. Include elements that symbolize your values, whether that’s a meaningful prop or your work tools.

As a young woman in business, I was afraid to lean into my "feminine" energy for a long time because I feared I wouldn't be taken seriously if I wore bright colors and lipstick. Today, wearing pink and a bright red lipstick make me feel confident to take up space in a room and as a dear friend and role model likes to say "wearing lipstick doesn't shrink your brain". So to all the women out there who are afraid to embrace their favorite styles, know you are not alone. By showing up wearing bright colors unapologetically, you are granting a permission slip to all women out there.

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

Building on the topic of colour, it is noteworthy that colours have specific meanings and provide their own form of messaging. - Navy is related to Trust, being Dependable and Strength. - Black is regarded as traditional, formal, serious and professional. - Grey is connected to Calmness, Nuetrality and Balance. - Red is often linked to Excitement, Boldness and also regarded as the international colour of peace. So, in summary, it's worth being aware of the messages your choice of clothing and accessories might be portraying that needs to be considered as part of your next logo, corporate colours, headshot or branding / typographic marketing campaign.

I'm known professionally as the Diva Style Minister - it reflects my personality (Dynamic, Intriguing, Vivacious, Authentic) as well as my preferred mode of dress and how I incorporate accessories. My brand is unusual because while I'm a Minister, I am a LOT more than the black robe I wear when preaching. I want my personality to shine through, and my clothing and accessories ensure I'm doing that consistently.

Be yourself. So if that means you don’t usually wear bright colours, don’t start today. This isn’t a fashion shoot, it’s about people seeing your personality, who you are and making a connection with you. Wear what you feel comfortable and confident in. I love that I was once told in a meeting oh wow you actually look like your photos in real life. Of course. I’m me. Made me chuckle.

Make sure to work with a photographer who's style and way of working you like. My style is known to be colorful and to stand out, so my clients choose me for this!

Finding your personal branding photographer is a bit like dating—chemistry matters! ;) They're the storyteller of your visual narrative. Look for someone who gets your vibe, whose work feels like "you”. It's more than just photos; it’s also about their knack for guiding you through the entire process—whether its nailing the perfect pose or boosting your confidence to shine in the spotlight.

As the daughter of a photographer, I have always known that who photographs you is as important as what you photograph. Great photographers make you feel comfortable and beautiful, help you find a great angle and make you laugh. Our wedding photographer Sergio Lopez has been our go-to for over 17 years. Our whole family lights up when he is around, and the photos he takes for our family and our business reflect that light and joy.

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

I found my photographer on Facebook - her business page and the images she showcased told me she would capture my personality and what makes me special. Her portfolio was amazing, my experience in her studio was wonderful, and I'm VERY happy with my photographs!

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

I made sure my chosen outfit was clean, pressed and ready-to-wear. I brought a makeup bag with my foundation, powder, blush and lip color just in case (I had done my face before leaving home). I brought along a hair pick to lift my curls and separate them (I don't let a lot of people in my hair, especially if I don't know them or I don't know they can "do" 'Black hair." That meant I was prepared, confident, and at ease - a recipe for great photos!

What's fun doesn't feel like work! That's the key to everything you do in life and or business! If you have a fun brand that you love to culture forward everyday then it's an enjoyable experience! Stay positive and dream big, believe in what you do and achieve your greatness! If you are truly happy, your true personality will shine "THROUGH" your brand! -Jason Miller / CEO-Strategic Advisor Board

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

I drove to the building where my photographer's studio was located a day or two before the shoot to ensure I knew where I was going and where to park. I arrived early, made sure I was hydrated before the shoot, and visited the ladies' room to do a final makeup check. My photographer was wonderful, put me right at ease, and her assistant was just as friendly and enthusiastic.

Keep in mind that research shows that people will connect with your eyes. It is important that they can see your eyes and that they ca see authenticity in them. That DOES NOT mean you need to work at being authentic. If you are trying...you are not doing. Just be you!

This is a useful reminder, but one aspect that is missing is CONSISTENCY. In any brand awareness campaign, be it a person, a product or a service, you've got to ensure if you change in one aspect of social media, you've got to ensure you change them all. Otherwise your branding will cause confusion, its identity will appear lost and will potentially lead to the loss of customers and revenue.

I use a photo in many of my marketing materials to meeting planners and HR personnel who could potentially hire me to speak to their organization about the super power of confidence to help their audiences and employees be the superhero in business and life. It conveys a lighthearted approach. It is fun, entertaining and creative, all part of my branding. Let’s celebrate the superhero within you. All you need is within you now. I believe in you.

If you have lots of photos to choose from, try to narrow down your choices to a specific background or lighting style you like, and then use those photos EVERYWHERE. We get tired of seeing our photos much faster than our potential customers will. Consistency is important - and make sure you keep repeating your brand colors to help people associate those colors with YOU.

Great tips on showcasing personality and values in personal branding photos! It's important to remember that personal branding photos are a representation of who we are as people and the values we stand for, so it's crucial to choose a setting, clothing, props, facial expressions, and body language that accurately reflect our brand. If budget allows, hiring a professional photographer is also an excellent way to ensure that your photos are of high quality and effectively capture your unique personality and values. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!