Capturing Brilliance (10 Secrets to Shine in Front of the Lens)

In the spotlight, where every moment counts and the audience awaits your every word, you're a master of your craft.?

As a speaker, you've honed your skills to captivate, educate, and inspire.?

But there's another essential art to master – the art of collaboration with your photographer.?

Together, you're a dynamic duo, and in this post, we're about to reveal the secrets that can elevate your partnership to create stunning visuals that match your magnetic stage presence.?

Get ready to learn how to make the camera your best ally, as we explore the steps to ensure you always look your absolute best in every shot.

#1 - Have a Marketing Mindset

Photos of you speaking present a fantastic marketing opportunity. You can leverage them to promote your upcoming gig, share with event organisers, and enhance your future social media posts.

If the photographer is not paid by you, approach the event organiser to secure a copy of the images. Make sure to review the image licensing terms to clarify their permissible uses.

#2 - Take off your Badge or Lanyard before you speak

Wearing an event badge or lanyard pins you to a particular event. By removing it you anonymise the moment. This adds versatility to your speaking photo. You will be able to use the image in many different situations.

#3 - Avoid notes in your hand, if possible

You'll appear more dynamic and confident when you don't have notes in your hand. However, if you genuinely require them, go ahead and use them!

#4 - Don't swallow the mic

Guess what? Standing with the mic right in your face means images of you with a mic right in your face.?

Having a clear view of your face is a significant advantage in marketing.

If you find yourself speaking at a lectern or podium, consider shifting your face around a bit. If you're using a wireless microphone, try moving it slightly away from your face. If the option arises to use a Lavalier mic (a clip-on microphone) or a headset mic, go for it.

Of course, having the microphone pointing at your stomach won't help anyone hear you (unless you're hungry). So, strike a balance between clarity and introducing some variety.

#5 - Ask the photographer to focus mostly on tighter-framed shots

So speak to your photographer and get them to focus in on you without the specific event signage. You will be able to use these images in a greater variety of contexts.

These photos typically include event signage and the venue, which event organisers appreciate. However, it may not always serve your needs.

To address this, have a conversation with your photographer and ask them to concentrate on shots that exclude the event signage. This way, you'll have photos of yourself that can be used in a wider range of situations.

#6 - The Anti-TARDIS effect

When dealing with a small, partially filled, or less-than-impressive room, it's essential to instruct your photographer to eliminate those unflattering elements. An experienced photographer can accomplish this by selecting the right vantage point and focal length.

#7 - Remove the Gaps

We all hope for a packed house at our keynote, with every seat filled and the audience hanging on our every word. But in reality, this doesn't always happen.

Often, attendees tend to gravitate toward the back rows, leaving the front seats empty. Nothing's worse than delivering a dynamic presentation to rows of unoccupied chairs!

Consider reducing the number of seats initially. During a break, the venue can add more chairs if necessary. You can even ask from the stage if they can bring in a few more seats, showing your concern as a speaker.

This strategy ensures that the front seats are occupied, and those are the people featured in your photos.

An additional advantage is that when someone tweets or shares, "standing room only," it enhances your image and makes you appear incredibly popular.

#8 Your Face says it All

When I collaborate with a speaker, I pay close attention to how their facial expressions align with their presentation. For most speakers, this is a straightforward process, but there are instances where their face conveys a different message in every photo.

In real-life interactions, we make judgments based on a person's overall expressions, while a camera captures just a fraction of a second in a snapshot.

During a presentation, you often aim to establish an emotional connection with your audience, and your facial expressions should mirror your emotions whenever possible.

Some individuals naturally appear unhappy or tense. If that sounds like you, introducing a range of emotions like surprise, excitement, or curiosity can add variety and depth to your expressions.

#9 - Go Big or Go Home

Achieving a dynamic appearance involves using bold, expansive gestures. Your photographer will capture those moments when you're fully engaged and expressive.

These grand gestures not only showcase your personality but also help you connect with your audience. Often, it's these sweeping movements that make a significant impact.

Keep in mind that this could be the crucial shot that truly captures the essence of your presentation. Practice in advance, step away from the lectern, maintain eye contact with your audience, and be mindful of your facial expressions.

#10 - Be Yourself

Are you someone who uses expressive gestures, talks animatedly with your hands, and moves around the stage while speaking? If so, continue to do just that.

Present your message with the same enthusiasm and energy you bring to your most exciting events. Capturing images of you in this natural state will motivate you to genuinely want to put them to good use.

I hope these few tips are a help to you.

#ShowThemSuccess