From Raw to Riveting - The Top Ten Rs to Dynamic Brand Images

I'm always saying to my clients your photos must be real, relevant and relatable to build relationships with your audience. It got me thinking, let's have some fun with this and expand on some memorable principles of brand photography to create images that are RIGHT for you and your people.

Here goes with the 'RULES'.....

Be RAW

The more natural and less curated you can be in your visuals, the deeper you can connect with your people. The images that stop the scroll are those that show emotion and are in the moment, telling a story

Be REAL

To create trust, people want to see the authentic you so they can imagine what it would be like to spend time with you. If your images don't look like you, it can create question marks and confusion when you meet in person... not a great start to any relationship. As I always say, "Would your picture pass the blind date test?"

Be RELAXED

I know it is easier said than done, but the more you can relax and be yourself in front of the camera, the more the camera will love you and you will love the images. It's perfectly natural to feel nervous before a photo shoot. Just reframe that to excitement and you will feel the shift

The old saying "practice makes perfect" does make it easier as it becomes more familiar, even if that's just being in front of a selfie camera to ease into it. Finding a location where you feel good can help, as well as finding a photographer that you feel comfortable with.

It's all about the energy, so anything you can do to make it high vibe will help, whether that's dancing around the kitchen to your favourite tune or being in nature.

REJOICE!

One of the key emotions we love to see is joy. Show how you can create this for your clients by achieving the transformations they are looking for. Story tell the process in your images and most importantly, the results from working with you that will bring the happiness

Be RELEVANT

Your images are most powerful when they link to your purpose and connect the dots for your audience. Whether that's parts of your lifestyle that impact on the way you work or images that signpost your messaging and content

Be RELATABLE

It's human nature to want to associate with people that are like us or have a common interest. Show in your images key aspects of your personal brand and stories. Lifestyle choices and values that people will RESONATE with and warm to.

Be REFLECTIVE

A key part to a successful visual strategy is to ensure your brand is always REPRESENTED by your images. They must reflect your values and colours: the core of all that you do to show up consistently on message. This is turn will build RELATIONSHIPS of trust and increase your brand immersion

Be RESPONSIVE

REACTING to current situations in your visuals can enhance the feeling you are real and relevant. People will also relate to you if they can see you are up to date and aware of trends and elements that may be impacting on them. Whether thats economic affairs or the weather, responding to realtime events can show you're in touch

REFRAME

Taking all the above into account, you may need to look differently at the norm and expected for your industry. Stand out from the crowd by showcasing your differences and how you approach getting results your way. Avoid stock images that you'll see over and over and create your own brand version of these place holders to share your unique and personal touch.

Be RIVETING!

Keep your audience on their toes with a variety of images that tell your stories in numerous ways. This can both be in the range of styles you use (e.g. the overview to the close up) and the different aspects of your personal brand stories.

You can also increase engagement by using your brand images as the basis of your 'Visual Tool Kit'. REPURPOSING your images in gifs, videos, carousels and so much more

Where are your visuals relating to these rules? Need some help and advice to move the needle and get your images converting for you? Let's chat!

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