Whether you're building a business, searching for a new job or growing your professional presence, your personal brand often makes a first impression before you do. Kelly Settle of Kelly Ann Photography in Springboro and Jenna Beers of Photography by Jenna in Deerfield Township share their advice for creating authentic branding photos, building confidence in front of the camera and using imagery to tell your story.
Kelly Settle, Owner of Kelly Ann Photography
Personal branding has become a buzzword in recent years. What does "personal brand" mean to you?
A personal brand is an opportunity to convey to your customers who you and your company are. It's the feeling someone gets when interacting with you, your business or your product.
Why are professional branding photos more important today than they were five or 10 years ago?
With the development of AI, people are questioning whether what they see with their own eyes is real or not. A professional photographer will make sure your images are authentic, not overly produced and highlight your personality.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when choosing photos for LinkedIn, websites or social media?
First and foremost is outdated headshots. You want people to look at your photo and immediately recognize you. A professional photographer can bring out your personality by capturing the twinkle in your eye, your slightly crooked smile or the way you laugh. All of these nuances make up who you are.
What advice would you give someone who feels uncomfortable in front of the camera?
It’s my job to make them feel comfortable and coax out that natural smile. I find that sharing images as I photograph them helps people understand how great they look through my lens. It builds confidence and allows them to make adjustments if they want to.
Why is it important for businesses to use custom images instead of stock photography to build trust?
Authenticity is key. Stock images can be used by anyone who purchases them. Custom imagery helps you stand out! Your people and your processes in your environment are what make you special and set your business apart from your competition. Visual storytelling with images that have a consistent style, feel and color theory is also paramount.
What's one thing you wish more people knew about personal branding and professional photos?
It’s an investment that you can’t afford to skimp on. Quality visuals will attract quality customers.
Jenna Beers, Owner of Photography by Jenna
Personal branding has become a buzzword in recent years. What does "personal brand" mean to you?
It's about how you want to be seen and what you stand for, in business and in life. It should be authentic and reflect who you are or even who you are becoming.
Why are professional branding photos more important today than they were five or 10 years ago?
Today, people meet your business online before they ever meet you in person and in just a few seconds, they're forming an impression. Professional branding photos help make sure that the first impression reflects who you are today. Branding photography creates a consistent look that helps people recognize your business and feel confident about reaching out.
What are the biggest mistakes people make when choosing photos for LinkedIn, websites or social media?
Let's start with the obvious one: please retire the car selfie! Beyond that, it’s waiting too long to update your photos. We put so much pressure on ourselves to look "perfect," but that's not what people are looking for. Don't wait until you feel worthy of being photographed. You already are.
What advice would you give someone who feels self-conscious about having professional photos taken?
I always tell people that the idea that humans are born photogenic is a myth. I will pose you, direct you and tell you exactly what to do, especially with your hands, because seriously, what do we do with these things?
Why is preparation so important before anyone steps in front of the camera?
I want to make sure clients feel comfortable and look and feel like themselves by creating a collaborative, personalized experience, including helping them with clothing selection and styling.
What's one thing you wish more people knew about personal branding and professional photos?
I wish people would think bigger! Don't think, 'Oh, I just need a few pictures.' Ask yourself, 'How can I show people who I am in my business?