The Importance of Personal Branding Photos for Your Business
In today’s world of socials and influencers, authenticity is the name of the game – even if it is a buzzword. 
Customers are craving something real. Now, I love a good stock photo, and you’ll see me using them now and then (mostly when I’m sick of looking at my own face). But nothing beats pictures of the person behind the business. 
 
Especially service based businesses, like financial services, where there’s no tangible product to show off – you can have the slick website, with the stock photo of the family out front of a suburban house holding up house keys with a sold sign in the background. 
Or, you can have an image of you and your team, that actually captures the spirit and culture of your business.
 
Imagine a photo taken outdoors on a gorgeous day, in a local park. Your team are relaxed, happily chatting with each other as they walk side-by-side. You look approachable and most importantly, human. This photo can speak volumes about your business, a team-oriented, positive environment where formalities are secondary to genuine interactions and productivity.
 
What’s better: a static, boring stock photo, or one that invites potential clients into your world, making them feel like they’re already part of your work family? You decide.

The Lowdown on Authentic Brands and Customer Interest

 
Picture this: you’re scrolling through your social media feed, bombarded with ads left, right, and centre. It’s overwhelming and kinda annoying, right? You’re not alone. Customers today are on the lookout for authentic (ugh I know, that word again) brands that speak their language and align with their values.

via GIPHY

The Power of Authentic Branding

 

Personality: The Secret Sauce in Branding

 
Being human is a game-changer. It’s not just about fancy marketing campaigns or perfectly curated visuals. It’s about staying true to your values and delivering on your promises. When you do that, customers will flock to you like seagulls to a hot chip stand. 
 

Real-Life Examples of Brands Nailing It

 
Some brands out there are crushing it with their authenticity game. Take Dove, TOMS, and Bonds, for instance. These guys have built rock-solid customer bases by keeping it real, showcasing their values and delivering real experiences. They’re the real MVPs of branding.
Source: https://www.dove.com/au/home.html
Source: https://www.toms.com/us/impact.html
Source: https://www.bonds.com.au/

The Role of Personal Branding Photos

 

What Are Personal Branding Photos?

 
Personal branding photos are like the highlight reel of your brand’s personality. They capture who you are, your values, and what makes you unique. Consider them the visual manifestation of your brand’s awesomeness.
 
Why Personal Branding Photos are Worth Their Weight in Gold 
Investing in personal branding photos shows the world that you mean business. When potential customers see your professional and authentic images, they feel a connection with you as a hooman and trust in your expertise. It’s like a magical spell that enchants their hearts.
 
If it’s All About Authenticity, won’t my iPhone Selfies do the Trick?
Yes and no. The cameras on our phones are awesome, and great for capturing day-in-the-life style images and videos to help your clients get to know you. 
 
What they’re not so great for? High quality, scalable images that are planned and structured in such a way that you can use them as header images, with text space or sans background. There’s an art to setting up a photo that is multi-use. That’s not to say it is so posed and planned that it loses it’s reality – a good photographer will capture your brands personality just the way you want. 
Anastasia Geneave from No Grey Suits against a bright mural

How Branding Photos Showcase Your Personality

 

Unleash Your Inner Superstar: Personality is Key

Your personal branding photos should be anything but generic. They should scream “YOU” from the rooftops. Showcasing your personality, humour, and individuality is what makes you stand out.
 
It’s kinda tough to showcase expertise in a photo (unless you’re a photographer!), so use your photos to express the side of you and your business that’s not just about the years of experience or qualifications. 
 
Real-Life Examples of Stellar Branding Photos
You know who nailed the personality game? Seth Godin, one of the best marketers on the globe, is all about kindness and respect. One look at his branding photos, and that shines through – you almost can’t help but smile. One of my other favourites is Mel Robbins. In all her branding photos, she has stuck to her brand personality and design. There’s consistency not just in the styling, but in the values embedded within. She’s direct, empowering and relatable. In Australia, I can’t go past Kate Toon for personal branding style and impact. 
Source: https://www.sethgodin.com/
Source: https://www.melrobbins.com/
Source: https://www.katetoon.com/

The Impact of Consistency in Branding

Consistency is Queen (or King, if you prefer)

Consistency is key in branding. It helps build recognition and solidifies your brand’s values and messaging. On the flip side, inconsistency can leave your audience scratching their heads and wondering if you’ve got a split personality. I mean, you might, but it’s likely not one of your selling points. 

How Personal Branding Photos Keep the Brand Train Chugging

Personal branding photos are your trusty sidekick in maintaining that consistent brand image. When you consistently showcase yourself through professional photos that tie in with your brand, your audience recognises you in a heartbeat and feels that warm fuzzy feeling of trust.

Benefits of Updating Your Branding

 

Hello, Brand Refresh: Get Ready for Growth

Think of a brand refresh as a shot of espresso for your business. It gives new life to your brand, attracting fresh eyes and exciting opportunities. It shows that you’re keeping up with the times and are ready to rock and roll. And it’s even more important if your current branding just doesn’t feel like YOU.
 
Let No Grey Suits Work Magic
Guess what? No Grey Suits specialises in brand refreshes for service-based businesses like yours. I’ve got the know-how and the magic wand to give your brand the makeover it deserves. Let’s make your business the talk of the town!

Tips for a Successful Branding Photoshoot

 

Plan Like a Boss: Practical Tips for a Killer Photoshoot

  • Define your brand identity and the story you want to tell.
  • Find a photographer who gets your vision and can work their magic.
  • Pinterest is your friend. Make a board of brand images you like, and share with your photographer.
  • Choose locations and props that match your brand's personality.
  • Think about the purpose of your images, and share with your photographer. Do you need banner images with space for text? Lifestyle images? Pointing at blank signs or paper so you can Photoshop onto it?
  • Dress the part – wear outfits that reflect your style and brand image. Simple is best, heavy patterns can overwhelm. Take lots of changes! You'll get sick of looking at yourself in the same two outfits really quickly.
  • Trust your photographer. When it comes to posing, image structure and lighting, they're the expert. I can still hear my photographer in my mind every time a camera is pointed at me - "chin out and down, stick your bum out more!".
  • Above all, be yourself during the photoshoot and let your fabulous personality shine.

Questions to ask your Photographer 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

  • How many outfit changes can we fit into the allotted time?
  • Can you capture behind-the-scenes content during the shoot for social media promotion?
  • Do you have suggestions for locations that would suit my brand?
  • What's your policy on image retouching and adjustments?
  • Can you shoot in a format that's easy to incorporate into various types of content like banners, ads, or social media posts?

The Power of Personal Branding Photos

 
To wrap it all up, personal branding photos are like the secret ingredient that adds that extra sparkle to your business. They establish trust, showcase your authentic self, and make you shine brighter than a disco ball at a ’70s party.
 
Embrace Your Authenticity and Let No Grey Suits Help
Remember, embracing your uniqueness and personality is the key to standing out from the crowd. And with No Grey Suits by your side, you’ll have the support you need to refresh your brand and captivate your audience. Let’s rock this!
 

FAQ

Personal branding photos are professional images that capture your personality, values, and uniqueness. They’re like the superhero cape of your brand, showcasing what makes you special.
 
These photos are your secret weapon in winning the trust and hearts of potential clients. They show that you’re the real deal, building credibility and making you stand out in a sea of competitors.
When you’re a product based business, you can rely more on that tangible “thing” to sell itself. Service based businesses however, need to build trust without the ability to point out how soft and cuddly this penguin pillow is.
 
Your personal branding photos should be as unique as you are. They should reflect your personality, sense of humour, and individuality, making your potential customers feel like they know you, just a little bit, before you even meet.
 
My amazing photos are from Captured by Kirri. If you’re in Sydney or surrounds, I highly recommend her. She is especially brilliant at explaining how to pose – no more wondering where to put your hands or if your grin is giving you a double chin!