Where to use your personal branding photos?

Regardless of age, regardless of position, regardless of the business we happen to be in, all of us need to understand the importance of branding. We are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.” ~ Tom Peters

When people think about getting their professional photos done, they often check what all other professionals have and they go for the exact same thing. Many use their photos only as LinkedIn Profile Picture and for business cards. Having your professional photos done is an investment of both time and money, so it is good to have a plan in mind to get the most value out of them.

Personal branding photos ensure a consistent message if they are used across all platforms:
 

Social Media:

LinkedIn Profile Photo

LinkedIn Article

Facebook (both Personal and Facebook Page)

Twitter

Instagram

Your Website:

About Profile Photo

Contact Us Photo

Website Design

Newsletter Design

Profile Photo for Articles

E-mail:

E-mail Signature Photo

Print:

Business Cards

Marketing

Advertisement

Fliers and Pamphlets

Magazines:

Magazine Features

Magazine Advertisement

Your Articles in Magazines

Other:

This is your chance to stand out of the crowd!

A powerful presentation with your photos, your bio and description of your services

Your Office Business Portrait – do not underestimate the value of first impressions!

To be able to use your personal branding across all platforms, it is crucial to capture a variety of looks, both on a more professional and business casual side.

Your personal branding photos are a strong, visual voice, they should tell the story of who you are and what you do. And they should always leave people wanting to know more.

So have fun with it, because personal branding is letting your personality shine!

Fresh Face Make-up by Tazeen Khan

Recent re-branding photo shoot for very talented Tazeen Khan, a Hair & Make-up Artist. I was so in love with every look she created, they were fresh like a midsummer night's dream...

Hair & Make-up Artist: Tazeen Khan/Fresh Face Make-up

Models: Klaudia Dz, Leann W (B&M Models)

Photography: Agnes Kiesz/PURE studios

She is LUMINOUS

" How beautiful do you feel when you are around people that allow you to simply be You? Be authentic to who you are, what you believe in. I am myself and true to what I believe in... I want you all reading this to feel and think the same: You are Beautiful!" ~ Kavita Suri

They say third time's a charm. This was my third time photographing beautiful Kavita Suri, one of Toronto's top hair and make-up artists and the owner of Infuse Med Spa. She wanted a personal branding package that was 100% true to who she is and what she stands for. She inspired me so much telling me about her journey of self-acceptance that working on this project was truly instinctive and effortless!

Hair & Make-Up: Kavita Suri Beauty Inc.

Photography & Creative Concept: Agnes Kiesz/PURE studios

What professionals can learn from... Beyoncé

When Beyoncé released her visual album “Lemonade”, the world nearly stopped. The entertainment industry has been talking about little else but the film and the album since its release on April 23, 2016.

Why is that? Aside from being an amazing artist, Beyoncé has her own way of doing things that is very true to herself and her brand. There are three things she does very consistently that all professionals can learn from her.

1. Differentiate yourself from the crowd

There is a standard of how singles and albums are promoted and released in the music industry. But when you do things the exact same way everyone else does, you just blend into the crowd. “Lemonade” is Beyoncé's second album to be released without any prior promotion or announcement. As she explained, she wanted to do it the way that felt natural to her.

How does this apply to business photography?

When people think about getting their professional photos done, they often check what all other professionals have and they go for the exact same thing. The result? Generic photos with a stock quality to them. Do not be afraid of standing out from the crowd and when you do that, be very true to yourself.

2. Go the extra mile, it will be well worth it

Producing albums with every song being accompanied by a music video is a huge amount of work and a big investment as well. Beyoncé is never afraid of putting more value than it's expected out there. It always seems she has “what more can I do this time?” on her mind.

How does this apply to business photography?

Be creative with how you use your professional photos to get most value out of them. They can definitely be used in more ways than just for your LinkedIn and business cards. Incorporate them into your newsletter for a personal touch. Use them in presentations, combine them with your favourite quotes. Do not be shy of displaying your business portrait in your office for a powerful first impression.

3. Focus on your strengths and be confident in your abilities

When Beyoncé started her solo carrier, she had a different sound and look than most singers. She was not interested in mimicking anybody, instead she focused on her strengths. As a result, she inspired women everywhere to feel confident in their curvy bodies and she earned a huge fan base.

How does this apply to business photography?

Always embrace your look and your strengths. If you are insightful, it should be the focus in your photographs. If you are trustworthy, it should be the focus in your photographs. If you have a smile that lights up the entire room... you know the drill!

At the end of the day, personal branding is about staying true to yourself. Always embrace your strengths. And when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!