When you are building a personal brand and an online business, how you portray yourself visually is everything!

EVERYTHING!

You’re not just selling a product or service, you’re selling an experience! Your photos and visuals that go along with your business, add to that experience.

We’ve all heard it said that a photo says a 1,000 words. There is power in the photos and images that we use on a daily basis to represent our life and most importantly our personal brand and business.

So the question is, how can we make sure that our brand is accurately representing who we are and the value we provide to our clients at all stages of our businesses, from beginning to experienced? We’ll talk about why you need a brand photoshoot even if you are just starting out, why you should consider having routine photoshoots done and why the network marketer should up their visual game and also have photo shoots.

Your brand visuals are everything and if you are ready to stand out as an expert in your field and a leader in your industry, it’s time to get yourself some professional photos! So here is how to get brand photos done on the cheap and without a ton of fuss!

You can make this as complicated or as basic as you want. If you’re just starting out and this is your first brand photoshoot, I can’t emphasize enough to keep it simple! You might be tempted to go all out with a full day shoot, multiple outfit changes, a mood board, boxes of props, hiring a make-up artist and get your hair done but let me save you on that one…it really doesn’t need to be that complicated. Sure there is a time and place for that level of expertise but it probably isn’t now if you’re just starting out.

The goal >> get some great images that really capture you in your element, what your brand is all about and are images that you can be proud to use on your social media channels and website.

Let’s talk do’s and don’ts

Do have a sense of what you are looking for

If you find a good photographer, they’ll be able to take your vision of what you are looking for, examples of the pictures you want and then help you create that vision. But you first have to know what you are ultimately wanting.

Spend some time getting lost in the black hole that can be Instagram. Peruse hashtags, look at leaders in your industry and competitors. Find images that really show what it is you are looking for. You can send the Instagram accounts directly to your photographer or screenshot them and send them.

Let’s not forget Pinterest. Look around on Pinterest for inspiration of brand photoshoots. Get an idea of what lifestyle photography you like and think represents you well.

Make a basic list of shots you’d like. I mean basic.

Do you want detail shots?
Do you want flatlays?
Do you want headshots?
Do you want any of you walking? Working? Talking?

Also think about those things you do naturally. Do you take regular dance breaks during your work day? What do you normally share on social media? Think about the stories you tell frequently and build in a plan to capture images like that.

For instance, I am regularly making funny faces. Probably makes sense to capture some images like that of me in my element right?!

Do let your photographer know where you will be using your images

Where will you be using your images? This helps the photographer to capture the right image for the right medium. Does the shot need to be horizontal or vertical? Square crop? Detailed shot or simple? White background or colored?

• Social Media
• Website
• Newsletter
• Business Cards & other Promo Material
• Blog Posts
• Sales Pages
• Book Covers
• Podcast

Each platform you may be sharing the images on has a different image specification and size as well as aesthetic. HAving a variety of images will be key!

Don’t worry about those around you

If you’re in a public place taking photos, say at a coffee shop, there will be a lot of people around. Don’t let that deter you from doing your thing and capturing photos that are truly you in your element.

You do you boo.

If you’re someone that struggles with thinking about what others are thinking of you just simply think, “I am a big deal. They must be wondering what celebrity I am. I’m a BIG deal” Laugh

Do find a good photographer that matches your brand aesthetic

Finding a good photographer is key! You want to find someone who matches your brand aesthetic but also someone you enjoy being around and are comfortable with for a photoshoot. We want these pictures to capture you and who you are so being comfortable is key!

The best source of finding a good photographer is asking your friends who they use and recommend or asking other professionals in your area that are in your industry. Hands down this is where I always start and always find great photographers from there. When you find one you love, KEEP THEM!

Where to find a photographer

• Ask a friend or industry professional
• Look at Instagram hashtags local to your area ie. #dfwphotographer
• Ask in entrepreneur Facebook Groups for recommendations

There are so many factors that go into the price of a brand photoshoot and as you evolve in your business and need more in a photoshoot, the price will reflect that. However, for this stage in your business (just starting out or your first brand shoot), aim for a shoot that ranges from $200-$500.

Many women I work with balk at that number at first, but let’s talk about all the things you gain from a professional photoshoot

• Personal confidence in what you are doing
• Instantly seen as an expert in your field, CREDIBILITY
• If you’re featured on a podcast, blog or other social platform, they will want a professional photo
• Branded social media images for a cohesive brand
• Clean and professional website

The biggest thing out of that list to be and most of my clients is the personal confidence you gain from getting professional photos done. Often times this is the catalyst that helps moms see themselves as an expert in their field and a true business owner and starts them on their path to making their first $1k online and building a lasting business online.

Don’t skimp on this guys!

This is a huge win for moms starting a business and getting clients and making your first $1k & beyond!

One of the most simple and most important steps you can do to begin building your brand, online reputation and business, is to work with a photographer to capture some amazing branded images that you can use on social media, on your website, as promotional material for PR, ebooks, and beyond! Dont’ skimp on this y’all or overlook the importance,

It makes all the difference when you are visually putting yourself out there and beginning to brand YOU!

Links to Connect

• Join the FREE Ambitious Motherhood Community
• Download the Roadmap to $1k – The 5 Step Process to Making Your First $1k Online
• FREE CLASS - How to Make Your First $1k Online Without Sacrificing Your Family Life
• Chat it out and pinpoint your monetizable brilliance by DM-ing Katie on Instagram