Professional photos can make or break a first impression and the overall look of a brand. New brands have a lot of freedom when it comes to what the images can look like and what personality they can embrace. Existing brands must stay within the bounds of their current aesthetic in order to maintain the look and feel that has already been established.
Five ways to maintain branding with your professional headshot:
#1 – Update all headshots at the same time.
If your organization is more than a one-man-band, professional headshots should be updated company-wide to ensure that they not only represent your current set of employees and the aesthetic that you are trying to convey, but to keep them all similar.
Keep in mind that lighting and background changes everything – so updating all of the photos at once with the same photographer, using the exact same settings, will help maintain consistency throughout the collection of images.
#2 – Styling matters!
Before your professional headshot session, you should take the time to consider what you’d like to wear and how you’d like your hair and makeup styled. Whatever you choose, be sure that it conveys the same overall message for your brand.
For example, if you are vibrant and quirky then bright bold colors and less traditional poses will fit. On the other hand, if you are a financial advisor who needs to convey the utmost professionalism, then professional attire with a classic backdrop will likely be a better fit.
If you aren’t sure what to choose, go ahead and ask! I’d be happy to discuss options.
#3 – Location. Location. Location.
On top of clothing, hair, and makeup, another way to convey your brand’s message and ensure consistency throughout your images is by choosing the proper location.
Do you want photos to take place in-studio where all of the elements are controlled or do you prefer on-location photos that will take place at your office or outdoors?
While either option can make for incredible headshots you’ll want to choose the one that best fits your needs. You’ll want to consider how many people are being photographed, what the weather is like outdoors, available timeframes (the sun is a huge deal here!), accessibility, etc.
Need help figuring out the best location for your shoot? I can help!
#4 – Use the photos everywhere.
When you have a new collection of professional business headshots, use them! Put the images to work on your website, throughout your social media profiles, on your print materials, anywhere that they are appropriate.
Think about it this way; if one of your networking/marketing materials has a photo, it should be updated every time you have a new collection of images.
#5 – Be sure that the photos represent the current you.
Many of us have favorite photos from the past and would love to use those for marketing purposes. The problem here is that while you may not feel like 10 years have passed, using old photos can lead to some confusion on the client end. They may not understand why the ‘you’ that they see in photos doesn’t match the ‘you’ they meet in person.
Updating your photos on a regular basis will not only represent the real ‘you’ but they’ll also let your audience know that you embrace the person you are today and the journey that has led you to this place.
Ready to schedule your branding session? I can’t wait to work with you!
Here’s how you can reach me:
Diane
Chappell Studios Photography
info@chappellstudiosportraits.com
New York Photographer
(518) 487-9399
Schodack Landing, NY 12156
Putting a name to a face will help clients understand that you’re a real human being behind the website or social profile and to begin feeling like they know you.
