Reset your expectations...
Let's talk about how you, as an expert who speaks, trains, writes, coaches, and consults, need to evaluate your photos.
First off, yeah absolutely, it's important to post photos that pass your flattery test - if you hate how you look, you’ll never use the pic - but that’s just the STARTING point, not the END GOAL.
When you're looking at your photos, it's not just about looking good. It's about the value they serve in communicating who you are and your value to the people you serve.
These photos are a vital part of your branding.
What you want is for a potential client to see your photo and think, "Hey, this person seems like they really know their stuff and I think I’ll get along with them. Maybe they can help me with my problem."
You want your photos to stop them from flipping past your profile and get them genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
In addition to attracting clients into your world, thinking beyond your vanity to find value in your images also provides your marketing team a treasure trove of visual assets.
We're talking about a variety of images they can use to whip up all kinds of content and promotional materials.
You want to give them options – different angles, expressions, and activities captured that tell your story and showcase how you serve in diverse ways.
When reviewing your photos, ask yourself:
Does this image spark curiosity? Exhibit emotive qualities? Position me as an expert?
It's not just about a nice portrait, it's about photos that work hard for you, that not only resonate with your audience but also give your team what they need to market you effectively.
Long story short, change your perspective.
Look at your photos through the lens of your audience and your marketing objectives. That's how you get photos that do more than just flatter – they become powerful visual assets.
If the photo totally looks like shit and you’d hate it on the internet forever, then dump it.
But before you do, remember, it's all about THEM – your audience, your clients, and how you can make them pause, look, and think, "I want to know more about this person."
That might help you rethink a potentially hasty decision based on vanity.