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John DeMato Blog

Welcome to the Deliver Magic blog, where experts who speak, coach, train, consult, and write books will find actionable insights to elevate their personal brands through visual storytelling. From strategy tips and branding photography to live event coverage and storytelling techniques, discover step-by-step guides designed to help you align what you say with how you show up in photos. Get ready to unlock the magic behind creating a cohesive visual identity that drives engagement, builds credibility, and inspires your audience. #DeliverMagic

How does a core asset photo make you look "expensive"?

 

Someone once looked at a photo I took of a client and said:

“Damn… you look expensive.”

It was said as a compliment—but more than that, it was confirmation.

Because when your visuals are doing their job, they don’t just show what you look like. They show your value.

So what makes a photo look “expensive?”

It’s not one thing. It’s a mix of subtle choices and quiet craftsmanship:

Lighting that adds depth—natural, directional, mixed—so you don’t look flat.
Framing that uses the space around you—walls, windows, chairs, ceilings—not to distract, but to point toward you.
Clean shots—no random cords, weird furniture, or other visual distractions pulling focus.
Unique compositions—wide angles that give you presence, tight ones that show detail.
Natural expression—genuine, in-the-moment body language that feels like you, not like you’re performing “professional.”
Editing with restraint—sharpness, contrast, a bit of tone—but never overdone.

And when all of that lines up?

There’s a texture. A realness. A distinct feel to the image. You look credible. Magnetic. Like someone worth paying attention to—and investing in.

That’s what we’re building in your core assets. Not photos for the sake of photos. But photos that quietly say: “You’re going to want to work with me.”

Let me know when you're ready to build that kind of visual authority into your brand. Because looking expensive isn’t about ego—it’s about alignment.

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