Hoping for the best? Eh, you wanna do that???
Imagine showing up for a triathlon without putting in the work to train?
Bad idea, right?
Yet many experts approach their photoshoots in a similar way - unprepared and hoping to figure everything out on the fly.
But, when it comes to creating high-quality photos that help position you as the authority in your space of expertise, strategic planning and a thorough understanding of your visual asset needs are an essential step in ensuring a valuable investment.
Relevant and valuable promotional and lifestyle portraits are not created by crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. They're the product of careful introspection and thoughtful planning.
Audit where you are with your entire online presence and envision where you want to go.
These images, after all, will serve as visual punctuation, adding emphasis and genuine expression to your story wherever it's told - whether on your website, in social media posts, or in your newsletters.
Begin with a comprehensive assessment of your needs.
In the short term, what images need to be replaced? Where do you need to add photos to areas that currently have none?
Thinking more long term, what products and services are on the not-too-distant horizon? What types of images assets will you need to help visually punctuate the messaging in those marketing materials? Lifestyle photos of you working in a boardroom, across the table from a client, or thinking to yourself? Or, do you need to lean more on promotional images such as headshots and other direct address portraits?
Drilling down a bit further, what emotions do you want to evoke? Which aspects of your personality and expertise do you want to highlight?
Consider the various contexts where your images will be used, as the requirements for a LinkedIn profile picture differ vastly from those for an Instagram post or a speaker kit photo.
Once you've painted a clear picture of your needs, find a photographer whose style aligns with your brand and personality resonates with you.
Remember, your images speak volumes about you before you even utter a word.
A successful photo session is not just about showing up - it's about showing up prepared.