Quirky expressions for the win
What do you look like when you’re sharing your magic with those you serve?
Get those expressions and body language into your image portfolio.
Everyone that sets foot in front of the camera brings their own particular flavor to the table.
Sometimes, they’re friendly, but more reserved and matter of fact. Other times, they’re demonstrative and energetic.
And then, there are those who swing back and forth .
Regardless, the key is that their essence spanning the emotional spectrum is displayed throughout their portfolio.
From confident, approachable and likable to demonstratively quirky. And everything in between.
All of these images have a place in your image content portfolio because they can be used in different ways throughout your entire online presence.
Recently, I worked with Owen, who needed an update of his portfolio with photos that captured all sides of his personality.
Since we’re colleagues, I already had a sense of who he is before we even sat down to chat during the strategy call.
I knew I was working with a brilliant, and curiously interesting dude.
In conversation, he’ll share a brilliant insight, while his facial expression and body language puts on quite a show in the process.
Needless to say, I’m a fan of this type of show as it leads to some interesting images :)
Despite my selfish excitement for photographing his quirky side, we first needed to capture some promotional images that befits his level of expertise in a confident and approachable way:
These photos were created specifically for his website and one sheet images to help support the keynote speaking side of his business.
And he’ll be able to get a lot of mileage out of them for as long as he looks like this version of himself.
Once we created a variety of headshots and direct address portraits, we then turned out attention to grabbing some quirky expressions.
During the strategy call, Owen was curious to know how we would be able to achieve this, and I suggested for him to speak directly to the camera as if he were on stage delivering a speech.
He agreed - and that’s exactly what we did:
While these photos aren’t headshot worthy based on going too far on the quirky scale, they certainly have a place as online content images.
Depending on specific placement, they also can find a home on certain website pages, provided that it aptly visually punctuates the sentiment of the copy it lives near on that page.
Long story short, they’re valuable, too.
Owen agreed, as well - here’s his thoughts on the session overall:
“I needed to get some quality photos that I could use as a speaker and thought leader on my website, social media, one sheet and across all my marketing channels. I was looking for some portrait and lifestyle photos to communicate my brand as effectively as possible.
Working with John was a delight. From the beginning we had a deep conversation about exactly what I wanted to get across in the photos. He asked an array of questions and I really felt he got to understand very clearly what made me unique and what kinds of photos we would need to showcase that.
Throughout the shoot, he made everything very comfortable and, very quickly, found ways to help me unlock the different looks and expressions I wanted to unlock.
The value in the photos John took of me has been immense. Finally, I have an extensive set of photographs that capture my essence and professionally present me how I want to be presented. He has somehow managed to capture my personality and style in a still frame.
I highly recommend John as a phenomenal photographer and someone who can really help you get the highest quality of photos of you to promote yourself as a speaker, coach or thought leader. He’s reliable, honest and very easy to work with not to mention great at what he does. ”
The next time you schedule a branded lifestyle portrait session, remember that a comprehensive image content portfolio includes all aspects of the way in which you communicate to those you serve.
The confident, approachable and likable you.
As well as the quirky, fun and unique you.
In doing so, those who are determining whether or not you’re the right fit to solve their problem will have a clear view of who you are when walking down that path to a decision.
Being uniquely you will push certain people away, while attracting others in.
Either way, that’s exactly what you want.
For more visual storytelling strategies and insights for experts, I’ll talk your eyes off through my blog.Sign up to receive them directly in your inbox, and if you have any questions,set up a time to chat with me and then I’ll talk your ears off, too :)