"I only like photos when I smile..."
“I only like photos when I smile.”
Agree? Here’s why that opinion needs to change.
On more than one occasion, I’ve worked with expert clients who swear by one rule when they’re in front of the camera…
…they need to smile.
In every picture…
Now, I’m not going to bash the idea of smiling in front of a camera. It’s an essential component to every expert’s image content portfolio, as they are used throughout their entire online presence.
And they do convey a sense of your magic as a human being.
But smiling is not the sum total of who you are as a person or the sentiment of the work you do to help solve your client’s problems.
Think of it this way:
Throughout the whole of your framework and the online content that promotes it, is every story and insight you share full of sunshine and roses?
Allow me to be presumptuous for a second and say NO, it doesn’t.
Life isn’t exclusively a sunshine and roses proposition, so why would your photos ignore everything else?
Remember, one of the primary goals with sharing your visual assets is to allow your audience an opportunity to qualify your personality through the emotional sentiments they convey based on your body language, facial expression, outfit and location in which the photo is captured.
If you simply post smiley face photos everywhere, what is that going to say to your audience of potential clients?
Yeah, it says you’re a happy, fun person, which is cool…
…but is it realistic to assume that you’re in that mindset second after second, day after day?
They want to see depth, and reflection…
…and vulnerability.
They’re not entering your world simply to make a new friend. They’re looking to find a solution to their problem. And that’s no laughing matter.
As a result, show them a range of your personality through your image content - from vulnerable to victorious.
When you offer a dynamic range of expressions that span the emotional spectrum, that creates relatability with your audience as it shows you’re not some one-note, smiley robot that is above the fray of being an actual living, breathing, human being.
You’re just like them.
Before your next branded lifestyle portrait session, keep this in mind when strategizing with your photographer. Empower them to pull out a variety of emotions when you’re in front of the camera.
No, you don’t need to look pissed off or sad baby bear in every photo, but be mindful of the challenges that you share with your clients through the stories and insights within your online content and be mindful to create visual assets that visually punctuate those sentiments.
This creates more impactful content that will resonate with your audience on a deeper level, which ultimately will draw them further into your world to learn more about how you can help solve their problems.
So wipe that smile off your face already ;)
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 :)