Real emotion = real connection
Yes, your image portfolio needs plenty of staged portraits for promotional purposes…
…but don’t forget the candid shots, too.
Take a look at the following two shots:
While these two fall on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum, they do share one strong, common bond:
They’re both candid and real moments.
While it’s an absolute must that your image portfolio contains staged, looking-directly-into-the-camera headshots and portraits for your website, social profiles, one sheet, and other promotional materials, it’s also desperate for in the moment visuals like the ones captured above, too.
The high-quality headshots and portraits acts as the glossy front door to your entire online presence.
They present you in a confident, approachable and likable way, with a purpose of positioning you as an authority in your space of expertise through the artistry and sentiment found in the frames.
The candid and real moments help connect with those you serve on a deeper, more personal, emotional level.
Now, creating candid, emotionally compelling images is not limited to when you’re balling your eyes out or receiving a bear hug.
There’s opportunities everywhere throughout your day to capture these moments. The key is that you’re present in those moment and not paying attention to the camera when it’s around that moment.
So what does that mean?
Whether you’re speaking from the stage, in front of a room, or on a screen, be sure that your photographer captures a wealth of images where your facial expression and body language is displaying various aspects of emotion.
While they’re catching you in the act of doing your thing with those you serve, you’re focused on them, and not how the photos are coming out.
As a result, your body language and facial expressions are natural and in the moment, which makes for really interesting and compelling visuals that you can leverage across your online presence, including your online content, digital ads and website.
And, this also applies to other photos that you share with your audience, too.
Behind the scenes of a coaching session. Photos with your family. Engaging in a passionate hobby.
Whatever aspects of your lifestyle and business that you share, aim to create an army of candid, fly on the wall photos that can serve to visually punctuate the sentiments of the stories you share about those personal and professional activities.
These types of photos invite and inspire your audience to come along on your journey with those who need your help most.
Besides, how many awkwardly-framed selfies can you post, really? :)
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 :)