Don't be a show pony - be YOU in your photos.
While recently conducting a Masterclass with a group of speakers, one of the participants asked a question regarding playfulness and professionalism in branded lifestyle portraits.
He said he recently noticed an uptick in the amount of playfulness that speakers are conveying in the photos that are shared through their online content and website photos, and wanted to know if that’s what other speakers should be doing, as well.
My answer was simple:
If you have playful aspects to your personality and want your audience to connect to that side of you, then lean into it. If not, then don’t put on a show for the camera.
At the end of the day, you’re looking to build long-term relationships with those you serve, so you want to attract them into your world based on them qualifying not only how you can help them, but who you are as a person.
When you post photos that you THINK they want to see and not based on WHO YOU ARE, you’re giving them a false representation.
If you’re a loose, playful type of person who is demonstrative in the way you communicate, then it’s important to be that person in your images.
If you project a more streamlined and serious tone, then go that route.
If you’re a mix, then work with your photographer to capture all of those aspects that make up who you are.
Just don’t pretend to be someone that you’re not.
Going this route might attract folks under a false pretense, and once they’re deeply engaged in your content, they’ll realize this and about face. And you’ve just lost their trust in your ability to help solve their problem forever.
And who wants that to happen?
Another point to consider:
Regardless of the playful or professional conversation, the goal for every single branded lifestyle portrait session is to capture a WIDE VARIETY of images that span the emotional spectrum, from vulnerable to victory.
By that, I mean that you’re displaying this emotion through your facial expression and body language that’s native to you, and only you.
Why?
Because the stories you share span the emotional spectrum, and you need image content that will visually punctuate the sentiment of those stories.
For example, a photo where you’re throwing confetti in the air isn’t going to work for a story about struggle, challenge and overwhelm.
Not on your website, online content or anywhere else.
Keep all of this in mind the next time you step in front of the camera so that you make sure to produce images that are genuine and specific to you, your personality, and your business.
Allow the professional actors and performers to put on a show in their promotional images :)
What are your thoughts, takeaways and questions that you have? Please share them in the comment section below.