Can you envision having a drink with your photographer?
Can you envision having a drink with your photographer?
It’s a more important question to answer than you think.
When it comes to photos for speakers, authors, trainers and other expert business owners, the goal is honest, candid, high-quality and human expressions throughout their image portfolios.
It’s easier said than done when considering that most Experts would prefer to work on their taxes or renew their driver’s license then be in front of a camera, chessin’ it up for a couple hours.
I get it.
Regardless of the hesitation, the photos must be created and position the speaker in a manner that’s befitting an authority in their space of expertise.
So how do we get around the whole, “this sucks, I don’t want to it, but I need to position myself as a rockstar while looking like me…” thing?
Lean on the relationship with your photographer.
Out of 10 branded lifestyle portrait sessions I conduct, 8 of the Experts in front of the camera really have no desire to be there.
YET…
…the photos from one session to the other resemble each other in terms of the honesty and genuineness of their expressions and body language.
It’s not because I’ve drugged them into submission; it’s because we generally get along with or without a camera as part of the equation.
We’ve established a rapport before the camera is taken out of the bag.
And that rapport has led to them trusting that, regardless of their mood, the weather outside, or any other issue creeping up before or during the session, that I will be able to get them focused in the present moment and disarm their apprehensions to the point that they deliver genuine expressions in front of the camera.
Because, ultimately, that’s a job that falls squarely on the photographer.
This is why it’s so important for you to expand the photographer qualification process beyond their price tag and portfolio.
Sure, the photographer might come highly recommended and be in your price range, but can they inspire that same level of work out of you regardless of where your head is at the moment the camera is pointing in your direction?
When you’re on the phone with a potential photographer, yes, pay close attention to their strategy for capturing the photos you need, but also listen to how they communicate with you.
Notice how they describe how they plan to solve your problem - not just the nuts and bolts part, but also, the tone, humor and candidness in their voice. Does their personality and disposition resonate with you, or does it feel like it won’t be a fit?
Be honest with your assessment, as this is an expensive investment of time and money which will affect the way your audience perceives you.
If the initial conversation feels as though you’re sitting at a bar and having a drink with this person, engaged in an effortless conversation, and you trust that they “get you,” you’ve found your photographer.
If not, the search continues.
Before your next branded lifestyle portrait session, be sure to keep this in mind when scheduling consultation calls. It’ll go a long way to ensure that you end up with a portfolio of images that will capture the attention of those who need you most.
And speaking of the right photographer for you…
If you’re thinking about updating your image content portfolio, I have 2 slots left this month for branded lifestyle portrait sessions. Set up a time to chat with me to see if we’re a fit to work together…
…and then, we can go grab a drink after the session and look at the magic we created :)