Sending the wrong message to your audience
Be careful of the way you capture selfies…
it could send the wrong message to your audience
The other day during a virtual headshot session, I was chatting with a client in between shots, and the topic of selfies came up.
Now, I am actually a big fan of incorporating these snapshots into your online content. I do it from time to time and encourage my clients to do the same.
Why?
If you have a story to share and don’t have a photographer on standby, you need to take matters into your own hands and capture an image that will visually punctuate the sentiment of that story.
But, as I said to my client, not all selfies are created equal. Some of them do more harm than good.
You know the selfies where the person holds the phone waaay over the top of their heads as they look up in the lens? For example, the photo that’s found in this article?
If you’re taking these types of photos, please stop it!
But I look more flattering from that angle, why would I stop doing that?
It’s sending a subconscious message to your audience that you’re not happy with the way you look at eye level, and that can mess with your money.
How so?
Your audience is looking for a solution to the challenges holding them back from showing up in the world the way they want. They want to hire someone who is confident and approachable.
And, they’re vetting you on many levels to determine whether or not you're the answer to their questions.
When you post selfie after selfie from a super high angle, that seeds doubt in their minds as you being the confident expert that you present yourself to be in your content.
Is that too big of a leap to make?
You know, there was a time where I would’ve said yes.
But, after working with so many experts who are masters of body language, leadership and image consulting, I’ve learned one very important lesson:
When it comes to asking people to pay you money for your services, EVERYTHING COUNTS.
If you want to be seen as a premium solution in your space of expertise, it’s important to be consistent in your presentation throughout your entire online presence.
All of your content - your words, photos, social engagement, videos, etc. - must be aligned at all times.
If it’s not, that affects the trust factor that your audience feels towards you. And if they don’t trust you, they won’t work with you.
It’s that simple.
So, the next time that you take a selfie, be mindful of how your audience will subconsciously perceive these photos.
Rather than shoot a ridiculously high angle photo where you’re looking straight up into the sky, meet your audience eye-to-eye in a confident and welcoming way.
With regard to how you feel about how you look at eye-level to the camera, here’s what I mentioned to my client during our chat:
When you’ve sought help to get past what’s holding you back and researched experts in those areas, did you ever give a shit about how the person looked? Or, were you more focused on how they can help you directly?
Keep that in mind the next time you want to snap a selfie when out and about, living your life.
Don’t shy away from taking an eye-level selfie, own it! Own it in the same way that you own your expertise and help those you serve.
What are your thoughts on this? Agree or disagree? Please share it in the comment section below.
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