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If you’ve been in the business world for even a short time, you may have heard someone say that you need to know your own personal brand. With the rapid growth of social media, the gig economy, and digital dominance, personal branding photography is becoming an essential element for those who desire a successful career. Personal branding is an identity that you present to the rest of the world. It is intentional and precise. Our personal brand encompasses who you are but is particularly important to how you want others to perceive you. Your brand includes your personality, expertise, experience, and unique knowledge base. Once you understand your personal brand, you may ask, what is personal branding photography?

What is Personal Branding Photography?

Personal branding photography is creating a collection of bespoke photographs to tell both your story and that of your personal brand. Businesses use professional branding photos as powerful marketing tools. They can be used to promote a person or a business across numerous platforms. including social media, websites, and other PR channels. A branding photographer will collaborate with you to create a variety of shots to tell your story, engage your audience, and enhance your content. 

Why Branding Photography is Important

In the business world, how you project and present yourself counts. Personal branding allows you to make a great online first impression. Your image is the first thing to catch a site visitor’s eye or the first thing they see on your social media pages. It offers them great insight into your brand, as well as communicates a lot about who you are as a person. This is why it is important to work with a professional personal branding photographer. They will know how to capture your image so that it reflects your individual personality and helps connect you with potential and current clientele. Branding photography breathes your personality into your online presence. 

Your professional photo tells your audience who you are, what you do, and what you stand for. It’s useful for helping to create a more personal connection. When done correctly, it will make your business more appealing to your ideal clients since they will be able to connect with you immediately and feel like they know you on a much deeper level.

Remember that as a business owner, you are your brand. You are the one element that makes your business interesting and unique. When your personality comes shining through on your website, social media, or other online platforms, it will encourage that all-important connection with your audience. Remember that people buy from people. Customers want to see the person behind the message. Branding photographs do just that. They tell your story.

How to Use Personal Brand Photography

Now that the question, What is personal branding photography has been answered, your next question may be Where and how do I use personal branding photography? While you are probably excited about sharing your new photos with friends, clients, and followers, you may still have a few questions. Where do you upload the images first? Maybe you wonder if certain types of photographs are best used on specific online platforms. Naturally, you are ready to use your branding photographs to increase your brand’s discoverability, engagement, and sales, right?

An effective marketing strategy uses unique photos so that they consistently and cohesively show up across your social media platforms. You are using them to tell your brand’s story, so consider the different messages each type of photo communicates to the viewer. This will help you determine which photo should appear on your various channels. Here are a few tips for how to use personal branding photographs.

On Your Business Website

Whether you are creating a new website or updating your present site, finding the perfect images can feel a little overwhelming. You may have found yourself looking for hours trying to find high-quality images to no avail. In a pinch, you may have even settled for blurry selfies taken on your phone, or stock images used in sheer desperation. If you ever needed a little inspiration to schedule a session for a personal branding photoshoot, those images would be it! Having high-quality branding photos on your website boosts your SEO and communicates to site visitors exactly who you are and what you do.

On Your Social Media Accounts

Whether you are only on a couple of social media networks or facilitate several platforms, your branding portraits can help provide consistency and spread your message. Research has shown that posts that have an image get more engagement than those without. Posts that can be directly associated with a face get even more attention. You’ll want to post a variety of images that support the values, style, and message of your brand when sharing on social media.

Use Branding Photos on Your Blog

If you are still using stock photos on your blog, isn’t it time for an upgrade? Adding some of your personal branding photographs to your blog instantly communicates authenticity and consistency. Using your brand images on your blog complements the info and solidifies the message you are sending to your readers and potential clients. Additionally, if you provide guest posts for other blogs, your branding photo can accompany it. Your new, fresh, professional image speaks to who you really are.

As Part of Your Press Kit or PR

Entrepreneurs who are also authors or speakers are often asked to submit a recent photo along with a biography as part of their press or media kit. Having your personal branding photos on hand will ensure you are prepared for this request. 

Part of Your Branding Materials

There are many areas of marketing that can be made more engaging and effective just by using a custom photo. Branding photos will complement your brand’s values and color scheme and keep your mission in mind. If you use email newsletters, run multiple ad campaigns, or create exclusive landing pages, professional images can enhance your content. But don’t limit yourself to just online marketing possibilities; there are opportunities for print marketing too.

Are Personal Branding Portraits Right for Your Business?

It takes some time, ingenuity, and thought to create your personal brand and business identity. Your brand communicates who you are as well as sets you apart from your competition. Every detail counts, including your logo, website, and photos. Putting your best face forward, literally and figuratively, is crucial.  A personal branding portrait is right for your business if:

You want to build trust. Professional, well-thought-out brand photos build trust and help create a connection with prospective clients and employers immediately.

It captures the best version of you. Providing the world with a personal brand photograph allows you to make sure the world sees the best version of you.

Personal brand photography communicates what you have to offer to your clients and potential customers. It encourages your audience to connect and feel comfortable with you quickly. They feel like you are inviting them to participate and engage with you. It is a crucial investment for creators, influencers, or business owners who want to portray their image in the best light.

Are you ready to step up your marketing efforts with a personal branding photograph? Contact Kyle Bondeson Photography to schedule your session today!

You might be wondering if your profession requires you to get a professional headshot. Even if it doesn’t, you’d be in a better position if you decide to get a headshot anyway. After all, there are many, many reasons to have a nice, professional photo of yourself taken. Everyone from the CEO to the janitor would benefit from being able to put their photo on the company website. 

What Professions Need Headshots?

Aside from the obvious answer of “every profession,” there are some businesses that need a headshot more than others. Remember: Posing for a headshot is not a waste of time. Instead, it allows you to set a professional tone. One image can do wonders for you and your reputation! 

CEOs and Entrepreneurs

If you want to make yourself known in the business world, it’s imperative to get a nice headshot. Whether you’re the CEO of an international company or a brand-new entrepreneur, most people will judge you based on this one image. In light of all that, it’s best to ensure you do it right.

Actors and Models 

Acting headshots are an absolute necessity. If you doubt this, simply try to get cast without one. Even if you’re an A-list star, the odds are high that some casting directors will still want a headshot. Make it easy for them by having several images to choose from. 

Employees 

Every employee needs a good corporate headshot. Not only will this allow their company to put their photos online, but it will also create a nice sense of symmetry. Make sure every employee uses the same photographer and stays on-brand with their photo. 

Public Figures 

Anyone who’s in the public eye understands why a headshot is necessary. Without one, you take the risk of having unflattering pictures used by the media. Instead, stay one step ahead of the press by presenting a professional headshot for them to use. 

Professional Services 

First impressions mean everything for those working as lawyers, real estate agents, consultants, etc. Almost every time they send out a proposal, a headshot is attached. Without it, people are less likely to work with them. For real estate agents, it’s beyond essential to have a professional image. This is because most real estate ads include a picture of the salesperson. 

LinkedIn Members 

Are you actively seeking a job on LinkedIn? One of the best ways to turn the tide in your favor is by utilizing a professional headshot. Without it, you’re going to have a more difficult time getting employers and recruiters to read about your qualifications. LinkedIn has found that members who use a headshot receive nine times more connection requests and have 21 times more profile views. 

Small Business Owners 

What happens if you own a small business and suddenly the media takes an interest in you? This is exactly what you want, but things can turn desperate quickly if you don’t have a headshot readily available. 

Dating Sites

Yes, believe it or not, even people who are using a dating site need to consider taking their profile to the next level. A headshot can make you look more appealing, and it could also lead to more responses. Sure, it’s not actually a profession, but what’s more important to you than finding the person of your dreams? 

Should You Get Professional Headshots?

If you still find yourself wondering, “Do I need professional headshots,” it’s time to start thinking about how much they can accomplish. Here are three benefits to think over:

#1: They Help Avoid Wrong First Impressions

First, no matter how many times your parents told you not to, pretty much everyone judges a book by its cover. In fact, this is a psychological phenomenon called “thin slices.” Second, even when that first impression is wrong, it’s still the one most people go with. This means you need to present the cleanest, most poised version of yourself, and that’s easily accomplished with a headshot. 

#2: They Modernize Your Appeal

Around 70% of hiring managers are using LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to prescreen candidates. LinkedIn is the one you want to think about out of these three here and placing a good, professional online headshot will modernize your appeal and give recruiters a sense of who you are. 

Additionally, your LinkedIn photo should represent who you are professionally as much as possible since recruiters will expect this. Being hired is important business, so you may want to consult with an experienced photographer to get LinkedIn photo tips or have professional photos made that meet LinkedIn’s guidelines.  

#3: They Engage Your Audience 

People want to feel engaged by your image. This doesn’t mean you have to have a perfect appearance, but it does mean you need to present yourself in your best light. Working with a professional photographer will put you in the best possible position to let your light shine through – even if you’re introverted. 

Why Everyone Should Have a Professional Headshot 

Now that we know just how important a first impression is, it’s very important to discuss headshots. It doesn’t matter if you’re a corporate professional, an indie author, or a firefighter. The only thing that matters is that you use a headshot that will immediately convey a message about you and your professionalism. 

For instance, let’s talk a bit about personal branding. The first thing to note is that personal branding can also encompass your business, especially if you own it. At the end of the day, the entire intention behind personal branding is to market yourself using the same consistent voice. 

Think for a moment about the last sports star, actor, or singer who spoke out about something in the media. If they chose wisely, it improved their brand. However, those who selected a controversial topic to espouse most likely hurt their personal brand. In turn, this can also harm the brand of anyone who associates with them. 

That’s why so many people who spend a lot of time building their brand choose not to address certain topics. Instead, they allow their headshots and other public interactions to speak for them. If nothing else, it gives them the chance to really think about a topic before they speak out. If you don’t have a headshot, though, you’re allowing people to decide what you care about, and that’s never a good look.

So…Who Needs Professional Headshots? You Do!

The takeaway here is that headshots are recommended for EVERYONE seeking jobs. When it comes down to it, getting a professional headshot is one of the best things you can do for yourself. It will help you open doors in the business world, and it’s also a great way to convey to the media that you’re at the top of your game. Kyle Bondeson Photography understands this, and he’ll ensure you look your best! Book your headshot now.

If you own a business, especially one online, you’ve more than likely heard someone say “personal branding” at some point in time. You may or may not know what the term means. Let us explain. It’s simple:

When people refer to personal branding, they’re referring to branding (read: marketing) themselves. So your personal brand is marketing your business, you, your product, you name it. Your personal brand is what people know you by. Just think of any famous name brand in grocery store, whether toothpaste, shampoo, soda—it’s likely you have a favorite brand and reach for it above all others. There could be an equally appealing product nearby, but you reach for what you know works best for you. Why? Because that brand has succeeded in its marketing. You associate the brand with something positive and continue to consistently buy into it.

You have to deliberately manage your personal brand. It makes sense—if you have a certain image you want people to see, you have to work to cultivate it. There’s a reason major brands come down swiftly on any competitors who do anything that might damage a company’s image. Image is everything in business, and image = personal branding.

So figure out who you and your company are, what you stand for, and what you want people to know you by. 

After you’ve got that figured out, then you have to determine how to get that message across. And one of the best ways to do that is through a photo shoot. You’ve heard it all before—first impressions are lasting impressions. It’s true. You’ve only got a moment to grab a person’s attention with your brand. Once you’ve got that attention, you have about a second for the person’s first impression to register, whether positive or negative. Positive impressions stick forever. So do negative ones. So make those first seconds count! Here’s how.

When you decide to do a personal brand photo shoot, it should be made up of the following:

Funnels

A funnel image is exactly what it sounds like—it’s an image that draws people in. It points them in the direction you want them to be looking. So funnel images are what you want to use on your landing page, especially when you’re launching a product, setting up a new business, etc. For example, a picture of yourself staring directly at the product you’re selling is a clear funnel. It’s guiding a potential client’s eye.

Use funnels on social media. Very definitely use them on sales pages, too. Those images need to be polished, professional, and engaging—which is why you need to hire someone trained to take them, rather than snapping a few pictures with your phone. You can use funnels anywhere you want to continue stamping your personal brand, whether it’s on a blog, on someone else’s website where you’ve been invited to write a guest post, etc.

Headshots

The need for a great headshot is probably fairly obvious, but let’s reiterate it anyway: people want to know who they’re doing business with. Your personal image is connected to your personal brand. So the two need to relate to one another, rather than being contradicting. For instance, if your brand is laidback and low-key, and your headshot is you in a three-piece suit, that’s going to confuse customers. You want things to be seamless in all aspects of your personal branding.

Make sure, when you make an appointment to do your Chicago headshots photo shoot, that you ask for a few headshots. Take at least a couple headshots, for different occasions. While your personal brand might be mellow, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a dressy headshot for certain occasions, so long as your personal brand is still reflected in the shot.

Goal-Oriented

Clearly, you need a goal in order to succeed in business. And knowing that goal will allow you to work with your photographer. Tell him/her what your goal is. What message do you want potential customers to walk away with after seeing your brand? Your photographer’s job is to help you deliver that message.

Part of your goal with a photo shoot should be to convey your values. Customers resonate to a personal brand that has clearly designed and conveyed values. Make sure your photographer is informed about those, so he/she can help you get them across.

Essentially, a photographer will work backwards. He/she will start with your goals and build the photo shoot around that purpose. Remember that you’ve only got a few seconds to make that first impression, so this photo shoot is all about making those moments count.

Use the images from your Chicago professional headshots photo shoot on social media, your business website, any blogs, and any niches that you know possible clients will see those pictures. The more people see you, the more they will begin to feel they trust you, so long as your personal brand consistently lines up with the image you’ve conveying and the needs of your desired audience.

Brands Aren’t Stagnant

Your business is going to grow and change. As such, your brand should develop alongside it. That doesn’t mean you should ever completely throw out what you started with, since that will bewilder customers, but brands are anything but fixed. You consistently grow as a person throughout life. So should your brand.

Let’s be clear up a misconception here: brands aren’t just for people already well-established. Far from it. They begin when a business starts out and follow it through, building clientele along the way.

No question about it—you need to invest in your brand. That includes paying for a professional headshot session in Chicago so you get the absolute best possible photographs. And you’ll occasionally need to do another similar session, as your business evolves. You want to keep things fresh. Always look to the future—toward where you want to get.

We’ll say it again because it bears repeating: professional photos that reflect your personal brand, which convey who you are, what you represent, and what you do are key. So make the most of that session with a trained professional. Use his/her expertise to ensure you look photogenic, approachable, trustworthy, etc. Everyone will be looking at those pictures, whether it’s influencers who can then help promote your brand, bloggers, possible business partners, etc.

Undoubtedly, on a daily basis you have a certain routine. Certain tasks that you can’t skip without paying a price. Make personal branding part of that routine, even if it’s not necessarily daily. Carve out consistent time to focus on it, including that first photo shoot and follow-ups down the road.

You want to reach a lot of people, right? You have something wonderful to offer. That’s why you’re in business. So the more eyes land on your personal brand, the more people you can help. Conversely, if nobody sees your pictures (possibly because you haven’t taken them), your personal brand will never establish itself and that’s a massive opportunity lost to make a difference in people’s lives.

Take the time to get it right. Sit down early on and figure out who and what you and your business are. Contact someone to take your professional headshots in Chicago. Discuss the plan with the photographer. Clue him/her into where you are and where you want to go. Ensure that your photo shoot reflects and establishes your goals. The bottom line is that if you take personal branding seriously, you will see serious results in return. 

I’m a Chicago-based professional headshot photographer with years of photography experience. Please review my Chicago Headshots Photography section for information and samples of my work, and book your headshot session today. 

You know this already, but it bears emphasizing: image is a vital part of any business. We live in an increasingly visual society. Much of the business you do will be online and so the image you portray there may be the only way people can engage with you. They’ll either like it or they won’t—talk about first impressions being lasting. It’s a fact. 

If people do happen to meet you offline, say at a conference, they’re going to want to match your face to what they saw on a screen. If it doesn’t match, they may feel confused and even betrayed. That’s why a headshot is so key. 

Sure, you can take your own headshots, but they won’t have the polish that customers are looking for—when you work with someone yourself, you’re looking for professionalism, right? And part of professionalism is working with the best. A professionally trained photographer provides you with the tools to create a truly stunning headshot that will catch people’s eye in all the right ways. 

It’s important that you utilize professional Chicago headshots in order to ensure you present yourself in the best possible light.

Professional headshots are absolutely an investment that can help drive your business forward. With that mind, let’s talk about how you can make the most use of those Chicago headshots.

1. Tell your story visually

People are curious both about who you are and what makes your business tick. They want to know what led you to start your business and what your ultimate goals are. One way to share part of your story is through images.

Talk to your professional photographer about exactly those things—where you’re starting, where you want to end up. A photographer can help you create the full arc of a story in images. His or her job is to clearly convey whatever message it is you have in mind.

Take a minute to consider that message. Who are you? What is your personality? You want to make sure your headshot matches what people see when they meet in person. For instance, if your headshot involves laidback clothes and then you meet a client while wearing a three-piece suit, there’s a confusing discrepancy. It can throw people off very quickly and lose you a potential customer or ten.

Make sure your photographer helps you get across who you are and not who you think you should be. People respond best to authenticity.

2. Be unique

You are unique—of that, there is no doubt. And so is your company. So make sure you use your headshots to help establish that firmly in readers’ minds. Allow yourself to be inspired by things that aren’t necessarily conventional. For instance, maybe your company plans trips for people. And maybe the reason you chose to start the company is because of a particularly fantastic trip that made you go “Wow! I want other people to have this great a time while they’re on vacation!” Tell that story to the photographer. He or she can help you infuse that excitement and energy into your images.

Or maybe your business is a restaurant. Did your grandmother inspire you to cook a certain cuisine? Again, tell the photographer. Share those memories that inspired you and allow them to be used in your headshots to inspire other people to see the real you. 

It could be specific colors incorporated into a headshot, textures, logos—the sky is the limit so long as you clearly communicate with the photographer. Keep in mind that people want to get to know you. They’re far more likely to engage with a brand they feel they really know. And that’s what you’re establishing with your headshots—a brand that stands out in the crowd.

If your headshot causes potential customers to come over and start sharing a story of their own which they relate to your headshot, you’ve made a personal connection. Nothing is more vital to a business’ success than those moments.

3. Establish your goals visually

Once you’ve established who you are in a potential customer’s eye, it’s important to follow that up with where you’re going. Customers want to follow you on that journey but in order to do so, they need a road map. Your headshot can help create that by setting a consistent tone. It goes back to not wearing one thing in a shot and then being a person who never wears that type of clothing in real life. The way you dress, act, and speak should all be consistent with how you come across visually in your headshot.

Similarly, make sure your headshot doesn’t imply you want to achieve one thing when you’re interested in something entirely different. Tell the photographer your future plans and make sure those are conveyed. Transparency is vital to gaining customer trust.

4. Make a mood board

Before you get your professional headshots done in Chicago, spend some time looking around for visual inspiration to further help you share who you are and what your business is. Inspiration can strike anywhere—online, during day-to-day interactions, in stores, you name it.

When you walk into a photo shoot with a mood board, it immediately helps provide your photographer with clarity. If you’ve got a team helping you, such as stylists or makeup artists, make sure you include things they can also use to guide their work. They can’t read your mind but they can read the pictures on your mood board and use them as a concrete reference.

Mood boards are fantastic for helping create a cohesive vision whether it’s of how you want to be personally portrayed, how you want a business or product depicted, etc. It helps you quickly establish a certain aesthetic that you can then consistently apply. Again, as mentioned before, a consistent tone is key.

I’m a Chicago-based professional photographer with years of headshot and portrait experience. Please review my website’s Headshots and Portraits sections for information and take a look at samples of my work. Then book your session today!