One of my clients' most significant obstacles is not feeling good about their appearance. It can keep them from wanting to have their picture taken and impact how they show up if they do decide to get brave and schedule a professional photoshoot. Maybe you can relate. I know I can.

If you’re an entrepreneur, I’m sure it’s become obvious to you that just having a few good headshots won’t cut it anymore when it comes to marketing yourself and your business. Branded photos that share who you are and what you do are essential to your overall brand and allow you to visually share with your audience in a way that will make them more likely to want to work with you.

I love talking with my clients about their personal brand because so much of what your personal brand encompasses is communicating who you truly are to your potential customers and clients. A personal brand is just that…personal. It means the photos we take need to communicate your personality. One of the best ways to do that is to make sure you smile.

For entrepreneurs and small business brands, however, having at least 3 images gives you more versatility for not only LinkedIn, but also your Google profile image, Instagram, and Twitter. Each platform is a bit unique and each requires a slightly different type of photo to maximize your connection there. Most people want more images so they can express themselves professionally and casually.

There’s a very small segment of the population who actually love to have their picture taken. If someone pulls out a camera during a party, they’re the one shouting, “Take my picture!” while everyone else groans and turns the other way.

The odds are pretty good that you’re one of the groaners, not one of the ones jumping in front of the camera. Most of us shy away from cameras as a matter of course. It’s why actually volunteering to have your picture taken during a photo shoot is so challenging (and probably why you’ve been putting it off).

I was going for a morning walk with one of my best friends. We saw these 3 beautiful free spirits and exchanged morning pleasantries. A little bell went off in both of us. We quickly talked about it and then promptly turned around.

I asked them if I could photograph them. It is so funny because the reaction is always: Who me? Why me? All the gremlins about getting your picture taken instantly come out.

But life happens … and we have very little control of it. I experienced this truth HEAD-ON when I was being taken by ambulance to the emergency room a few weeks ago.

I created the IdentityRVA exhibit in response to the hateful rhetoric in 2016. In 2020, IdentityRVA has taught me even more about the need to celebrate our differences and similarities.

Here are three ways I’ve found to thrive at work during challenging times.

We’re all creating new ways to get through these challenging days.

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

We all get insecure about having our picture taken, and that includes yours truly. Here are some revelations I had after my own photo shoot in 2019.

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!

I wanted to share a few lessons learned in case you’re thinking about redoing your website. Your website is often the first impression prospective clients and customers have of you. You want that first impression to be great!