*Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - Norma Jean,* *Founder of TekChix*

No matter what service you’re offering online, chances are good that you’ve got some competition. If you’re a coach, for example, you can’t swing a cat without hitting another coach on social media. Even if what you have to offer is unique (and I’m sure it is), attempting to stand out can be a lot like drowning in an overcrowded pool full of screaming kids on a hot day in the summer. The chances that anyone will actually hear your cries for help are slim.

*Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - Norma Jean and Ava know how to create, fun engaging portraits that show their allegiance and enthusiasm for their favorite team, the New Orleans Saints.*

The number one thing you can do to change that is to find a way to stand out from the crowd with professional branded portraits. That means your personal brand is more important now than ever. People want to do business with human beings, and the more real and authentic you are, the more people will want to do business with you. You clients will take you more seriously because they see that you’ve invested in yourself like other high-performing professionals in your field.

Since social media marketing is always visual, your first step toward putting yourself “out there” in a more authentic way is to get awesome, personal, branded photos that allow people to see you and see who you are.

Here are a few specific things you can do during your next photoshoot to accomplish this:

Make Eye-catching, Personal Wardrobe Choices
The days of wearing a buttoned-up blouse and blazer or a suit and tie to “convey trustworthiness” are over. The truth is, what you choose to wear in your branding photos should tell people exactly who you are and what you’re really like, giving them a glimpse into your personality. This can include color choices, style choices, and even unconventional choices like a graphic tee under a leather blazer or trendy jeans with high heels.
The best thing about having the freedom to dress like who you actually are when you have your photo taken is that it also allows you to feel comfortable in front of the camera.

*Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - New Orleans*

Let the Environment Help Tell Your Story

Where do you feel most like “yourself?” You may want to be photographed in your home, relaxing and enjoying a cup of coffee or cooking a meal. I do lots of personal branding shots for my clients in outdoor locations. Not only does this provide amazing natural lighting, but, when combined with your wardrobe choices, it can also tell people a lot about who you are. A cityscape can say “sophisticated & savvy” if you’re wearing a little black dress and high heels, or “fun-loving and laid back” if you’re posing in a sundress and sandals holding a bouquet of flowers; a photo taken in a natural wooded area with you wearing denim and hiking boots and your dog by your side tells viewers that you’re “adventurous and outdoorsy.”

Check out my “Location, Location, Location” post to see a list of possible locations to use during your next photo shoot.

Even in a studio setting, we can do some very specific things with furniture and backdrops to help your personality shine through.

So, based on the above information, go take a look at the photos you’re currently using for your online profiles and marketing. Are they telling people, in a compelling way, who you are? Would they make a potential client say, “Wow, I’d really love to work with this person!”? If not, it’s time for new branded photos.

If you’re interested in learning more about my services, I’d love to learn more about you and share my ideas for how to help you stand out. Click here to get on my calendar, and let's get you some amazing images that allow you to move from a loud, crowded pool of people with the same message and image types to a stand-alone spotlight where people can easily find (and choose) you!