What Makes You Unique (And How to Capture That in Your Next Headshot)
Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - Yedda Stancil shows off her fun and playful side sitting on a cool European car.
I’m sure you’ve been hearing about “branded” professional photos. This is not a new concept, but in the past few years, what’s “acceptable” or “expected” in a headshot has changed. People are more and more creative, and their photos have begun to be more about expressing who they are than making sure they fit into some sort of “professional photo” mold.
As a branding photographer, I love this trend, not only because it makes the photos I capture with my clients more interesting but because it allows my clients to truly show who they are through their photos. Here are a few tips for ensuring your next photo is a window into your personality.
Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - Resumes by Anne uses a typewriter as her logo.
Include A Reference To A Hobby or Interest
This is one of the easiest ways to make your branded photos truly about your personal brand. I do a lot of corporate photo shoots, and for many years those photos were expected to be more conservative, buttoned up, and pretty much the same (same pose, same basic “outfit,” etc.). In the past few years, even corporations have been encouraging their executives to infuse their own personalities into their headshots, posing with basketballs, and bicycles, while wearing more casual clothing and accessories.
People want to know they’re working with a real person when they hire you, and your hobbies give them a glimpse into who you are.
Kim Brundage Photography 2021 - Looking off camera, laughing makes it easy to smile!
Don’t Just Smile…Laugh Out Loud!
Scroll through LinkedIn profiles on any given day and you’ll notice that nice pictures of people “smiling for the camera” are the standard. There’s nothing wrong with that type of photo, but if you’re a naturally gregarious person, a photo of you actually laughing in a moment of pure joy will catch someone’s eye faster than 10 photos of you simply smiling. Again, this type of photo feels more authentic and tends to attract people to you.
Let Your Pet Shine
I’m not an animal photographer by any means, but I love it when clients include a pet for part of their photo shoot. Generally the pets I photograph are dogs, but if you have a very well behaved cat or even a bird or bunny, bring them along and we’ll incorporate them into a few photos.
Our pets tend to make us feel comfortable and relaxed, and I find that photos that include a pet make for some of the best photos I take of a client.
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!