5 Top Tips to creating an impactful DIY headshot!

Is Your Profile Picture Lacking Impact? Here’s How to Fix It!

Your social media profile picture is one of the first things people see, and it can make or break your first impression. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does need to make you visible and approachable. Here are a few tips on improving your profile pic to ensure you stand out for the right reasons! 💡

1️⃣ Don’t Squint in the Sunlight! While outdoor photos are great for natural lighting, direct sunlight can lead to squinting and harsh shadows. The bright sunlight makes it hard to see the eyes and creates shadows on the face. To avoid this, try shooting in soft, diffused light (e.g., during golden hour, under a tree, or on a cloudy day). The light should highlight you, not distract from you.

Pro Tip: If you’re outside, face toward natural light, but not directly at the sun. Or take your shot in a shaded spot to avoid squinting!

2️⃣ Keep the Focus on You, Not the Background! Whilst things like a sunrise create a beautiful backdrop, the lighting can then be off, making the subject darker than the background. Ideally, you want your face to be the first thing someone notices, not the background or scenery. It’s okay if the background is blurred or subtle, as long as you are the focal point.

Pro Tip: Position yourself so that the light is balanced across your face, and avoid busy or distracting backgrounds.

3️⃣ Avoid Distractions! When we look at your picture, we want your face to be the first thing we see. If there are objects that don’t need to be there or logos that aren’t related to you, this can be distracting to the eye. Also think about this when choosing what to wear. Big patterns can be a no no if not right for your brand.

Pro Tip: Clean, simple backgrounds work best. Opt for a neutral background with no distractions so the focus remains on you.

4️⃣ Body Language Matters! When standing straight on to the camera, it can create a stiff, less engaging look. Turning your body slightly (about 30 degrees) can make a huge difference, it’ll make your pose more dynamic and visually interesting, while also giving off a professional yet approachable vibe. This small adjustment can elevate your overall profile pic!

Pro Tip: Place one foot slightly forward, angle your body to the side, and keep your shoulders relaxed to create a more engaging, confident look.

5️⃣ You Don’t Need Perfection . Just Visibility! It’s important to remember: your social media profile is about building trust, and that means being authentic.

If you want help with how to improve your profile picture, then pop me an email. I’d love to help and share more tips along the way. Not feeling comfortable taking selfies? Then I can also help you with that. Just click on the link below and sign up to my selfie challenge.

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Standing out in an online world of VAs!

When Hannah reached out for a professional headshot session, she already knew the value it could bring to her brand. She’d been following my work for a while, asking thoughtful questions and exploring the idea of a shoot. But one thing held her back: she didn’t like having her photo taken.

Hannah’s story is one I hear often. Many people know how important it is to have professional images for their business, but stepping in front of the camera can feel daunting. For Hannah, it was about facing that fear and embracing the opportunity to showcase her brand authentically.

The Planning Process

Before her shoot, we had an in-depth conversation about her business and her goals. We talked about:

• Where she wanted her business to go.

• Her ideal clients and how to reach them.

• How to showcase her fun, relatable side to help her audience feel that all-important “know, like, and trust” factor.

Hannah wanted her photos to reflect her personality, so we planned for a mix of professional portraits, action shots, and some fun, unique elements. For example, Hannah loves pink doughnuts as her go-to office treat and is mad about her cats. Including touches like these gave her photos a personal, authentic feel.

The Photoshoot Experience

On the day of the shoot, Hannah arrived feeling a little nervous – completely normal for anyone stepping in front of the camera! But as we started, her confidence grew. I guided her through each step, showing her the back of the camera along the way so she could see just how amazing she looked.

We captured a variety of images in just an hour, including:

• Professional business portraits that elevate her brand.

• Action shots of Hannah in her element, working with clients.

• Fun, personality-filled moments that highlight her love for pink doughnuts and her quirky, cat-loving side.

By the end of the session, Hannah was rocking it. She left not only excited to see her gallery but also proud of herself for stepping outside her comfort zone.

The Results

Hannah received 30 stunning images from her session – a versatile collection she can repurpose across her website, social media, and marketing materials. These photos don’t just showcase her business; they tell her story and connect her with her audience in a genuine, engaging way.

What started as a fear of being in front of the camera turned into an empowering experience. Hannah surprised herself with how amazing she looked and how much fun she had and was questioning her carer choices in Virtual Assistance and planning her new career as a model.

Your Turn

If you’ve been putting off a photoshoot because you’re not comfortable in front of the camera, take a page out of Hannah’s book. Professional photography isn’t just about looking good – it’s about creating a connection, building trust, and showcasing the unique personality behind your brand.

Let’s work together to create images that make you feel confident and excited to share your story. Ready to take the leap? Get in touch today!

“Lucy was fantastic, she helped me capture some really great moments for my brand portfolio and I can start marketing myself with beautiful photos. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone!”

— Hannah - HF Solutions

I ONLY NEED A FEW HEADSHOTS!

No, no you don’t. You need more than just a few headshots to truly make an impact on your brand.

Using stock images isn’t your brand! Don’t get me wrong, stock images have their place. They’re convenient, affordable, and can help fill in gaps when you’re just starting out. But relying on stock photos as the face of your business? That’s where things can go wrong.

Seeing a stock image that’s been used over and over by countless other businesses doesn’t make you memorable. In fact, it might even make your potential clients question your authenticity. If you’re serious about building a brand that resonates, connects, and converts, custom brand photography is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

Why Stock Photos Aren’t Enough

Stock photos lack you. They’re polished, professional, and sometimes even stunning, but they’re not unique to your business. Your brand is more than a collection of generic visuals; it’s a story. It’s your values, your personality, and the experience you offer.

When potential clients see a stock photo they recognize, it breaks their trust. They might think, “If they didn’t invest in showing me who they are, how much will they invest in helping me?”

Additionally, stock photos can make your brand look inconsistent. You might find a few images that fit your aesthetic, but they won’t align perfectly with your brand colors, tone, or message. Over time, this visual inconsistency can dilute your brand identity.

What Custom Brand Photography Brings to the Table

1. Authenticity
   People want to connect with real people. Custom brand photography showcases your team, your workspace, your products, and your unique personality. It builds trust and makes your business approachable.

2. Memorability
   A cohesive library of custom images ensures your brand is instantly recognizable. When your visuals are tailored to your business, they leave a lasting impression.

3. Professionalism
   Investing in high-quality brand photography signals that you’re serious about your business. It shows that you care about how you present yourself to the world, which in turn makes clients more likely to trust you.

4. Storytelling
   Great brand photography tells your story in a way words often can’t. From the warm smile of your team to the details of your product, these visuals communicate your values and mission in seconds.

Why “Just a Few Headshots” Won’t Cut It

Headshots are a great starting point, but they’re just that—a start. Your audience wants to see more. They want to see you in action, your workspace, and the behind-the-scenes moments that make your business unique.

Think about your website and social media. A single headshot can’t carry your About page, service pages, blog posts, and Instagram feed. You need a variety of images that work together to paint a complete picture of your brand. Take a look at the gallery that I’ve shared with you in this blog.

Elena from Pride Hair Studio based in Newton Poppleford just wanted a ‘few headshots’ and when I delivered this to her she was over the moon with the variety she now has for her content creation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still thinking, “I only need a few headshots,” please read the blog again and let it sink in. Stock photos can’t tell your story, and a handful of headshots won’t showcase the depth of your brand.

Investing in custom brand photography is one of the best ways to stand out in a crowded market. It’s not just about looking professional—it’s about being you. And when you let your audience see the real you, that’s when the magic happens.

So, let’s trade those stock images for something real. Your brand deserves it—and so do your clients.

What is Brand Photography and Why Your Business Needs It!

In today’s visually driven world, where social media, websites, and digital content reign supreme, the importance of high-quality imagery cannot be overstated. As businesses strive to stand out in an ever-crowded marketplace, brand photography has become an essential tool in creating a lasting and impactful identity. But what exactly is brand photography, and why does your business need it?

What is Brand Photography?

Brand photography is more than just snapping a few product shots or headshots. It’s a strategic approach to visual storytelling that captures the essence of your brand through images. It’s about conveying the personality, values, and unique characteristics of your business in a way that resonates with your target audience.

While product photography focuses on showing your products in detail, brand photography takes a broader approach. It’s designed to tell a story about your brand's mission, culture, and vision. These photos often include you in action, behind-the-scenes moments, lifestyle shots, and environmental images that reflect your brand’s personality and values. Ultimately, it’s about creating a visual language that aligns with your brand’s messaging and helps you connect emotionally with your audience.

Why Does Your Business Need Brand Photography?

Now that we understand what brand photography is, let’s explore why it’s such a valuable asset for your business:

1. Creates a Strong, Consistent Brand Identity

Consistency is key to building brand recognition and trust. Brand photography ensures that every visual element you share, whether on your website, social media, or marketing materials feels cohesive. High-quality, on-brand imagery reinforces your messaging and helps your audience immediately recognize your business, even if they haven’t interacted with you before. By using consistent colours, styles, and compositions, you can visually communicate your brand’s identity and create a memorable first impression.

2. Tells Your Brand’s Story

People connect with stories, not just products. With brand photography, you can tell the story of your brand in a way that words alone can’t achieve. Whether it’s showcasing the craftsmanship behind your product, the passion of your team, or the way you serve your customers, these images allow you to visually communicate your narrative. This is especially important in a world where consumers increasingly seek to buy from brands with a purpose or mission that aligns with their values.

3. Builds Trust and Credibility

In an age of misinformation and digital clutter, trust is one of the most valuable commodities a business can have. Authentic, high-quality brand photography helps establish credibility by humanising your business and showcasing its real-life elements. Whether it’s portraits of your team or behind-the-scenes shots of your workspace, showing the faces behind your brand fosters a sense of connection and transparency. It helps customers feel more confident in their decision to choose your product or service.

4. Enhances Your Online Presence

Your digital presence is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. A well-curated collection of brand photos elevates your website and social media accounts, making them more engaging and professional. From blog headers to Instagram posts, the right imagery can capture attention and increase the likelihood of engagement. With attention spans shrinking, compelling visuals are often what makes people stop scrolling or clicking.

5. Differentiates You from Competitors

The business landscape is crowded, and standing out is no easy feat. Brand photography gives you the opportunity to set yourself apart from competitors by showcasing what makes your business unique. Instead of relying on generic stock images, brand photos allow you to present an authentic and distinctive visual identity. This gives potential customers a reason to choose your brand over others, as they feel they have a genuine connection with your business.

6. Increases Conversions and Sales

Studies have shown that consumers are more likely to purchase from brands that feature high-quality imagery. The right photos can drive conversions by making your product or service more desirable. For example, lifestyle shots of your product in use help potential customers envision themselves using it, which can increase the likelihood of them making a purchase. Photos that convey a sense of trust, quality, and care make your offering feel more appealing and valuable.

7. Supports Marketing and Advertising Campaigns

Brand photography plays a crucial role in supporting your marketing and advertising strategies. Whether you’re running ads on social media, creating email campaigns, or designing print materials, having a bank of high-quality, brand-consistent images to pull from makes these campaigns more effective. It ensures that every touchpoint reflects your brand's message and resonates with your target audience.

How to Get Started with Brand Photography

Now that you understand why brand photography is important, it’s time to start planning your own visual strategy. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Define Your Brand Identity: Before you dive into photography, take time to define what your brand stands for. What are your core values? What tone do you want to convey? Who is your target audience? The answers to these questions will guide the style and content of your brand photos.

2. Work with a Professional Photographer: While DIY photography can work in some cases, working with a professional photographer (like me) who specialises in brand imagery can elevate your visuals and ensure they align with your goals. A skilled photographer will know how to capture your brand’s essence, choose the right lighting, and produce photos that fit your aesthetic.

3. Create a Photo Strategy: Think about the types of images you need to represent your brand. Do you need lifestyle photos, product shots, team portraits, or behind-the-scenes images? Plan out a photo shoot that covers all the angles and tells a comprehensive story about your brand.

4. Consistency is Key: Make sure your brand photography is used consistently across all your marketing channels. This includes your website, social media, email campaigns, and advertisements. Consistency will help reinforce your brand identity and make your business easily recognisable.

Final Thoughts

In today’s competitive business environment, investing in brand photography is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. High-quality, authentic images allow you to differentiate your business, build trust with your audience, and create a lasting emotional connection. By telling your brand’s story visually, you’ll ensure that your business stands out in a sea of competitors and keeps customers coming back for more.

If you haven’t yet explored the power of brand photography, now is the time to start. It could be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential.

Do you already have brand photos for your business? How have they helped shape your brand identity? Let us know in the comments below!