Branding Photography: How to Look Good in Photos
You want to look amazing in your photos. But here is the thing: You are a coach, entrepreneur, business owner in Seattle in need of personal branding photography for your website and social media platforms, but you’re NOT A MODEL.
You know you need those branding photos to take your business to the next level but secretly you’re dreading a photo shoot because you think you think you are not “photogenic".
I get it. And you are certainly not alone.
Professional branding photography: Stop making excuses
Here is what I hear from my clients why they waited for too long to get a fresh set of professional lifestyle shots taken:
I never look good in pictures
I want to lose 10, 20, or 30 pounds before I get professional photos done
I always look like I have a double chin
I don’t know what to wear
I feel self-conscious and awkward in front of a camera
Sounds familiar?
What an experienced branding photographer can help you with
The truth is, it is not about being photogenic or about being pretty according to the current pop culture standard. It is about being yourself on camera and looking good while doing it. It is about projecting an image that is consistent with your brand.
(If you aren’t sure yet about the vibe of your brand -read HERE about how to define your brand)
Looking good on camera is not so much a natural talent as a learned skill. This is something an experienced photographer can help you with. You might even want to practice for your own branding photos.
Start with these 7 hacks for how to look good photos
1.Get moving and embrace your uniqueness
Dancing, jumping, swinging your arms will loosen you up instantly. You can’t help but smile naturally with all the fun you are having. You will feel the confidence to show off your freckles, your curves, your cute smile lines – what make you YOU.
And that’s exactly what you want to capture in your personal branding photos.
(Another way to bring out your personality is props. Read HERE on how important props are for your branding photo shoot.
2.A straight and relaxed Pose
The first step is to stand up straight and tall, engage your abdominal muscles and lift your head like a string is pulling on the top of your head. Then bring your shoulders back and relax. That way you will look tall and lean in your branding photos.
Now shift your weight to your back leg and move the other leg towards the camera. Women, if you want some curve in the photos, pop the back hip out just a little.
(Learn HERE, what the Must-Have-Images are that you need to nail your branding photo-shoot)
3. Which clothes make me look good in photos?
The most important rule is: wear whatever makes you feel most confident. If that leaves you with a couple of choices, go for the fitted outfit in a solid color. For women, a slim – fitted dress is always a winner for a professional lifestyle photo shoot.
For men it is equally important to wear clothes that fit well. Shoulders that are too wide, very loose shirts, sleeves that are too long will throw off your whole look.
Interesting materials like a shiny blouse or a cashmere sweater add some extra interest.
Accessorize with a statement piece – a necklace, a bold tie, a beautiful watch or bracelet to give your look add some extra personality. You will be amazed at how good you look in photos.
4.That intense look in her eyes?
Do you know the way some people look at you in a photo, the look where you can literally feel their energy ? May well be that they are practicing the “squinch”. The word “squinch” is a portmanteau of “squinting “and “pinching” and that is exactly what you do.
To practice the look, close your eyes in a squint ….. and then open them again while keeping your lower eyelids engaged, slightly pinching them. Try it – done right it can look really good in photos and bring that extra intensity to your personal branding photography.
5. Firming up the Jawline - instantly
Are you concerned about how the area under your chin is looking ? Don’t worry! Just move your forehead a little towards the camera like a turtle and tilt your chin down slightly.
Just that one move alone will instantly firm up the area under your chin and bring out your jaw line. Start practicing in the mirror now and by the time your branding photo shoot rolls around comes up this move won’t feel strange any more.
6. Bending your limbs looks good in photos
Movement in your limbs elongate the body and gives images that loose and a relaxed look that you often see in lifestyle shots. Try bending your joints wherever they will bend: knees, wrists, elbows. Create triangles to separate your arms from your body.
7. It’s all about practice
As you see, looking good in photos is not so much about being “naturally photogenic” but about knowing how to move and position your body in front of the camera. And that is a skill that can be learned.
Professional branding photographers will of course work with their clients to figure out in which positions and from what angle they look best.
(Get a glimpse HERE on how I work with clients to discover their best looks)
Do you have is side of the face you prefer? Get in front of a mirror or take some test shots yourself. For best results use the time release function on your phone.
Have some fun trying out different outfits and practice striking a couple of poses. Using these hacks you will look gorgeous in your next personal branding shoot.
I’m Oriana von Specht, a published personal brand photographer and strategist in the Seattle area.
I love working with coaches, entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them to push past their fears of being seen, and teaching them how to create the photos and brand of their dreams.
My mission is to give you an online image makeover that boosts your confidence—and your goals!
Contact me at
oriana@purplesquidphotography.com
to make your vision a reality.
