4 Ways To Personalize Your Brand Photos
make it personal
Brand awareness and recognition takes time. And, let’s be honest, there is no shortage of information, how-to’s and webinars on the topic.
#overwhelming
But what if I told you there is one critical thing that all successful brands do [and do well] that helps them build organic and genuine brand reputation? Would you do it?
Are you ready for this groundbreaking insight? Keep scrolling!
You’ve got to let people into your life outside of your profession.
This may seem counterintuitive because, after all, you want to be seen as a “professional”. I get that and there are definitely boundaries that need to be drawn between you and your clients. But more and more, people value getting to know the people and stories behind the business - and I urge you to let them in!
Odds are, there are a thousand professionals that do the exact same thing that you do in your metro area. The competition is fierce out there. So, what are you going to do about it?
A well-designed website with quality brand photos is an essential first step. But more importantly, you have to connect with your potential customers. And letting folks into the “behind the scenes” through branded imagery is a great way to do just that.
Read on for 4 ways to personalize your brand photos below.
Invite Your Family
Not everyone is comfortable including their partner or children in their brand photos, and that’s totally okay. For those that are open to this, it’s a great way to show off the “why” behind your business. Seeing images of you with your family helps them connect on a deeper level to your business (and personal) mission, vision, and goals. Your partner and/or child(ren) shouldn’t be in the majority of your brand photos, but adding them into a few allows customers to get to know the names and faces of the people who keep you grounded and pushing forward.
Include Your pets
Nothing stops a scroll in its tracks faster than an adorable furbaby. If you have pets, your brand photos are a great place to introduce them to your audience. I mean, they are part of your family after all! Love for our furry family members is a universal way to connect with others and can be a great conversation starter.
Show Off Your Passions
Outside of your business and family, what do you enjoy doing? Are you a master cocktail maker, training for your first marathon, die-hard Lakers fan, or a bookworm? Let’s include some photos of these passions and highlight what’s important to you outside of your career. I love showing people that I’m more than just a professional photographer, that I take time off, and that I have passions that don’t involve a camera. Show them that you’re a human who values spending time focusing on other interests. After all, no one wants to hire a stressed-out professional who hasn’t had a day off in 3 months.
Photograph at Your Favorite Places
Do you love the beach? Do you have a green thumb and a gorgeous garden? Or maybe a favorite coffee shop that has hosted many of your business brainstorming sessions? Let’s shoot some brand photos there! These sentimental locations add variety and a personable flair to the images you’re going to show to your audience - and it’s a very smart way to foster a connection.
If you’re still not convinced that your brand photos should incorporate personal aspects of your life, I encourage you to think about the brands and social feeds you *love*. What is it about them that keeps you coming back to learn/buy/sign up for more? What is their secret sauce? I can almost guarantee that it involves a level of personal connection with that brand.
Are you ready to think outside the box in regards to your branding session? Let’s chat about what personalization means to you. Contact me here.