In the April Issue:
In 2013 my corporate medical device job ended, and I found myself renting out my home, and answering the call to travel with my camera. I ended up on an unexpected journey travelling the world for the next 4.5 years.
Along the way, I was meeting fascinating individuals who were ‘digital nomads’, yoga instructors, business/life coaches and they were offering online courses, workshops, and programs. I realized that to gain the attention of their ideal clients…they had to be VISIBLE on social media, blogs, newsletters, marketing materials and podcasts.
The value of being SEEN allowed their clients to know, like, and trust them…and ultimately hire them. I realized there was a huge need for entrepreneurs to have personal brand photos so that people from all over the world would be able to relate to them, and find a sense of trust in what they were offering.
What exactly is personal brand photography?
Personal brand photography is a gallery of images of YOU, that showcase the many aspects of who you are, what you offer, what inspires you, and how you inspire others. These images help build an immediate sense of relatability, personability, and develop TRUST. As the saying goes ‘We only have one first impression’, and personal brand images portray that first impression.
An interesting fact is, internet readers pay closer attention to information with visuals, and spend more time viewing portraits of people connected to a brand vs. generic stock imagery, which gets ignored.
First and foremost, you, as a brand, want to show what your core ‘values’ are for your business. TRUST is a number one value that your ideal clients seek, and being seen for who you are, and what you offer, can instill a sense of trust before your clients even hire you.
The value of being SEEN goes much deeper than getting clients. New images show a professionalism, value in your business, sense of pride and build a level of confidence in who you are and who you are becoming. Personal brand photos are more than just pictures of what you look like…they portray a certain energy and emotion, and website visitors, social media audience and ideal clients are incredibly sensitive to the energy radiating from your images. They can tell within an instant if they would like to work with you or not.
Let’s use an example of Shannon, a writing coach: Her images show what she looks like on a physical level, they show she has written a lot of content to become a writing coach (all her journals). Her physical surroundings that inspire her, nature, personal quotes or belongings may relate to her ideal clients. The images of her working one on one, as well as group situations, allows the viewer to get a sense of what she offers…and you can see some of the process, the joy and frustrations that go into writing. All of Shannon’s images create an emotional and authentic connection and her clients will resonate.
So how does that look for you?
1. Create a ‘vision board’ of what we want the look, feel, energy, and essence of your images to be. I recommend using Pinterest, screen shots, or other people’s websites as inspiration. These images give your photographer an idea of how to create a similar look, but with a personalized and authentic touch, using your surroundings, inspirations and belongings and the energy you want to share.
2. List out what it is you offer your clients: coaching, 1:1, group, hands-on sessions, personalized care, behind the scenes work, podcasts/interviews, products, etc. What key messages do you talk about and how can each of these things be portrayed with a visual image?
3. What are your objectives for using the images and how ac tive will you be using them: Once in a while, monthly, weekly, daily? This will help determine the number of images you will need.
Impactful personal brand images magnetize your clients into taking action, because your images say ‘you are the best at what you do’. Financially, the return on investment for a personal brand session will be exponential, as you gain the trust and get hired to work with your clients.
Personal Brand images are a non-negotiable when you are face of your brand!
VISIBILITY + AUTHENTICITY = TRUST
MEET JENNIFER (JEN) MACNIVEN,
INTERNATIONAL PERSONAL BRAND AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRPAHER
Jennifer (Jen) MacNiven is an international personal brand and lifestyle photographer based out of Denver, CO, but loves to travel world-wide. She has been photographing people, moments and the details of life, professionally, for over 18 years and still finds so much joy in helping others be SEEN.
Jen is the author of Mind, Body, Soulmate (the unconventional healing journey to self-love and ultimately a soul mate) and how photography was a catalyst for the healing.
Jen loves all things ‘woo’ and esoteric, ecstatic dance, dark chocolate, hiking in nature, finding heart rocks, networking with like-minded entrepreneurs and teaching her myofascial yin yoga class. She lives with her boyfriend, Manny and is blessed to be considered a bonus-mom to his 3 teenage kids.
Find Jen HERE!
Read the full April issue of SHEcorporated Magazine HERE
