A simple ‘power pose’, do you know what it is? Are you using it?
It is achieved with direct eye contact and just a simple smile, but is it so simple? So many female business leaders still get this wrong.
You need to demonstrate strong body language. But the head has to be correct otherwise it’s takes the power and glory from an otherwise brilliant branding photograph.
So what is it and why should you bother?
WHAT
It is that ‘straight to camera’ branding photograph where you look out at your target clients and you smile broadly. It’s confident, challenging but in a friendly and positive way.
WHY
You use this shot when you want to speak directly to your audience, provide information, ask them a question, invite them on a work shop or podcast, etc. It makes strong impact for you here. It is a key part of every branding photo shoot.
Direct eye contact = Direct message
Where you use it:-.
A CTA, (Call to Action) blog.
‘Interested in attending my workshop on XYZ’?
‘I’m running a podcast, click here if you wish to attend’, etc.
A direct question to your audience,
‘This morning XYZ happened, what do you think?
‘Has this ever happened to you?
A strong statement
‘I was totally blown away by todays training group’
‘XYZ, she was awesome, she delivered on target this month’.
‘I’ve just undertaken the most amazing coaching session!’
So ok here’s how we do it on your photo shoot:-
Strong body language. Shoulders should be relaxed and lower.
Standing straight up, with your back slightly arched, tall and powerful.
Leaning very slightly forward; ‘leaning in’ to your ideal client.
Smiling widely and with confidence.
Eyes should be bright and strong/determined, but friendly.
Ensure you look straight through the lens and NOT above it. It is not enough to face the camera, you should look through the lens.That way you will look out at your clients.
And most importantly the head is straight up and not tilted to one side.
This is the most important part and often is the part that can be innaccurate on a brand shoot.
As women, in general terms, we often hold our head on one side as we listen. It can be a learned default position but, it can take your power! Your head position should be straight up and not tilted to one side. It's a power pose because of the body language! A head tilt can signify empathy but can be also be seen as passive. I will argue a slight head tilt will still work (something us women do more than men) provided the rest of the body language is strong ; ie coupled with leaning forward and strong direct eye contact. Any good branding photographer should correct this.
I will always correct a head tilt position to straight up on a branding photoshoot. Powerful leaders who are truly confident will do this automatically and without prompt, women and men.
Kate Gathard, HR wing woman, (pictured above) has totally nailed it. Kate works mainly from home (and is photographed in her home office space) and not a corporate office. Kate has a mix of clients including more traditional corporate clients.
Wearing a jacket in a home office adds strength and formality to a softer work frame. It signals the right message to potential other corporate clients. It makes Kate look more commercial and powerful in her branding photography and in her brand message to clients.