I HATE this photo of me, but hang on…it's given me record LIKES!
Vulnerability connects us far greater than success stories. I’ve seen it happen time over.
Do you agree?
I found this statement in my Linkedin/blog notes this morning. Written it down at some point. I have ideas on posts always in my notes and on my phone. All waiting for a 'moment in the sun'... or not. An idea that triggers an idea? When I am walking around. Nowhere in particular. Or in my car. Stuff pops into my head. 'That's a good idea for my LI', I think, and I will add it in. Then when I come to write, I will have a quick scroll through, pick one and make a start.
So,
People like you more if you show vulnerability?
Or, like you more if you are successful?
Or a bit of both?
I'm happy to admit that when I see other peoples success I am really made up for them, but what CONNECTS me the most is when they show something of themselves that is human; a ‘let your guard down’ moment when they reveal something more personal. This in being an imperfection.
So let's try it:-
1) I've had my best month ever this year. I've booked more clients on retainers and I've more shoots in my diary than ever before. In truth, 4 times the business than last year. I am on for a record year after 16 years in business as a branding photographer.
Or
2) I've had a great month but I really need to start pushing harder again. It's a difficult climate out there. Despite my ideal clients not really being that effected, I am finding that they are holding onto their money waiting for a shift in weather, a shift in sales for themselves before they commit to me. Are you finding the same?
Just examples.
Not true.
To best illustrate.
So which appeals the most to you? I bet it's the second one, but I am prepared to be proven wrong.
Don't you just like me a bit more for my vulnerability in statement two? For sharing a truth? For connecting by illustrating perhaps a common theme and thread that may resonate with many businesses during a difficult period in time? And I find that when you share something vulnerable with a branding photography client/connection, it will secure a bond that might last you a lifetime of business and friendship.
Just by sharing a little of yourself?
It's the same with professional photos.
We LOVE the truly shiny shots, where you look at the top of your game. These are made in beautiful places and you look stunning.
These are brand photographs in gorgeous locations and you look stunning. But if we are having a bad day these might leave us feeling resentful and inadequate. But what about the ones, taken somewhere more relevant to your business? Maybe the environment is the same as the more beautiful shots, but that brand image IS less showy and maybe you look a bit more just like YOU on a regular day?
Some of the most effective brand photos I've used have been the ones that I don't necessarily like. The ones that look like a ‘regular’ me.
And clients have told me the same. I didn’t particularly like that branding photo, but I got record likes on the post. Guess what? You just presented your target audience with a bit more of the real person behind the successful business founder! Showed up as more real, authentic, feet on the ground, you!
So have your 'days in the sun' shots, but use every photo your branding photographer has given you because they are ALL truthful and representative of you/your business and your brand.
They will ALL connect you, even/especially the ones you don't like.
Every part and side of your face is different. Some areas are better than others and why we feel we have ‘a good side’.. A side that shoots better. But they are ALL a part of the visual you.
If you feel that you NEED to have every photo of you looking beautiful what does that say to your clients about your vanities and insecurities?
So this photo of me, my big beak on profile, older neck, messy hair…who cares? It connects me just fine. It connects me better!
But,
These ARE the reasons that clients don’t take shoots…And it’s daft because we see you as you are in real life anyway.
I can make photos of you that you will really like, will surprise and delight you.
But I will also make branding images that are more natural that maybe you won’t like as much.
I advise to use them ALL.That way you illustrate a much more all rounded vision of you.
It is your call in what you select, post shoot.
And it is your call in what you feel comfortable about using.
When we learn to accept all facets of how we look, we find freedom and peace in branding representation online. And that’s when the real visual connection starts to begin with your target clients!
One thing I can guarantee you… the more you use branding photography online… the more you will like yourself visually. This also spills out into other parts of your life…
