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Ongoing new projects and helpful Branding Photography Tips
Do you ever get completely overwhelmed by trying to do or offer too much in your business? Too many services, too many choices, trying to do all-the-things? You know, that feeling of trying to juggle all the balls and knowing that deep down you aren’t actually able to give your 100% all the time as there is just too much going on?
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The branding of your business can ultimately determine the success of your business, as an authentic and consistent brand creates credibility and trust, and of course strong consumer awareness of your business. Even if the product or service your business offers is perfected 100%, that all means nada if you have weak (or non-existent) branding.
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Photo shoot planning may seem like a pretty straightforward process to some – get your hair done, slap on a schmick outfit, roll up to the location and start smiling while the camera clicks away. However, it most certainly is not always as simple as that! If you are planning a branding photoshoot in particular, there are many considerations to make in the lead up to your day to ensure your photoshoot runs as smoothly as possible…
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You had this great business idea and spent months (or even years?!) doing all the behind the scenes nitty gritty stuff. You know, things like choosing a name, designing a logo, creating business cards, setting up social media handles… and the list goes. But did you spend any time thinking about the ‘image’ (pardon the pun) you want to project of your brand to your customers?
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As a photographer, I often hear clients commenting on how awkward they feel in front of the camera and how much they hate having their photos taken.
Believe it or not, I myself struggle with this same concept, so never fear - it isn’t just you! I know how awkward it can feel when you're standing there, trying to look happy or faking a smile and it feels as though the whole world is staring at you.
I thought I would share with you some helpful tips on how to make you feel more confident in front of that camera so you feel like a movie star next time you need to be staring straight into a camera.
1. Get to Know your Photographer
Like with many other service driven professions, you need to be able to connect with your photographer in order to feel relaxed at your shoot. Spend some time checking out your photographer’s websites and social media accounts so you get a feel for the style and vibe of their work and personality. I love to meet my personal & business branding clients one-on-one for a pre-shoot consultation so we can get through any awkwardness or determine potential personality clashes prior to committing to work together. If you do not ‘click’ with your photographer upon a short meeting, then maybe it is worth considering someone else for the job!
2. Know Your Best Angle
As silly as it may sound, standing in front of a mirror and taking some time to see what angles you prefer on your body is actually not a bad concept! BUT please . . . no selfie poses! (Though this may be a good way to practice your smile). Of course, as a photographer it is my job to help guide you into favourable poses, but it will help you to feel more confident if you have a bit of an idea of how you would like to look!
3. Be Enriched By Light
Have you ever wondered why natural light photographers always go on and on about the late afternoon and early evening light? (And is the very reason why my business is called Enriched By Light Photography). To some it might seem strange that we book a photoshoot for the latest part of the day, but in actual fact, the late afternoon sun as it is setting, becomes far more flattering and soft. You should avoid having your photos taken in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest as this creates unflattering and harsh shadows on your face or my personal hate, squinty eyes. Stick to the beautiful and much loved “golden hour’ and the results will speak for themselves, boosting your confidence through the roof when you see the images.
4. Wear A Comfortable Outfit
There is nothing worse than feeling intimidated in front of a camera and worrying how uncomfortable your brand new jeans are feeling! It is best you stick to wearing an outfit that you love and feel quietly confident and comfortable in as this will boost your confidence and will naturally shine through to your images.
5. Forget About Your Surroundings
During your photoshoot, it is very easy to let ourselves get distracted with our surroundings & think of silly thoughts like ‘Wonder what that that guy thinks of my pose?’ In reality though, I promise you that most of the time people don't even notice or more importantly, do not care. Let your photographer guide you through any shyness and don’t be embarrassed or apologise for your lack of knowledge. That is what the photographer is there to help you with! So trust them! Try to forget about the rest of the world and enjoy your photoshoot.
6. Make Sure You Have Fun
As with my previous point, it is a key requirement of mine that my clients have fun and enjoy their shoot. When I photograph my clients, I do my best to keep the mood light and entertaining and have ways of making people laugh throughout their time with me. And its the natural unforced smiles and laughter that create the most stunning portraits. I see it time and time again, the best shots are those captured right towards the end of a photoshoot as the more you relax and let yourself go, the more fun you have and the more confident you feel, which in turn means more beautiful photos.
7. Pinterest That Pose
OK, I admit it, up until about 12 months ago, I didn’t even know about Pinterest (shakes had shamefully)! BUT, now it is a powerful tool I use to help plan my photoshoots and to provide a mood board and inspiration for my clients. It is also a great way to ensure that my clients and I are on the same page as far as their photoshoot is concerned. Searching for ideas for poses is a great way you can boost your confidence for your shoot - believe me, you are NOT the only one who does not know what to do with their arms . . . hands . . . feet! Look at what other people are doing which appeals to your style and take inspiration from them for your own poses. THEN . . . get in front of a mirror and try them out before the shoot!
Hopefully you have found these tips really useful and will be able to use some of them as a guide to improved confidence for your next personal branding photoshoot.
If you would love to work or connect with me, I would love to chat with you here.
Stay In Focus
Ania
xx
