Brand You: 7 Tips to a Great On-line Profile Picture

By: Rochelle Moulton

Every single time a potential client, employer, alliance partner (or any human being) “meets” you on-line, they will make a snap judgment about you from your photo(s).

What do yours say about you? Go ahead, take a look across your social media and websites, I’ll wait.

The verdict? If it’s anything but “yep, that’s how I want my audience to experience me” then it is time to rock some new photos.

Before you call your pal with a Nikon, know that taking great photos is an art form. And to get great art, you’ve got to pick the right artist AND give them the tools and inspiration to do their best work for you. Here are some tips to get a great photo.

1. Have a vision. Be able to articulate what you most want to evoke in your photos. What’s your personal brand? Creative? Brainiac? A people-connector? A digital master? Write down all the words you can think of that describe you. Then start narrowing down the list to no more than five. Keep those words in your head as you review portfolios in your search for the right photographer.

2. Do your homework. Your best bet to engage a great photographer is through referral. Who do you know with a great photo? Ask them for names. Peruse the photog’s sites and see whose shots you like best. Read their blogs to get a sense of their personalities. Pick at least two favorites and interview them by phone to test your chemistry.

3. Choose wisely. Share your vision with your favorites. Tell them about your work and how/where you’ll use the photos. Ask questions. How will you work with me to get the best shots? Will we be in your studio or do you recommend an outdoor shoot? Will you arrange hair and/or make-up artists for me and how much will it cost? Get all terms in writing. Make sure they are engaging and asking you questions too. The right photographer will want to know your vision and how to make you look your best.

4. Invest in a professional stylist. The experienced stylist will ask pointed questions about your brand, your style and how you’ll use the photos. For a few hundred bucks (or less), they’ll then go through your closet and pull 3-5 outfits that will work on camera, including accessories (scarves, jewelry, shoes). Or, they may take you shopping to give you more options.

5. Primping matters. Don’t even think about dropping serious money for a photo shoot without hiring a hair/makeup artist. Not only will the right artist make you look and feel terrific as you start the shoot, they will fuss to make sure you continue to look exactly right. Talk to them well in advance about your vision and ensure they are willing to make you look like, well, you. The goal is to enhance your natural appeal on camera, not cover it up with over-the-top hair or makeup.

6. Channel your inner supermodel. Really. Bring at least 3-5 changes of clothes AND accessories. You’ll want multiple options, especially if you’ll be outdoors. You and your photographer can experiment with various combinations. Be creative—bold jewelry and color can photograph well. Trust your photographer and follow their direction on movement—sometimes the best shots come from what feels unnatural. Be absorbed in the moment and you just might surprise yourself.

7. Take a page from actors. Ever wonder how actors can laugh and cry on command? Try using their sense memory technique during your shoot. To keep a genuine smile, think about a time, a place, a song that made you truly happy and imagine yourself there. Don’t believe it? Try it in the mirror and see the difference.

Remember, the goal is a photo that demonstrates what’s real and fabulous about you. Spend the extra dough to hire the perfect team who will make it happen. You won’t regret it.

Rochelle Moulton is a Consultant, Coach, Speaker and Shoe Maven. She helps her clients build emotionally compelling brands that expand their reach, influence and revenue. Connect with her at RochelleMoulton.com, follow her on Twitter @ConsultingChick and find her on Facebook.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

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