When you first start a new business you have costs coming out of your ears. Equipment, software, laptops, a new website and whatever else you need for your sector or industry. You create a website, set up social media accounts, and start promoting yourself online. But when it comes to photos, we often decide that we can do this ourselves. A selfie, a couple of shots you took of your team, your project, your work space. However, today I will talk a bit about why having professional photos taken will be a better idea. Why you should invest in brand photos, and what this will do for your business.
Invest in brand photos; why this is a good idea
Like most new entrepreneurs, I used photos for my marketing that I already had, and I also took some selfies and self portraits taken on my smartphone with a timer. They looked pretty good, I thought. I used them on my socials, and on my website. But when starting to become more aware of what my peers were doing, and how they showed up online, I started having doubts. The quality of my own photos just didn’t cut it.
I mean… I now crack up when I see this photo. What do we need? Oh, a laptop of course! And try and look natural!!
My own attempt in 2020…
This is what my first brand photos looked like at the start of 2021, so much better!
Other online business coaches looked way more professional than I did. Their head shots were great, their photos were so beautiful. The lighting, the composition, everything. That is what I wanted too! Luckily I had a friend who was specialised in taking brand photos, and so I asked her to take some for me. Because I was only just beginning, and also needed testimonials, I offered to do a swap: I became her business coach her for six weeks, and she took my photos. We did a deal, which felt in balance, and we both got what we needed at that moment.
A photographer can capture your essence
Those first brand photos were amazing. They didn’t just look very professional, they were of superb quality, and really elevated my brand. Suddenly my website looked the part! And not only that, it did wonders for my self confidence. “Wow”, I thought, “I look so professional”. I now felt proud to become more visible online, showing off those gorgeous photos.
Photoshoot 2021
However, looking back at that first shoot ever, I can see the enormous transformation I have made as an entrepreneur and online coach over the past 3.5 years. Back then, I still wanted to come across as a ‘business coach’, looking all pro with a blazer on, and a bit like all the other online coaches. Cup of coffee on the desk, laptop beside me. I thought people wouldn’t take me seriously if I was showing too much of my silly side. After all I was still finding my feet in the online coaching sphere, and the imposter syndrome was playing havoc.
When I contacted my photographer again recently to do a new shoot, she suggested to do something else. “Nina”, she said, “I think we need to see more of the real ‘you’. Let’s show more of your fun, laid-back side this time!”
So we spent a morning outside, in Valencia, took photos outdoors (again, different from last time), and I even brought out my guitar. Can you see the difference in how I felt 3.5 years ago, as supposed to now? Yes, fearless, and grownup.
Photoshoot 2024
Left: 2021, right 2024
Left: photo shoot 2021, Right 2024
Photoshoot 2024
Showing the real ‘me’ in brand photos
Now, why would you want to show so much of your personality and ‘fun’ side in professional photos? When you are a solopreneur, the business is all about YOU. Especially when you are an course provider, or a coach, people want to know who you are before they trust you. After all, they will be investing in you. If you offer coaching services, your clients want to feel a ‘click’ even before they book the call. Brand photos are a great way to bridge that gap, and attract your ideal client.
So when my photographer suggested trying something new, I felt she was right. No more trying to look like everyone else, but instead bringing out more of my character, my sense of humour, my quirky side. Because that is who I am. I’m not a stuffy run-of-the-mill business coach. I am a creative. But this realisation only came after a few years of being a coach online. You got to learn, see, have your own light bulb moments and insights.
It was all about finding my voice, my unique way of coaching, and feeling confident in expressing my personality more as an entrepreneur and coach. Not trying to look like all the others, but embodying the real me. A creative at heart, positive and fun, grounded and grown up but still not taking myself too seriously either. Joyful and authentic.
Invest in brand photos, you won’t regret it
Brand photos really help you to step into entrepreneurship and feeling confident. They don’t just look good, they lift your whole being online, and how you feel as a business owner.
If you want to invest in anything this year, get some professional photos taken! ♥️♥️♥️
If you are in Spain, I thoroughly recommend Alex Baker as a brand photographer. She’s the best. Alex Baker Images
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New photos is something I definitely need to prioritise but I always feel cringe doing it haha. As a musician I know great photos are key to promotion, and I’ve done so many shoots for that. But I’ve never done it as a writer. Think I need to spend some time planning a shoot and investing into it!