So you’ve done the brave thing of saying yes to starting a personal brand business. You’ve decided to start sharing your expertise, skillset, and passion with the world. So jazzed you did! Our world needs your voice and story. But starting a business comes with an intimidating to-do list from legal formations to figuring out contracts to managing finances to building a website…the list seems as long as the list of my favorite snacks (oh hey truffle oil popcorn!) You already know photos are important for building out your website and social media presence, but how important is personal brand photography?

We’re glad you asked!

As we’ve collaborated with entrepreneurs in all stages of the business journey, we’ve seen these reasons of importance for personal branding photos prove true over and over:

1. First Impression

You know how at a party you may meet someone and get the impression, “I know I just met her for a few minutes, but we clicked” or even the opposite, “I am getting a weird vibe from her.” In our global world, the internet is that party. So consultants, coaches, stylists, attorneys, entrepreneurs, and educators – basically any professional who shows up online – need to be mindful of the first impression they make. A personal brand strategically communicates who you are, who you serve, what you do, and why it matters to your ideal audience. Your personal brand photos communicate it within seconds. Before someone can read your bio or service page, their mind will be taking in your visuals. What impression do you want your visuals to make?

2. Individuality

Because your audience has the whole world of service providers to choose from, your personal brand photography is so important. Your imagery can help them make informed choices on how you are aligned with who they are and how you can uniquely meet their needs. If they did a side-by-side comparison with your services and those of a similar service provider and the deliverables and price were the same, how you do the work you do is your special sauce. Personal brand photos can be tailored to the unique aspects, values, and interests that make you you.

3. Relationship Building

Most potential clients who come across your business don’t make a purchase decision at the first interaction. For personal brands, clients will often come in through a lead magnet that relates to their service in exchange for that potential client’s email. You then continue to nurture that relationship, continually showcasing your value and expertise in a relatable way so that when the time comes and the client has the resources of time and budget to hire, you are top of mind. Your potential clients don’t hire a business, they hire a person. If you don’t get the chance to meet your clients in real life, how can we show them the human side of who you are? Besides social proof (testimonials, case studies, etc.), your photos can show your relatability and values.

4. Empowerment

Personal Brand Photos can also be self-care. In an entrepreneurial journey that can be filled with imposter syndrome, collaborating on a creative project that highlights your strength can remind you that YOU. A. BADDIE! (How the youth say you’re the best!) Hello, you are brave and an expert and can serve your audience well in such a unique way. We need to celebrate that. And as a photo subject, you’ll be on the receiving end of service. With our studio, it’s our priority that you finish your shoot with your chin held high, energized, and inspired to continue leading your business.

At ComePlum our signature approach coaches entrepreneurs to clearly articulate their unique value proposition and then creative directs a fully-produced personal brand photoshoot to deliver imagery that cohesively communicates their services in a captivating way.

Are there other important reasons or ways that you’ve used your personal brand photos? Let us know in the comments!

Also, thanks to inspiring creative Lilibeth of SoulDoodles for allowing us to collaborate and direct her personal brand photos!

P.S. Wondering the best way to use your personal brand photos? Check out how to turn your gallery photos into online content – here!

What Is A Personal Branding Session, Why Is Personal Brand Photography So Important, How Much Does Branding Photography Cost, Identity Photography, SF Bay Area Branding Photographer, Entrepreneur Photography San Francisco, Photography Branding Guide, How To I Brand My Photos, Creative Women In Business, How Do I Brand Myself As A Woman, Female Empowerment Photos, Female Empowerment Images, Female Empowerment Photographer, Female Body Branding, Headshots For Websites, Website Headshots, Website Branding Images, Taking Headshots For Website, California Branding Photographer, CA Branding Photography, San Francisco Business Photographer, Marin County Business Photographer, Bay Area Business Photographer, Personal Website Photographer, Branding For Female Entrepreneurs, How Do I Brand Myself As A Woman, How Do You Brand Yourself As An Entrepreneur