A Few Reasons Why to Get a Branding Photoshoot
A personal branding photoshoot is a powerful tool for those looking to establish and promote their brand. In today's digital age, where personal and professional identities often merge online, the importance of a personal branding photoshoot cannot be overstated. Here are several key reasons why it's crucial:
First Impressions: Your online presence is often the first impression people have of you, whether it's on social media, your website, or professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. High-quality, professionally taken photos can help you make a positive and memorable first impression.
Authenticity: Personal branding photoshoots allow you to showcase your true personality, values, and passions. Authenticity is highly valued by audiences today, and your photos should reflect who you genuinely are.
Consistency: A personal branding photoshoot ensures that you have a consistent and cohesive visual identity across all your online and offline platforms. Consistency builds trust and recognition with your audience.
Professionalism: High-quality photos convey professionalism. Whether you're an entrepreneur, job seeker, or a professional in any field, having professional photos can give you a competitive edge.
Storytelling: Photos can tell a story and evoke emotions. They can communicate your journey, experiences, and aspirations, helping you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
Versatility: Personal branding photos can be used across various channels and purposes, such as social media profiles, website banners, email signatures, and marketing materials. This versatility maximizes the value of the photoshoot.
Brand Recognition: Over time, consistent personal branding photos help people recognize you and associate you with your brand. This recognition can lead to more opportunities and networking connections.
Engagement: High-quality photos are more likely to engage your audience. Visual content tends to receive more likes, shares, and comments on social media, which can boost your online visibility.
Confidence: Knowing that you have professional photos that represent you well can boost your self-confidence, whether you're promoting yourself for career advancement or personal goals.
Competitive Advantage: In competitive industries, having a well-crafted personal brand that includes professional photos can set you apart from others with similar qualifications or skills.
Adaptability: As your personal brand evolves, your photos can be updated to reflect these changes, ensuring that your brand remains current and relevant.
Memorability: Memorable photos can help you stand out in the minds of potential clients, employers, or collaborators. They can leave a lasting impression that makes people more likely to remember and reach out to you.
In conclusion, a personal branding photoshoot is a strategic investment in your online and offline presence. It helps you convey your identity, values, and professionalism to your target audience effectively. In today's highly competitive and visually-oriented world, personal branding is essential for personal and professional success, and quality photos play a significant role in this branding process.
It's Not Just For The Money
I’ve been asked by new entrepreneurs, why do I donate my sessions and packages to non-profits. This is true in the case of silent auctions as well as on-going support for specific local non-profits that are very special to me. In addition, I am a volunteer Board Member for a local non-profit as well.
Specifically they ask “how can I afford to donate so much of my time and talent and for FREE?”
Well, let me tell you. Thank you to my PAYING clients because that enables me not just to support myself and my family. My photography business of 23 years is not a hobby. Many people who have full-time employment by large corporations may not realize how expensive it is to be an entrepreneur. All they think is how lucky we are to make our own schedule and do a job we truly love. And yes, that is all true. However, there’s the cost of equipment, insurance, licenses, software, advertising, rent, and oh yes, don’t forget TAXES!
Each year I donate to many local non-profits in many ways. Silent auctions for local education organizations, family portraits and headshots for Shepherds Gate helping women and children suffering from homelessness, addiction and domestic violence, serves as an Ambassador for the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, Volunteer Board Member of Tri-Valley Reach helping adults with IDD live in independent communities, and a volunteer photographer for Portraits for Patriots giving free headshots to transitioning military who have served our country. Just to name a few!
Very often, silent auction bidding is below actual cost. And yet, I still do them. Why? Well it is in hopes that the recipients of these auctions see the immense value I offer and support me. Whether you are a full-paying client or auction winner, I take the same amount of time and effort to deliver an exceptional experience and product for each and every client.
Do I hope they appreciate my generosity for the time and value they receive? Of course, however, I would be lying if I said that I haven’t been taken advantage of. Perhaps it’s simply they aren’t educated to understand that small business owners give to non-profits NOT for the accolades and exposure to their business, but because they truly care about giving back to their community.
In my opinion, it is the responsibility of a local business to support their local community. And it doesn’t necessarily have to mean giving out services or products for free. It could be simply sharing your time and gifts for the benefits of others and those in need.
What's the best color to wear for headshots?
This is the number one question we get asked. It’s easier for me to tell you what NOT to wear versus what TO wear.
Stay away from white, off-white and beige.
If you love the color black, make sure your black top is a fresh black - not faded and definitely freshly laundered and free from lint.
Most often, the color I recommend is navy for business and corporate headshots. Navy looks great on all skintones.
If you want specific help, I’d love to chat with you. After you book your session, we can set up a zoom call to go over your options.
Where can I get a quick headshot?
Do you have a new job and your boss is asking for a professional headshot?
Are you job hunting and want a LinkedIn profile photo that stops them scrolling?
Or maybe you just don’t have the budget for a full session but know that you need something NEW!
Click below to get all the details of our Express Headshot Sessions - when you need one great headshot for social media such as LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.
How to feel comfortable in front of the camera
Almost every single person who comes into the studio says “I really hate having my picture taken.” Or, “I’m not photogenic.” To which I reply, don’t worry - this will be more fun that you think!
During a recent session with a resident from San Ramon, I was able to change his mind, and together we created some incredible headshots for his personal brand.
So how do I make you comfortable in front of the camera, when you’d rather be anywhere else…some have even said - they’d rather go to the dentist!
Even before your session, I will send you my guide with tips and tricks to help you prepare for your session. This quick guide covers things like what to wear, what not to wear, what to bring, makeup and hair suggestions, just to name a few. Throughout the session I will coach you on posing and expression.
Your session is a collaboration. I will show you what we are capturing throughout the session so I can give you feedback on what I see as improvements and most importantly, so you can tell me what you are loving… or not. My feelings will not be hurt. It’s critical that you are honest with me so that I know how to pivot and adjust to make sure we are on the same page.
A pre-session is super helpful so that I can explain my process and we can plan out your session. If you’d like to set up a discovery call please click on the button below. I look forward to hearing from you!
AI-Generated LinkedIn Headshots Are Killing Your Job Opportunities
Job hunters and professionals are trying out AI-generated headshots to serve as their professional headshot. But while you may want to utilize these tools to save some money, there are so many negatives that come with using a fake image of yourself.
An AI headshot will diminishing your individuality and authenticity and may lead to missed opportunities for personal branding and genuine connections. It’s common knowledge that recruiters and employers focus on finding unique candidates among many similar-looking profiles.
While AI editing can certainly enhance an image, it’s important to consider the balance between portraying a polished image and maintaining authenticity. Striking a balance between presenting oneself professionally and staying authentic is key to making a lasting impact especially if you are searching for a job opportunity. As AI continues to evolve, embracing authenticity will become key to building a successful and fulfilling career.
Working with Nina Pomeroy, a professional headshot photogapher, brings a unique combination of creativity, expertise and personalized touch that an AI image cannot replicate. While AI can enhance some technical aspects of an image, Nina offers a holistic approach that includes your personalized branding, emotional connection and artistic composition. These elements come together to create a LinkedIn profile picture that not only looks great but also tells your personal story and establishes a genuine connection with your viewer.
So how does a fake AI headshot cost you job opportunities? Lack of authenticity, misalignment with company culture, uniqueness and differentiation, perceptions of dependence on rechnology, lack of human touch, just to name a few. In summary, Job seekers should carefully consider the potential implications of using AI-generated images and balance the benefits of technology with the need for authenticity and personal connection.
The importance of human connection in photography cannot be over emphasize.
As seen in Oprah Magazine
I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kirsten Bunch, whose work on women reinventing their careers has truly resonated with me. It’s a topic close to my heart, and something I see reflected in so many of the incredible women I meet. [Author's Name] speaks with such passion about the power of embracing change, of not letting societal expectations or past experiences define your future. It’s about recognizing that your career, and your life, can evolve, and that there’s immense joy to be found in each new chapter.
This idea of reinvention isn’t about abandoning your past; it's about building upon it, using your accumulated wisdom and experience to forge a path that truly reflects who you are today. It’s about discovering that spark, that passion that maybe got lost along the way. [Author's Name] reminds us that it's never too late to pursue a dream, to learn a new skill, or to take a leap of faith. And in doing so, we not only empower ourselves, but we also inspire those around us to do the same. It's a powerful reminder that life is a journey of continuous growth and discovery, and that the most fulfilling chapters are often the ones we write ourselves.
Dentist Headshots
Just about any person could use a great headshot of themselves in this digital age. Most especially if you are an independent business owner. Tell me, do you research your dentist or doctor online before booking an appointment? Wouldn't you want to see a friendly and confident face like this? Meet Dr. Joseph Hwang - of Tri-Valley Aesthetic Dentistry.
Top 3 tips for great headshots
What are the 3 most important things that make a great headshot?
-Eyes
-Brows
-Mouth
It's very easy to overdo your makeup. We do recommend a makeup artist, why not treat yourself to the full experience of pampering and amazing headshots? However, if you're confident in your makeup skills, we suggest to have well groomed eyebrows, defined eyes and a slightly darker shade than your natural lip color.
Set up a free consultation and we can chat all about my tips and tricks on how to look your very best in your headshots.