Don Evans 7/31/22 Don Evans 7/31/22

The 2022 Guide to Creating Great Headshots

Nobody can really afford to be without a great headshot – not if they want to attract new clients and make a good first impression anyway.

Whether you’re still considering a professional photo session, or you’ve already booked one, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your headshots.

Nobody can really afford to be without a great professional headshot – not if they want to attract new clients and make a good first impression anyway.

Whether you’re still considering a professional headshot session, or you’ve already booked one, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your headshots.

This guide will ensure you’re prepared and get the best possible results.

Your Mindset

Before you step into a professional headshot session, you need to adjust your mindset – how you’re feeling shines through in your photos. It’s important to think about how you want to feel during your session, not what you want people to see.

So, how do you adjust your mindset for a photo session? Don’t take it so seriously and most importantly, do something that makes you feel good. There are no rules, just do what makes you feel good. When your head is in the right space, your personal power and joy will shine through in your photos.

Your Outfit

Most headshots are cropped quite tightly, so what you wear is not a make or break. However, there are still a few things to keep in mind. Unless it fits in with your brand, avoid wearing too much black. Rather look at some other colors that look good on you and choose an outfit, especially a shirt or blouse, that matches your brand. You should try to wear solids (stay away from prints or complicated patterns).

It’s also best to opt for a V-neck, especially if you have a large chest. A top that sits too close around your neck can emphasise your chest. Have a broad upper body? Opt for a blazer to break up your body. Just be sure to create a V-shape by buttoning up your jacket.

If you’re planning to wear accessories, don’t wear anything too bold or shiny – the point is to keep the focus on you, not create a distraction. Jewlrey should be kept to a minimum, and small.

Your Makeup & Hair

Makeup is a must before your headshot session, even if you don’t usually wear much or any at all. The biggest priority is to even out your skin tone and remove shine, which can be done with BB cream and a translucent powder. If you’re a woman, adding some color to your cheeks and lift to your lashes is highly recommended. Rather stay away from overly bright colors to avoid distractions.

I partner with a hair & makeup artist and offer that service to my clients for their professional headshots. While it’s not required, it’s highly recommended. Everyone thinks they can do their own hair & makeup, until they see a pro do it.

Your Background

Whether you schedule your shoot in a studio or at a location of your choosing, make sure that your background isn’t a major distraction. It’s best to avoid vertical lines, loud colors, white brick walls, and elaborate street art. However, it’s important to keep your brand in mind – you do want to tell a story after all.

Your Body Language

People don’t often consider how their body language changes their story. Body language refers to the tilt of your head, your gaze and facial expressions, and the position of your shoulders. Unless you really want to send an intentional message, it’s important to pay attention to your body language in your headshots. Squaring your shoulders and looking too serious can make you look defensive more than anything else. Another example is tilting your head too much, this could make you come across as childish.

This might seem like a lot to remember but by being aware of these aspects, preparing for your headshot session, and allowing your photographer to guide you, you can look forward to headshots you can be proud of.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 7/17/22 Don Evans 7/17/22

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Personal Brand Today

Your personal brand is a combination of your experience, skills, and personality. It’s important to promote your personal brand, but how do you know whether you’re doing enough to get your name out there.

Here are some simple tactics that you can implement today that will help boost your personal brand.

Clearly Define Your Brand

If you want to stand out, you need to get specific about your personal brand. What are you known for? What are you passionate about? What areas do you focus on? The more specific you can be, the better. For example, saying you love being active is too general. Saying you’re an avid mountain biker is much more specific. Review your current brand description and decide whether you could get more specific.

Be Consistent

If you have a presence on more than one online platform, make sure that you’re sending the same message across them all. This means using the same professional headshot, graphics, and bio across the web. If you’ve taken the time to create social media profiles, make a point of being active on a consistent basis – this proves your reliability and increases trust in your personal brand.

Share Your Expertise

You’re an expert, so make sure you’re sharing your knowledge. Along with adding content to your blog and social media pages, find any industry-related websites and platforms you can contribute to. If you do have your own blog, make sure that you’re updating it on a consistent basis. If you struggle with this, create a content calendar that can help you stay on track. Not only does this give you the opportunity to showcase your expertise, but it helps drive additional traffic to your website too.

Engage with Your Followers

If you’re not networking, your personal brand won’t grow nearly as much as it could. If you haven’t been taking the time to engage with your audience off and online, now is the time to change that. Find out about networking events in your area or participate in discussions online to show your audience and followers that you’re engaged. The more authentic your engagements are, the better it is for your brand.

Find Speaking Engagements

If you feel comfortable speaking in front of a crowd of people, keep an eye out for events and potential speaking engagements in your area. Showing up in person helps build rapport with your audience, plus you get to network afterwards. Before attending any events, make sure that you have professional headshots and marketing material in place – you want to give people something to remember you by. If you don’t have professional headshots or haven’t updated your images in a while, now is a good time to do so.

Spending time on basic tactics such as these will strengthen your personal brand and help you stand out in your sector.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 7/11/22 Don Evans 7/11/22

Business Card Headshot Basics: What to Do and Not to Do

More and more professionals are choosing to include a professional headshot on their business cards. This is a particularly popular option among medical professionals, realtors, and any other professions that rely on facial recognition.

If you’re considering doing the same, you might be wondering what headshot to use or if you should include a photo at all.

To begin with, every professional should have one good headshot, whether this is for a business card, marketing materials, or their online profiles.

Let’s take a close look at the dos and don’ts of business card headshots.

What to Do

Firstly, if you want to include a headshot on your business card, do hire a professional photographer. These photo sessions don’t take too long and are affordable too. Before you hire a photographer though, make sure that headshots are one of their specialties. A photographer who specializes in headshots knows how to tell your story and highlight your personality.

Hiring a professional also means you will receive high-resolution images that have been touched up, which will look good on your business cards.

Before you start your session, take the time to consider your audience. What would you usually wear to a client meeting? What you wear and how you look will create a positive first impression. When it comes to choosing an outfit, there’s business professional, business formal, small business, and business casual attire to consider.

Opt for colors that look good with your skin tone but stay away from any clothing or accessories that will serve as a distraction. This is especially true if your business card is colorful and creative – you will want your headshot to be simpler.

What Not to Do

Stay away from busy or distracting clothing and backgrounds that take the focus off your face. The background you choose should also speak to what you do and offer. Props are not recommended for headshots – less is more for this type of shot.

Lighting is also important. If you won’t be shooting in a studio, don’t choose a location that has insufficient natural lighting. Speak to your photographer about lighting options if you will be shooting at home, in your office, or in a public location. Early morning and evening sun are always more flattering than the harsh overhead lights that can often be found in an office.

Before your shoot, don’t forget to give your photographer some insight into what you’re all about and what you specialize in – this will help them showcase your personality through your photos.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 6/20/22 Don Evans 6/20/22

The Link Between Personal Branding Photography and Consistency

If you want your personal brand to be a success, it’s essential to be consistent. Consistency applies to so many things when you’re creating and growing a personal brand. Overall, being consistent paints the picture that your customers can rely on you and that you’re stable.

It all starts with getting clear on what your brand represents.

Start by getting clear on your core values and how you can share these values through your marketing. Imagery is an important part of marketing and in this case, a picture really is worth a thousand words.

With the help of the right photography, personal branding and headshot photos can be a powerful tool. Here’s how you can use these photos to be more consistent.

Update Your Website

When people visit your site, they should get a clear idea of who they could potentially be doing business with. Many people will encounter your brand for the first time via your website, so this should be where they first see who you are and find out what they can expect.

Enhance Your Social Media Presence

We all spend a lot of time on social media. In many instances, once someone visits your website, they will explore your social media pages too. Make sure that your branding is consistent and that visitors see similar professional headshot photos of you on your social media profiles. This will build trust and confirm they’re dealing with the same person. The same applies to the logos, colors, and types of stock images or product photography you use. You can even use your personal branding and professional headshots to create ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Add a Personal Touch to Your Marketing Material

Lastly, you can also use your personal branding and headshot photos on your promotional materials. When clients are once again being met with the same or similar images, it creates a sense of familiarity, which turns into trust.

Make sure that when you schedule your personal branding shoot that you discuss a shot list and end up with a wide selection of images.

Don’t let your brand fall prey to confusing and inconsistent messaging by not investing in personal branding photos from a professional headshot photographer.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 6/12/22 Don Evans 6/12/22

5 Must-Haves for Your Personal Branding Headshot Photo Session

Personal branding headshot photos are unique in the sense that they can be customized according to the needs of your business and your personality. However, not all brands' photos are created equal.

Hiring a professional headshot photographer for your personal branding photos is a commercial investment in your business.

Personal branding headshot photos are unique in the sense that they can be customized according to the needs of your business and your personality. However, not all brands' photos are created equal.

Hiring a professional headshot photographer for your personal branding photos is a commercial investment in your business. Yes, you do want to look your best, but this isn’t your usual glamour shoot. These photos are meant to tell your brand’s story and sell your strengths.

If you’re still planning your personal brand headshot session, here are a few must-haves:

Specific Goals

Having a goal for your shoot is a must-have before you even start searching for a headshot photographer. Where will your images be used? What kind of story do you want to tell? If possible, hire a photographer once you start designing your website and marketing materials. This way, your designer can guide you on the types and number of unique shots you’ll need.

A Brand-Appropriate Location

There are so many options to consider when you first start searching for a location for your shoot but if it doesn’t match your brand style, the photos won’t have the effect you’re hoping for. If you’re not sure about locations that would match your style, speak to your headshot photographer about suggestions.

A Shot List

It doesn’t matter how many photos are included in your session, it’s always best to come prepared by creating a shot list. What types of photos do you want to take to tell your brand story? The more specific you are, the better your headshot photographer can tell your story. Don’t forget to get a few suggestions from your photographer once you explain your vision to them.

Clothing That Makes You Feel Your Best

There are a lot of routes you can take with your photoshoot outfit but ultimately, you need to wear whatever makes you look and feel great. Style is so subjective, so it’s difficult to give specific suggestions. Naturally, just make sure that your outfit portrays the right image and that you stick to your brand palette.

Interesting Props

Props can really make a personal branding headshot session much more fun and interesting. Choose props that add to your brand’s story and speak to your unique personality. You want to use props that help you stand out from the crowd but won’t take the attention away from you in a shot.

By being more prepared and organized for your personal branding photoshoot, you can make the most of your investment.

Don Evans is a professional headshot photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 6/4/22 Don Evans 6/4/22

Questions to Ask a Personal Branding and Headshot Photographer Before Booking a Shoot

So, you’ve decided that this is the year you want to build a unique personal brand. Knowing how you want to portray yourself in the public eye is only the first step. Next, you will need to ensure you have a strong online presence that represents what you’re all about – visuals are one of the most essential elements.

Scheduling a personal branding headshot photoshoot is one way to start building your ideal image. Your photos need to capture the essence of who you are and what you offer. It might sound easy enough to do on your own, but many entrepreneurs soon realize how difficult it is to bring a message across in an image.

Hiring a professional headshot photographer will save you a lot of time and give you the most professional results.

If you’re in the process of hiring a photographer, here are some key questions you should be asking.

How often do you shoot headshot photos? Not all photographers specialize in or have a lot of experience with personal branding headshots. This is not to say that they aren’t experienced and skilled, but it is better to go with someone who has specific personal branding and headshot experience. You need someone who you can discuss your vision with and trust that they can bring it to life.
Where can I shoot? Next, you want to find out whether the photographer shoots headshots in a studio or other locations too. There’s nothing wrong with shooting in a studio but to truly tell a story, you should have the option to choose your own locations too. Whether this is your office, home or favorite coffee shop, location plays a leading role in your visual story.
What’s included in the shoot? Find out more about what’s included in the total cost of the headshot and whether that meets your requirements. Number of edited images, and travel costs are just some of the aspects to consider.
What process do you follow? If you want to end up with headshots that portray what your brand is all about, your photographer should have a process in place that will allow them to understand what you’re looking for.
Can I send you a mood board or ideas? While this is not an absolute must, you might want to provide your headshot photographer with a visual idea of the kind of imagery and story you want your photos will tell.

From there, you can look forward to stunning and engaging personal branding imagery.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 5/21/22 Don Evans 5/21/22

4 Proven Ways to Strengthen Your Personal Brand

Branding is all about making something more desirable by highlighting its uniqueness and value. This basic branding principle is usually associated with products and services but it’s relevant to personal brands too.

So much of what we do to make a product or service stand out amongst competitors and appeal to customers are tactics that can be applied to our own brands.

Here are some key traditional branding principles that you can apply to your personal brand:

Give Them Something to Remember

When it comes to marketing a product, giving it a personality and using eye-catching visuals can help it stand out – the same applies to your personal brand and professional headshot. Look at ways that you can be more distinctive in your market. What is it about your personal brand that you love and that others are always complimenting you on? What are your best skills and what energy and working style do you bring to projects?

Be Visible

Visibility is key in all types of marketing – if customers don’t know about you, they can’t interact with or buy from you. Consumers are inundated with so many choices that you have no choice but to be visible and stand out too. Being visible means you’ll stay top-of-mind in your industry and professional network. Along with having a strong online presence on platforms you know your customers frequent, get out there and speak at events, join networking groups in your area, and engage with your audience.

What’s In It for Them?

If you want customers to sit up and pay attention, tell them what they will gain. Marketers know that focusing on the features of products will only get you so far. Customers want to know how they will benefit by making a purchase. Why should people work with you? Pair what you offer with the value you will bring to the lives of those who partner with you if you want to stand out.

Tell Them Why

What is it that drives you to do what you do? When you’re passionate, authentic, and do meaningful work, you automatically build trust and credibility. Decide what’s important to your dream clients and see where you can build a link between that and the reason why you’re offering what you do. Take it a step further with a more environmental headshot that can show not only who you are, but what you do and what you offer.

A memorable, authentic, and visible personal brand headshot will always stand out amongst the rest. All it takes is finding the right angle, understanding your audience, and being clear about the what and why behind your brand.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 5/13/22 Don Evans 5/13/22

The Positive Side Effects of Scheduling a Professional Branding Headshot Session

Your personal brand is something you should feel proud of. Finding the time to schedule a professional headshot session isn’t always easy, but if most entrepreneurs knew just how beneficial it can be, they would all be doing it a lot sooner.

When it comes to building a strong personal brand, it’s important to get the basics right.

When it comes to building a strong personal brand, it’s important to get the basics right. When there’s a strong foundation in place, you can focus on what really matters when things start getting busy.

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t put a personal branding headshot session off any longer.

Builds Credibility Online

In most instances, your clients will stumble across your brand and profiles online first. Not only is it important to have a website and a solid social media presence, but potential customers should know who you are. Having a set of professional headshot photos that you can use across all online profiles will instantly give you more credibility.

Connecting with Your Audience Comes Naturally

When people know who they’re dealing with, it’s easier to connect with them. Anyone can create a logo and social media profile, but this says nothing about the face behind the brand. Plus, personal branding headshot photos showcase your personality, which tells customers more about what they can expect. When your brand speaks through your photos, it’s also much easier to attract more of your dream clients.

Boosts Your Confidence

When you have a professional online headshot, and even your traditional marketing materials look fresh and engaging, it instantly instills more confidence. You deserve to feel proud of what you’ve built. It might sound simple but a set of photos that showcase your best features and qualities is a reminder of who you are and what you’re working towards.

Saves Time

If you’re wondering how a personal branding shoot can save, you’ve never tried to take the perfect professional headshot using a tripod and your smartphone. Plus, if you’re not a photographer yourself, it’s not always easy to know how to perfectly capture your personality in an image. A professional photographer can though and in much less time.

Increasing Pricing Is Easier

When you have a strong and credible online presence, it reflects the value you offer. This way, when it comes time to increase your prices, customers are more willing to pay you what you’re worth.

If you’re still in the process of creating your personal brand, a professional photographer can help bring your ideas and vision together by helping you visualize the image you want to create. A personal branding shoot is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 4/18/22 Don Evans 4/18/22

Building a Personal Brand – A 6-Step Guide

A personal brand is essential for both entrepreneurs and freelancers alike but where do you start? If you have access to the internet, it’s possible to start building an audience and growing your brand.

Your brand is what will distinguish you from your competitors and help you create a lasting first impression that will turn into profits.

Your brand is what will distinguish you from your competitors and help you create a lasting first impression that will turn into profits. By having a strong personal brand, you also increase trust and authority, which is what people look for when wanting to do business with someone.

A Basic Guide to Building a Personal Brand from Scratch

Here are some simple steps to follow if this is the year you want to build your personal brand.

Step 1: Create an Authentic Persona

What are you all about? What are your values and what do you want to bring to the world using your passions and skills? These are some of the questions you need to ask yourself when you first start defining your personal brand. Once you’ve put this key information together, you can start creating your brand mission and messaging.

Step 2: Define Your Ideal Client

As much as you may want to appeal to everyone, not everyone will be your ideal client. To create an appealing personal brand, you need to define your ideal client. Knowing exactly who you’re targeting is a part of what will help you stand out. To help you define your target audience, create a client profile that includes demographics, pain points, and desires.

Step 3: Outline Your Offer

Now that you know who you’re targeting and what your brand is all about, you can start creating your offer. Your offer is what’s going to help your customers solve a specific problem or address one of their pain points. Be sure that you can position yourself as a specialist when creating an offer. You don’t want to make vague promises, you want to show clients that you’re capable and can add value to their lives.

Step 4: Create a Personal Website

If you want to build a strong personal brand, you’re going to need a solid online presence. Once a potential customer finds out about you, they’re going to perform an online search, and what they see at that point is important. Your website should have engaging content that speaks to what you offer, customer testimonials, high-quality graphics that include Professional Headshot photos of you and links to your social media profiles and blog.

Step 5: Develop a Content Strategy

To start engaging with your target audience, you’re going to need to keep adding value to their lives, which is why you need a content strategy. Having a content strategy in place ensures you’re being consistent and are continuously positioning yourself as an expert. This is where you can get creative and produce interesting content that keeps new and existing clients coming back for more.

Step 6: Partner with Others

The more you can get your name out there, the better. To increase your visibility, you’re going to need to publish your content on the right platforms and partner with the right people. This means seeking out PR opportunities, writing guest content, and speaking at public events. You can also look at hosting your own events that will help you build a community.

Building your own personal brand is powerful and can take your career as an entrepreneur to a whole new level, provided you have a strategic approach in place

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 4/13/22 Don Evans 4/13/22

4 Reasons Not to DIY Your Headshot and Personal Branding Photos

So, you’re in the process of building and improving your personal brand. Since your brand is all about you, you know that headshot photos are an essential piece of the puzzle.

It can be tempting to try and take care of your photography yourself but there are a few downsides to going the DIY route.

So, you’re in the process of building and improving your personal brand. Since your brand is all about you, you know that headshot photos are an essential piece of the puzzle.

It can be tempting to try and take care of your photography yourself but there are a few downsides to going the DIY route.

When you’re building a personal brand, it’s important to view it as an investment, as well as a competition against other companies or individuals. When you build your brand on a strong foundation, you get to reap the rewards later on.

Why a Professional Personal Branding Photographer is a Must

You receive high-quality photos

When you hire a professional photographer to assist you with your personal branding headshot photos, you will have access to high-end equipment that produces quality results. Grainy and blurry photos will not help you create the first impression you’re hoping for. Plus, investing in a professional photographer now, will leave you with professional headshot photos that you can use across all of your marketing material for years to come, both online and off.

Benefit from professional guidance and experience

Professional photographers know how to achieve the best results, which means you get to benefit from this experience. If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, a photographer can provide you with guidance that will ensure your headshot photos perfectly portray what your personal brand is all about.

Your photos are professionally edited

Editing software is not only complicated but it can be pricey too. When you hire a professional photographer, they will expertly edit your photos in subtle ways that will highlight your best features. They can get rid of blemishes and imperfections that might stand out in photos.

The right lighting is everything

Lighting is an essential component of good photography. By hiring a professional, you will have access to a studio that has the perfect lighting for personal branding photos. A photographer will also have additional equipment such as reflectors, which can also completely change the end result.

Photography might sound like a simple and small part of this journey but it’s important, especially if you want to make a good first impression.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 4/4/22 Don Evans 4/4/22

4 Prop Ideas to Consider for Your Personal Branding Headshot Session

Props can be just what you need to bring your personal branding and Headshot session to life. Even the smallest prop can help tell your story. It can also reflect your personal style, which will give people a better idea of what you’re all about.

Pinterest is a great resource if you’re looking for personal branding prop ideas but it can be a little overwhelming too. It’s for this reason that we’ve created this list of the most popular props for personal branding shoots.

Make a Mood Board

If you want to get really clear on your goals, ambitions, and story, create a deconstructed mood board for your shoot. You can use anything you like for this, let your imagination run wild. Make it interesting by using different textures, paints, materials and photos. Naturally, make sure that it looks professional and not like something your child brought home from school – it is going to be in your professional photos after all. You should also ensure that every element you use fully represents your brand.

Consider Your Morning Routine

What do you do to get your day started? Are there any props or rituals that you can incorporate into your personal branding shoot that represent what you’re all about? Perhaps you enjoy journaling with a cup of tea in hand? Others prefer to cuddle their pets or spend time meditating. Whatever you do to get going in the mornings, these are all potential prop and setting options for your headshot session.

Add in Some Food and Drink

Another way to connect with your audience is to incorporate food and drink into a few of your shots. Having something as simple as a cup of coffee in your shot can help your audience connect with you. This might sound a little cliched but there’s no rule that says you need to take these shots in a stereotypical way. Add in other personal objects to ensure the photos relate back to you and don’t look like generic stock photos. For example, adding in a copy of your favorite book or one of your products is the perfect way to make the shot more personal.

Use Your Tools of the Trade

What do you use to get your job done? These can all be used as props too. This can be anything from a laptop and smartphone to scissors, flowers or a microphone – there are really no limitations. If you do offer a service, try and incorporate your tools of the trade with an appropriate setting. For example, if you make wedding cakes, take photos in your kitchen.

Finding a prop for your personal branding & headshot session doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, you’re surrounded by potential props every day, you simply need to look hard enough and think outside the box.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Don Evans 3/27/22 Don Evans 3/27/22

Can Personal Branding Headshots Really Help You Grow Your Business?

As more people enter the world of freelancing, branding is a bigger buzz word than ever. It’s for this reason that personal branding photography has also grown in popularity.

You might not realize it, but personal branding photography is an investment and a tool that can help you grow your small business

As more people enter the world of freelancing, branding is a bigger buzz word than ever. It’s for this reason that personal branding photography has also grown in popularity.

You might not realize it, but personal branding photography is an investment and a tool that can help you grow your small business. Why take a chance that people will know what your brand is all about when you can tell them yourself with professional headshots?

You won’t always be able to control how potential customers perceive your brand, but you can take steps to ensure that your story is as clear as possible.

6 Ways Personal Branding Headshots Can Boost Your Business

1. Add compelling images to your website

If you want to grab a website visitor’s attention in an authentic way, you’re going to need engaging photos. They don’t want to see generic stock photos either – they want to know who they might be doing business with. Text is definitely still important, but people are also very visual, which is why quality photos matter. The photos on your site should serve a purpose and not simply be placeholders.

2. Personalize your marketing material

If you print business cards, leaflets or design any other marketing material to promote your business, it’s important to have professional images like headshots that you can incorporate. By adding photos, your brand also becomes more recognizable to clients – an important factor in building trust.

3. Create unique social media content

Social media can give your brand a lot of exposure and adding your headshot photo to some of your posts will help boost your credibility. Social media is personal, which means existing and potential customers need to be able to relate to you. Knowing who you’re engaging with online automatically makes them more trustworthy and believable.

4. Liven up your email signature

An email signature that has a headshot photo automatically stands out more. It also solidifies that you’re a professional who is transparent and confident in what they do. Plus, if you chat to a client over email for several weeks, it makes meeting you for the first time more comfortable and natural because they know what you look like.

5. Send your headshot photo along with guest posts

If you are a blogger for other websites, you should always be adding a professional headshot to your bio. A bio photo might be small but it does help create a more consistent and trustworthy online image, especially once you start writing for multiple websites.

6. Enhance your PR efforts

Approaching publications and PR firms about publicity opportunities? Professional branding photos are a must! If you want to position yourself as an expert in your sector, a good headshot goes a long way. Plus, a reputable publication or firm will always ask you to send a photo anyway. When you take your business seriously, others will too.

Personal branding photos ensure that you’re showing up professionally and consistently online. It also gives your marketing and content a personal edge that will help you stand out from competitors. A small investment can give you the boost you need to grow your business in a big way.

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Don Evans 3/21/22 Don Evans 3/21/22

Making the Most of Your Professional Headshot Session – A Brief Guide

When you schedule a professional headshot session, you’re investing in showcasing the very best version of you and your business. These photos will help you market yourself by telling your story in a unique way.

We live in a visual world and it’s important to make a good impression right away.

We live in a visual world and it’s important to make a good impression right away. When you use photos that look authentic, you make it that much easier for people to trust you.

So, how do you ensure you’re making the most of this opportunity?

Connect with your photographer

When you work with a photographer you love and connect with, your images automatically turn out better. Find a photographer whose work inspires and excites you. Scroll through their online portfolio and social media feed to get an idea of what they’re capable of and if it suits your personal style. At the end of the day, you want to feel completely comfortable in front of your photographer.

Communicate what you want

A photographer can’t give you the results you want if they don’t know what you want. Clearly communicating your ideas to your photographer is essential. Provide them with details on the first impression and message you want to portray. Share your ideas and examples with them. They may even be able to give you suggestions you haven’t thought about yet. When I am able to speak with my clients in advance, one of the first questions I ask is, "What's the message we want to get across?" With that information, I'm able to do a much better job of guiding my clients in poses that convey that message.

Think carefully about your location

Your location will help set the tone for the shoot, so choose carefully. There are so many options to choose from that go beyond a basic studio setting. Just make sure that your photographer has actual experience in both studio, and off site / natural light photography. For a bit more of a deep dive on that, check out my blog titled, "Does My Professional Headshot Need to Be In a Studio?"

Plan your outfit, hair and makeup

Don’t leave your outfit, hair and makeup arrangements to the last minute. If possible, get a professional to assist you so that you look your best. In fact, your photographer may even be able to give you a few suggestions. The outfit you choose will also play a major role in the message you send when people see your photos, so think twice about what you want to wear. Better yet, have a few options available. Keep in mind that you want to be able to use these photos for a few years, so rather opt for a timeless look.

One of the best business decisions I've ever made, is when I decided to team up with a hair and makeup artist. I had to go through a lot of people to find just the right person who could not only do makeup, but also relate to my clients and help put them at ease prior to the photo session. I offer this as an option service but, more and more, my clients are choosing to take advantage of this service. My clients look their best, my pictures look their best, and my client satisfaction is through the roof!

In summary, there's more to it than just showing up to a photographer's studio and standing in front of a camera with a smile. Planning is the key underlying factor in making the most of your personal branding and headshot photoshoot. Don’t be scared to ask your photographer for additional guidance.

feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions:

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Don Evans 3/13/22 Don Evans 3/13/22

Does My Professional Headshot Need to Be In a Studio?

The location of your professional headshot helps tell your story. It will also play a role in the first impression you create and what type of audience you attract.

When you think about personal branding photography, a studio setting is usually what jumps to mind. Let there be no doubt, most clients prefer their headshots taken in my studio.

The location of your professional headshot helps tell your story. It will also play a role in the first impression you create and what type of audience you attract.

When you think about personal branding photography, a studio setting is usually what jumps to mind. Let there be no doubt, most clients prefer their headshots taken in my studio. The lighting is already set up and perfect. The backdrop is perfect. There is no concern about the weather or time of day. I have a comfortable hair and makeup chair if you choose that service, and on and on. However, this is only one of the many options that you can choose from. Let’s take a closer look at personal branding and headshot photography session location options.

Home Office

Do you work from home? Do you feel that your home office visually represents your personal brand? Then it’s perfect for personal branding shoot. Give people an inside view of how you spend your day. Plus, if you want a more relaxed, personal feel, you can even include your pet in a few of the shots. Some people even go as far as taking a few shots in their living room or kitchen. It all depends on the messaging you want to send. Just make sure that your home office has lots of natural light for the best photos.

Meeting Room or Coworking Space

If you don’t feel your home office is right for a shoot, why not rent a meeting room or coworking space? Just make sure that the décor aligns with your brand image headshot. You can even incorporate a few props if you want to add a personal touch. If possible, choose a space that has other areas you can use, such as a lounge with visually appealing furniture.

Photography Studio

A photography studio is still a great location for a personal branding shoot. It offers a very professional setting and you get to take advantage of all of my equipment. If you do want to change things up, bring in your own props and even furniture. Bet of all, there is no added cost to shooting in studio (at least not in mine). Whereas there can be additional costs for off-site locations. I do charge an off-site setup & tear down fee for alternate indoor locations if lighting and backdrops are needed. If there is no lighting or backdrop required, then there’s no additional cost for off-site headshots.

Home, Apartment or BnB

There are so many beautiful apartments and guest houses that can be used for your professional headshot session. If you know someone who has a great apartment or you’ve seen a nice location on Airbnb, this can be a good option for your shoot. It’s also ideal if you would prefer a more private setting for your photo session. If you’re profession is in the real estate industry, a nice home is one of the perfect locations for your professional headshot.

Cafes and Restaurants

If you would prefer an atmosphere with a bit of a vibe, why not arrange a shoot at a coffee shop, café or restaurant? Unless you make prior arrangements though, you might need to work around other patrons. Either way, be sure to speak to the owner of the establishment first before booking your headshot.

Get Outside

If your personal brand is more adventurous, an outdoor location could be ideal. Whether this is by the seaside, in a park or somewhere more mountainous, there is no rule that says you can’t take personal branding headshot photos at an outdoor location. Plus, the backdrop opportunities are endless.

As you can see, there are multiple options, over and above a studio, that you can use as a location for your personal branding shoot.

please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography