One of the most common things I hear during a branding photo shoot is:
“Oh no, don’t use that one.”
Usually followed by:
“My laugh looks weird.”
“My face does that funny thing.”
“I look ridiculous.”
And almost every time, the photo they’re talking about ends up being one of my favourites.
Not because it’s technically perfect.
Not because it’s the most polished.
But because it’s the one that actually feels like them.
We Spend Too Much Time Trying To Look Professional
When most people book a branding shoot, they arrive with an image in their head.
They think they need to look:
- Serious
- Polished
- Corporate
- Impressive
They imagine standing perfectly, smiling politely and looking directly at the camera.
And yes, we absolutely capture those photographs.
You need a great headshot for LinkedIn, your website and speaking engagements.
But those photos rarely become the images people remember.
The memorable photographs are usually the ones that reveal personality.
The Personal Trainer Covered In Chalk Dust
One of my clients is a Personal Trainer (PT).
We captured the expected headshots.
Then we photographed him preparing for a lift.
Chalk flying.
Focused expression.
Completely in his element.
Could he have stood smiling at the camera?
Of course.
But this image instantly tells you something important.
It tells you who he is.
You understand his business before you’ve read a single word.
That is what strong branding photography does.
The Laugh That Almost Didn't Make The Cut
Another client spent half the session laughing.
At one point she threw her head back and completely forgot the camera was there.
When she first saw the image, she worried it wasn’t professional enough.
My reaction was the exact opposite.
It looked confident.
Approachable.
Warm.
Human.
Exactly the qualities her ideal clients are looking for.
People don’t connect with perfect.
People connect with people.
Packaging Peanuts Tell A Story
One of my business owners was unpacking a delivery when I arrived.
Most photographers would probably have tidied everything away.
Instead, we photographed it.
The open box.
The packaging peanuts.
The excitement of new stock arriving.
Because that moment tells a story.
It shows growth.
Momentum.
Real life.
And real life is often far more interesting than a perfectly styled desk (or treatment room).
Your Quirks Are Your Competitive Advantage
One of my favourite personal branding sessions involved origami butterflies.
Another featured bright yellow backgrounds and rock music energy.
Neither looked like a traditional corporate photoshoot.
Both looked exactly like the businesses they represented.
That’s the point.
Your clients aren’t choosing between you and a stock image.
They’re choosing between you and another real human being.
The more recognisable you become, the easier that decision becomes.
Stop Looking For Perfect. Start Looking For Recognisable.
The businesses that stand out rarely have the most polished content.
They have the most recognisable content.
When people see their photographs, they immediately know who they’re looking at.
Not because the images are flawless.
Because they’re consistent.
Authentic.
Distinctive.
Human.
The Next Time You Choose Branding Photos...
Instead of asking:
“Which one makes me look most professional?”
Try asking:
“Which one feels most like me?”
Because the photograph you almost delete might be the very one that helps a future client decide to get in touch.
And that is far more valuable than perfection.
Ready For Branding Photos That Feel Like You?
Whether you’re a therapist, coach, creative, consultant or small business owner, your branding photos should help people understand who they’re about to work with.
Not just what you look like.
If you’re ready for images that feel natural, authentic and unmistakably you, I’d love to help.
Book a Personal Branding Session or ask about my Captivate Club subscription for fresh content throughout the year.
