Put Your Best Brand Face Forward
CREATE YOUR CAMEO: PUT YOUR BEST BRAND FACE FORWARD
Article by Kimberly Manning
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Magazine: Issue #14
As a little girl I was fascinated by the cameo brooches and necklaces in my grandmother’s jewelry box. Silhouettes of Roman goddesses carved into ivory stood out against darker backgrounds, dangling from chains or propped up on earring posts.
In Victorian times, one of a woman’s prized possessions was having her likeness carved into a cameo, a miniature piece of art for everyone to see. Cameos are the original head shot. Here’s how to maximize yours and put your best brand face forward.
If you’re in business, you need the right head shot. Because people want to connect with people, a good head shot can help build trust, create credibility and get people engaged with you and your brand.
Here are 6 tips to make your cameo appearance classic.
1| It’s about your expression.
Sure lighting and location are a factor, but it’s the expression on your face that creates the energy of your head shot. What “look” expresses your brand?
2| The focus is on your face.
This seems obvious but is so important. A good head shot crops in on your face and eliminates unnecessary background.
3| Hire a professional.
Taking a head shot is an art. Unless your friend or brother-in-law is a professional photog, hire someone who is. Don’t use a selfie. Your head shot image is an important part of your business brand. It’s worth the investment. Go pro.
4| Don’t shoot in a studio.
Nothing looks more stilted than a head shot in a sterile studio. Be in your natural environment where you feel comfortable, can express your true essence and the energy of your business brand.
5| It’s all about the squinch.
Pro photographer Peter Hurley recommends squinching to take a better head shot. To do this squint, then relax your eye muscles…oh bother, check out the how-to video here.
6| Pick one.
Take a lot of photos but select one image that you’ll use throughout your branding – on your website, products and as your social media avatar. Have a few other shots that support your key image that you can share with partners or for special promotional projects.
Your head shot is an important piece of your business brand. It’s an opportunity to showcase the best version of you and your brand. Be sure to get a good rest and drink lots of water the day before your shoot. Nervous? Breathe and repeat the mantra “I never take a bad picture.”
You’re a classic. Put your best face forward. You deserve a great cameo.
