The Cheapest and Easiest way to look Professional on Social Media


Business Advice


When I first started my photography business six years ago, I thought I had to have my Facebook Page profile picture that of my very best photo I took at the time.  It varied from month to month as I photographed different people and learned new skills.  My first photo was probably of Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s home in Virginia.  I took that photo while on a college trip with a Kodak point and shoot.  There were beautiful yellow tulips in the foreground and that gorgeous mansion in the background.  I was so proud of that photo.  I even framed it and displayed it in my first office.

This would be the first of many mistakes I would make in my baby business.  I didn’t release the impact this had on my business at the time.  Looking back on it now, I do.  But six years ago, I was a newbie.  I didn’t have anyone to mentor me, so I was completely clueless.

Fast forward till 2016, I now know the cheapest and EASIEST way to look professional on social media.  Have a photo of ME as my profile photo.  Like anything else in business, there are do’s and don’ts to this effective marketing tool, so let’s chat about some.

DON’T use a blurry photo taken at a party where there are red solo cups knocked over on a top.  Potential clients will see this and move on the next photographer.

DO  have a photo where you are smiling, making eye contact with the camera in exceptional light.  People will immediately feel connected with you if they can look in your eyes, and smiling makes you appear personable and relatable.

DON’T use a selfie – standing in the bathroom, using the dirty mirror with toothpaste splatter for a reflection.  Sheldon Copper would be appalled.  You also want to avoid distractions in the background of your photo.

DO have someone else take the photo FOR you.  Even if it’s someone who doesn’t take photos like you for an income.  You can teach them how to work a camera in two minutes.

DON’T dress in a crazy outfit.  Using a photo for your Facebook page where you’re dressed in your monkey suit Halloween custom does not translate as professional, nor reliable.

DO dress in your branding colors, if you have figured out what those are in this stage of your business.  My business the first three years went through an identity crisis.  I was constantly changing my colors.  My first true headshot photo I thought ahead and wore a white shirt because the appearance of the photo would last longer than my previous four “branding colors” did.

If you’re just starting out in photography, give someone a crash course on how to use your camera.  My first true “headshot” was taken by my baby sister who was 14 at the time.  As I began to make industry friends, more professional headshots were taken.

business advice for creatives, professional headshot, loren jackson photography, business mentoring

you’re not a photographer or you don’t have a digital camera, stand in clean light and have someone take a photo for you on your phone.  Phone’s now a day are pretty comparable to point and shoot cameras out there.  You’ll want to face the clean, even light so there are no harsh shadows on your face.

Here’s an example of a photo taken on my phone where I was facing window light around 2pm.

14902949_10154815395900649_901469503457919047_o

If I was a newbie in the business, this would be an okay photo to have.  The light is even and clean, I’m making eye contact with the camera, and I’m giving that model/smile look.  The only downfall is that it’s a selfie.  And there’s some distractions in the background.

When you have established your business, it’s always a great idea to have updated headshots taken once a year.  It’s a great way to experience what it’s like in front of the camera, and your clients will be able to recognize what you look like now, instead of five years ago!

One final piece of advice, go back through your Facebook business page profile photos and delete photos that clients will find unappealing.  About a year ago I took a machete to photos and kept only the ones there were of ME!

If you found this post helpful click here to read other posts for creative business owners

SHARE THIS POst

  1. […] I’m sure you’re wondering what a coaching session at this point costs.  The one-hour session is only $150, and the three-hour session just $350!!  And as a bonus, if you sign up for your coaching session BEFORE NOVEMBER 1ST at MIDNIGHT, I’ll throw in a FREE 30-minute headshot session that can be scheduled in April or May!  For this opportunity, you must select the 30-minute headshot session option and use promo code headshots17 at checkout. Having professional headshots for your business is crucial to growing your business.  You can read my thoughts on that in this blog post! […]

  2. […] I’m sure you’re wondering what a coaching session at this point costs.  The one-hour session is only $195, and the three-hour session just $425!!  And as a bonus, if you sign up for your coaching session BEFORE FEBRUARY 5TH at MIDNIGHT, I’ll throw in a FREE 30-minute headshot session that can be scheduled in April or May!  For this opportunity, you must select the 30-minute headshot session option and use promo code headshots19 at checkout. Having professional headshots for your business is crucial to growing your business.  You can read my thoughts on that in this blog post! […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

All day  coverage

The Blog

How much time do you need for photos on your wedding day?  Is it 8 hours?  Or All day?

Read the post

Why do a First Look?

A stress-free day starts with calming those butterflies.  There's no better way than having a first look!

READ THE POST

Wedding Day Timelines

Giving your day organization and structure is key to having an enjoyable day!

READ THE POST

engagement session tips

Your engagement session is a test run for beautiful wedding photos!  Let's make the most of this time!

READ THE POST

FREE GUIDE: 5 tips for a

Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline

A lot of moving pieces go into planning a wedding day timeline and we know it's easy to feel like a hot mess! Grab my free guide to a stress-free wedding day!

GRAB YOUR GUIDE

How do you get from the easiest YES to celebrating with your friends and family?  Grab my free guide to keep you on track with #allthethings

Wedding Planning
Timeline + Checklist

Grab Your Guide

A lot of moving pieces go into planning a wedding day timeline and we know it can be overwhelming! Grab our free guide to plan the perfect timeline for your day. 

paste your mailing list code here