Compelling Visuals
Why Branding Sessions are Better Than Headshots
Be mythical. Be legendary. Slay your competition.
A personal branding session is a storytelling approach to brand imagery that goes beyond your classic headshot. Want to courageously go after your ideal clients? Read on to find out how you can benefit from a branding session to accelerate the impact of your marketing efforts and focus more on what you love…
Your Brand’s Story
As a small business owner myself, I have learned that highlighting what sets my business apart amid a sea of competition attracts success. A personal branding session does just that, giving you a collection of images tailored to convey what you have to offer, with personality. It still includes that all-important headshot to serve as a great introduction with prospective clients. Your headshot will put a face to the name, showing off your winning smile and confidence. Then we get to play…
My favorite part of a banding session is crafting your brand’s visual narrative together! With varied poses, closeups, action and environmental shots, we reveal to your audience the unique twist you offer that will entice them to reach out. This is how connections are made. We feature your services, your products, your workspace and your infectious enthusiasm for all that you do. The skill and passion you bring will be evident, taking your brand image from average to compelling!
9 ways you’ll profit
Communicate your mission
Highlight your skills
Build a narrative
Elevate brand awareness
Add credibility
Reach new clients
Stand out from competition
Boost sales
Connect on a personal level
Leverage Your Images
You’ll come away from a branding session with a library of images to use across print and digital platforms. A lot of client acquisition happens passively online, but only if there’s something to see! They are scrolling social media looking for what you offer, so being well-represented there will propel and sustain your business growth. They may follow you on Facebook or Instagram and fall in love with your brand based on the strong, consistent visuals you share. You’ll also gain credibility for your contributions on LinkedIn as an industry expert.
Your clients may stumble across your image-rich website or Google Maps profile organically when searching for your services. You’ll rank higher in local search results and get better clickthrough if you enhance your website and Google Maps page with targeted brand imagery. Printed promos are also benefited, and effective for events, outreach, client education, creating a buzz and lending a polish to your professional image.
However clients discover you, being deliberate with how you showcase your brand and your personality as the business owner is going to go a long way to make that ultimate handshake. Keeping your audience’s attention once you are on their radar is also important, so continue to dive into that library and push out new content for continued engagement. You’re going to increase client retention by staying fresh and relevant so they want to come back for more.
5 Places to use your images
Your website
Social media platforms
Newsletters
Printed promos
Gift certificates
Know Your Why
A collection of branded images gives you the ability to promote consistently over time. Why does that matter? It takes an average of 7 exposures to develop familiarity so why not maximize those efforts? An array of images showing you in action communicates your vision for the memorable and meaningful impressions you need. Clients will come to learn who you are, what you do, and how you do it in far less time than it would take to read, retain or become interested in your written content.
Research shows that posts with images increase engagement significantly, so more of your clients will notice and interact with your message. They’re even more effectual if they are of you. We’re wired for connection, after all. A personal branding session makes a statement and gets results!
My Process
My approach to a branding session is like a great conversation—there’s connection, an interchange of ideas and you’re left feeling inspired. I aim to capture authenticity and empower you!
We collaborate on all the logistics—wardrobe, color palette, hair & makeup, location, props and when it makes sense to add clients and colleagues to some of your shots to best illustrate your brand. You’ll benefit from my relationships with talented hair & makeup artists who can get you camera-ready before your session and can even stay on set with us for the duration of your shoot for touch-ups and second looks.
Your session will last up to three hours as we move organically from shot to shot. I work the lighting to complement all kinds of skin tones, facial features and body types. My well-developed eye for posing subjects will hone in on your best angles. I have a calm and reassuring vibe that translates to those warm expressions that will draw your audience in.
Once I deliver your gallery, you’ll have a chance to select your images including any you wish to be retouched. The planning, lighting, captures and professional editing combine for vivid images greater than the sum of its parts. The visual storytelling is really where it’s at!
Align with Results
My 20+ years as a people photographer and high-end retouching artist will get you refined results. I am passionate about helping you boost your visibility and attract your dream clients. My own clients bring me a tremendous amount of joy. I love watching the transformation that takes place on set as I shape the lighting, fuss with hair or a collar and we get to know each other. We develop a rhythm and there’s always a softening and laughter. It’s this authentic you that I want your clients to see!
My heart is full every time I see my clients update their profile pics the same day they receive their gallery (and then reading comments like—“Stunning!”, “Gorgeous!”). When the results are so powerful that they come back for round 2 and 3 a year or so later, it’s validating to know that we have a formula that works. I get to watch the upward spiral you manifest by promoting yourself with great ease and confidence. You inspire me for investing in yourself and your brand. There’s something absolutely incredible about being around people aligned with their purpose.
Let’s Uplift Your Brand
Tell me all about your brand. I love hearing about where you’ve come from and being part of the journey to where you can go. Approach your marketing with renewed vitality and let the results flow in! Ready to get to work?
Shine on set,
Leila
