In the modern world, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements and information in various forms. The challenge lies in capturing attention, and the most effective way to do so is through an image. This doesn't have to be a complex process, but it shouldn't be taken lightly either. After all, an image is often the first thing that catches our eye, and the same goes for your clients.
Photography, when used correctly, can be a powerful tool. Even a seemingly simple image can convey all the necessary information to captivate your audience. The key lies in the creation of the image, which should be designed to convey a specific message. This means that a generic piece of clip art or a passport photo won't suffice. Such an approach suggests laziness, which is not the impression you want to give about your business. Once you have a clear message in mind, you can begin planning your image.
The first step in creating an image is deciding on a style. Images can depict anything, so defining a style is a good starting point. For instance, if I were to describe my personal style, I would draw inspiration from the artistic elements of Indian culture, as reflected in the clothing and jewelry I've found in the United States, imported from countries like India and Malaysia.
My preferred clothing would be a rayon-cotton blend, fitted in the right places but mostly loose. I would opt for darker wood and metal colors, with embroidered designs around the edges. My shoes would be tall and funky, yet neat, preferably leather, and often sourced from Italy. I would accessorize with earthy metals like bronze or tones of white gold, and my outfit would be completed with a multicolored earth metal-toned scarf around the waist.
The setting of the image is equally important. I would choose a room with a Spanish-style texture on the walls, painted in bright rust or olive tones. The room would be open and spacious, adorned with a few pieces of fine artwork and a large black-and-white print in a dark, hand-carved wood frame. I would be seated comfortably on a soft, arched sofa, with a couple of pillows for added comfort.
The expression on my face would be gentle and sincere, making direct eye contact with the viewer. I would be holding a clear crystal glass filled with ice water. My portfolio would be laid out on a coffee table in front of me, clearly visible and open to an engaging image that would pique the viewer's interest.
The room would be warmly lit with golden tones, perhaps with a slight soft focus. The image would be cropped to show me sitting on the couch, with the portfolio clearly visible and the print on the wall just above. It would be a horizontal image, extending to the bottom of my shoe.
This is the process of developing a self-portrait. It allows your clients to know who they are working with, without the need for words. The image we've just created would capture all the details of my style, showcasing what I do and my personality as a friendly, personable individual. Introducing myself to my clients in this way is a great way to start a conversation. Once they know who I am, viewing my work becomes a personal experience.
A professional executive portrait is good for identification, but a self-portrait allows people to truly know you. In your business, how would you describe what you do? Are you quick to put it out there, or do you pay attention to the details of your business? This approach can work for each department; there are countless possibilities. All it takes is an open mind.
