4 PHOTO HACKS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR  BRAND IMAGE IN 2018!

 Getting professional images can be inconvenient and at times stressful without a plan and some tips for navigating your way to beautiful images. No matter what your feelings, when you are in business we all want images that we will enjoy and that are usable for your website and other online platforms The following are brand image hacks to get you started for your next photo shoot in 2018. 

Hack 1: Always remember that angles make the most interesting and are the most forgiving. I am sensitive to creating images that show my clients in the best light possible, which means looking out for areas that present their best angle(s). The chin can be a common problem area for many people, especially mature women. Over the years, I've noticed when women smile, they instinctively push their chins back into their neck giving the illusion of the chin and neck appearing as one. Trust me, you don't want that look. The pushing of one's chin back into the neck gives a 'thick-trunk like appearance,' which doesn't show up very appealing in images. Here's something that will trick the camera, when taking pictures, remember to lead and push out with your chin. This means literally, gently push your chin forward in the direction of the camera or to a right or left angle. The trick is not to 'dramatically' push and angle your chin, but to make slight movements. By pushing your chin outwards it gives the illusion of creating a stronger looking jawbone and chin. So lift your neck, in a natural unforced manner and lead with your chin to create beautiful angles.

Photo Credit by Karen Marie Images & Branding

Hack 2: Don't practice smiling the night before or at all, instead visualize the energy and message you want to bring to the shoot. Visualizing is a creative process or method which helps to see yourself within your internal mind or subconscious. Days before your shoot, take the time to direct your mind to the imagery and energy you desire. If your photographer doesn't have processes in place for capturing the energy and direction for your shoot, you should begin that process yourself through visualization. Get in a quiet place with a cup of tea or your favorite drink (no alcohol the night before) and begin imagining how you want to see yourself. From the energy, you want to feel, to body poses, to the placement and direction of your face and head include these in your visualization. For my 60th birthday, I visualized in my mind how I saw myself, what I wanted to project and the energy I wanted captured. I didn't want my photographer to totally direct me because I had creative ideas of my own. So in preparation for my birthday shoot, my visualizations included, how my look would play out in front of the camera. I wanted to break away from the standard mode of what a 'typical 60-year-old woman' looked like and show myself 'redefining 60'. For at least one of the images, I wanted a faraway look that captured the ideaI that " While I can, I define what 60 looks like. I define and re-define who I am." So the visual narrative was not looking directly at the camera for outward approval, but creating a composition that authentically represents the 'new 60' from my view and vantage point. Use visualization to envision the vibe and body poses, and facial expressions you want captured. So don't practice smiling, practice visualization.

Hack 3: If you are prone to facial puffiness, try not to schedule an early morning shoot. This can be a Debbie Downer for a client who has taken time and energy to prepare for their shoot and they are then forced to do an early morning shoot. Early morning for me is any time before 930am. To prevent puffiness, the night before your shoot, abstain from alcoholic drinks because it causes puffiness. Drink plenty of water and get the appropriate amount of rest; eight hours. And if there are foods that cause facial puffiness, like Foods high in salt or carbohydrates abstain from eating those foods. I had this happen to me once where I had an appointment for a photoshoot for an online magazine. They scheduled me before 930am. I just knew my face would be puffy and it was and it showed in the pictures. My clothes and hair looked great, but you could see the puffiness and the photographer didn't edit the puffiness. Since that time, I am very sensitive about not scheduling anyone before 10am and, to cosmetic editing. If possible, try to schedule a shoot after 900 am. 

Hack 4: Trust me there are other colors besides black! Go outside your comfort zone and try a new

color. Your Brand Image is an investment, and as an investment, you want to look your best, but you also want to look unique and standout. If black is your favorite color, how about choosing another color. Black is far too often, an "it goes with everything color". Wearing your 'go to' color for a photo shoot isn't creative, and it puts very little skin in the game. There is no real commitment from you to creating images that are unique and stand out. And, if your photographer suggests you wear black as an easy go to, or muted traditional colors, you might try getting a stylist if it is in your budget. Again, your images should be something that your audience stops and looks at because it catches and maintains their attention. Your colors shouldn't be selected haphazardly but instead selected with thought, and reflective of your brand colors in some manner. My brand colors are pink, black and a silver grey. The pink is for femininity, the black is for power, or empowerment and the silver-grey are for classy and upscale. Think strategic about colors for not only your website, and social media but also for your fashion attire. If you Invest in a professional stylist to help you, make sure the stylist is educated about the brand message and tone of your shoot. Keep your stylist in the boundaries of the energy, message, and story for your photo shoot along with your color palette. Also, if you have a favorite dress, don't wear it! Everybody has seen it on Facebook, Instagram, and parties and events you've attended. Give your target market an element of surprise and something they will remember you by.