Professional portraits, at minimum, are key to polished self-presentation. You can use them on your business cards, social media pages, LinkedIn profile, and more. (Any basic portrait package should include the rights to this kind of usage.)
If you want to really impress potential buyers and sellers – or maybe even a new brokerage – a video agent bio is the way to go.
Whichever option you choose, try these tips to get the most out of your personal portrait or video session.
Dress professionally. This is priority No. 1. If you'll be pitching to an exclusive demographic or brokerage, a suit (with tie for the men) is best. Otherwise, men should wear at least a jacket, dress shirt, and slacks; women should wear a tailored dress, or a blouse or sweater with a tailored skirt or slacks.
Keep it simple. Think job interview. Makeup should be natural-looking, nails clean and trimmed, and hair well-groomed. Men, remember to shave shortly before your shoot; if you have facial hair, make sure it's trimmed and tidy.
Cater to the camera. Loud patterns and lots of sparkle or shine drive the camera (and photo and video editors) crazy, and extreme colors cause problems with exposure. Instead, wear solid, saturated mid-tones: think jewel tones, chocolate brown, charcoal gray, and navy. Men, a boldly colored tie is OK, but keep the pattern simple. Women, simple jewelry or one non-sparkly statement piece is best, and choose fabrics with a matte finish.
Work from a script. If you're doing a video bio, don't think, “I'm a good off-the-cuff speaker – I'll just wing it.” Everything changes when a camera is staring you in the face, and most videographers charge based on time. If you get flustered and start stammering, it's literally going to cost you. Instead, write up a script ahead of time or pay someone to do it for you.
Practice, practice, practice. Put your outfit together beforehand (you too, men) to make sure it looks just right. Practice a natural, winning smile that says, “I'm trustworthy, friendly, and competent.” And if you're doing a video bio, practice in front of a mirror or – even better – on a friend or family member.
What are your tips for prepping for a portrait or video session?
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