Last week we learned how important body language is to make a great first impression. However, sometimes you’re not even aware you’re making a first impression. If you mail out marketing materials, you are “introduced” to new people all the time without even being there! Have you ever considered how your body language is conveyed in your marketing materials?
Many real estate agents feature their photo on marketing goods like Calendar Magnets, Sports Schedules, Business Cards and the like because is a great way to increase popularity and brand awareness throughout your community.
Here are a few tips for taking a great business photo:
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Get picky. It’s okay to be picky when it comes to your business photo. Take your time and do a little research. Figure out exactly what to wear, how to smile, and what background to use. You’re going to want to wear clothes and colors that complement your complexion. Discover what colors to wear or stand near to look your best.
Stand in front of the mirror and take a long, hard look at yourself. What do you love about yourself? Do you have stunning eyes, a warm smile, or gorgeous cheekbones? Surely there is something about yourself that you love. Learn how to highlight your best feature. And don’t feel silly—practice smiling in the mirror. You want to make sure your smile looks natural and comfortable. Not too much teeth, not too much gum—you’ll know what smile looks best when you see it. If you're having trouble getting a natural smile, think of something funny; otherwise your emotions will come across as in-genuine.
Some say pressing your tongue against the back of your teeth helps produce a natural looking smile.
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Set up. Choose a background that complements you. If you’re going to have your photo silhouetted (have your face and body cut out of the image and placed over another background), it’s easiest to use a solid background. Even tacking up a neutral colored bed sheet is fine. Be careful what color you choose as a backdrop: hair picks up surrounding colors, especially if you’re blonde. For example, grassy green backgrounds can turn blonde hair green!
As most of us don’t happen to have a photography studio at hand, natural light is your safest bet.
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The best time to take your photo is 1 hour after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset.
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Taking a picture with the light source directly above your head can give you dark circles under your eyes.
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Try to keep the sun to one side to create bold background lines.
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Avoid having the sun behind you, or you’ll become a shadow.
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Get it together. Grab a decent camera with a timer and a tripod stand. If you don’t have those things, ask a buddy, spouse, or coworker to take the picture for you. Be sure the camera is set to the biggest picture size available; otherwise the image won’t be clear enough to print. The picture needs to be at least 350 dpi (dots per inch).
Take a few dress rehearsal photos with your hair and make up done to see how the photo turns out. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing too much make up; sometimes camera flashes accentuate cosmetics.
Practice photos are also essential to teach you what poses work best for you. Most photographers claim that looking slightly downward and to either side is best. If you look into the camera straight-on, your face may appear too broad. Also, you don’t necessarily have to look into the camera—sometimes peering off-camera can add allure.
- Relax and be confident. It’s just a picture. The camera can be intimidating, but it won’t steal your soul—just keep your cool and try to keep your pose as natural as possible. Keep your joints softly bent, so you don’t look stiff. Take as many pictures as you feel necessary. It’s not uncommon to take anywhere from 10 to 30 pictures, so you have enough to sort through and find your favorite.
Taking a business photo isn’t so hard. Follow these easy steps, plan a little, and remember to smile big and think of something funny as you do it. The picture you choose should be professional, friendly, and natural.
You’ll be surprised how many people will recognize you around town once your marketing materials start doing all the introducing for you! Do you have any tips or do's and don't's for taking professional business photos? We'd love to hear your stories.
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