1. S H A R P E NIN G Y O UR C O M P E T I T I V E E D G E F O R O UR S O C I A L M E D I A W O R L D
Considerations when choosing your profile photo
photographer:
1. How do you want to come across in your photo?
Think about what you’re looking to achieve in how you come across in your
profile photo. A good photographer/visiologist will help you with this. For
example, (not an exhaustive list!) do you want to come across as:
• Professional, friendly and approachable – when your role is people and
customer-focused
• Professional authoritative, more serious, determined
• Professional, entrepreneurial, innovative – if you’re in a creative/dynamic
business and organisation.
NB if you have a multi-faceted role e.g. speaker, leader with hands-on and hands-
off aspects to your role, having a selection of different photos of you in different
scenarios is useful to draw upon and show your range of skills and abilities.
Our brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, so those profile photo
first impressions tell your story, wittingly or otherwise, faster than any
accompanying well-crafted copy.
2. Find a style that resonates for you
• Look at few photographers’ websites, twitter and other social media
feeds and you’ll get a feel for whether their style works for you.
• Check out their recommendations and testimonials
• Check out their specialisms, what do they bring that adds value to the
finished result?
• Create a shortlist of 2 or 3 photographers/visiologists.
3. Speak to your shortlist selection
A photoshoot is actually a collaboration between the photographer and
subject. A good rapport means you’ll be more comfortable in the shoot
and that’ll show in the results.
• An email can’t do much to establish whether you’ll have a good
rapport with your photographer. Speak by phone or even better by
Skype/Facetime/or similar.
Speaking to your prospective photographer will give you a good indication as to
whether you'll feel at ease, easily - especially important if you typically don’t feel
comfortable in front of a camera.

2. S H A R P E NIN G Y O UR C O M P E T I T I V E E D G E F O R O UR S O C I A L M E D I A W O R L D
• Outline what you’re looking for
• Ask about their approach
• Do they have a consultation before the shoot?
- How long is the consultation?
Like any business scenario, the more you understand someone’s requirements, the
better the result. To discuss how best to visually convey your personal brand 30
minutes is a minimum, 45 - 60 the optimum.
For personal branding, a face to face pre-shoot briefing is imperative.
I recommend this happens a few days before the shoot to add in other ideas
4. Check the price and output
• What format will I receive?
- Softcopy jpgs are standard
- Screen and/or print resolution downloads
- Are they easily downloadable from their website?
• How many images are included as a minimum in the price?
• Do they offer black and white shots?
- At what additional cost?
• Are prints included in the price or payable separately?
- Are prints easily orderable via their website?
• Of course, ask for a quote.
• When will I be able to download my images?
Every professional photographer will spend time editing and processing.
Post-production editing times will vary depending on how busy the
photographer is, so allow a minimum of a few days to a week or so.
Personally, my aim is to create depth and texture to an image, generating the sense
of meeting you in person, which in our social media world, we effectively are!
Good luck, and well done on having thought ahead to get some great
photos. You’ll be able to avoid that usual scrabble for a good photo when the
PR department/press team call!
If you have any further questions, I’d be delighted to assist you.
Denise Quinlan, Insightful Images
denise@insightfulimages.co 07774 613224
www.insightfulimages.co