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412-370-4520 jen@jenworley.com

Personal Branding – Let Your Headshot Speak For Itself.

How essential is it to establish a personal brand? In today’s world, it’s imperative. Living in the digital age, you can never underestimate the importance of your social media presence, and in the corporate world, you present this with your business headshot. Your Facebook profile, Linkedin photo, or picture on the company website will oftentimes be the first impression shared with a potential client. We all know how important first impressions are, so let’s get it right!

We know that creating a personal brand can seem intimidating at first, but don’t let that put you off. As Pittsburgh business photographer I am here to help walk you through each and every step of capturing the perfect headshot! Today we’ll talk about the different photo elements that come together to ensure you leave your clients with the right impression. 

Scout Your Location. The first important step is to choose your location and background – helping to set the mood for your photo. It’s important to pick an appropriate scene that represents your profession. Location can be onsite – your place of business – or you may choose to go for a studio session. Studio setup and lighting (often with a white background) tend to give off a more conservative vibe commonly appreciated by CEO’s and top businessmen. A less serious, but just as professional, approach is to shoot at your workplace with a soft – slightly blurred out – background. More relaxed business’ may even spring for a slightly colorful or environmental backdrop. 

Who Are You? Now it’s time to think about wardrobe. First, you need to decide what look you’re going for. How do you want to represent yourself and your business? You’ve heard, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” – apply that here! How would you dress for your dream client? You may go for a suit and tie, jeans and a nice top, or somewhere in between. Next, grab a solid or non-distracting color for your top. Professional stripes (sometimes found on jackets or blazers) can work too, as long you maintain a neutral background. For women, we recommend going for vertical stripes, as they offer a more slimming look to the camera. Ladies, feel free to glam yourself up a bit, but keep it natural!  We do recommend a makeup artist,  https://jenworley.com/2019/01/22/skin-and-makeup/.   We want your true personality to come out with these photos. 

Find Your Pose. You’ve made it to the shoot – Woo! As your photographer, I am here to help make you feel comfortable and find poses that work for you. If you’re nervous, don’t feel silly about practicing in a mirror before you go. Some things to think about…

    • Relax and breathe. 
    • Keep your back straight. 
    • Avoid “straight to camera” body position. 
    • Practice chin awareness. 
    • Communicate with your eyes.
    • Relax your hands and arms. 
    • Practice hand placement.
    • Try standing up.
    • Take one sitting down – with a slight tilt to the head, leaning forward, and a gentle but captivating smile. 

Say Cheese! (Or Don’t.) Almost done! You’re at the shoot, picked a profession-appropriate wardrobe, and feel comfortable with your pose. Finish it off with your facial expressions. The great thing about expressions? They only take a second to change. Try them all! 

Take Control of Your Brand.

Did you know you already have a branded product? YOU (or your career). Personal branding is the process of marketing yourself. You do so with every product you release, every business partnership, every social media post, and every look you present. 

Goal: Build The Brand You Want! The brand you build should be composed of your business value, your services, who you are and what you do. The process of self-branding is simply promoting these ideas through marketing platforms.

1. Find Your Niche. Do it well. First, you need to know exactly what you’re promoting. Everything you do adds to your brand – make sure you’re in control of the information your customers are seeing. This isn’t a step to skip. Brainstorm and write down these answers for yourself – be specific. 

  • What do you, or your business, bring to the table? 
  • What specific services do you provide? 
  • How do you provide these? (Explain your process, your timeframes, your pricing)
  • What’s in it for the customer? 
  • How are you different than your competitors? 

2. Define Your Target Audience. We can’t impress on you enough, the importance of finding and marketing to the right target audience. Take Instagram for example. Some people just want those million followers, but what you actually want is ENGAGEMENT in your followers.

Try this – Think what services you provide, why someone would need them, and then narrow down to the who. 

3. Present Yourself. In today’s world, a simple product isn’t enough. We want to know what we’re buying, who we’re buying, why we’re buying. You are the face of the brand, so get yourself ready to promote. As a Pittsburgh business photographer I can help you grab the perfect headshot to use on any digital platform – whether that be a business website, LinkedIn account, or social media post. Our photographers are here to help you build and promote your business in any way we can. 

4. Show. Don’t Tell. Now that you’ve determined your value as a brand, and you know who you’re targeting, it’s time to start promoting. This can be done in various ways depending on your business, and we’ve given you some ideas below. But the idea is to set yourself up with any sort of portfolio that works for you.

Grow a following

  • Instagram. We live in not only a digital age, but a visual one. Create content, use good captions and hashtags, and engage with your followers! Be consistent and frequent! 
  • LinkedIn.  Is becoming on of the most important social platform for professionals.  It is not a place to just parl your work history anymore. 
  • Twitter. Particularly in business, this is a great way to release a quick message, or to promote your other platforms. Update it with alerts of any new products, articles, promotions, or anything customers should be aware of. 
  • Facebook. Similar to Instagram, create content that will encourage reader engagement. 

Set yourself up to be ready for potential clients

  • Create a Website. Outline who you are, your services, and your pricing, and even a blog to keep it interesting. (Keep it fun. Add some photos!)
  • Set up your Facebook page. This can be more personal than a website. Update frequently and engage with your followers.
  • Finish your LinkedIn account with a full resume, description, testimonials, and the perfect headshot.

Kickoff engagement with your posts and captions. Ask your viewers to answer a question, to follow another platform, or to share an opinion. Don’t add these to every post – readers shouldn’t feel like there’s work to do every time they come across something of yours. Keep it light & easy! 

5. Maintain Trust. Trust will be incredibly important to build when talking to new or current clients. You’ve told them who you are, and what you can do. Why should they believe you? Make sure to work in prior experience, testimonials, and relevant education wherever you can to help build your credibility.

jen worley photographer

Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-370-4520

Instagram post 17905212002943352 Crazy kindof fun to participate in @peter_hurley @headshotcrew HeyDay @wppievents WPPI at The Mirage, Las Vegas.Join the Headshot Crew members as they embark on an epic challenge to break the world record and photograph over 1000 people in one day!  Watch as they showcase their incredible skills and creativity while capturing stunning headshots of attendees.WPPI Expo (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International)  is for photographers of all different levels and backgrounds, sponsored by major photography brands such as Canon.Know I’m missing people, but here are some of the amazing group (my favorite people listed first, haha):@scottrosenthalphotography @goranmrvic  @skylineheadshotschicago @dangalenderphotography @lisakharrington @alfonso_rojas @bestchadyoueverhad @noel.marcantel @ross.mcintire @maicolheadshots @vailfucci @rzfimages @threecircles.studio
@carlos_blancas15
@antoine.stephenson
@willysanjuanphotography
@danhnguyenphotography
@richardwaine
@rmophotography
@melanie.maxine
@anna.cillan
@detroitcityheadshots
@kindfloat
@ecorrea_photography
@gaproshots

Crazy kindof fun to participate in @peter_hurley @headshotcrew HeyDay @wppievents WPPI at The Mirage, Las Vegas. Join the Headshot Crew members as they embark on an epic challenge to break the world record and photograph over 1000 people in one day! Watch as they showcase their incredible skills and creativity while capturing stunning headshots of attendees. WPPI Expo (Wedding & Portrait Photographers International) is for photographers of all different levels and backgrounds, sponsored by major photography brands such as Canon. Know I’m missing people, but here are some of the amazing group (my favorite people listed first, haha): @scottrosenthalphotography @goranmrvic @skylineheadshotschicago @dangalenderphotography @lisakharrington @alfonso_rojas @bestchadyoueverhad @noel.marcantel @ross.mcintire @maicolheadshots @vailfucci @rzfimages @threecircles.studio @carlos_blancas15 @antoine.stephenson @willysanjuanphotography @danhnguyenphotography @richardwaine @rmophotography @melanie.maxine @anna.cillan @detroitcityheadshots @kindfloat @ecorrea_photography @gaproshots ...

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Instagram post 17971711805535281 First day of @theportraitmasters Summit - the beginning of  @wppievents
Shooting Bays.  Model: @kristysilver70  Using @lightroom on ipad.  Natural beauty - no retouching.  Minor light edits.

First day of @theportraitmasters Summit - the beginning of @wppievents Shooting Bays. Model: @kristysilver70 Using @lightroom on ipad. Natural beauty - no retouching. Minor light edits. ...

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Instagram post 18028226740782831 Looking to showcase your upscale clothing boutique, or want a branding shoot to make you look like you own one?  Let’s collaborate.DM for more information.About this shoot:Model:  Selah @selahweigant
Photographer:  me
Retouching:  noneCreative Direction: Lindsay Adler @lindsayadler_photo
Hair Day 1: @Jacquidavishair
Hair:  Linh Nguyen @linhhair
Makeup: Mark Williamson @markwilliamson
Styling: The Cannon Media Group @thecannonmediagroup

Looking to showcase your upscale clothing boutique, or want a branding shoot to make you look like you own one? Let’s collaborate. DM for more information. About this shoot: Model: Selah @selahweigant Photographer: me Retouching: none Creative Direction: Lindsay Adler @lindsayadler_photo Hair Day 1: @Jacquidavishair Hair: Linh Nguyen @linhhair Makeup: Mark Williamson @markwilliamson Styling: The Cannon Media Group @thecannonmediagroup ...

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Instagram post 17963854748592584 Tanya Vokes serves as Chief Executive Officer at @dfspgh Dress for Success Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit that works to empower women as they take the next step in their career journey. Under Tanya’s leadership, the organization has grown to provide clothing and employment readiness support to thousands of women who are entering or returning to the workforce each year via its mobile boutiques and brick and mortar locations in Lawrenceville, Sharpsburg, and Washington, PA.In addition to working to eliminate common barriers local women face related to obtaining and retaining employment, Tanya is focused on increasing positive outcomes and collaboration in the nonprofit sector through initiatives like employHER Pittsburgh. She founded the Women & Girls Nonprofit Leadership Forum in 2023, made up of the leaders of the 15+ area nonprofits primarily working to meet the needs of local women and girls.#pittsburghphotographer

Tanya Vokes serves as Chief Executive Officer at @dfspgh Dress for Success Pittsburgh, a local nonprofit that works to empower women as they take the next step in their career journey. Under Tanya’s leadership, the organization has grown to provide clothing and employment readiness support to thousands of women who are entering or returning to the workforce each year via its mobile boutiques and brick and mortar locations in Lawrenceville, Sharpsburg, and Washington, PA. In addition to working to eliminate common barriers local women face related to obtaining and retaining employment, Tanya is focused on increasing positive outcomes and collaboration in the nonprofit sector through initiatives like employHER Pittsburgh. She founded the Women & Girls Nonprofit Leadership Forum in 2023, made up of the leaders of the 15+ area nonprofits primarily working to meet the needs of local women and girls. #pittsburghphotographer ...

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Instagram post 18033390634780792 Jossillin just renewed her real estate license and recently joined Coldwell Banker in Cranberry township! She’s super excited to help people find their dream home and navigate the world of real estate. @JossillinK. #pittsburghrealtor

Jossillin just renewed her real estate license and recently joined Coldwell Banker in Cranberry township! She’s super excited to help people find their dream home and navigate the world of real estate. @JossillinK. #pittsburghrealtor ...

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Instagram post 18021143242832933 I got to do the Emmy’s! …. ah wait, I mean I got to photograph one. 😆. Did you know that US Steel won an Emmy?  Here’s the story:This Emmy was one of three earned back in 1953, for the U. S. Steel Hour, which brought adaptations of new and classic theater productions, along with big-name stars, to the small screen during its 10-year run.But this Emmy was a bit lost for some years.  Shortly after Erin DiPietro joined @ussteelcorp more than 20 years ago, she found this Emmy statue boxed up and in desperate need of repairs.  This year, it was time to bring it back to life.  If you ever find yourself in need of an Emmy repair, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences offers a replacement statue service.#ussteel #emmys

I got to do the Emmy’s! …. ah wait, I mean I got to photograph one. 😆. Did you know that US Steel won an Emmy? Here’s the story: This Emmy was one of three earned back in 1953, for the U. S. Steel Hour, which brought adaptations of new and classic theater productions, along with big-name stars, to the small screen during its 10-year run. But this Emmy was a bit lost for some years. Shortly after Erin DiPietro joined @ussteelcorp more than 20 years ago, she found this Emmy statue boxed up and in desperate need of repairs. This year, it was time to bring it back to life. If you ever find yourself in need of an Emmy repair, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences offers a replacement statue service. #ussteel #emmys ...

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Instagram post 17910407591890581 Took two weeks off with NO looking at Instagram or other socials.  Highly recommend it.  If I wasn’t a photographer for a living, I wouldn’t be here. 😆BUT… my obligatory post:  Been waiting to capture our yearly anniversary photo; a month late… but when it snowed today, I’m like let’s do it!  A way to remember that our kitchen remodel was a part of our 2023 also.  No, our dogs have not ever been on our waterfall island before this.Using the new two @nanliteusa we purchased last week through @bhphoto .  Constant light!! And keepin it real- just our rough selves and disobedient doggies.

Took two weeks off with NO looking at Instagram or other socials. Highly recommend it. If I wasn’t a photographer for a living, I wouldn’t be here. 😆 BUT… my obligatory post: Been waiting to capture our yearly anniversary photo; a month late… but when it snowed today, I’m like let’s do it! A way to remember that our kitchen remodel was a part of our 2023 also. No, our dogs have not ever been on our waterfall island before this. Using the new two @nanliteusa we purchased last week through @bhphoto . Constant light!! And keepin it real- just our rough selves and disobedient doggies. ...

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Instagram post 18007000676104099 Dominika Demantova is a licensed brokerage Senior Associate within CBRE’s Advisory and Transaction Services group. As the lead Team Transaction Coordinator for her team’s 15M (+) square foot portfolio of over 70 office buildings, Dominika provides transaction support over the entire agency leasing team. She has a direct focus on leasing office space in and around Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, including specifically handing renewals of existing leases within portions of the portfolio, and management of all databases.

Dominika Demantova is a licensed brokerage Senior Associate within CBRE’s Advisory and Transaction Services group. As the lead Team Transaction Coordinator for her team’s 15M (+) square foot portfolio of over 70 office buildings, Dominika provides transaction support over the entire agency leasing team. She has a direct focus on leasing office space in and around Pittsburgh’s Central Business District, including specifically handing renewals of existing leases within portions of the portfolio, and management of all databases. ...

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