Three kinds of brand images
What does each of your brand images SAY about you? What does it communicate about about you and your business beyond, "Here is what I look like. I dress like a professional and I'm passably attractive."? Too often we miss the specifics of what we want to say about how we show up for our clients. We miss opportunities to create real connection.
Here are three important kinds of brand images (not an exhaustive list):
An iconic image reflects what you stand for
Do you stand for illuminating clarity for your clients? For joyous celebration? For warm welcome? For envisioning possibility? To empowerment to break through obstacles? Your iconic image should embody - in location, gesture, color, expression, tone - that quality that you promise in your service to your client. You can think of it as a stake you are driving into the ground. For me in my photography practice clarity of purpose and depth of experience are key.
An intimate image reflects your emotional core
Here is where you share something of the inner you. For my friend Darrick, it includes boundless joy. For me it's a quality of connected soul. (An image of me looking out over the vast ocean may be cliche, but it is definitely on point.) Sharing a glimpse of your emotional core is not only just good for your soul, it gives your clients a reason to trust you.
An inviting image directly connects with the viewer
This kind of image is all about you making connection with the viewer. It is more about the quality of relationship you seek to establish than how you are on your own. Again, for me as a photographer, creating a brave space of celebration and expression is my aim. You might use this kind of image on the contact page of your website, or for a blog post where you are inviting the reader into a new soul space.
This list is not exhaustive, but gives you a start in thinking about how you want your images to work in creating relationship with your clients. I hope this will get you thinking more deeply about your brand photos!
Own your badassity!
