These are the three reasons why having several outstanding portraits of yourself online is essential, especially if you are a brand or selling a service.
I recently created a portrait library for Suzanne Cotter, Director at the MCA, so she had many image options for any occasion.
I'm generation X, and I noticed many of my peers are online (lurking and liking, including me), but many of us rarely put ourselves faces online. We need more confidence to take self-portraits and post them to the younger generations because we didn't grow up with these powerful cameras in our back pockets.
I know from experience that it's hard to see photos of yourself; I have many years of being a photo assistant to thank for that. Nevertheless, since I have increased my self-portraits online, I'm reaching a broader audience and have established visibility I never thought I would gain.
Do you agree with this statement?
I recently posted the above tile on Instagram, and one commented that they have better things to do than show up online. Now I agree to some degree. But an online presence has become crucial for individuals and businesses in today's digital age. With the increasing number of internet users, having a solid online presence is more important than ever, and that's why you need high-quality portraits and lots of them!
These are the three reasons why having an outstanding portrait of yourself online is essential, especially if you are a brand or selling a service.
Engagement
I noticed a long time ago that my followers would engage with photos of me more than with any other image I posted. I would reintroduce myself by showcasing my work, a way to express myself differently from my commercial work. It allowed me to showcase my personality, interests, and style to my followers. Now did the likes make me feel good? I would be lying if I said no. It certainly gave me a boost of confidence. Plus, I received more feedback than anything else I posted.
2. Connection
Sharing photos of myself online helped me build connections with others. It allowed me to connect with new friends, clients and like-minded individuals with similar interests and experiences. It allowed me to showcase myself as a portrait photographer highlighting my services and expertise to a global audience. Having outstanding portraits of myself helped build a loyal following. It also enabled me to establish my credibility and authority as a photographer, further enhancing my reputation.
3. No one will sell themselves better than you.
I had a job once where the marketing team said this to me, and it has stuck with me. As a result, I have slowly realised that I needed to show my face to sell myself as a portrait photographer. My Dad always told me that I needed to put myself "out there" to get the work I wanted, and he's right; it has worked.
It is essential to note that there are also potential risks and negative consequences associated with posting photos of oneself online, such as privacy concerns and cyberbullying. I know from experience that some people can be nasty, but most are encouraging and lovely. But if you struggle with the nastiness of people, please be mindful of these risks and protect yourself while sharing content. Block people when you need to and stay off socials when you need to.
Now, what are you waiting for? Follow my tips using your iPhone or book a professional photographer and get yourself out there. It will be worth it. If you need help posting photos of yourself online, I want to hear from you. Please email me here. Or message me on Instagram or Tiktok.
Lots of love, Katie
