When I started my business originally my business partner at the time thought that it would be a great idea if we had pictures of ourselves on our website, at the time I wasn’t too keen but as it turned out it was a stroke of genius! Now I know what you’re thinking, ‘Seriously Mark! Who on earth would want to see a picture of me on my website?’ Well actually if you sell professional services then a picture of you and your staff on your website is extremely important. Think about it, people buy from people. Now I know it’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché because it’s true. Putting a picture of you and your staff on your website humanises your business, if people are buying your services it stands to reason that they’re going to want to know what you look like.
Now you may be thinking ‘That’s all very well Mark, but I hate having my picture taken!’ I can understand that, I’m the same! When I shoot headshots with a client the most important thing for me is to make sure that they feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. Typically for the first dozen or so shots the client is nervous, but once things get going they relax and act more naturally, this is when their real personality comes through. I always feel that I’ve done my job when a client who is adamant that they won’t like their pictures are suddenly showing them to their colleagues with a smile on their face.
If you do decide to put your picture on your website (and you really should), there are a few things to consider;
We all have friends who use a profile picture of themselves on their Facebook page from 10 years ago, don’t ever be tempted to do this on your website!
Use a current picture
Now we all have that favourite picture that was taken a few years back, you know the one, it’s probably been your Facebook profile pic for the last 5 years, don’t be tempted to use it on your website. If you use an old picture of yourself, you are simply misleading your audience.
Background
If you’re having your picture taken in a photographic studio, a white background is best. White backgrounds always look professional, plus it’s easy for you to be ‘cut out’ and used in many different ways, this is much more difficult to achieve with a patterned or coloured background.
Use a professional photographer
Everyone has a digital camera nowadays but don’t be tempted to do it on the cheap. Bad lighting, distracting backgrounds, and poor colour does not send out a positive message about you.
Your pictures should reflect who you are
As a creative agency owning photographer I want our staff images to reflect that we are creative and a little off the wall, we update them quite regularly and we always have a little fun with them. However, if we were a company of solicitors this approach would be all wrong so make sure that your pictures reflect who you really are.
So there you are, get some pictures of you and your staff on your website, and let your customers know who they’re dealing with.
Cheers, Mark
