QandA Archive - Business Photostory

What to wear to a photo session?

How to dress for a photo session in order to look to your advantage at a business photo session

What to wear to a photo session?

by Business Photographer - Business Portraits in London, Metzingen, and the world.

“What to wear?” is one of the most frequent questions my clients ask me when we plan our photo session. To start with, I always advise to bring along two or three outfits. This way we get a bigger variety in the imagery but also, we have some options to choose from. Here are some ideas about what to wear to a photo session in order to look to your best advantage.

First choice: comfortable

It`s so hard to relax and feel good in a pullover that makes you itch, in shoes that are hurting your toes, or in trousers that cut into your stomach. Choose clothes that feel comfy and that allow you to move freely. Also, it`s not easy to really be yourself and shine if you wear clothes that make you feel self-conscious and insecure. Feeling is most important when it comes to dressing for a photo session! When choosing your outfits, doublecheck whether these clothes are making you feel truly confident and comfortable.

Choose harmony

When you are a bunch of people wanting to be photographed together, it would be great if you coordinated with each other what you are going to wear. Ideally the colours of the clothes of the entire group would be in harmony and either all would wear rather light colours, or all rather dark.

Say no to clothing brand logos (unless you are a clothing brand)

If you want to get timeless images, you best avoid visible, big logos on your clothes. You want to have the focus on YOUR brand, YOUR business, not on the brand of your clothes. Unless you are selling clothes: Then you should of course wear the brands you are selling and if possible, have the logo flashing. However, if you are not a fashion brand or shop, avoid logos on clothes. Not only can they be a distraction in the image, but also you might not like these brands any more soon. Brands often include a statement that you may not want to make any more a few months down the road.

Say yes to sleeves

Wear tops, shirts and blouses with sleeves, nothing sleeveless. Unless you want to advertise for anything fitness related, I suggest you wear sleeves that cover shoulders and the top of the upper arms. On girls, wide flared butterfly sleeves that end somewhere between mid-upper arm and elbow are the most flattering. For a casual style, men can tuck the sleeves up towards the elbows a little.

Blazers are your friends

A Blazer tends to be the most flattering item to wear. They are fitted and generally make a good figure. Just make sure that your blazer is the right fit and not too tight around upper arms and across your back: if you see that the fabric throws creases that means it`s too tight. Unbuttoned tailored jackets and well-fitting coats are great for every shape, too.

Know the effect of oversized

Oversized pullovers, sweaters, and jackets are very fashionable. However, it`s good to know that they can make curvy people look bigger in photos than they really are. In case this is a concern for you, choose tops that are neither tight nor baggy, but just slightly loose. Also, the sleeve seam should preferably sit on your shoulder, not somewhere half down your arm. The most flattering are tailored tops like blouses, blazers, shirts or jackets – all in the right fit.

Business Photographer London

Why can`t I just use stock photos for my Business Marketing?

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Why can`t I just use stock photos for my Business Marketing?

Use photos and video to build the feeling number one: TRUST.

Business Portraits in London, Metzingen, and the world.

Trust is the number one feeling that we want to generate when people look at anything that comes from our business! Trust is built by showing actual people – ourselves and our team – because this proves personal commitment and reliability. You and your team showing up as responsible and as the people in charge.

Especially if you are a small business in the premium market this is most important: Potential clients want to know if they can rely on actual people to commit and stand behind the business. That there will be someone who actually cares when they`ve got questions about your product or service.

“Website users pay close attention to photos that show real people who actually work at the company. They ignore stock photos.” (Study by the Nielsen Norman Group)

Why can`t I just use stock photos for my Business Marketing? - Show up personally

Customers who don`t happen to know you personally will find it easier to trust the promise you give them with your service or product if you and your team show up personally on your website and social media. Potential clients will be way more hesitant to rely on a team that is hiding behind a bunch of anonymous stock photos. People buy from people. And people want to see actual people who feel in charge of the service or product they are promoting – not random models or actors. They want to see a business owner and a team who they can rely on when it comes to fulfilling orders and sticking to their sales promises.

Why can`t I just use stock photos for my Business Marketing? - Website users ignore stock photos

Also, a study by the Nielsen Norman Group has found that “website users pay close attention to photos that show real people who actually work at the company. In contrast, users ignore stock photos of generic people.” Showing your face and getting personal instead of hiding behind standard stock photos will make you way more trustworthy and relatable in the eyes of your clients.

And please do not worry about the photo session itself – I will take care of it and will make it a fun experience for you and your team! Here is one of my latest testimonials from restaurant owner Attila Sinkovics: “The shooting was a lot of fun. Nadine is very nice and we can only recommend her! Thank you for the great photos!”

Business Event with photo session

In fact, why not make the photo session a celebration? This way your team and you could enjoy some time together having drinks and snacks while I take their photos in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere? Get in touch and we can arrange that for you!

Business Photographer London

How can film clips benefit my marketing?

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20-60 second film clips can elevate your marketing to a whole new level.

How can film clips benefit my marketing?

Business Video Storytelling in London, Metzingen, and the world.

Film clips are short videos of approximately 20 to 60 seconds. ‘How can film clips benefit my marketing?’ you wonder. Well, you can use them for your marketing in all kinds of situations. They are more versatile than a so-called “image film” because you can spread them all over your homepage and your social media platforms. They will effectively transport the tone and mood of your business.

Film clips help you build and show your brand personality, the character of your business, and its unique voice. This way you can differentiate your business from others. Most importantly, you will be able to reach and connect with those clients who “click” with you. Those who fall in love with your brand personality – your fans. By putting out film clips on a regular basis you will keep these fans of yours engaged and inspired. These fans are the all-important 20 % of your clients. Remember: 80 % of your company’s future revenue will come from just 20 % of your existing customers.

The film clip below is from a video project for the fair fashion store Fashion MIE . They just launched their very own sustainable fashion brand. Video is a perfect tool when launching a brand because it communicates the mood and the voice of a business. This way it attracts the “right” clients from the start.

Play Video about Feet with socks on - How can film clips benefit my marketing?

Film clips for your marketing message

Professional videos will set you apart in your industry because they demonstrate professionalism and excellence. This will set expectations and it will help you build credibility with your audience.

Videos attract peoples’ attention and they visualize your brand message and demonstrate your products and services. The viewer can see you, your team, and your products in action and this evokes a way more personal connection than a text. Film snippets will bring along the feeling of familiarity, of “knowing” you and your brand. This will result in the viewer feeling emotionally connected to your business. Emotional connection is key for marketing.

And because they are so short, film clips will grab and hold the viewers’ attention just long enough to leave them wanting to see more.

Business Photographer London

Why do I need business portraits of me and my team?

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Why is it so important that you have business portraits that show you and your team on your website and social media?

Show yourself (People buy from People)

Business Portraits in London, Metzingen, and the world.

Part of a business photo story are images of you and your team. I do business portraits in London, Metzingen, or wherever your business is located. Do you wonder why you need business portraits at all?

Well, you probably have heard the saying “People buy from people”. And that`s exactly true:

“People buy from people they trust and they trust people they like”, says the author of “The Real Truth About Success” Garrison Wynn.

Gain trust and sympathy

Building trust is key to business. If we feel we can trust a business, we are much more likely to buy. If we have doubts, we most likely are going to look elsewhere.

We build trust by showing our faces and the faces of our team. Because that signals that someone personally cares. Someone actually stands behind the business, someone we are able to relate to. This creates an emotional connection, sympathy, and trust – exactly what is needed to be a successful business today.

Enjoy your business portraits in London

I understand that some people are photo-shy and don`t like the thought of a photo session. But honestly don`t worry! I will make it fun for you and will create a relaxed atmosphere so that our photo session will turn out as a nice experience for all of you.

Relax to look your best

For a photo session, I take plenty of time so that everyone can relax and feel at ease. Otherwise, you will most likely not like the images – I mean who likes to be reminded of feeling stressed? I truly care about the people I photograph, and my number one priority is to make everyone comfortable, seen, and valued. To me, it`s a huge honour to be asked to photograph someone and I want my clients to remember the session as a good time.

What people say about their business portrait session

Therefore, it means the most to me if someone writes or tells me that she or he enjoyed not only the final pictures but also the photo session itself. Here are some of the nicest things that people have told me or written after a photo session:

“Nadine made me feel at ease, knew all the techniques and locations needed for the best results, and made it feel nothing like work!” (Illustrator Ellie Smith)

“Nadine accompanied us at work and is so natural that you quickly lose your shyness in front of the camera.” (Caterer and cake artist Alex Pieper)

“Dear Nadine, thank you very much for the wonderful day with you. With your relaxed and very professional manner, you helped us to feel very comfortable in front of the camera!” (Beautician Verena Palermo)

Business Portraits in London, Metzingen, and the world

“I’ve rarely felt so comfortable at a photo shoot.” (Bar owner Michael Mylonas)

“Nadine was an absolute delight to speak with and after seeing the photos, I was amazed at how she was able to capture some great moments.” (Comedian Sam Patel)

„Wow, the best, best beautiful pictures ever! I`m speechless… Thank you so much for the pretty photos and the great time we had – it was such fun!” (Blogger Christine Eggert)

“The shooting was great fun. Nadine is very professional and with her calm and uncomplicated manner she creates a relaxed atmosphere.” (Pole Dance Teacher Stefanie Riehle)

Business Photographer London