Personal Branding
THE FAB
POSING
GUIDE
for visual personal brands
HEY SEXY
HEY SEXY
GET READY TO DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO POSING AND LOOKING YOUR BEST IN PHOTOS & VIDEOS
This article is ready to equip you with exceptional techniques and tips that will empower you to exude the utmost confidence and showcase your authentic & fabulous self
First things first: POP that bottle of PROSECCO
Let me ask you this: are you tired of feeling self-conscious every time someone pulls out a camera? Do you wish you could confidently strike a pose and look absolutely stunning in every shot? Don't worry! WE GOT YOU.
Well, get ready to say goodbye to those insecurities because this article is going to change YOUR LIFE seriously.
The SECRET SAUCE is…
SELF LOVE
Eight years later and with over 5000 people photographed, the TRUTH is: no matter how much expertise the photographer has, how beautiful or well-dressed you are, looking confident in front of the camera begins with LOVING YOURSELF! How we feel about ourselves on the inside is reflected in our presence on the outside. If we don't fully embrace and cherish our fabulousness, we're more likely to feel self-conscious, insecure, and out of sorts when that camera lens focuses on us.
However, when we deeply love and admire ourselves, we exude confidence, comfort, and ease in front of the camera (sure, a good photographer helps too). We're not wasting time second-guessing how we look or worrying about being perceived because we already know that we are incredible, just as we are!
So, to look fabulous in front of that camera, start by loving yourself FIERCELY. Practice embracing and celebrating your radiance and watch your confidence and beauty shine in almost every photo and video (we know it's not that easy, but it's worth it).
JOIN OUR
We told you everything starts with loving yourself, right?
Well, SELF-LOVE CLUB is a club of diverse people that have PERFECT FLAWS. It's our nonprofit photography-based project to help people feel SEEN, CONFIDENT, and BEAUTIFUL inside & out.
WHY?
Because we wanted more DIVERSITY EVERYWHERE. Our aim is to help people heal from self-judgment, and this requires bravery and collective effort from both women and men. Simply educating our children with kindness, understanding and listening to others, and appreciating the beauty in our friends is not enough. We all face societal pressures that make us feel too fat, thin, wrinkly, or much of something. This is exacerbated by the lack of standard representation in the media and our tendency to use filters and makeup to hide our perceived flaws.
BUT TIMES NEED TO CHANGE.
We must be kind to ourselves and see the light within us.
let’s dive in.
WHY THE FLUFF DO YOU NEED GOOD VISUALS?
Looking your best in photos and videos is essential for creating a strong visual personal brand that resonates with your audience. Whether you're an influencer, entrepreneur, or job seeker, projecting confidence and authenticity on camera is a must. But with so many posing techniques and tips out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That's where we come in! Ioana has compiled a list of the top best poses and techniques to help you look your best in photos and videos. From finding the right lighting to practicing with confidence, these tips will elevate your visual personal brand and make you feel like a true QUEEN/KING in front of the camera.
UNDERSTAND YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
(short recap.)
Before you start posing for photos and videos, it's important to understand your personal brand. Your brand is what sets you apart from the competition and helps you connect with your target audience.
MESSAGE & EMOTION (set the vibe)
Think about what message you want to convey and what emotions you want to evoke. Are you looking to project confidence and authority, or a more playful and approachable vibe?
Your brand should guide your choices. Are you an edgy fashion influencer, a health and wellness guru, or a corporate professional? Each brand requires a different approach to posing and styling.
For example, an edgy fashion influencer may opt for bold and dynamic poses that showcase their unique style and personality, while a corporate professional may choose more polished and sophisticated poses that convey authority and trustworthiness.
DRESSING FOR
SUCCESS
Your outfit is a crucial element when it comes to creating a powerful personal brand in photos and videos. Your clothing should not only look great but also reflect your brand. Dressing for success means finding the right balance between style, comfort & authenticity.
Remember, comfort is also essential when it comes to dressing for success in photos and videos. You want to be able to move freely and feel confident in your clothing. If you're uncomfortable, it will show in your body language and facial expressions.
Don't forget about the details. Accessories, such as jewelry, hats, or scarves, can add a pop of personality and elevate your outfit. Pay attention to grooming as well, such as hair, makeup, and nails, as they can complete your overall look and create a polished appearance
Don't follow time-sensitive trends or try to be someone you're not. Stay authentic to WHO YOU ARE!
DO’s
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Stick to solid colors. Patterns can look and feel too overwhelming.
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No matter your size, wear something that fits (not too tight/loose).
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Focus on coordination: clothes, accessories, makeup, and shoes should all feel cohesive
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Choose a unique element fit for your brand & use it across all photos/videos: a pair of glasses or earrings, for example.
DON’Ts
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Some logos can look good, some can really look bad and ruin your photos. In any way, don’t wear clothes with logos.
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Don't go too heavy on the make-up & hairstyling, unless there's a specific purpose. Keep it natural and effortless.
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Don't try new styles on the event day to change your appearance. You might look back at the photos/video & regret them.
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Don't believe that anything can be "done" in post-processing apps. Photographers/Videographers are not magicians :)
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME EXAMPLES
This photoshoot is effective because:
shows both personal & professional side
follows the same aesthetic in each scene
It doesn't feel like *too much*
follows one color palette
the make-up + hairstyle feel natural
signature element: bob cut, dark colored hairstyle
LIGHTNING TECHNIQUES
INDOOR NATURAL LIGHTNING IS YOUR BFF!
(the one that softly highlights your face when you stand in front of a large window)
The best time of day to capture indoor natural light is typically during the morning or afternoon when the sun is not too high in the sky. This will help prevent harsh shadows and blown-out highlights.
Try to avoid mixing different types of light, as this can create strange color casts and unwanted shadows. Perhaps you can turn off any other artificial light in the room.
LIGHT, the eternal struggle! Did you know that using the proper lightning technique can improve your image quality?
LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME EXAMPLES
HOW TO work with natural light
Where is the light?
TOO HOT (not in a good way)
NO flash, please
Say NO to artificial lights from above
Camera angle too low + too COLD
Camera angle too high
Selfies + Bright Sun = NOPE
Contrast subject vs. background is uneven
Yay! THE PERFECT BALANCE
and Another One
HOW TO POSITION artificial light
The side light is too close
The side light is just right
Overhead light
Light from below
CORRECT: Light from lateral sides
CORRECT: Above + Below
STRIKE A POSE
STRIKE A POSE
"What do I do with my hands? What do I do with my body? What do I do with my legs? PANIC.PANIC.PANIC"
Sounds familiar?
Everyone has a "good side."
Posture is a crucial element when looking your best in photos and videos. Good posture makes you look better and conveys confidence. Good posture is essential to improve your overall appearance in visual content.
Experiment with different angles and poses to find the one that flatters your features. Don't hesitate to ask a friend/a photographer/a videographer for their opinion on which poses work best for you.
Yay! More EXAMPLES
Ready to study some poses?
Experiment with the "good side" of your face. Avoid pulling your head away from the camera (A) or tucking your chin. In headshots, tilt your head slightly and place the tongue over the roof of your mouth for that noninvasive double chin lifting. (B)
Let’s talk about weight distribution. Is it split evenly between both feet? (A) If so, it’s time for some shifting. Put most of your weight on one of your legs, and you will instantly create a flattering— "S curve" (B) with your body. Just be careful (WOW) not to lean backward or away from the camera. This can look stiff and uncomfortable. You are aiming for a natural stance.
Let’s figure out openness. There is a common misconception that professionals should look serious in photos (A) or videos. Using more approachable body language can do wonders (unless you want to convey a specific emotion). Thinking about something that brings you joy & smiling is always great (yes, with teeth). A subtle body tilt can also work like a charm.
The head tilt is a classic pose that can add a touch of elegance and friendliness to your photos. Experiment with different angles and degrees of inclination to find the one that works best for you. And remember to elongate your neck (B) to avoid creating unflattering shadows (A). Also, the head tilt works best with good posture and a slightly upward chin. (B)
Hand and arm placement can significantly affect how natural and comfortable you look in photos. Avoid stiff or awkward poses (A) & experiment with different hand positions to find the most natural way (B). And don't forget; props can be a great way to give your hands something to do – try holding a book or a coffee cup to add interest to your photos.
A genuine smile (B) can light up your face and make you appear more approachable and friendly. Practice your smile in front of a mirror to find the most natural and flattering expression. And don't forget to smile with your eyes – the "smize" (B) technique can add warmth and depth to your photos. Finally, when you're on camera, take a deep breath and relax your face (or you know, think about puppies) – this will help you avoid the dreaded "fake smile" look.
Standing in photos can be pretty tricky. The first example (A) is bad because the body looks stiff and slightly frightened. Instead, imagine you have a string attached to the crown of your head. This string is pulling you up like a doll. Keep your core muscles engaged and lifted as you settle into this stance. Your shoulders should be back, and your legs in a slightly "S shape (B)."
#SELFIE TIME
#SELFIE TIME
From "duck faces" to Snapchat's dog ears, FaceTune, and bad filters, self-portraits are becoming more creative & versatile than ever.
When it comes to PERSONAL BRANDS...
Here’s the TEA
We'll tell you to skip the exaggerated filters and avoid the APPs that will completely change your facial structure. You want your audience to trust you.
Use props and backgrounds strategically: Props and backgrounds can be a great way to add personality and interest to your selfies, but be sure to use them strategically. Make sure they align with your brand and message and don't overpower the focus on you.
When taking selfies for your personal brand, consider your audience and what they might want to see. What kind of content will resonate with them? What message do you want to convey?
Yup, you know it! More EXAMPLES
Ready to study selfies?
A
B
A phone cover with a MIRRORED back (A) can be great for achieving high-quality selfies or videos. Sometimes, the front camera can significantly lower the image quality (whenever you can, use the back camera for videos and selfies). Or, if you want to use the front camera, opt for a free-standing SELFIE STICK (B) that can create full-body photos or videos that feel more natural (because you can show more of your hands).
A
B
Aaaah, the famous RING LIGHT. The position you place your ring light is crucial. Putting it at the level of your face (A&B) will leave your selfie with no shadows under the chin. And we like having shadows under the chin to avoid the double chin situation.
Notice how everything changed when the ring light is positioned slightly higher that the face? Shadows under the chin = LOVE
EXTRA: Make sure you don't stand too close to the ring light. That can create beautiful circles in your eyes and a BIG circle on the tip of the nose (we don't want the later).
Things to REMEMBER
PRACTICE & PATIENCE are your BEST TEACHERS. Practice with poses, light, colors, and props. There is no shortcut.
What may work for others may not work for you. There is NO universal recipe.
Learn the rules & break them sometimes. That's how you will eventually add your personal touch.
It all starts with SELF-LOVE. No matter how much you research about posing, lights & cameras - if you don't like the person in the picture, there's nothing even Annie Leibovitz can do.
Don't hesitate to ask for help when needed. Find a photographer or videographer you resonate with on a personal level (so that you'll feel more relaxed).
Great visual content should feel as NATURAL as possible.