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Three different expressions of Penny

Personal branding and being visible in your business.

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Personal branding and being visible in your business – what does it mean for you?

If you are considering using someones services or their products, what’s an initial thing you might do? Check them out – their website, their social media channels and Trust pilot are all things you might look for. You will quickly form an opinion according to what you find… or as importantly, what you don’t find. But you will form an opinion and it could influence your decision on whether to buy from, or work with who you are checking out.

Let’s turn this round to you and your potential clients who could be checking you out. First of all, that’s great, that’s exactly what you want them to do … and what will they find?

It’s is really important to get yourself visible for your audience, but what if you just don’t feel comfortable doing this?

Your brand encompasses a lot more than your logo.

You are very much part of your brand, the way you speak, your values, beliefs, why you do what you do and your personal visibility. It’s all part of what makes up your personal brand.

So here’s the thing, your potential clients want to know who you are, today, now, not an old inappropriate shot from some years back or on holiday. If you form an opinion of someone when you see these, they will do the same for you.

Becoming comfortable and at ease to do this is priority so you project the genuine you. Good clear headshots showing you as the friendly and approachable person you are is a great start.
Love Your Image offers a headshot session, specifically to help you find your confidence: Explore Your Image

But you can do so much more with it.

There is no getting away from it, that photographs and videos are an important part of establishing your brand. But you can ease yourself into it, taking one step at a time and find your feet. 

Find your stories

Big, little, personal, business, using photographs and videos to tell them. It is very common that a personal post receives more engagement than a more regular business post, so your posts don’t always need to be business related. They don’t need to be your life story – many will relate to little snippets of what’s going on in your world.

I’ve been photographing Kim both personally and professionally since 2012.

Kim started out, all those years ago, not so comfortable being photographed, to now being a very prolific content creator.
She has many, many photos of herself, living, relaxing and working and can find the right image to go with the right post.

woman wearing purple, being photographed.

Personal and professional authentic shots of Kim

woman wearing purple, being photographed.

Personal and professional authentic shots of Kim

woman wearing purple, and a black headscarf, being photographed.

Personal and professional authentic shots of Kim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woman smiling and working on her laptop

Kim working from home

Woman smiling and working on her laptop

Kim working from home

Woman smiling into her mirror reflection

Kim working from home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woman walking along a beach relaxing

Kim relaxing on a beach near her home

Woman walking along a beach relaxing

Kim relaxing on a beach near her home

Woman washing up

Kim relaxing at home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She still uses some of those photographs from years ago, to illustrate a relevant post, as well as many up to date ones from our last shoot in 2023:

 

Woman looking at her phone smiling.

Kim in touch with her online presence during a photoshoot

Woman holding a mobile phone

Kim presenting to her audience about social media

Woman holding a mobile phone

Kim presenting to her audience about social media

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Woman holding a mobile phone

Kim presenting to her audience about social media

Woman standing giving a hand gesture

Kim presenting to her audience about social media

Woman standing giving a hand gesture

Kim presenting to her audience about social media

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kim’s website can be found here – Morr Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did we achieve this?

As the professional guiding, it’s important I establish a good rapport with you from the outset. Put you in a place where you can feel at ease and able to be yourself is paramount. I have to earn your trust. What better way, than to start with a cup of tea/coffee and find some mutual ground 🙂

It’s also important to discuss what you would like and what you are hoping to achieve. Finding the right photographer who is going to listen and guide you where they feel it’s necessary with creative ideas, or in areas that you’ve asked for their help and suggestions.

You don’t need to struggle!

Help is at hand and we can quite literally take it one step at a time, until you have conquered your fears and can be yourself in front of a camera.

 

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Images of Penny speaking to camera.

Is video creation right for you?

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‘Let’s all create videos and be seen.’


‘Let’s all create videos and be seen’. But how do you know if video creation is right for you and how do you get started? Others are better placed than I to advise on whether video creation is best for you and your business, but I do know how to help you get started. However, in my opinion it’s one of the best ways to show the real you and that alone makes what you do unique… because we are all different. Even if you offer something similar to another, the way you offer it will make it different. Consider the mindset of your viewers (and potential clients) and why they would want to use you and buy your products, or use your services.

To those who have never attempted any videos, the thought of chatting for 2 minutes or longer can be a daunting prospect. Others seem to do it with ease and how can you live up to that?! I’ve even heard some say that it reminds them of drama classes at school that they hated.


The good news is, there isn’t one single way that’s best.

It’s finding the way that is achievable for you and from there you will grow. That can be a very different experience from school, PLUS, you already have a vested interest!

Reels, videos, shorts, tiktok, vlogs … these are all names given to video creation of different lengths and a variety of platforms, that’s all. It might appear confusing, but really it’s not. Again, finding the platform and style that is right for you is the way to go. We really don’t need to be pressured into doing anything we don’t want to or feel uncomfortable … until we’re ready.

Nearly six years ago I created a list of nine top tips – they still hold good today. If you’re reading this and haven’t seen them, you can get them by signing up to my mailing list. You can also find them as individual video clips on my You Tube channel – links below.

Love Your Image website
Love Your Image You Tube channel

Photograph of Penny about to create a video

Introductory video on You Tube.

What about that daunting thought of talking to camera for any length of time

This thought alone, is probably why many don’t even think of getting started. But with anything new to learn – this is not a competition with others – this is your journey. Your starting point could be another persons achieving point, or vice versa. Starting with things you can achieve and progressing at a pace you can manage and be happy with is the way forward to succeed. The story of the ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ comes to mind 🙂

For all those videos you see out there online, stop and imagine for a minute… there are as many that never made the cut and the creator gave up!


You don’t have to be in business to share a video.

For example, I mentioned I have a You Tube channel that I’m gradually building and adding with clips to help all those who don’t like getting in front of the camera. However, I have some personal projects that I plan to share – one of them is already on facebook – Feeding the hedgehogs

These would be things that I have a great interest in outside of work, such as my love of wildlife and there will be other interests too. So you get to know a bit about the person as well as their work.


This I recommend to do before you start creating videos!

I hadn’t planned to go over the tips in this blog, however I can’t stress enough the benefits of number 1 – Purpose.
Why? Well I’ve seen too many videos that perhaps don’t show someone talking about their business in the best light (excuse the pun). For no other reason that it wasn’t thought through sufficiently – so plan your strategy, you will thank yourself.

Most of your viewers will be very supportive of your content and the information you generously share. However as with all things in life, you don’t have control over what others think, say or do. What you do have authority over is what you put out there – so make sure it makes sense and has value for those you wish to attract. You want them to switch on and not switch off!


Online courses for 2024.

I’m planning online courses for 2024 and that will include help with video creation. There will be plenty of notice about what’s coming, so please do stay in touch, should this will be of benefit to you.

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Five different images of life as we know it.

Culture shock photography!

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Does the culture and society we live in affect our attitude towards being photographed?

Does the culture and society we live in affect our attitude towards being photographed? Here in the UK, we live in what is considered a modern civilised society. We are a developed country, as like Europe, Canada, North America, Australia, New Zealand. But the world is ever more multicultural, and effects of our society filter through to other countries and cultures. Made ever easier with the growth of the internet, mobile phones and social media connectivity.

One thing that is certain, culture, fashion, image, beauty, styles, all evolve and change over the centuries. In my opinion one of the things that can drive change and evolution in a culture is money. Whether it’s a lack of it, or lots of it. Innovation is and can be great for the world population. Although as mankind has discovered that can come at a cost when misused.

But what’s all this got to do with getting in front of a camera?

Well the culture we are born into and grow up in is going to have a profound effect on our learning and development. Yes it’s also got a lot to do with those closest to us. If they’ve grown up in the same environment, a lot of expectations and beliefs can be very similar.

Now we are getting closer to the point…

Part of our belief system that we learn and develop from when we are children, comes from the society we are born into. Our youngsters haven’t experienced a world where the internet and computers, including mobile devices didn’t exist.

Each generation can be heard to say “when I was young, we didn’t have (this that or the other) … “. You’ve only got to search YouTube for Monty Python’s Yorkshireman sketch if you fancy a real giggle on this.

But somewhere in the world there are children who live without access to clean water. Have nothing more than the clothes they stand in, let alone a TV or a mobile phone.

This blog is not about the right and wrong of these things. It’s to highlight the beliefs we form, including that of ourselves, according to the world we are raised in.

Somewhere in the world all these things have been and are considered beautiful and attractive:

  • Large in size
  • Tooth sharpening
  • Lip and neck stretching
  • Flawless skin
  • Small feet
  • Pale skin
  • Dark skin

In our world, we can easily see ourselves. We have mirrors. We have phones and cameras with which we can capture pictures. As a two year old, you may have discovered yourself in a mirror, and kissed your reflection. When was the last time you were able to look in a mirror, and genuinely love what you see?

Nowadays, we have ‘trendsetters’ and ‘influencers’ on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Copying a style has become normal. The pressure to confirm and be like others in our peer groups is HUGE.Reality TV produce series in the name of ‘entertainment’ that further highlight current ‘trends’. It’s invisible in its normality as an accepted part of our daily life… until it causes us problems. The term ‘reality TV’ itself I find questionable. Does it really reflect real life and real people? Trendsetters and influencers can be an inspiration to many and be a positive thing in lots of ways. However, it’s the expectations we put on ourselves, to be like this that or the other that I find unsettling.

Some people lives their lives by others benchmarks.

I’ve always wanted to encourage people to be their own person and to learn to love who they are.

For those who don’t like being photographed or seeing the results, it can have evolved from the belief system they developed in the society they grew up in. This would include how they see themselves – not something you would necessarily be aware of. There is another given in life. WE are responsible for ourselves and the person we become. This is made up of the choices we make and how we get there. Yes life has a habit of throwing us good things and big ‘ol curve balls. We can’t necessarily change what has happened, but we can change and be in control of how we react.

The pandemic has highlighted our need to take care of our mental health…

Perhaps there are some positive things to come out of the challenge of the past 3 years. If it causes us to be more aware of ourselves and what affects us, it’s never too late to make changes to feel happier and healthier… and love who we are and what we see.

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If you haven’t already, please sign up to the Love Your Image mailing list, and you won’t miss out on any updates, news or new information.

For those who find getting in front of the camera for Video, there will soon be a series of Video shorts on the Love Your Image You Tube channel – using a personal project for illustration, these will be video clips on creating videos 😎

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Quick tips to consider when taking part in online meetings…

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As we are all plunged into a situation never experienced before and not wishing to go on about what we can’t do, I’m trying (like many of us) to focus on what we can do.

I’ve listed a few quick tips for you to consider when engaging in online meetings, so you can be seen and heard clearly, communicate effectively, be professional, but also be yourself:

As with any meeting, make sure you are ready beforehand – This might mean making sure you have any relevant notes and/or writing materials to hand. Know who is going to initiate contact with who and that you have the right software on your device/computer. Make sure your video and audio are switched on and working and is at a reasonable audio sound level.

Face the best source of available light in your room – to avoid your face being in almost darkness, make sure you are well lit, even if its just natural light in front of you and avoid bright daylight streaming through a window behind you. This should help reduce the camera on your device from constantly trying to adjust the exposure as you move around in front of it.

Consider what distractions there may be and try to minimise – many of us will be holding our conversations from a home office and its your choice if you wish to roll up to your meeting in your PJ’s… but, its a good idea to close doors and windows to minimise people and pets walking in, outside traffic noise or roadworks and perhaps remove that stand of washing that’s behind your chair!

Have the camera on your computer at eye level – if your camera level is too low, others will have a lovely view straight up your nose, it’s a very unflattering angle for you and is not the level we communicate with people when we are face to face. A simple pile of books, or a small box might just be sufficient to raise your device. Have your monitor as close to vertical as possible.

Try to hold eye contact with the camera lens in your device – its more tempting to watch the other persons face on the monitor, but, that means you are unlikely to be holding eye contact. Maintaining good eye contact shows the other person you are giving them your full attention.

Allow for a small time delay when responding to speak online – always speak clearly and try not to talk over someone, or jump into the conversation too quickly. Allow an extra moment before responding to speak, that way you minimise having to ask the other person to repeat what they said.

Happy and productive meetings everyone – please get in touch should you need further advise.

https://archive.pennymorgan.co.uk/contact

communicating, online, meetings, Online Meetings
Image copyright – Penny Morgan Photography

Animate Your Image

 

Video… hang on, I’ve never talked about video before??

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Are you one of those people who find yourself saying “I really should get started with video marketing”? What holds you back? Is it technical know-how, or perhaps not knowing what to say, or just complete fear of putting yourself in front of the camera?

Perhaps you are like many others and are now watching several self made videos online. You probably watch some all the way through and are happy with what you’ve seen and learned, or just been thoroughly entertained… it did what it said on the tin! But how many do you tire of all too soon and switch off? It’s pretty important to understand ‘why’ you like some and not others, if you are going to start creating your own.

Creating your own video doesn’t replace working with a professional videographer, but getting to grips with it, can set you up to confidently engage with and grow your audience, because today it’s all about building that trust and engagement. Photographs and videos can be the first thing people ever see of you.

Let me ask you this – if you were to employ yourself to represent your business or company in photographs, presentations and videos … do you think you’d get the job?

Hang on… I’m a photographer, I’ve not talked about video before, so what’s going on? Firstly, I’m not about to venture into this skill set. Having always concentrated on helping people be more confident in front of the camera for photographs, it’s been a natural progression to also build people’s skills and confidence in front of the camera for video.

You have the perfect resource to use… that’s yourself, because you and what you do, are who your audience are interested in. Learning to develop these skills is within your reach.

On the 23rd May, I will be running a half day Video Presentation Skills workshop just outside Bury St Edmunds, in collaboration with MarleyBird Communications, focusing on the importance of ‘what you should say’ and ‘how you should say it‘ to create great marketing content without costing you much more than your time.

Be one of those businesses others talk about, recommend and share your videos.

'I've really got to get to grips with Video Marketing'
‘I’ve really got to get to grips with Video Marketing’

Video Presentation Skills Workshop