You know that a picture is worth a thousand words — especially in real estate. What you may NOT know is that your own professional portrait is a vital part of your marketing plan. It’s true, few of us enjoy going to get a portrait made. Most of us would prefer a trip to the dentist…

Preparing for your shoot and identifying your goals before setting your appointment will make this experience more enjoyable and less grueling.

Select Your Photographer Carefully

Selecting a photographer is the most important step toward a good end result. If the photographer makes you stiff (rather than putting you at ease) your expression will show it. The last thing you want is a portrait on your marketing materials where you look stressed, stilted, irritated or aloof.

The photographer should chat with you, sooth your nerves, and help you concentrate on the experience of the session. The result will be better, more candid shots. This is the reason that many of your favorite photos were not taken professionally. They are natural and sweet and telling — they are candid shots. Candid portraits are more reflective of your personality than the “sit up straight and say cheese” variety.

Your photographer doesn’t have to be a professional. If you have a talented friend or family member, ask them to come over and play with the camera to see if you can get a few great shots. If you don’t have a friend with that particular skill set, take along your favorite, lighthearted buddy with you for the session (check with the photographer ahead of time to make sure it’s ok).

Always ask that you retain the copyright to the photos so you can do with them as you please. Some photographers refuse to allow you to use your own portrait without special permission, so check before you select!

Regardless of who is behind the camera, if you don’t have fun during the session, you are with the wrong photographer.

Dress for Photo Success

Select solid, tonal colors in neutrals. Avoid bright colors, busy patterns and hues that clash with your business logo. Don’t dress “trendy” — stick with the classics.
The same is true for hairstyles, makeup and accessories.

Good portraits downplay clothing. “Natural” looks best for professional photos. The focus should be you, not what you are wearing. Take a change of clothing or two. Pay special attention to accessories, shoes and jewelry. They should not compete for visual attention.

Ask your photographer to experiment with light backgrounds and light neutral clothing as well as dark backgrounds and darker neutral clothing. Blending in a bit with the background will make your face the focus, and that’s the goal with a portrait.

For maximum flexibility, you should have a portrait session which includes inside and outside locations. Be sure you get a few casual shots in addition to the “suit and tie” or dressy variety. Also ask for some copies of your favorites in classic “black and white” format to use with media outlets and in those instances when a black and white image stands out among busy graphics on websites, etc.

Special Handling: Outside Shots

When taking shots outside, try to stay in the range of beiges/browns/khakis. Too-bright colors will vie for the viewer’s attention and you will be trumped by your bright colored blouse or tie!

Avoid green when shooting outside photos – especially bright greens. Natural backgrounds tend to be busy, so a neutral color from head to toe will help you to stand out. A good photographer will use a portrait setting to blur the outdoor setting into a lush backdrop, so you are the focus.

Don’t Make Rash Decisions

When it’s time to review the shots and select the ones you want to use, don’t make quick decisions. Get proofs and “live” with them a couple days before selecting. Ask family members, get the input of friends, even alter your perspective by turning the photo upside down to view it. Great photos should retain their balance and appeal from any angle.

Ideally, you should retake professional photos every 2-3 years. In reality, you may be using these photos for several years, so be sure you love them before you choose. Be sure you get digital copies of those you select to make it easier to use in marketing materials and to send to media outlets.

BestPrintBuy.com offers marketing materials that will incorporate your new professional portrait to help you look your best!