Personal Branding Photography For Men: Overcoming Discomfort and Building Your Brand

Why male business owners need personal branding photography

Here’s a fact for you. 85% of prospective clients will Google you before they even think about a chat? 

You probably know this already. Maybe you’ve even thought about getting some professional branding photos taken. But what happens when you search for a personal branding photographer online?

All you see is female photographers working exclusively with female business owners. You’ve seen it. Lots of flowing dresses, bare feet and drinking coffee in swanky kitchens.

To be crystal clear, there’s nothing wrong with this at all. Most of what I’ve seen out there looks great. But it’s not your style is it? Their work isn’t aimed at you. So a simple search online can leave you feeling as though maybe branding photography isn’t for you after all. 

So, what about personal branding photography for guys?

We need it too, right? It's not just about looking good. It's about strategically building authority and client trust while creating an authentic image that genuinely represents your expertise and personality.

Why male professionals need personal branding photography

As a consultant, coach or business owner, you've likely spent years building your expertise and reputation. In today's competitive market, though, how you show up online is crucial to nail that first impression. Research shows that profiles using professional photography receive up to 21 times more views and 9 times more connection requests than those without.

A grainy smartphone selfie or outdated headshot simply doesn't reflect the caliber of your work or the value you provide clients. If you’re talking a 5 star service but showing up like a Blackpool B&B, you’re going to need to do some work! 

Quality personal branding photography delivers:

An authentic professional presence

The right photography communicates competence and approachability at the same time. Unlike traditional corporate headshots that often feel stiff and boring, modern personal branding photography captures your unique professional personality. Studies show people form impressions within 1/10 of a second of seeing your image. So why not make that split-second count?

Strategic brand consistency

Professional photography helps keep your visual identity aligned across all your business touchpoints. From your LinkedIn profile and website to pitch decks and speaking proposals. This consistency builds recognition and reinforces the level of quality you hold yourself to. 

Confidence about your image

It's not just about looking the part for potential clients. When you've got photos that genuinely show who you are and what you do best, it gives you a proper boost too. Loads of guys I work with say they feel more confident in their business dealings after getting shots that truly nail their vibe.

The Discomfort Factor: Why so many men avoid Personal Branding Photography.

Let's address the elephant in the room: Most people don’t like having their photo taken. In fact lots of successful men I’ve worked with have felt really uncomfortable in front of a camera. So, if the thought of a photoshoot makes you want to run in the opposite direction, you're not alone.

Common concerns include:

• Feeling self-conscious about your appearance
• Worrying about looking stiff or unnatural
• Not knowing what to do with your hands or how to pose
• Questioning whether the investment will actually pay off
• Feeling that professional photography is somehow “for girls” or "not for guys like me"

These concerns are completely normal and shared by lots of guys I’ve chatted to and worked with over the years. 



The good news is the right photographer understands these challenges and has specific techniques to help you overcome them.

Finding the right one is the best way to make sure you look confident in your shots. 

Finding the right brand photographer: What independent male professionals should look for

Not all personal branding photographers understand the specific needs of male business owners and consultants. Here's how to find one who does:

Check they shoot the style you’re looking for

Look specifically for photographers whose work features men similar to you in terms of industry, style, and demographic. Do the men in their portfolio look comfortable and authentic rather than stiffly posed? Pay attention to whether the environments feel appropriate for your field and whether the overall aesthetic aligns with how you want to be perceived.



Never make the mistake of thinking a photographer is a photographer and any will be able to take the shots you need. For example a wedding photographer may take pretty photos, but branding photography is a totally different ball game and unless they have specific experience in this you’ll just end up with pretty photos rather than images that will actually do some heavy lifting for you. 

Review testimonials from previous clients

What did other professionals say about both the experience and results? Look for comments about feeling comfortable despite initial awkwardness, the photographer understanding their unique business goals and images that actually generated business results.

Assess Their Process and Time Efficiency

As a busy professional, your time is valuable. Look for photographers who offer:

• A focused pre-shoot consultation to understand your specific business needs
• Clear guidance on location, clothing, and preparation
• An efficient shooting process that respects your schedule
• Straightforward selection and delivery methods

The ideal photographer will have a hassle free system that respects your time whilst still getting top results. 



Ask These Direct Questions

Before booking, ask some questions:

• "How do you help clients who feel uncomfortable being photographed?"
• "What's your approach to creating natural, non-stiff images for someone who isn't used to being photographed?"
• "Can you share specific examples of how your photography has helped business owners like me achieve concrete business goals?"
• "What's your typical timeframe from booking to delivery of final images?"

How to look good in branding photos: Practical strategies that work

As discussed, many successful entrepreneurs, business owners and consultants feel awkward in front of the camera. This is completely normal. So how can you overcome these feelings of awkwardness? Well, here are proven techniques that I have seen work time after time:

Communicate Your Concerns

Be upfront with your photographer about feeling uncomfortable. The best photographers have specific techniques designed to help camera-shy clients appear natural and confident. We can't fix anything we’re not aware of, so honesty creates better results.

Focus on Movement, Not Poses

Static poses often create the stiffness men worry about. A good photographer will incorporate natural movements. Things like adjusting glasses, leaning against a wall or walking a few steps will capture more dynamic and natural expressions. Actually moving about in a natural way will feel normal which will help you relax, which will get better shots. Forget about trying to hold the perfect pose.

Talk, talk, talk!

Talking will help you relax. Chat about your work, clients or even your philosophy on life during the shoot! This will help you forget about the camera. When you're speaking about subjects you’re confident in, you relax and we start to get the more natural you.



Start off slow and easy

Use the early shots to get into the session. Don’t worry too much about these being perfect shots. Get a feel for everything and settle down. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you get into it and start to feel more comfortable.

Preparation: Making the most of your photography investment (with minimal effort)

Pre Shoot Consultation

• Answer all the photographer’s questions in as much detail as you can
• Ask all the questions you have. make sure you're clear on any concerns
• Be open to suggestions and advice but be confident about your own goals. If it's not right, speak up
• Think of 3-5 brand words that represent your style
• Consider the platforms where you'll use these images most frequently.

Efficient Wardrobe Selection

• Choose 2-3 outfits that reflect how you typically dress when meeting clients
• Include at least one option that's slightly more casual but still professional
• Stick with solid colors or subtle patterns that won't distract from your face
• Ensure clothing is well-fitted and represents your authentic professional style
• Make sure everything has been tried on and is pressed before the shoot

Mental / Physical Preparation

• Clear your diary for your shoot. No calls. No emails. This is time to work on you and your business
• Get a good night's sleep beforehand
• Hydrate!
• Think of the shoot as a business investment rather than a personal vanity project.
• Remember why you're doing this. These images will be tools you can use to do more and be better.

The Business Case: Why this is an investment, NOT an expense

It’s easy to look at a photoshoot as an expense. But here’s why it’s more of an investment than a cost. 

Build credibility That Converts Prospects to Clients

Professional photos immediately signal that you take your business seriously. It creates visual credibility that aligns with your expertise and rates. Independent professionals report up to a 30% increase in enquiry-to-client conversion rates after implementing on brand professional photography across their marketing channels.

Create more Visibility and Opportunity

Stand-out professional photography helps you:

• Secure speaking engagements and podcast appearances
• Gain media features in industry publications
• Attract partnership opportunities with complementary professionals
• Build a more engaged social media following that actually generates leads

Premium Positioning That Supports Your Rates

Quality on brand images support premium pricing strategies. When your visual presentation matches your expertise level, prospects are less likely to question your rates and more likely to recognise your value immediately. (Remember the Blackpool B&B analogy?) Many consultants and coaches find they can increase their rates by 10-15% (sometimes more) following a professional rebrand that includes quality photography.

Implementation: Making the Most of Your New Images

Let’s face it. When we work for ourselves we have to do everything, right? We don’t have marketing teams do do all this stuff for us. So most business owners need some practical guidance on using their new images effectively:

What to do first

• Update your LinkedIn profile with your new primary headshot
• Refresh your website's “About” page with a selection of 2-3 varied images
• Create a simple brand board that includes your new photos alongside your logo and colour palette
• You could also add your new signature image to your email signature
• Update your Zoom or Teams profile image

Content Creation 

• Use your image library to create more engaging social media posts
• Include your photos in newsletters to build personal connection
• Create template designs for client proposals that incorporate your new images
• Develop a standard media kit with high and low-resolution options ready to send



Ongoing efforts to consider

• Schedule quarterly content days to pair new written content with your existing image library
• Use consistent images across guest blog posts, podcast appearances, and speaking gigs
• Track which images receive the most positive engagement and feature them more prominently

Frequently Asked Questions about personal branding photography for small business owners

How long does a typical personal branding photoshoot take?

For busy professionals, most sessions can be completed in 2-4 hours. This typically allows for 2-3 outfit changes and multiple setups while respecting your schedule.

Often longer sessions are more cost effective. But you won't always have the time to bang it all out in one go. So, if that doesn't work maybe consider a subscription package and have several shoots spread out over the year.

What if I really hate how I look in photos?

This is an extremely common concern. Professional photographers have techniques to find your best angles and expressions, often capturing aspects of yourself you don't normally see. 

Many clients who "hate photos" usually end the shoot loving what they’ve seen, feeling really good about themselves.

Make sure your photographer lets you see the images as you work. This enables you to give instant feedback and also see what is and what isn’t working. 

How many usable images will I receive?

This always depends on the photographer. Typically, you can expect 20-50 final edited images from a standard personal branding photoshoot session. 

Check if your photographer will let you choose these or if they do the final selections for you. 

Do I need to bring props or accessories?

Try and keep things simple here. Simple items like a phone, notebook etc can be ideal but they are not essential or necessary. Talk this through with your photographer. Remember you are the focus here, not what you’re holding. 

How much creative input do I have in the photography process?

You need to have significant input into your shoot especially in the planning stages. Ask your photographer all the questions you have to make sure you’re both on the same page. Then you need to trust whoever you have chosen. This is why your homework is important. Make sure you’re working with the right person. 

Don’t be afraid to speak up on the shoot itself. Give your opinions and ideas and make the whole process more collaborative. You’ll have more fun and the shots will feel like you’ve done more than just have your photo taken. 

The Competitive Advantage: Why personal branding photography matters more than ever

How you show up online is more important than ever. It's no secret that the girls have been smashing it. Female business owners have long recognised the power of personal branding photography. So many of us fellas are yet to take full advantage of it. This creates a HUGE opportunity for those willing to make the effort and act now. 



By investing in quality photography that authentically represents who you are professionally, you position yourself as a forward-thinking expert who understands that excellence extends to every aspect of your brand.

Taking the Next Step

Is it time to sort out your professional image and finally get over that camera shyness?

The key is finding someone who understands exactly what you need – and that's where I come in.

I help chaps like you create real, impactful images that actually deliver results.

Bottom line? The impression your images are making is crucial. Ready for yours to really count?"

To book a call and discuss how a personal branding photoshoot can work for you use the link below.