The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 33: Oct/Nov 2017 | Page 28

CREATIVE THINKING PRESENTING BRAND YOU THIS AWARDS SEASON Photographer Lis McDermott is founder of Headshot Diva. She takes headshots of businessmen and women and is passionate about making them look their best. Lis has written a book, also entitled Headshot Diva, a simple but effective guide to business portraits. The book looks at the importance of a good headshot and the effect that a poor headshot can have on your business. Today websites like LinkedIn are the fi rst place someone will fi nd you. You need to make the right impression at fi rst sight, to engage prospects and draw people towards you. A poor headshot can actively repel business and cost you money. Working as a photographer, Lis instantly analyses pictures online and in print and has noticed recurring stances of both men and women that lead them to look ungainly, unapproachable and not at their best. As business award season is upon us. Lis has given us her top tips to look confi dent, happy and healthy in the way you stand and smile in photos. Making you look great in photos and give you more confi dence in yourself and your business. Lis McDermott LIS’S TOP TIPS FOR PRESENTING BRAND YOU 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Dress appropriately for your age, you need to gain respect Avoid fl ashy jewellery Choose something that is comfortable to wear, but makes you feel confi dent Choose something that fl atters your form rather than emphasises fl aws Remember – it’s amazing what people notice from top to toe LADIES: 6) Don’t show too much cleavage or too much midriff- it’s not appropriate for work 7) If you choose shoes with extremely high heels, practice walking up steps elegantly, and if you wear a long dress, ensure your heels don’t get caught in the hem as you walk 8) Beware of necklines that show too much cleavage, or very thin strappy dresses, as both have the opportunity for extreme dress malfunctions 9) Also, beware of backless dresses 10) Choose a colour that makes your skin glow. 11) If you choose shoes that show your toes, make sure your nails look good. Remember, this is predominantly a business event, NOT a social one. You are representing your brand. Ladies may want to wear a particular dress that has an amazing slit up the thigh, or the little black dress that shows your fi gure off to perfection. However, award ceremonies, although being celebrations are also business events, and any photos showing you on stage being presented with your award will be online for years to come. Men may not like having to conform and wear a DJ, or a suit and think that they are losing their personality. You won’t. Your winning personality will shine through and your more conservative colleagues and clients will respect you for making the effort. You will be remembered as the successful, award-winning businesspeople that you are, who also happen to look amazing and classy. An example of how not to stand. No slouching! An example of how to stand in a long dress A comfortable pose Standing straight with weight through back leg An example of how not to stand An example of how to stand in a DJ MEN: 12) When wearing a jacket and you want to fasten it, the top button is the best to fasten. If there are three buttons, then the middle, and the top button if you feel like it, but never the bottom button. Unfasten the jacket to sit down 13) For a black tie event wear smart, black shoes. Cummerbunds are meant to be worn with half covering the trousers and half covering the shirt, which helps if you have problems with your shirt hanging out! 14) For an event where jackets are required, choose a shirt where the collar sits well, particularly if you are not wearing a tie 15) For some industries smart casual is more likely to be the dress code. Even as a creative choose smart jeans or chinos rather than torn jeans. You maybe a creative, but many of your clients aren’t (which is why they use your services) and they could think you don’t care about your appearance 16) Ensure your nails are clean and clothes are well ironed 17) Avoid putting everything in your pockets – it creates unsightly bulges A relaxed, comfortable pose To fi nd out more about Headshot Diva and Lis’s Presenting Brand You 1-2-1 training email: [email protected] or call 07713 586 033 28 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017