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
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THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017