It's a new year; time for fresh starts, new year's resolutions and the next step in building your business or taking your idea forward. In today's online world, you'll inevitably want to make the most of the opportunities to reach your potential customers that social media provides, and you may also be thinking about other ways of getting your business out there - everything from business cards to ads in local magazines, from flyers to billboards.

What do all these have in common?

They rely on photographs!

Avoid sunglasses or large hats, both are associated with disguises and hiding one's identity for good reason. Look your customer in the eyes, it shows a confidence in your products or services, denotes honesty and helps people engage with you.

A good headshot is an investment you'll use again and again. 

Every social media channel needs one, if you're interviewed or featured in the press you'll be asked for one, your website needs an 'about me' section and that should feature your headshot.  Bite the bullet and get it done - you won't regret it!

The 'engager' is not designed to sell a particular things but rather to encourage the audience to identify with you, to talk to you and to share and promote you. This is where images of you or your staff work really well, as do images of your shop or offices or more unusual shots of manufacturing processes.  Critically, people like to hear about you and why or how you do what you do.  They enjoy feeling part of your inner circle, getting a glimpse behind the scenes or connecting with you on a personal level.  Of course, we all have to draw a line between business and private lives - so work where you are comfortable and share what you feel is relevant.  

For me, business photography is a collaborative process. We work together to get the images that will have the most impact for you and your business. I also work with website designers and marketing specialists to craft on-brand images that can be used time and time again, so justifying the investment in professional photography.

I've often supported people to take their own photos as well; to keep the social media machine fed with great images. I hugely enjoy feeling part of your business, feeling that I am contributing to your success by helping you communicate what you do and what makes it special. I often share websites and social media for those I've worked with and frequently connect people with the companies I've photographed.

Small business is a small world, and supporting each other is what makes us strong and enables us to compete against the giants that inevitably exist in any line of work.

Se more examples of my work with small businesses by visiting the Product Photography Gallery or check out Headshots & Personal Branding