Managing Your Personal Marketing: Taking the Right Photo

A picture is worth a thousand words, and in today’s media it is sometimes the only thing the consumer looks at. Capturing the visual attention of an audience is something advertisers struggle with everyday. When the brand you are trying to sell is you, not just any visual will do.

“Any agent submitting a press release for publication in your local paper or real estate publication needs to be aware of how they present themselves visually,” says RE/MAX of Texas Marketing Manager Mike Sumerlin. “Not just any snapshot will do. Quite often, a good photo is more important to the publication running your story then the text. You want to be sure you are taking the best possible photo to accompany any announcement of your accomplishments.”

Taking a good photo to accompany a press release doesn’t require a professional photographer to be on hand. But there are some tricks that can help you maximize your marketing. You won’t need a high-tech digital camera to get the best quality photos for publication. An everyday digital camera should contain the proper functions for getting a publishable snapshot.

• If you are photographing an event, be sure to take many photos.

• Pick your locations carefully and use the highest quality setting your camera has, as many publications will need a high resolution in order to publish a photo.”

• If you know where and when you are going to be photographed for publicity, always be sure to wear colors that contrast with your surroundings.

• If you have any say in where you are photographed, try for a solid color background. This makes publishing your photo easier if a graphic or layout designer must manipulate your photo on the computer, resulting in a better finished product.”

“The final outcome of a published photo is very important to a Realtor’s personal branding, so make your photos work for you,” continues Mike Sumerlin. “If a consumer can’t distinguish you in a photo because the quality is poor or the photo isn’t engaging, you aren’t likely to make an impression. And most importantly, if possible make sure the RE/MAX Balloon is visible in your snapshot. Use the visual power of your brand to capture your future clients’ attention.”