Personal Branding – Let Your Headshot Speak For Itself.
How essential is it to establish a personal brand? In today’s world, it’s imperative. Living in the digital age, you can never underestimate the importance of your social media presence, and in the corporate world, you present this with your business headshot. Your Facebook profile, Linkedin photo, or picture on the company website will oftentimes be the first impression shared with a potential client. We all know how important first impressions are, so let’s get it right!
We know that creating a personal brand can seem intimidating at first, but don’t let that put you off. As Pittsburgh business photographer I am here to help walk you through each and every step of capturing the perfect headshot! Today we’ll talk about the different photo elements that come together to ensure you leave your clients with the right impression.
Scout Your Location. The first important step is to choose your location and background – helping to set the mood for your photo. It’s important to pick an appropriate scene that represents your profession. Location can be onsite – your place of business – or you may choose to go for a studio session. Studio setup and lighting (often with a white background) tend to give off a more conservative vibe commonly appreciated by CEO’s and top businessmen. A less serious, but just as professional, approach is to shoot at your workplace with a soft – slightly blurred out – background. More relaxed business’ may even spring for a slightly colorful or environmental backdrop.
Who Are You? Now it’s time to think about wardrobe. First, you need to decide what look you’re going for. How do you want to represent yourself and your business? You’ve heard, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have” – apply that here! How would you dress for your dream client? You may go for a suit and tie, jeans and a nice top, or somewhere in between. Next, grab a solid or non-distracting color for your top. Professional stripes (sometimes found on jackets or blazers) can work too, as long you maintain a neutral background. For women, we recommend going for vertical stripes, as they offer a more slimming look to the camera. Ladies, feel free to glam yourself up a bit, but keep it natural! We do recommend a makeup artist, https://jenworley.com/2019/01/22/skin-and-makeup/. We want your true personality to come out with these photos.
Find Your Pose. You’ve made it to the shoot – Woo! As your photographer, I am here to help make you feel comfortable and find poses that work for you. If you’re nervous, don’t feel silly about practicing in a mirror before you go. Some things to think about…
- Relax and breathe.
- Keep your back straight.
- Avoid “straight to camera” body position.
- Practice chin awareness.
- Communicate with your eyes.
- Relax your hands and arms.
- Practice hand placement.
- Try standing up.
- Take one sitting down – with a slight tilt to the head, leaning forward, and a gentle but captivating smile.
Say Cheese! (Or Don’t.) Almost done! You’re at the shoot, picked a profession-appropriate wardrobe, and feel comfortable with your pose. Finish it off with your facial expressions. The great thing about expressions? They only take a second to change. Try them all!
Take Control of Your Brand.
Did you know you already have a branded product? YOU (or your career). Personal branding is the process of marketing yourself. You do so with every product you release, every business partnership, every social media post, and every look you present.
Goal: Build The Brand You Want! The brand you build should be composed of your business value, your services, who you are and what you do. The process of self-branding is simply promoting these ideas through marketing platforms.
1. Find Your Niche. Do it well. First, you need to know exactly what you’re promoting. Everything you do adds to your brand – make sure you’re in control of the information your customers are seeing. This isn’t a step to skip. Brainstorm and write down these answers for yourself – be specific.
- What do you, or your business, bring to the table?
- What specific services do you provide?
- How do you provide these? (Explain your process, your timeframes, your pricing)
- What’s in it for the customer?
- How are you different than your competitors?
2. Define Your Target Audience. We can’t impress on you enough, the importance of finding and marketing to the right target audience. Take Instagram for example. Some people just want those million followers, but what you actually want is ENGAGEMENT in your followers.
Try this – Think what services you provide, why someone would need them, and then narrow down to the who.
3. Present Yourself. In today’s world, a simple product isn’t enough. We want to know what we’re buying, who we’re buying, why we’re buying. You are the face of the brand, so get yourself ready to promote. As a Pittsburgh business photographer I can help you grab the perfect headshot to use on any digital platform – whether that be a business website, LinkedIn account, or social media post. Our photographers are here to help you build and promote your business in any way we can.
4. Show. Don’t Tell. Now that you’ve determined your value as a brand, and you know who you’re targeting, it’s time to start promoting. This can be done in various ways depending on your business, and we’ve given you some ideas below. But the idea is to set yourself up with any sort of portfolio that works for you.
Grow a following
- Instagram. We live in not only a digital age, but a visual one. Create content, use good captions and hashtags, and engage with your followers! Be consistent and frequent!
- LinkedIn. Is becoming on of the most important social platform for professionals. It is not a place to just parl your work history anymore.
- Twitter. Particularly in business, this is a great way to release a quick message, or to promote your other platforms. Update it with alerts of any new products, articles, promotions, or anything customers should be aware of.
- Facebook. Similar to Instagram, create content that will encourage reader engagement.
Set yourself up to be ready for potential clients
- Create a Website. Outline who you are, your services, and your pricing, and even a blog to keep it interesting. (Keep it fun. Add some photos!)
- Set up your Facebook page. This can be more personal than a website. Update frequently and engage with your followers.
- Finish your LinkedIn account with a full resume, description, testimonials, and the perfect headshot.
Kickoff engagement with your posts and captions. Ask your viewers to answer a question, to follow another platform, or to share an opinion. Don’t add these to every post – readers shouldn’t feel like there’s work to do every time they come across something of yours. Keep it light & easy!
5. Maintain Trust. Trust will be incredibly important to build when talking to new or current clients. You’ve told them who you are, and what you can do. Why should they believe you? Make sure to work in prior experience, testimonials, and relevant education wherever you can to help build your credibility.

Jen Barker Worley Photography
555 Grant Street, Suite 337 Offices at the William Penn Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-370-4520
What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Mar 20

What an incredible branding portrait session with Katie, as part as my Ultimate Headshot Session. When she walked in with skis, I was like, “this is going to be awesome.” #pittsburghheadshotphotographer #personalbranding
Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Mar 15

Jill Priscott is the owner of Priscott Legal, LLC, a five attorney team in the Pittsburgh area. They represent investment firms in the negotiation of NDAs, joinders, NRLs, finder’s fee agreements, vendor contracts, engagement letters, and other routine contracts. They are also available for outside general counsel services for small businesses.
Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in.Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events!#pittsburghheadshotphotos
Mar 10

Garrett Williams is the new Annual Giving Coordinator at Achieva in the SouthSide of Pittsburgh, a non-profit that seeks to support all people with disabilities through any life stage they are in. Achieve is having its largest fundraiser, the Pittsburgh Promenade, on March 25th, 2023. Be sure to reach out to Garrett for more information about Achieva or their upcoming events! #pittsburghheadshotphotos
Shannon. #pittsburghheadshots
Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience:"I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography."#pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
Mar 2

Can you tell there’s a baseball fan here? Enjoyed my shoot with Connor; here’s his thoughts on the experience: "I don't always like the "professional" tag or the look, but I know its importance. In the marketing world, it's always important to express yourself respectfully. Being able to show off personality and experiences in a digital world full of them, it's good to stand out where you can and be memorable. Sometimes the business world can be a little too serious, but life isn't always about seriousness. It's good to have fun, which I have always tried to do in everything I take part in. So, here is professional done my way, with the help of the immaculate Jen Worley photography." #pittsburghprofessional #pittsburghphotographer
The team at Very Law:Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times.Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Feb 28

The team at Very Law: Nicholas DiNardo joins Very Law from the highest court in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Supreme Court, where he served as a Judicial Law Clerk. Before that, he clerked with the Superior Court, and before that, the Washington County Court of Common Pleas. He has experience helping to decide hundreds of cases across a wide-range of practice areas, as well as experience in private practice. A Latrobe native and an alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Mr. DiNardo is a legal dynamo committed to assisting his fellow citizens in their most challenging times. Vincent Krawiec is a first-generation attorney whose commitment to justice drives him to achieve results for those in need. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Mr. Krawiec attended the Duquesne University School of Law in Pittsburgh, and instantly felt a connection with the city’s people and culture. Mr. Krawiec possesses a wealth of legal experience from mid to large-sized law firms, where he represented commercial and corporate clients in civil litigation and real estate matters. Now, he vigorously fights for his Pittsburgh neighbors. #pittsburghlawyers
Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
Feb 27

Great Monday shoot with the writer Meredith Mileti. Enjoyed talking about her next book! #pittsburghwriters
“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
Feb 20

“Brianna focuses her practice on business and corporate matters. Before attending law school, Brianna worked for several years in the communications industry where she advised clients on public relations issues and advocacy initiatives, as well as advising on campaigns and ballot initiatives. Brianna was a summer associate at Tucker and returned upon completing her Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about Brianna, visit her bio at Tucker’s website.
If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Feb 16

If you haven’t been to the Air Heritage Museum out in Chippewa, put it on your Pittsburgh “to-do” list. These are some of the guys that I took gratis, after a paid shoot. Great group of guys, and very welcoming.
Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Feb 14

Great photo shoot with the Air & Waste Management Association, an environmental nonprofit in the Koppers Building. Founded in 1907, A&WMA provides a neutral forum for information exchange to over 5000 members worldwide through multiple conferences and webinars, magazines, networking opportunities, and more. #pittsburghbusinessphotographer
Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners!Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011.Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe.#clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Feb 8

Was really interesting on our shoot to hear about what they invented... wish I had them when doing my invisible aligners! Dr. Dave Pechersky is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Movemints, LLC. Dr. Pechersky invented the company’s sugar-free mints as a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients to promote optimal tooth movement, fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. To date, the company has shipped more than 15 million Movemints to customers in more than 40 countries. Dr. Pechersky is also a practicing orthodontist and leads Pechersky Orthodontics in Pittsburgh, where he’s been since 2011. Drew Goldstein is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Movemints, LLC. The company’s sugar-free mints are a breakthrough treatment for clear aligner patients, enabling them to fight dry mouth, keep breath fresh and reduce discomfort. More than 15 million Movemints have been shipped to customers in more than 40 countries. Drew is also the Principal of the RoundSquare Group, a member of NEXUS Global, and a strategic advisor and sponsor to Lost Tribe. #clearaligners #pittsburgh #orthodontics
Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more.With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law.As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 30

Ben Lacomis loves his new blue sweater, but he loves helping people to save money on their student loans even more. With the distinction as a Certified Student Loan Professional™ (CSLP ®) and a background in financial planning, Ben uses his unique expertise to guide hundreds of individuals/families to navigate repayment and forgiveness programs for a cumulative $80+ million dollars of student loan debt. By committing to working with people with six-figure student loan balances, often healthcare professionals and teachers, Ben is living out his personal mission of empowering others to overcome the negative mental health associations of mismanaging finances, and specifically large debt burdens like student loans for advanced degrees like medicine and law. As a recreational photographer himself, he hopes to use his largely remote career to gain more time behind the lens. #pittsburghphotographer
Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Jan 26

Deborah Gallant is the Manager of Program Innovation at Entrepreneurs Forever where she facilitates small business peer group meetings and creates other valuable workshops and programming to help business owners. Previously she was the Executive Director of EforAll in Berkshire County, Massachusetts and has been a business coach for over twenty years. #pittsburghphotographer
Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance
Jan 20

Ainsley is a dancer, choreographer, and graduate of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s high school program. She is pursuing a dance degree at Skidmore College and is also a teacher certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum. She has trained with the Kirov Academy, Alvin Ailey, and Point Park Conservatory. Ainsley is currently auditioning for summer training and company positions @ainsleydancer909 #pittsburghdance

This is what it took. #shibainu #familyphoto
Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Dec 2

Every anniversary we take a photo. Sometimes arranged, sometimes not. Helps us remember what our year was like, when looking back. Here’s to 15, 3 now with Rue and Subba. (Will see if we can get a more epic sunset tomorrow though.)
Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Nov 26

Taking time to enjoy the Beautiful weekend with Subba, Rue and @dan_jenworleyphotography
Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
Nov 1

Many companies have me take photos to their specs in studio, so their marketing departments can adjust them for consistency of brand. An example of what’s on the web, and what we did in studio. #legalphotos #pittsburghphotographer
So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant.Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it.#pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Oct 30

So yeah, we don’t do #seniorphotos But when a friend asked, Dan said he wanted to do it, and I said I’d be his lighting assistant. Dan and I didn’t want these type of pictures you always see at the yellow sister bridge (Clemente, Warhol, and 9th). Wanted to bring a little more “epic” to it. #pittsburghphotographer #pittsburghportraits
Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
Oct 28

Have I mentioned recently how much I love my job as a #professionalteamphotographer and #headshotphotographer? I get to work with a ton of fun people.
This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh.I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot.My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Oct 3

This is one of my favorite portraits that I’ve taken in the historic Supreme Court of PA courtroom in Pittsburgh. I remember our shoot, Justice Baer was very down-to-earth and wasn’t in a rush, and we had a nice conversation. I liked it that he wanted his portrait in a suit, not his robe, and he liked my vision for setting up this shot. My sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Obituary in Oct 1 @pittsburghpg
Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
Sep 24

Thanks to @culturaltrust @asmp_pgh to organizing such a great event. Looking forward to January! @elliottcramer @elanmizrahi @adrieshoots @farzeenghavam @dprephoto @jwramp @cathykellyphotography @shelleyliptonart @wdophoto
From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Sep 23

From our “photoshoot” in Maine. Haha. Hard to time the dogs looking at the camera with the crashing waves.
Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer
Aug 23

Love all the cool #professionalpittsburgh people who come in, and get some amazing #selfconfident #professionalphotos. Love my job as a #headshotphotographer