Easy Way to Stand Out in Your Photos
While in Chicago seeing the world premiere of Death Becomes Her, I pointed out the difference of Michelle Williams’ headshot in the Playbill compared to all of the other cast members…
Principals of Death Becomes Her
With my date not being a theatre person, he found this standout distinction funny. Michelle’s photo carries more power because, unlike everyone else, it wasn’t taken specifically for acting.
Rather than thinking of headshots for casting purposes, Michelle had a larger audience in mind when sitting down for this portrait.
Here is an exercise to help you stand out among other writers, directors, producers, actors, singers, dancers, etc.
The Magic Formula
What’s the expectation for this role?
Can I articulate a traditional look or stereotype?What would innovation look like?
What would the exact opposite look like?
Discover the right look for you between these two binaries.
Example: Circus
What is the expectation for a circus — can I articulate the stereotype?
Expectation
I would argue most of us think of Ringing Bros. when we think of a circus: a touring company of clowns and animals with a show occurring in three rings under a big tent.
What would innovation look like — doing the exact opposite?
Innovation
Cirque du Soleil took everything one expected of the circus and did things differently: usually their shows are a sit down company with no animals, non-traditional clowns, and hosted in their own venues.
TRADITION
Most corporate leaders would wear a suit in their images.
Innovation
Richard Branson has a history of doing things differently: whether a leather jacket, Harley Davidson, jumping into a pool or running as a Virgin butterly!
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Example: Dean of Arts
Expectation
When working with Hassan Anderson, we discovered that in academia, much like the corporate world, most leaders defaulted to suits and being photographed in a studio or at their office.
Innovation
In crafting personal branding photos with Hassan Anderson and JJ Ignotz, we decided to emphasize Hassan’s youth, exuberant personality, and technical expertise.
Do you notice the Apple watch, mobile phone, laptop, and iPad in these images? We wanted to show university decision-makers an experienced leader who could take their institution into the future.
Shortly after launching HassanAnderson.com with these new images, Hassan accepted a new role as Coordinator of Teaching Artistry at the University of South Carolina!
Example: Theatre Artist
Expectation
From decades of black and white playbills, 8x10 prints, and unimaginative casting, a typical theatre headshot is a photo squarely focused on your face.
Innovation
In crafting personal branding photos with Doug Besterman and JJ Ignotz, we decided to play with chiaroscuro — highlighting the artist responsible for some of Broadway’s biggest hits and newest additions.
Shortly after launching DougBesterman.com with these new photos, Doug shortly received an email from one of his dream collaborators — a show coming to Broadway next season!
Putting It Together
This exercise comes from a few marketing books: Blue Ocean Strategy, Purple Cow, and Now Discover Your Strengths. To put it simply, amplify the expectation or completely deviate.
Obviously, you don’t want to be inauthentic, but you’ll find what works for you in the middle (presenting your present) by exploring the two extremes (honoring the past or designing the future). By comparing yourself to the market, you’ll discover specific elements of your story, personality, or unique gifts to showcase in your imagery.
