Men’s Personal Branding Photography - What Gives!

January 24, 2023 Marcus Ahmad

The vast majority of my personal brand solopreneur clients are women. Even amongst coaches and motivational speakers, which has got to be a fairly unisex industry!

Why is this?

There are a variety of reasons why men may not be as interested in personal branding photography as women.

One possibility is that societal expectations and stereotypes may lead men to believe that they should not focus as much on their appearance or personal image. Additionally, some men may not see the value in investing in personal branding photography or may not know where to find a reputable photographer. Additionally, some men might think that personal branding photography is not necessary for their profession or industry.

Personal brand photography can convey a variety of values, such as professionalism, credibility, approachability, confidence, and personality. It can also help to communicate a person's unique value proposition and set them apart from others in their field.

Additionally, high-quality personal branding photos can help to build trust with potential clients or customers, making them more likely to do business with the individual or organization. Ultimately, the values conveyed through personal brand photography will depend on the specific goals and message of the individual or organization, and should be carefully considered when planning a photoshoot.

Personal branding for men involves creating and promoting a unique image and reputation that sets you apart from others in your industry or field. This can be done through a combination of actions, such as networking, building a strong online presence, and consistently delivering high-quality work.

Some specific steps men can take to develop their personal branding include:

Defining your unique value proposition: What sets you apart from others in your field? What are your strengths and expertise?
Building a strong online presence: This includes having a professional website, active social media accounts, and a LinkedIn profile that showcases your skills and experience.
Networking: Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in your field.
Delivering high-quality work: Consistently producing top-notch work will help establish you as a leader in your field.
Being consistent and authentic: Your personal brand should be consistent across all platforms and should reflect your true self.

Overall, personal branding for men is about creating a positive and unique image that will help you stand out in your industry and advance your career.

There are a variety of reasons why men may not be as interested in personal branding photography as women. One possibility is that societal expectations and stereotypes may lead men to believe that they should not focus as much on their appearance or personal image. Additionally, some men may not see the value in investing in personal branding photography or may not know where to find a reputable photographer. Additionally, some men might think that personal branding photography is not necessary for their profession or industry

Ok, so that’s the theory how does it work in practice?

Different men have different body types and personal styles, so what looks good on one person may not look as good on another. However, there are some general tips on what clothes men can wear to look their best:

Tailored suits and dress trousers: A well-fitted suit or dress pants can make a man look sharp and put-together. It's important to find a suit that fits well and is comfortable to wear.
Button-up shirts: A crisp, button-up shirt can be a great option for both formal and casual occasions. It's important to find a shirt that fits well and is made of high-quality material.
Jeans: A good pair of jeans can be a versatile option that can be dressed up or down. Straight leg or slim fit jeans are a classic option that can look good on most men.
T-shirts: A simple, well-fitted t-shirt can be a great option for a casual look. It's important to find a t-shirt that fits well and is made of high-quality material.
Sweaters: A well-fitted sweater can add a touch of style and sophistication to a man's look. Look for sweaters made of high-quality, natural fibers for a more polished look.
Outerwear: A good coat or jacket can be a great way to finish off an outfit. Look for styles that fit well, like a bomber jacket, leather jacket or trench coat.

Ultimately, it's important to find clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable and confident. Experiment with different styles and colors to find what looks and feels best on you.

But you don’t need to worry about any of that! Because I will have a zoom call with you before the shoot to make sure your wardrobe is exactly aligned with your brand.

Here are some tips for men to prepare for a photoshoot:

Get a haircut: A fresh haircut can make a big difference in how you look in photos. Make sure to schedule your haircut a few days before the photoshoot so that your hair is well-groomed.
Shave or groom your facial hair: Make sure your beard or mustache is neatly trimmed and groomed for the photoshoot. If you prefer to be clean shaven, make sure to shave the morning of the photoshoot.

Choose clothing that fits well: Make sure that your clothing is clean, pressed and fits you well. Avoid clothes with wrinkles, holes or stains.

Bring a variety of clothes: Bring a variety of clothing options, such as a suit, dress pants, dress shirt, t-shirt and a sweater, so that you can change into different outfits during the photoshoot.
Wear colors that suit you: Wear colors that complement your skin tone and hair color. Avoid wearing clothes with bold patterns or logos.
Practice good posture: Good posture can make a big difference in how you look in photos. Stand up straight and pull your shoulders back for a more confident and polished look.
Relax and have fun: Photoshoots can be nerve-wracking, but try to relax and have fun with it. A relaxed and natural expression will often result in the best photos.
Prepare for a virtual photoshoot: If you are preparing for a virtual photoshoot, make sure to have a neutral background, good lighting and a proper camera angle to make sure you look your best on camera.

There are many men who are considered style icons and have had a significant influence on men's fashion. Here are a few examples:

James Dean: James Dean was a Hollywood actor in the 1950s who was known for his laid-back, rebellious style. He popularized the iconic leather jacket and jeans look that is still popular today.
Steve McQueen: Steve McQueen was another Hollywood actor who was known for his cool, effortless style. He popularized the "King of Cool" style, which included simple, well-fitted clothing and a rugged, masculine look.
David Bowie: David Bowie was a musician and actor who was known for his unique and eclectic fashion sense. He was known for experimenting with different styles and pushing boundaries in fashion, and his influence can still be seen in men's fashion today.
Paul Newman: Paul Newman was an actor and a style icon, known for his classic, timeless style. He popularized the look of a white T-shirt and blue jeans, which is still a staple in men's fashion today.
Ryan Gosling: Ryan Gosling, is a Canadian actor and musician, who is known for his stylish appearance, his fashion choices are a mix of classic and contemporary, he can be seen wearing tailored suits, leather jackets and classic sneakers.
Ryan Reynolds: Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor and producer, He has a great sense of style and is known for his tailored suits and unique fashion choices, he also has a great sense of humor and often shares his fashion choices on social media.

These are just a few examples of men who have had a significant impact on men's fashion and continue to be considered style icons.

Each one of them is known for their unique style, confidence and personal brand.