Seen and Trusted: The Power of Authentic Brand Photos

This blog was inspired by a conversation with Claire Miles founder of Oak Street Creative Co on the Seed to Success podcast. You can listen to the full podcast here.

Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t feel completely comfortable in front of a camera. Whether it’s for a headshot or a full branding shoot, that moment when the lens focuses on you can feel awkward and a little exposing.

But showing your face isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about letting people connect with you, the person behind the business. For virtual assistants, OBMs, and service providers, that connection is everything. It builds trust, credibility, and comfort before you’ve even spoken to a potential client.

So how do you move past the awkwardness and create brand photos that actually feel like you?

Authenticity Always Wins

The most powerful photos aren’t the perfectly posed ones. They’re the ones that capture you as you are, laughing mid-conversation, working from your laptop, sipping coffee while planning your week.

Your clients and community want to see the real person behind the business, not a polished version that feels out of reach. When you show up as yourself, you invite others to do the same. Authenticity is magnetic, and it builds the kind of trust no filter can fake.

Consistency Builds Confidence

We’ve all seen it. Someone’s profile picture looks completely different from the person you meet on Zoom or at a local networking event. Consistency across your photos, website, and social media creates reliability and recognition.

When your visuals align with who you are and how you show up in real life, people feel like they already know you. That familiarity builds confidence and makes it easier for potential clients to say yes.

Create a Photo Experience That Feels Safe and Fun

Feeling comfortable in front of the camera doesn’t happen by chance. It starts with choosing a photographer who gets you, someone who helps you relax and makes it feel more like catching up with a friend than standing on display.

Play music that lifts your mood, choose outfits that make you feel confident, and give yourself permission to enjoy it. Think of it as celebrating how far you’ve come, not performing for your business.

Use the Photos You Already Have

Be honest, have you had a professional shoot, loved the photos, and then only used one or two before letting the rest sit in a folder? You’re not alone.

It’s easy to overthink what to post or worry about choosing the “right” image. Start small. Update your profile photo, refresh your About page, or use one image in your next email. Each time you use those photos, you strengthen your online presence and show up more confidently in your brand.

Keep It Real, Even as Trends Change

AI images and hyper-edited content are everywhere, but they can’t replace real connection. People want to work with real humans. They want to see your personality, your quirks, your energy. Staying true to yourself will always stand out, no matter what trend takes over next.

The Confidence Comes After You Show Up

Confidence doesn’t come before the photoshoot. It comes after, when you start showing up and seeing how people respond. The more you allow yourself to be seen, the more comfortable it becomes.

Your photos don’t need to be flawless to have an impact. They just need to feel like you.

Looking for a community of like-minded women who truly get it?

The Inner Circle might be just what you’re looking for… seedvirtualassistants.com.au/innercircle