Gone are the days when the camera-shy could hide behind their desks.  The rise of social media and online networking means that practically all of us need to show our faces on the internet.  Many people take their own photos and it’s not that difficult to spot – surprised expressions and raised shoulders can lead to an altogether uncomfortable-looking result.

I recently took a business portrait for Rachel Fletcher, a financial coach who is launching her own business.  This week, I sent Catherine Osborn to interview her and find out how it went!

CO:  What were you looking for in your business photo?

RF:   I wanted a really great shot that would look professional whilst letting my character shine through.  It needed to be personal.

CO:  Why did you decide to go to a professional?

RF:   Originally, my husband offered to take the picture and I thought about it seriously.  He has a good camera and takes great family shots.  I wanted something more businesslike though and I decided that it was worth making that investment as much of my online presence and branding will be built around this photo.

CO:  Did you have any concerns or worries and did Alison put you at ease?

RF:   Absolutely!  I HATE having my photo taken, I’m totally unphotogenic.  Alison quickly inspires confidence though and I just decided to relax and let her lead me through the whole process. She’d obviously thought through the process in advance – location, lighting etc. – and I was able to relax knowing that she could picture the final result in her head long before the picture was taken.

CO:  Your hair and make-up looked great, who did it for you?

RF:   Thanks!  I did!   I kept it simple – I don’t usually wear a lot of make-up but I went for foundation, mascara and a little lip-stick just to even out the skin tones.  Alison advises people on her website to stick to their usual make-up routine, just to make it heavier and that’s sound advice.

For my hair, I just used lots of hairspray and that was it.

CO:  What do you think of the photo?

RF:   It’s absolutely fantastic and it’s already brought me tangible results.  As soon as I put it on my LinkedIn profile, old contacts started to get in touch to say how much they liked it and I have regenerated some valuable business relationships as a result.

I don’t mind saying that Alison managed to shed a few pounds for me in the process!  She achieved that by using careful positioning and lighting, rather than massive amounts of digital manipulation.  In fact, the only adjustments she made were minor, to remove the odd blemish.  She also used some really clever mind techniques so that when she was taking the photo, I was thinking about something I felt totally passionate about, and that comes through in the final picture.

When my husband saw the portrait, he just said, “Wow!” and I think that says it all.

CO:  Do you have any advice for people needing a business portrait?

RF:   Firstly, do go to a professional, it’s surprisingly affordable and yet, such a key component for your online brand.

When choosing your clothes, make sure they coordinate with the rest of your branding in terms of colour, style etc.

And finally, ask your photographer for a digital print that you can use however you wish – the last thing you need to be worrying about is copyright.  It will cost a little bit more than a single print but you can use it again and again.

Rachel Fletcher is the founder of Rachel Fletcher Associates Ltd, Executive Coaching for Finance Managers.

As a Finance Director working in a Global FMCG working with Sales, Marketing and Operations teams, Rachel has specialised in bringing Finance expertise to the heart of business. She is passionate about helping Finance professionals transform into Business Leaders. Rachel Fletcher can be contacted via LinkedIn.

Catherine Osborn is a freelance writer who helps to take the pain out of creating well-written, compelling copy.  Find out more at catherineosborn.wordpress.com.

L-R: Mary Fraser (Success Network), Ginette Gower (Thames Valley Chamber), Ute Wieczorek-King (Success Network), Henrietta Bailey (BusinessLink), Shemila Tharani (BusinessLink).

Success Network has recently announced that collaboration is its theme for 2010 but the concept is not a new one.  In 2009, one of the group’s Inner Circles (peer-support business clubs), of which I’m a member, worked together to produce an e-book of success ‘recipes’ to inspire other women who are starting out in business.  We’re not profiting from this book, which is available to download free of charge from the Success Network website.

Lorna Weller has recently launched herself as a virtual assistant.  She is also a Mum, a great friend and the most camera shy person I know!  After a cup of tea and a bit of persuasion that even at 40+ she really did need a photo of her on her website I found a spot in my garden and took this image.  It certainly makes her more approachable than the arty shot of a pot of pencils she was going to ‘hide’ behind!

Read on and you will see as well as having a wonderful bubbly personality Lorna has a wealth of experience in business so please bear her mind the next time you need a solution to your admin problems.  You can call her on 07940 198980 or email lorna.weller@googlemail.com

 Where were you born?

Greenock, Scotland and I still feel as excited as I did as a child any time I go “north of the border”.

Where do you live?

Bourne End, Bucks – living by the Thames calls to me on a summer’s day.

Favourite Place to Eat?

Now I’ve reached 40+  I try to arrange a real treat once or twice a year and Sunday lunch at Cliveden has proved a great favourite – combining the grandeur and luxury of the dining experience with such a lovely setting and the choice of following lunch with a stroll through the grounds, or tea in the library.

What do you do?

After working for the last 18 years as a senior PA at a subsidiary of ICI in Slough where I joined to work for the Managing Director, I was made redundant at the beginning of the year.   I have really enjoyed having some time out and am now setting up as a Freelance PA / Virtual Administrator.   I am finding that my vast experience of office procedures, PC skills and event management are just as useful to small local businesses.   I love the diversity of working with different small businesses, by helping with their admin, routine or otherwise, it frees them up to do what they do best, and of course I love the flexibility it gives me.  I can be contacted at lorna.weller@googlemail.com.

What is your favourite movie?

Out of Africa – I’d let Robert Redford wash my hair any day!

Favourite Food?

Dare I say mint chocolate chip ice cream, but to prove I do have some sophistication my favourite drink is definitely champagne.

Best piece of advice?

Always smile when answering the phone – even if you can’t be seen the tone is instantly set.

What was the last book you read?

An hilarious booked called “I don’t know how she does it”; about a city broker juggling life as a working mother.   It was full of recognisable situations in a working mother’s life.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Where do I start? – I had the most amazing time on a safari in Kenya which literally was a dream come true.   A couple of years ago I had a wonderful holiday with a couple of best friends and our kids at a villa in Spain – just playing in the pool all day or snoozing in the olive grove – bliss!  But I couldn’t possibly not mention Scotland with all its rugged beauty.

What do you hate most?

The increase in gun/knife crime, and the fact that so many kids get involved in alcohol/drugs – it’s a huge worry for parents.  We do, however, have to learn to let them go although we will always worry about them.

What do you value most?

My friends.   Childhood friends – we have supported each other through our own teens, marriages, divorces, children.  Local friends I’ve met through the children’s schools and friends from my marriage that I see infrequently but nevertheless still have a strong bond with.

Who or What has been the biggest influence on your life?

My mother – although she died when I was only 10 I think of her as a real go-getter.   In her youth she played hockey for Scotland, was a county tennis and badminton player and loved mountain climbing (something I’d be absolutely terrified to do).  She was a Land Girl during  WW2 and I wish she’d lived long enough to share her memories with me.  I know she wouldn’t take no for an answer, thought there was a solution to every problem and was always positive.  Unfortunately, she died aged 45 of breast cancer before they had the treatments they do now.   I try to remain true to some her beliefs and principles.