What do you see in this picture? A happy pair of newlyweds exchanging their first public kiss? Or a tiny cherub looking mighty unhappy?

Clichés are often clichés for a reason. Pictures do tell an immediate story. They telegraph your message in an instant.

So tell the RIGHT story.

Take a look at the photos you’re using—on your website, social media sites, marketing collateral. What story do they tell?

My last post unleashed some angst about capturing the perfect business photo. Let’s face it—for most of us, having our picture taken is right up there with having a root canal or an IRS audit. So I consulted with Harvey Lewis, producer of over 1,000 commercials and films globally, to bring you 5 tips for staging a great photo shoot:

Choose wisely. Your best bet to engaging a great photographer is through referral. Who do you know with a great photo? Lacking that, google portrait photographers in your area. Peruse their sites and see whose shots you like best. Pick at least two favorites and interview them to test your comfort and chemistry.

Consultants and advisors are used to building gravitas—showing their smarts to the right buyers. But posting a snazzy photo? Not so much…

Social media is changing how people meet and engage their advisors. If a client (or referral source) meets you on-line first, they will make a snap judgment from your photo.

The old headshot just doesn’t cut it anymore. The right photo is the one that gives the viewer an authentic preview of the real you. A few things to consider: