New Zealand Businesswomen: How to Stand Out as a Leader with Professional Photos
Why your image matters more than ever
In today’s fast-moving business world, first impressions happen long before you step into a room. Whether you’re a consultant, entrepreneur, or corporate leader, your online presence speaks for you. Before potential clients, partners, or media outlets even meet you, they’re likely to search your name. And what do they find?
For many businesswomen in New Zealand, the reality is a mix of old LinkedIn headshots (often cropped from an event), blurry social media selfies, or photos that don’t truly reflect their expertise and confidence.
If you want to be seen as a leader, your personal brand needs to match your ambition.
That starts with the right professional images.
Why do personal branding photos have so much power?
Great business portraits for women do more than just look nice. They position you as an authority in your field, helping you attract high-level opportunities like speaking engagements, media features, and ideal clients who are ready and willing to pay more to work with you, as they see you as the best expert for them.
A strong, polished personal brand makes it clear that you take yourself seriously – and others will too.
When you invest in high-quality images that reflect your personality, expertise, and leadership, you create instant trust and credibility.
Above Left: Jess Stuart author and global speaker, Waiheke Island, New Zealand. Above Right: Jess Berentson-Shaw, Director of Narrative Research and Strategy, The Workshop, Wellington, New Zealand.
What makes a strong leadership image?
Not all professional branding photography in New Zealand is created equal. A standard headshot may be useful, but a personal branding session takes things to another level. To ensure your images communicate leadership and confidence, consider:
Expression: You want to look both professional and approachable. A forced smile or stiff posture can work against you – natural, confident energy is key. Your photographer should help guide and coach you through this to help you look your authentic self in your photos.
Body Language: Power poses aren’t just for TED Talks! The way you stand or sit can completely change how you’re perceived.
Wardrobe & Styling: Your outfit should align with your brand. Whether it’s polished corporate wear or something more creative and relaxed, the goal is to reflect your industry and personality.
Background & Setting: A plain backdrop can work for LinkedIn, but lifestyle branding images giving the right level of context (this could look like you’re in your home office or co-working space, or even behind the scenes of working with a client or leading a workshop) can tell a richer story. Personal branding expert, photographer Tabitha Arthur, recommends that the backgrounds set the scene in subtle ways to give enough context to support the storytelling, without overshadowing the most important part: you, the subject!
Above Left: Michelle Henry, International signwriting expert, industry advocate and judge, Christchurch. Above Centre: Katrina Clokie, Executive Engineering Leader, Wellington. Above Right: Janine Sudbury, experiential leadership expert, Wellington.
Common photo mistakes that undermine your authority
It’s easy to overlook the impact of your profile image, but small mistakes can make a big difference. Here’s what to avoid:
Low-quality images – Blurry, pixelated, or poorly lit photos don’t convey professionalism.
Outdated photos – If your current image is 5+ years old and no longer represents how you look or who you are professionally, it’s time for an update.
Inconsistent branding – If your social media profile, website, and business card all show different photo styles, it can be confusing for potential clients.
Overly casual or unpolished presentation – While authenticity is key, looking too casual or unprepared can send the wrong message. Remember to think from your ideal client’s point of view – how do you want to show up for them?
How to prepare for a personal branding photoshoot
If you’re investing in professional images, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are four tips for how to get the most from your session:
Define your brand message: What do you want your images to say about you? Confident? Approachable? Bold?
Plan your wardrobe: Choose outfits that fit your brand and make you feel great. Stick to colours that complement your skin tone and aim for a variety of silhouettes, colours, necklines, patterns or block colours, etc. Tip: While you may love all five of those stylish black shirts – they will look like you’re wearing the same one outfit in the photos.
Professional makeup and hair styling: Without fail, things can feel a bit heightened on the day of your photoshoot, and the nerves can kick in. Having your hair and makeup looked after professionally means you don’t need to add that to your list of things to do – plus you know you will look ready for the camera! When a photographer offers an HMU Artist at their studio as part of your photo session, such as at Tabitha Arthur Photography, it immediately eases that pressure on you to find and book this in for yourself.
Choose your props: Think about the items you use throughout your work. Are you a coffee drinker, or do you always have your water bottle by your side? Are you on your phone a lot? Do you have in-person meetings – do you take notes in a notebook, or tablet? Are you on video calls on your laptop? What props might you have during speaking opportunities or leading workshops? Bringing carefully-selected items will help you communicate how you work to your future business partners.
Real examples: How branding photos have helped businesswomen shine
Many of photographer Tabitha Arthur’s clients come to her feeling unsure about being in front of the camera – but once they see the impact of a strong personal brand, their confidence soars.
Tabitha shares “One client, a Wellington-based consultant, updated her branding images and within weeks was invited to speak at an industry event she’d had on her bucket list for two years! She was over the moon! Another, a creative entrepreneur, saw an increase in high-value client enquiries simply because her online presence finally matched her level of expertise. It’s crazy how impactful professional brand photos can be.”
Are you ready to elevate your personal brand?
Your brand is more than just a logo or a tagline – it’s how people perceive you before you even say a word. Investing in professional photography isn’t just about looking good; it’s about creating an image that aligns with your ambition.
If you’re ready to take your personal brand to the next level, professional personal branding photographer Tabitha Arthur would love to help. She helps her clients create images that position them as a leader and open doors to new opportunities. Book your consultation with Tabitha today.
