Q&A: How do I decide, or figure out, what the best image for me to represent is?

I got this question from Alicia on my FB:

Hey Natalie….how do I decide, or figure out what the best image for me to represent is?

I know I can do the soccer mom, or mom image easy, but I also feel like my range is open to more than just that. I want to stick within the image of (Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba range) sweet girl next door, smart, athletic, strong, but also I know I’m able to do sexy. What do you think my age range is?

I know you have a better understanding of the industry, so I’m open to any input  I think I have a pretty good idea, but I just want to make sure I’m on the right track.

Thank you so much,

Alicia

>>>>>

Hi Alicia,

I checked our your FB and discovered so many awesome things about you  🙂

Based on your FB profile, I learned that you are very well educated (Masters degree), a Special Ed Teacher (hats of to you!), while juggling a family, high dedication hobby in Figure/Bikini competitions.

I think of words like perseverance, patience, kindness, education, mother, family, yet fit, ambitious, time management, etc.

It all comes down to being a “Creature Like No Other”: something very special, well rounded, admirable, confident, everyone woman wants to be like you, men want to date you, and acquaintances are happy to brag about you.  Pretty is a Dime a Dozen but Talent is not. 

Your two role model examples were interesting to me.  Both are clearly very beautiful women.  I would say that they are successful actresses and have not crossed the line of too much skin/glamour/overt sexpot in print, which I’m sure has kept them in the cross-eyes of business people.

What’s your end goal? Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now with regards to your public image? Is it just to be in print or to make business deals and money? Do you want to profit off of your current skillset (Education) in someway but tied into fitness?  Whatever those goals are, who are the people who would be the decision makers to make it happen and how can you best influence them?  What kind of person are they looking to work with?

For me, my angle was the Business Mind meets Model meets Photographer. I want to be able to show that I can do it all, with heels and look damn good while I’m at it.   I’ve made sure that I was always 100% polished when dealing with potential business partners, remembered my strengths and presentation along the way, and kept hammering at it since 2008.  This brand image has helped me attract attention and close deals because they trusted my mind as well.

To review my work, check out my website here:  Natalie Minh Photography.

Cheers,

Natalie