And why they’re all bullshit.
I know I shouldn’t play favorites with my classes, but if you were to ask me honestly, I would have to say Market Your Selfie.
It’s not just because it’s something I use so much in my own business. (Though I do.) It’s really because I’m consistently blown away by what people create after taking that class. I’m always inspired seeing jewelry designers confidently modeling their products or seeing artists and makers show up more in their marketing.
For me, Market Your Selfie is a class that ticks all the boxes. It’s part technical skill – learning to take better photos, it’s part marketing – learning where and how to use those photos to promote your business, and it’s part self-confidence – everything from styling and posing to learning to embrace your so-called “flaws.”
But I also understand that there are some elements of Market Your Selfie that scare the shit out of people. And because of that, I know there are some of you out there who could really benefit from the class but are putting it off until some other day.
So today, I want to dive into seven reasons why you think you’re not ready to take Market Your Selfie and why they’re all bullshit. (Especially because Market Your Selfie is on sale right now, along with six other classes, which makes it the perfect time to dive in!)
#1: You don’t make wearable products.
I’ll be honest. Market Your Selfie is amazing if you make wearable products. There’s nothing like showing your jewelry or wearable items on a real human, and in most cases, the most convenient real human you have around is you. That’s why I started photographing my jewelry on myself and why I created this course.
But it’s not just for people who make wearable products. Any artist or maker can benefit from showing their face more in their marketing. At the end of the day, your customers want to buy from a real person, and having a few great images of yourself (at the very least, you should have them on your About page) can help show people that you’re real.
Of course, you can certainly hire someone to take headshots. But a great headshot photographer can be super expensive (way more than the cost of MYS) and, if you’re anything like me, you get super awkward when other people take your picture! MYS gives you all the tools you need to take great pictures of yourself, whether you’re working in the studio or showing off your products.
#2: You’re not photogenic.
Before I started photographing my jewelry on myself, I considered myself to be hopelessly unphotogenic. I didn’t even hire a photographer for my wedding because I didn’t want to pay for photos I was sure I was going to hate.
But the truth is, learning how to look good in photos is a learnable skill, and it’s one that’s considerably easier when you’re fully in control. I still don’t love the vast majority of photos that other people take of me. But when I’m photographing myself, I can see what’s happening and play and experiment until I find a pose or facial expression I’m happy with.
This doesn’t mean every photo I take is a gem. I’ve got memory cards full of awful outtakes. But when you take control of the entire process, you’re more likely to end up with images of yourself you’re happy with because you get to choose what goes out into the world and what stays buried on your memory card. (Or what goes straight into the digital trash bin.)
#3: You’re too old.
I hear this one a lot, particularly from jewelry designers. They struggle to model their products because all they see are wrinkles and age spots and they’re worried about turning people off.
Here’s the thing. Getting old is a privilege that not everyone gets, and it should be celebrated. And luckily, we’re seeing more and more older faces in their natural form online and in advertising. And the more older faces we see, the more it normalizes aging, which is a good thing.
But beyond that, if you’re older, chances are your customers are too. They have the same wrinkles and age spots. And it helps them to see how your products look on someone who looks like them!
#4: You need to lose a few pounds.
Just like the age thing, we’ve been trained to believe that the only people worthy of showing up in marketing are size two models. But fortunately, just like with age, that’s changing. People come in all shapes and sizes, and they want to see marketing that reflects that.
When I first started modeling my jewelry on myself, I was the heaviest I’ve ever been. And since then, I’ve gained 50 pounds. And none of that has stopped me from photographing my jewelry on myself.
The truth is that our weight is one of the least interesting things about us. It’s just a number. And when you hesitate to model your products or show up in your marketing because you think you need to lose a few pounds, all you’re doing is telling your potential customers that they aren’t worthy to wear your work until they’re skinnier too. And I don’t know about you, but I believe everyone should enjoy incredible art and handmade products, no matter their size or shape.
#5: You need a new wardrobe.
I know a lot of artists and makers who struggle with showcasing their work or products because they feel shame about their personal style. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You don’t need a whole new wardrobe to take great photos of yourself.
Yes, I’ll be honest. I happen to think I have pretty great personal style. But when I’m working in the studio, it’s all crappy old tank tops, leggings, and running shorts. This is why I photograph most of my jewelry from the chest up on a small selection of t-shirts that I keep in the studio for just that purpose.
The goal of Market Your Selfie isn’t to turn you into a fashion blogger. It’s to showcase your products and your personality. And you can do that with a few simple pieces of clothing, often while wearing running shorts that no one can see. Because let’s face it, in the age of Zoom meetings, that’s what your customers are doing too!
#6: You don’t want to show your face.
Personally, I think more of us should be showing our real, unfiltered faces online. I’m ready for a face-positivity revolution! But, I also get that for some people, you just want to showcase your products and not be the star of the show.
And that’s ok too. In Market Your Selfie, I share lots of tips and tricks for showing off wearable products without actually showing your face. (And yes, it even works for products worn around the face, like necklaces, earrings, and scarves.)
Ultimately, my goal with Market Your Selfie is to meet you where you’re at in terms of your comfort level. And if you really aren’t ready to show your face online, that’s where we’ll start. Though I’ll be honest, you might change your tune by the end of the class. But no pressure!)
#7: You don’t have the right camera or equipment.
When it comes to photographing myself, I’m team fancy camera. It’s just what I love. But that doesn’t mean it’s a requirement for MYS. I’ve had students create some truly stunning images with only their smartphones. So if that’s all you’ve got, you’re more than ready to take the class.
Of course, if you are considering upgrading, I recommend joining the class first. I’ve coached students on making good camera purchases that get the job done without breaking the bank. And if you do have a fancy camera but are getting lackluster photos, I’ll help you troubleshoot why. (Spoiler alert: it’s probably the kit lens that came with your camera that’s holding you back.)
In the class, we’ll also talk about a few essentials that make the photo process easier, like a tripod and remote. But if you don’t yet have those things, you can get them for under $50 total and use them with the camera or smartphone you already have. No expensive investments in equipment required. (Unless you’re a gear nerd like me, and then I’ll happily geek out with you about the latest and greatest tech.)
When it comes to reasons people “aren’t ready” for Market Your Selfie, I’ve pretty much heard them all. But the truth is, you’re more ready than you think. (And if you’ve got an excuse I didn’t mention, send me an email. I’m happy to talk it out!)
So head to shop.meganauman.com to shop Market Your Selfie and six other classes that are all 50% off through Thursday!
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PS. Market Your Selfie isn’t just a vanity class. If you’re wondering “why bother?” check out the video in this post where I talk about how photographing my jewelry on myself helped me sell a $200+ one of a kind necklace that had been sitting unnoticed in my online shop for two years! (And that led to selling a second, custom necklace.)