Jessica Sterling Profile: What Do You Want to Get More Of?

Jessica Sterling at Dodger Stadium

What do you want more of in your professional life?

Let that guide what you share in social media. It works as its own magnet and its own law of attraction, bringing into your life what you’re focusing on.

That was one of several gems I heard from Los Angeles-based photographer Jessica Sterling. We chatted recently about her social media strategy for her business.

Jessica shoots extraordinary portraits, epic events and awe-inspiring architecture – helping people and businesses share their stories. Here are a few samples of how she draws out the essence of people in her portraits …

Photos by Jessica Sterling

She’s photographed many notable people, including Serena Williams, Justin Timberlake and Michelle Branch, to name just a few.

Jessica and I met through work in my DIRECTV days, when she photographed several events for us. (Note: opinions expressed in this blog are my own).

Later, I booked her services personally when it was time for a new headshot. That experience turned into one of my top 10 articles in 12 Ways to a Great LinkedIn Profile Photo.

When I did a study about how people are using social media to build their careers, it surfaced several people who are doing it well. Some of them will be profiled in future posts.

Jessica was a natural to be the first profile. She makes me smile every time her images and videos pop up in my Instagram feed. Here’s what she told me about how social media helps build her business …

Why are you active in social media?

Social media keeps me in touch with my clients – past, present and future. It keeps me connected to people and top of mind. It gives me a fresh presence and a reason why people should care about me and my work.

What platforms are you on?

Instagram is perfect for photographers, so I’m there. Facebook too. And LinkedIn. Once in a while I’ll do a blog post on my website.

What type of content do you share?

Shoots I’ve booked lately, and what I’d like to book more of in the future. Portraits are big. People are passionate about what they do. I love capturing that in images. Events are fantastic. A recent one was at the Mayor’s office – for Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

What content gets the most engagement?

Selfies! People love them. They want to connect with your story. You can tell your continuing story through selfies.

How has social media changed photography?

It’s been huge. People are used to seeing beautiful images. People want and demand them. They don’t always know what it takes to create them. That’s what I’m passionate about doing in my work.

What’s your personal brand?

It’s seamless and fun to shoot with me. I strive to make it as pleasant and as comfortable as possible. People tell me I’m quiet when I shoot. I can be inconspicuous at a big event, but I’m there when you need me. The best validation is when someone hires me and loves the experience.

What do’s and don’ts do you observe?

Two don’ts: No political stuff. No social causes. People want to have fun, and that’s where I meet them in social.

Why isn’t your young son on social media very much?

Social media is so powerful. We don’t fully understand its ultimate impact. I want my son to have control of it when he’s old enough to do so.

What’s the next big thing in social media for career building?

Instagram Stories are interesting. There’s a lot to explore here!

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Inspired by Jessica? Here’s how you can connect with her: