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John DeMato Blog

Welcome to the Deliver Magic blog, where experts who speak, coach, train, consult, and write books will find actionable insights to elevate their personal brands through visual storytelling. From strategy tips and branding photography to live event coverage and storytelling techniques, discover step-by-step guides designed to help you align what you say with how you show up in photos. Get ready to unlock the magic behind creating a cohesive visual identity that drives engagement, builds credibility, and inspires your audience. #DeliverMagic

What Does Sailing Have to Do with Your Brand? More Than You Think.

 

Most experts think every photo they post has to tie directly to what they do. Here’s the problem with that:

If all you ever show is how you serve, sell, or speak—your audience only sees the surface. And one of the most powerful (and often completely missed) parts of visual storytelling?

Capturing the hidden details that make you human.

Let’s talk about sailing.

Not as a brand strategy.
Not as a metaphor for leadership.
Just… as something you love. Something that grounds you. Something that says,
“This is part of who I am.”

Now picture that moment:

You, on the water. Hair a mess. Sun on your face. Focused. Alive.
Not posed. Not polished.
Just real.

That’s the kind of photo that makes people stop scrolling.

Not because it’s flashy—but because it feels true.

Why it matters:

It adds dimension.

Clients hire experts, yes—but they trust people. Showing a personal side gives your audience more ways to connect with you, remember you, and root for you.

It reflects values without saying a word.

Discipline. Focus. Peace. Adventure. Precision.

Whatever sailing means to you—it communicates something. And when your audience sees it, they feel it.

It sets you apart.

Plenty of experts show stage shots. Or group photos. Or laptops and coffee mugs. Very few show the thing they turn to when they’re not performing. That contrast? It’s unforgettable.

This is the kind of hidden detail that doesn’t water down your brand. It rounds it out.

So whether it’s sailing, sketching, skiing, or singing—if it’s meaningful to you, it belongs in your photo library.

And when done right? It doesn’t distract from your credibility. It amplifies it.

Want to build a visual story that goes deeper than headshots and highlight reels? Let’s capture the stuff your audience didn’t even know they needed to see.