Why Hire a Professional Anything?

Last week I read a blog post by Nate Berkus.  You know, THE Nate Berkus, interior designer extraordinaire.  It was on the 5 perks of hiring an interior designer and I got to thinking about how that might apply to photography.  I mean, there are lots of people with a good eye, right--AND a good camera?!!

But why hire a professional anything? And in the case of photography, why hire a professional photographer?

When you hire a professional anything--plumber, interior designer, attorney, personal trainer, doctor, photographer...you are hiring someone who has learned and worked their skill.  Obviously there are certain professionals that must have a formal education--I don't know about you, but when I'm having dental work done, I don't want just anyone with a pair of pliers! Most likely, professional anything have an education in their field.  They keep abreast of new trends and skills through continuing education.  They may have a degree or certification in their field that provides academic knowledge or have spent a good amount of time in an apprenticeship or internship working and learning through many years of experience, providing real world skills.


What does hiring a professional photographer for visual solutions provide?  Education and experience  of a professional provides:

The ability to deliver what you need and the ability to collaborate on a plan to get there
The ability to work with and within a budget
Someone who works with efficiency and minimal disruption
The ability to create the proper licensing terms
Someone who can meet deadlines.
Someone who can provide consistent results.
Someone who will collaborate on marketing your brand and deliver the quality that will exceed your competition's.

This is my job and I have a professional investment in your satisfaction.  Finding the right photographer can be challenging--Have more questions?  Drop me a line!

Editorial Corporate Headshots: How to Choose Your Images

Everyday, we are bombarded with images of all sorts.   My goal is create the ones for you that will stop the viewer in their tracks and make them want to get to know YOU.  But, how do you pick those images?

After my corporate shoots, I release a proof gallery for image selection.  I already know which images my clients should pick--they are the images that will make the viewer stop and take a second look. But images in the proof gallery are unedited so sometimes it's challenging for a client to see how great the final result will be.  To give my clients a head start, the image I choose as the proof gallery cover image is often one of my favorites and I choose it based on certain criteria:


1.  A connection--most likely with the eyes.

2.  A natural smile or laugh.  I'm not usually a fan of the smirk or a non smiling image.  It works in some cases, but I feel the better images will most likely have a smile going on.

3.  There is a sense of confidence and approachability.  That sense of "I know that person!"

4.  Communicating a bit of personality that shows though.  A sense of "realness".

5.  A simple and clean image, usually more about the person, with background filling in a few details.

When looking at your proof images, apply my criteria:  now can you see THE images?

I do understand that it's tough for most regular people to be in front of a camera--for most people, the thought of having their headshot taken is stressful--I like to joke that it's why models get paid the big bucks.

My goal is to make it as easy and as fun as possible, so that I can create that connection and capture your best images to stop people in their tracks.

See you soon!

Featuring: Behind the Scenes on RED Capital Group's Corporate Shoot, Columbus

When I'm shooting editorial corporate head shots, I'm usually very focused on the task at hand and my time is limited, so I rarely shoot behind the scenes images.  However, when I'm shooting for RED Capital Group, I've got an amazing team to work with that makes sure we gets few great behind the scenes images.

I enjoy working in the spaces in downtown Columbus, and there are a couple that I would love to be able to have here in California!  My favorite is in LeVeque Tower, an art deco building built in 1924.  Inside one of the spaces slated for renovation are amazing walls providing backdrops you just couldn't replicate.  And the light!  There are several large windows that sit approximately 4 feet off the ground, with thick 1 and 2 feet sills that essentially make large soft boxes.  See the amazing light coming from the left in this picture? Heaven.

This space has the most amazing walls and even more beautiful tile work.  I heard that it will eventually renovated to become a bar or a conference room.  Hopefully, we'll be able to shoot several more times before completion!

Yes, sometimes I do shoot with a fanny pack.  I'm single handedly bringing them back into style.

My second favorite space is between the LeVeque Tower (the Palace Theater wing) and the US Bank building.  The light that bounces off the tile onto my subjects provides just the right warmth for skin tone.  Really good thing I'm not shooting with lights and stands, it was super windy during this shoot!

Yes, that is a police officer in the background.

My heartfelt thanks to Joy Selby Cain and Lisalynne Quinn of RED Capital Group for capturing great behind the scenes images and the entire RED Capital Group team for a great shoot!

Let's Strike a Pose: Body Language and Headshots

In working with clients, I aim to  create portraits that will connect, compel and engage the viewer immediately, because it takes just a 10th of a second to make a first impression.  I want you to feel a strong connection to the subjects of my portraits--like you know them.

To create portraits that will make a strong impression, I pay close attention to body language.  I've been described as a photographer that "takes a soft approach to corporate head shots."  I do spend a bit of time chatting with my subject before I even lift my camera.  Why?  I find that if I create a bit of connection with my subject before diving into the shoot, my subject relaxes.  Let's be honest, most of my subjects aren't super models.  That's not to say they aren't beautiful or attractive, just that most of them don't earn their living being photographed all day.  Most of my subjects come to me feeling apprehensive, nervous and worried about the shoot.  So when I ask them questions about themselves or their life rather than jump behind my camera, they relax a little.  I also let them know that I'm not fond of being photographed either and because of that, I understand their feelings and I know how to and strive to create images that will show them at their best.

But on the technical side, while we're chatting, I'm also looking at their face and assessing what will look best for posing and lighting.  Have they expressed concern about how wide their face is?  (I get that a lot--can you make me look thinner?)  And I can with simple posing and lighting.  Spending a few moments to chat also allows me some time to study my subject's face and determine what will look best for them.

I not only want to make my subject look great, but appear confident and approachable, so I make sure that their body language is open, not closed.  I feel strongly that crossed arms don't create portraits that engage the viewer, so you most likely won't see that pose in my images.  And I do prefer a strong eye connection with the viewer.  I'm also looking to capture the elusive "real" smile.  I'm not just trying to present a good photograph of my subject, but one that conveys their personality through their eyes and a real smile, which I think, is evidence of their confidence.

Head position is important.  Most people tend to tilt their head to one side or the other.  When I ask them to bring their head to center, they will often simply tilt to the other side.  For most corporate head shots, I prefer to have no tilt or a very small tilt of the head to show interest, although for a less corporate branding, a small tilt could send a message of openness.  

Finally, I always tell my subject to "lean in"--I think this creates a subtle image of conspiratorial bonding with the viewer.  I know, sounds a little goofy, but I believe it creates an image of being interested and ready.


"When our body language is confident and open, other people respond in kind, unconsciously reinforcing not only their perception of us but also our perception of ourselves."  Amy Cuddy

So let's strike a pose and create awesome head shots!

6 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Profile Image That Could Cost You: Part 2

Most of my clients have their head shots taken for business--primarily company websites, company literature and of course, LinkedIn.  This directly from LinkedIn: "We know that people take their professional reputations seriously, and as a result we expect LinkedIn profile photos to be professional in nature." And did you know that your profile is 7-14 times more likely to be viewed when you have a professional profile image? (LinkedIn)  With that in mind, here are 6 more mistakes you could be making with your profile image, part 2:  (Check out part 1 here)

1.  Wearing clothing that is too fashion forward.  Unless you plan on updating your image frequently, (I'm in!!) wear clothing that is classic and timeless.

2.  Using a full body profile image.  Your profile image on LinkedIn really should be a head and shoulders image.  I often shoot 3/4 views that are appropriate for other uses, but because those profile images on social media are really small,  I recommend using a head and shoulders image.

3.  Not sizing or cropping your image correctly or using a low quality image that is pixelated or blurry. Your image should be the correct resolution and appropriately sized for the application or social media channel.  Your professional photographer can also supply a correctly sized image.

4.  Forgetting that your profile doesn't just represent you on your page, but is also on every "like", "comment" and "share".  There it is, representing.

5.   Thinking that your image doesn't matter in your industry.  No matter how small your business or what your business, we live in an image conscious society, and it does matter.  Want to grow? A great image attracts great talent.  Want to gain more clients?  A great image projects capability.

6.  A profile image that doesn't draw the viewer in and make them want to meet you.  Does your image make you look approachable?  Friendly?  Confident?  Does the viewer feel like they know you already?  No?  It's easy to get someone to smile.  What's more challenging is to create an image that brings out their personality, creates trust and like-ability.

Feeling like your headshot isn't representing the best you?  Give me a call--let's create an awesome one!

6 Mistakes You Are Making With Your Profile Image That Could Cost You: Part 1

Recently, a client sent me a link to a seminar they were attending.  Of course, my client's profile image was fabulous, but I was amazed when I looked at the other speaker's photos.  These were professionals, in a very professional industry.  And frankly, they didn't look very professional.

It got me thinking about the 5 biggest mistakes people make with their profile image that could cost hurt you--as in, all things considered equal, your competition has similar qualifications, experience and education--but one of you has the better profile image. In a situation where there are hundreds of people vying for the same position or client, a fabulous profile image could give you the edge you need.

1.  Not taking your profile image seriously.  As in, not considering it as an important as, say a meeting with an important client.  Like it or not, research shows that first impressions are made in 10 seconds or less.  I've said it before: chances are, the first impression someone has of you is going to be your profile image.  When you want to learn more about someone, what do you do?  Do you call them up and set up a meeting?  Call them up and ask them questions?  Nope, you google them.  You check them out on LinkedIn.  As human beings, we are programmed to want to SEE what things and people look like.

2.  Not taking your wardrobe seriously.  Whether or not you are in an industry that requires more formal or more casual attire, it's important to wear clothing that fits well (isn't too big or too small), is clean and pressed.  That means if your favorite tie or blouse has a soup stain on it, get it cleaned.

3.  Having a friend take the photo with their cell phone or editing yourself out of a group photo.  Is it poorly lit, blurry or a weird color?  Do you see part of someone else's body or head?  Or worse, are other people in the image?  Does the viewer wonder which person you are?  Your profile image should reflect you as an individual professional.

4.  Not using the right makeup.  Have you seen the recent rash of celebrity postings that show strange white areas on their faces?  Using makeup that contains light reflecting elements like silica powder in mineral foundations or powders, or zinc oxide and titanium dioxide found in sunscreen can cause "flashback".  Check with your photographer on the type of lighting that will be used and if you aren't familiar with appropriate makeup needed, check with a makeup artist.

5.  Not updating your image when it doesn't look like you anymore.  Is your image more than 5-10 years old?  Have you changed your hairstyle, gained or lost weight or had any surgery or injury that has altered your appearance?  It's time to change that profile image.

6.  Are you still using the LinkedIn placeholder?  Potential clients and recruiters want to see YOU!

Is it time to update your image?  Give me a call!

Real life and Headshots and How to Be Awesome

I’ve written quite a few posts on the importance of your profile image (check them out here and here)—and last week, I saw my advice in action.  On the plane home from my shoot in the DC area, I sat next to a woman who worked in human resources.   As she was open about what she was doing, I watched her research and vet her list of candidates.  First, she searched for them on LinkedIn—checking out their profile, their skills and experience.  Then, she went to Facebook and checked out their profile there.  Yep, Facebook.  Evidently, it’s not quite dead yet.

How much did a professional headshot verses a non professional picture weigh into the search?  "That's someone who cares much about their professional image."

What can you learn from this real life experience?  Take a look at your social media channels.  Check yourself--look at it like your boss, a prospective employer or client would.  If it's questionable, lock it down--or better yet, remove it.  And make sure your profile, including your profile pics are up to date and professional, especially on LinkedIn.  Think of it as an investment.  In YOU.  

Whether you are actively looking for employment or not, remember that prospective employers, customers and clients are always looking at you.  Be sure that you are representing yourself well with a professional image no matter where you stand in your career.

Featuring: Behind the Scenes with RED Capital Group in San Diego, California

A couple of weeks ago, I was shooting on a corporate job for RED Capital Group in their downtown San Diego, California office.  I love shooting in cities--typically lots of open shade, lots of textures and backgrounds.  I always arrive early to scout my shooting locations.  Large cities like San Diego are rich with locations--and I really love when my clients request a background that identifies with their office location or what they do.

In this instance I was really excited to find a wall painted in multiple colors in a parking lot across the street from the offices I was working in and right next to that, a gorgeous old brick wall.  All that and the trolley that rolled through every ten minutes or so.

 I also love finding light to shoot with.  I come to jobs fully prepared to make my own light if I need to, but love to find places that will give me the light I'm looking for.  In this case, a storefront window offered two long, thin lights tucked just inside the window and gave me fabulous catchlights for my subject's eyes.

  Stuff happens--like stepping in I don't even want to tell you what!!

But hey, live and learn!  You can be sure I've now added Clorox wipes to my shoot kit!  


            

How to Stand Out From the Crowd

Is it time to up your game and take your image to the next level?  One of the easiest ways to stand out from the crowd is to have a stand out professional portrait on your social media pages.  Social media is now most likely the first place that a prospective employer will go to to look at a potential candidate.  

Consider this from Alice White, Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition for the  DANAHER CORPORATION, Washington, DC .  (Danaher is a $19.9B Fortune 150 global technology company comprised of 65+ operating companies with world class brands. Danaher covers 5 market segments with 70,000+ employees in over 125 countries. She hires key talent in the Life Sciences and Diagnostic platforms that comprise the organization’s fastest growing segment.  NYSE: DHR)

"Online profiles have become more important than resumes or even replaced resumes in many hiring situations. It's not important that your profile capture all the details that your resume would, but it's critical that they match when it comes to important elements like job title, responsibility, company names and dates.  It's also important that you update your profile as often as you update your resume if you are interested in being contacted about new opportunities.  For hiring managers, strong  profiles have also become more important in recruiting top talent. The first place any job seeker goes to learn about a company, or a hiring manager is online.  If the hiring manager looks like they are a leader in their profession, they will attract others who want to follow a similar path.  If a hiring manager looks like they are someone who values talent, and if they talk about that in their profile in an authentic way, they are more likely to attract talent.  The need for a compelling profile works both ways in the hiring process. The days of discouraging key employees from having an online profle for fear of a recruiter stealing them are long gone.  Everyone has a profile and smart companies want their best employees to keep their profiles current since talent attracts talent.  The companies with the best talent are places that others want to work."

Just as you would look your best for an in person interview, take advantage of the opportunity to present your best self before you even meet in person.  Your headshot is an investment in you.  Let's create a compelling portrait to engage your audience and make sure you stand out from the crowd!

See you soon!

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: What To Do When You Don't Have a Makeup or Hair Artist For Your Shoot

You've been prepping ahead of time for your shoot and have followed my advice on what to do in advance of your shoot. You've been drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep.  It's the day of your shoot and time to do your hair and makeup.  Now what?  If you don't have a professional makeup or hair artist at the ready, don't worry, I've got you covered!  Here are my favorite tips for perfect makeup and hair for your shoot.

Think these tips are just for women?  Guys, you'll benefit from (well, some) of these tips too!

1. Hydrate your skin:  (This works for both men and women!) Begin by hydrating your skin with a lightweight, non greasy moisturizer.  (preferably without SPF which sometimes has ingredients that can make your face look shinier) A good moisturizer will plump up your skin and it will look softer, firmer and smoother.  And hydrating with a good moisturizer will prevent makeup from looking too "cake-y".

2.  Think MATTE:  Use matte makeup so that your skin won't look greasy or shiny or reflect the light.  Matte makeup also covers inconsistency in skin textures (i.e. wrinkles!) making your skin look smoother.  It can cover any redness in the skin or blemishes.  It goes without saying that your foundation should match your skin tone exactly.

3.  Limit shimmery blushes or eyeshadows:  In camera, a shiny area is like a spotlight and will attract attention.  (However, a little shiny lipgloss is good because it can make your lips look more full!)

4.  Highlight and brighten the focal point of the portrait: your eyes:  Got dark circles?  Use a yellow based under eye concealer to hide them.  Use eyeliner to define the eye on your upper lid and use a shadow that will highlight your eye, blending it to the outer corners with a brush. For blue eyes, choose warm tones to balance them.  For brown eyes, most any color will work, but purple, bronze and navy work well.  For green eyes, reddish browns are good options.  And for hazel eyes cool tones work well.  Don't forget mascara and use an eyebrow pencil to fill in thin brows.

5.  Apply your makeup just a *little heavier than you think you'll need it:  Even if you are going for a more subtle look, the camera sees differently than our eye does. Makeup will look less dramatic than to our eye.  Be sure to bring your makeup with you in case you need to add a little more.

6. Apply your makeup in natural light if possible.  If it looks good there, it will most likely look good in any lighting condition.

7.  Plan for your hair in advance:  Hair requires a little advance planning.  If you color your hair, it's important to see your stylist in advance to avoid showing root grow out.  A cut or trim needs a bit of settling in--another reason to make your appointment prior to your shoot.  The day of the shoot, plan to bring some sort of hair serum (works better than hairspray) with you to smooth flyaways or frizzy hair.

Good makeup application and good hair only enhances my post production work and makes for an even more natural look so that you will look your best in your portrait!

Have you got more questions on how to prepare for your portrait?  Look here and here!

I can't wait to see you!

Connection...Or Not?

I am a firm believer in connection.  As in connecting in a portrait with the eyes.

As viewers, we are drawn in by the eyes.  It's the eyes that create a feeling of connection for the viewer,  making us feel like we "know" the subject.  And that's important when it comes to business portraits and head shots.  You WANT to connect with your viewer, make them FEEL like they already know you.

I like shooting portraits with connection--I feel like it's been a successful portrait session when I've gotten that expression with great eye connection with my subject.

That said, there is a time and a place for a portrait where the subject is not looking at the lens.  As a viewer, we want to know what the subject is looking at outside the frame--if you don't show it, it can create intrigue--and if done right, we want to know more about this person.  The images tend to be more candid, perhaps more charming and very natural.

Are these images usable for business?  It completely depends on your business branding.  Would it work for a banker?  Maybe not, but maybe!  For a creative or an entrepreneur?  Most likely!  It's all about your brand and who you are.

Whatever your brand, let's create a business portrait that will stand out!  

What Exactly Are Editorial Corporate Headshots?

The genre of editorial corporate head shots are becoming more and more popular--looking fresher and more modern when contrasted against traditional studio backdrops and lighting.

But what exactly ARE editorial corporate head shots?  While I certainly didn't coin the term (I'm not sure who to credit on this) I have definitely embraced it to describe my style when it comes to my headshot work.

An editorial photograph supports a story or an article in a magazine or newspaper. An editorial corporate headshot supports a company or brand in telling clients or viewers about their brand.  A fashion editorial photograph has a look or feel about them that may be inspired by a theme. An editorial corporate headshot is inspired by a company's branding--inspired by it's look or feel.

Editorial corporate head shots are often shot on location.  The location isn't the primary focus of an editorial corporate headshot and most certainly can be shot with a backdrop,  yet location does support the story about the company. It's all about capturing the personality of the subject.

And they are sometimes shot with a team--a hair stylist, a makeup artist and even a stylist.  I find that because my subjects look amazing and feel better, the shoot gets elevated.  Most of my subjects (although I've had a few that actually have been models!) are not models, making them feel like they are on a fashion editorial shoot from the get-go creates an experience which yields much more engaging and inspired portraits.  

Creating an editorial corporate portrait on a unusually dark day in Dallas required me to add a little light of my own.

Editorial photographs are sometimes minimally lit.  Often, I use available light on editorial corporate shoots, but if I need additional light, I try to keep it simple, so that my subjects aren't intimated by big lighting setups and the focus can be directed to making a real connection with my subject to produce a genuine and real portrait that captures their spark and personality.

Finally, editorial shoots are often done on short time frames.  With busy executives, I must give good direction, make quick decisions about what's working and what's not at the same time creating real connections with my subjects on a relatively short time frame.

Editorial corporate head shots are one of my most favorite types of shoots, allowing me more editorial freedom to produce engaging images that connect and engage.

Loved this image of Anna--an intern, new to Madison Avenue.

Do you have questions about what type of head shots are right for you and your company?  Drop me a line and we can talk about it!
Talk to you soon!