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!

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.

Pro Photographer's Quick Tips: How To Look Better in Photographs

The question I get asked most often is...drumroll.... "What can I do to look better in photographs?"

Because the camera sees a little differently than the human eye, we can all use a little help with this!  I had a little help from one of my very favorite subjects, (I had to bribe her by making pancakes) to demonstrate my favorite 6 tips (and a bonus!) on how to pose whether it's for a selfie, a photo with friends, a family portrait or a business portrait with a professional photographer.  (Of course, at that point, you'll have the help of a pro, but you'll be ahead of the game with these tips!)

1.  Turn your body slightly away from the camera rather than facing the camera straight on.  Facing the camera straight on will make you look wider, so if you'd like to appear thinner, then turn your body a little.

2.  Keep your arms slightly bent and away from your body.  Any body part that is pushed against another will look bigger, so create a slight gap between your arm and your body.

3.  In a group, try not to be the one on the ends (closest to the camera).  The closer to the camera, the bigger the object will look.

4.  Keep the camera just slightly above eye level.  First of all, no one looks good with an up the nose camera angle.  Again, the face will look slimmer with a slightly higher camera angle.  (Slightly, not super high)

5.  Maintain good posture, keep your shoulders back.  Good posture always makes you look more confident (and slimmer!)

6.  Finally, my favorite tip: bring your chin out and slightly down.  Not so much that the tendons stand out in your neck, but just enough to get rid of the double chin effect that happens.  We all have a tendency to pull back from the camera or pull our chin in when we laugh--giving the dreaded double chin!  You might will feel goofy, but from the camera view, you'll look amazing!

My bonus tip:  There are lots of articles on the psychology of the arms crossed pose--whether or not you think it's good or bad, I don't recommend it for portraits. The pose is often seen as a psychological and physical barrier--don't risk it!

Here's to looking better!

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!

New Year, New You: Time for a New Headshot?

Have you ever looked at a company website and wondered about the people that work there?  Do their head shots represent who they are as a company?  Do they tell the story about the company?  Or is a faceless website and in that case, as a customer, do you want to engage with them?  Aren't  the people who work at a company what makes the company most unique?

The web can make our world seem huge and impersonal, but seeing faces of humans can make it smaller, more personal, more friendly and more approachable.  Even the most traditional of companies can build more trust by showing dynamic and engaging portraits of their employees.

A professional headshot is the one of the most important elements in building your company brand--an important visual communication tool.  The more approachable, the more likely people will reach out to you or your business. Isn't that what you're looking for?

Is this the year you'll be updating your headshot?

Change!

I was at trader joes last week chatting with the checker about New Years resolutions. She said "I don't make them anymore, I never follow through," On one hand, her statement felt really freeing, but on the other hand, it felt defeatist. Like giving up. Since that conversation, I've been thinking a lot about New Year's resolutions and why we make them on a certain day.

As I've gotten older (and wiser) I've come to realize there is no magic to January 1.  Or Mondays.  Or Mondays that fall on the first day of the month. (!) But the bottom line is, that I won't give up.  It doesn't mater when you start to change, because "A year from now, you will wish you had started today." (Karen Lamb)

My mantra for change in both my professional and personal life comes from Napoleon Hill--"Do not wait: the time will never be 'just right'.  Start where you stand, and work whatever tools you may have at your command and better tools will be found as you go along."  No, definitely not perfect at remembering this, but getting better!  

Happy New Year's--here's to change happening all year long!  See you in 2016!

Behind the Scenes: RED Capital Group--Columbus and Dallas

When I was little, I used to watch the sky to see planes overhead to give me a jolt of wanderlust.

Last Monday found me up in the air, traveling for the week, changing the world, one headshot at a time. My wanderlust was on. Travel can be exhausting and exhilarating, tedious and exciting, tiring and invigorating all at the same time but I feel lucky that I'm exploring the world and meeting so many different kinds of people. 

Here’s a few behind the scenes from my shoot for The RED Capital Group in Columbus and Dallas last week.  Many thanks to Lisalynne Quinn and Joy Selby Cain of RED Capital Group for their behind the scenes pics and their super duper assisting and Kimberly Boyenger for her fantastic makeup and hair artistry.  

My Columbus hotel: The renovated Buckeye Savings and Loan in downtown Columbus.  Now this would be a cool place to shoot in!

Downtown Columbus Sunrise

Makeup and Hair by Kimberly Boyenger (photo credit: Lisa Lynne Quinn)

One of my favorite parts of a shoot is finding my locations.  Loved shooting here!

Panorama by Joy Selby Cain of one the shoot spaces

Sometimes the smallest of spaces yields awesome results

My Mad Men pose.

I don't often have time to do much exploring while I'm in a city working, but took an evening excursion to find the Short North Public Art in Columbus, Ohio (photo credit: Joy Selby Cain)

On to the next stop: Dallas!

The Dallas shoot space next to the Clock tower of the Mercantile National Bank

Amazingly, Dallas was quite dark and overcast so I added a little of my own soft light by bouncing a diffused speed light off a white wall and ceiling.

 I keep everyone in stitches obviously.

Lisa Lynne braving the elements so I can get set up before the talent arrives.

A different look by facing my subject toward the window and using the white wall behind her to create a high key portrait.

I'm looking forward to seeing y'all soon!  (Whoops--A little holdover from Dallas!)