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!)

A little tough love advice on prepping for your business portraits.

Your business portrait is coming up! I know you're excited, because you're shooting with me!

I've got a little advice for advance prepping for your portrait.  It might be a little tough to take, but I've got your best interests at heart, so take a listen.

My tough love advice:

Fix the hair coming out of the wrong places.  This one's a little touchy to talk about, do this at home--take a good look in the mirror.  Noses, ears, chins.  Trust me, it happens to the best of us and there's a simple fix for all of it.  Just snip and pluck.

Wrinkly clothing.  It's so great that you bought a new dress shirt for your shoot, but make sure to take it out of it's folded state and get it pressed.  You've got your favorite blouse, make sure that it's been cleaned and pressed before your shoot.   Wrinkles definitely counteract the look of "I'm good at what I do", unless of course, you're the creative type where wrinkles say, "I'm good at what I do".

Ties.  Men, pick a power tie.  Stay away from flesh colored ties.  Just trust me on this one.

Get your hair done in advance and have your hair styled the day of your portrait.  If you don't like your roots or grey showing, get your roots or grey done.  Go one better, invest in having your hair styled the day of your shoot.  Then make it worthwhile and plan to go out--to lunch, to dinner, with your partner, with your friends!

Invest in makeup.  I've shot business portraits with a makeup artist present and I've shot them without.  A makeup artist uses photo ready products to reduce shine and enhance your features. They can even contour your face, to make the most of your features.  They use the right products to enhance your look in front of the camera.  But perhaps more importantly, I've seen what a makeup artist can do for my subject's demeanor.  They feel powerful, more beautiful or handsome.  They walk into the shoot differently.  Colleagues oooh and ahhhhh over them.  At the very least, make an appointment in advance at your favorite makeup counter and learn how to apply products and the best makeup for your shoot.  You'll feel so much more confident walking into our shoot.

Have you got other questions about how you can get ready for your business portrait?  I've written this, this, this and this on getting ready.  Still have more questions?  Give me a shout!  I'm happy to help!

See you soon!

8 Tips for Choosing The Right Clothing for Your Corporate Portrait

Some days, it's hard enough to figure out what to wear to hit the grocery store, let alone work!  On the day of your corporate portrait?  Now what?! I've written other posts here  and here giving advice on getting ready for your portrait. We already know how important your headshot is--LinkedIn research shows that profiles with photos are reviewed 7x more than those without photos--so it goes without saying that choosing the right outfit can definitely make or break your image!

Here are my 8 favorite in-depth tips for clothing selections:

1. Funny enough, what you wear everyday to the office may not be the best clothing for your corporate portrait.  Consider how you'd like to be perceived--think about the job you have now and the job you'd like to have in the future.  Clothing can tell us a lot about a person--when you think of a doctor wearing a white coat, do you think it signifies a higher education and level of professionalism over the doctor in jeans?  Unfortunately, judging the book by the cover still exists. Start prepping ahead of time so that your outfit will be clean and pressed and ready on the day of your appointment.


2. It's best to choose modern, but not cutting edge fashion.  Cutting edge fashion becomes yesterday's outfit quickly and on the other hand, if your clothing is outdated, you could be perceived as being outdated in your thinking or abilities, probably not what you are looking for!

3. It's important to wear clothing that is correctly sized.  Clothing that is too large can give the appearance of being sloppy, while clothing that is too tight may give the appearance of being unkempt or conversely, too sexy.  For women, watch that your neckline isn't too revealing.

4. Make sure your clothing is pressed and clean and tailored for YOUR body.  Long sleeves of blouses, shirts and jackets should be at the appropriate length for your arms.  

5. This sounds a little goofy, but try to choose clothing that doesn't poof when you sit or move.

6.  Wear appropriate undergarments and make sure they aren't going to show.  I know you've probably heard this before, but the right undergarments can definitely make you appear taller and slimmer!  

7. A well fitting, fitted blazer can be like magic, hiding a tummy, creating a waist and slimming arms.

8.  Wear something (that's appropriate!) that you feel smokin' in!  Chances are you've gotten compliments while wearing it before and it stands to reason it fits well (just make sure it's clean and pressed!)  You'll feel like a million and we'll create an image that shows you to be confident, competent and approachable!

I can't wait to see you!

Featuring: Citizen Relations Vancouver--Corporate Editorial Portraits on Location

The last office standing (so to speak) in making my rounds of the Canadian offices of Citizen Relations International was Vancouver.   I've really been looking forward to heading up to Vancouver, as my parents have spent a great deal of time up there and have waxed poetic about the city.  And it certainly didn't disappoint.

Vancouver is a stunning city--feeling city-like and yet homey all at the same time. It felt healthy and outdoorsy and like a place that I could definitely see myself living.  Except for the cost of living!  I heard time and time again, how expensive it is to actually live in Vancouver.  As in, the second most expensive city IN THE WORLD...behind Hong Kong!  Take that California!

But I found the people of Vancouver to be amazingly friendly and helpful.  And as always, the Citizens of Citizen Relations were extraordinary!

At the end, we did a fun group shot.  Well, a serious and a fun group shot.

Thanks for the hospitality, Vancouver!

Think you'd like me to photograph your team? Get in touch!

5 Super Simple Tips If You Hate to Have Your Business Portrait Taken

I get it.

I'm not fond of being in front of the camera either, and that works in your favor, because I GET YOU!  But business portraits are a part of your business--a BIG part.  It's often your first and best chance to make a strong impression and your very best marketing tool.  It should be the best representation of you possible.

So here are 5 super simple tips to make sure we get great images of YOU:

BE YOU!  Look like yourself.  If you wear glasses, wear them!  If your thing is a scruffy beard, wear it with confidence.  Be who you are and not what you think you should be so you can be relaxed in your own skin.

GET SLEEP, WATER AND FOOD.  Party some other time--the night before your portrait, make sure you get sleep.  Eat so you aren't cranky and drink plenty of water.  (Really, hydrating does wonders for the way you look!)

WEAR SOMETHING YOU LOVE.  Wear something you feel smokin' in.  If you feel GREAT, it'll come across.  You might want to stick with simple and classic though, (which doesn't have to mean boring!) because cutting edge fashion tends to look dated quickly.

DON'T BE NERVOUS.  Easier said than done, but remember it only takes one good portrait and I promise you'll have that and more!

HAVE FUN!  I've got tunes, a sense of humor and lots of experience with people who hate to have their portraits taken so relax and let's have fun!

If you'd like MORE suggestions on how to prepare for your business portrait, click here or here.  For great makeup tips when you don't have a makeup artist, click here.

I can't wait to see you!

Featuring: Citizen Relations LA--Corporate Editorial portraits on location

Although I've been in almost all the Citizen Relations offices this past year (I'm coming for you next month Vancouver!) being back in the Los Angeles office of Citizen Relations last week was like home.  I (half) jokingly told Chris Chamberlin, Managing Director Asia Pacific Region, on my first visit to the Playa Vista office that it was going to become my LA studio and was really happy when he told me (and I think, not jokingly!) that I was welcome to it.

The light--the light there.  Gorgeous, beautiful, full wall window light with a fantastic ledge for leaning or sitting.  A huge space, just perfection.  Don't get me wrong--I have loved all of my spaces in all the Citizen offices all over the world.  But how I love my hometown light.  The light came in and out as the clouds broke, giving me some very cool light patterns to work with in the background.

And no matter what office I'm at, the Citizen offices are in the cool parts of town--and the LA office calls Playa Vista home surrounded by the likes of Google, Yahoo, Facebook--so I always feel like a super cool cat when I'm there.

And then there are the citizens of Citizen Relations.  I can't say enough cool stuff about them.  And although I've now heard lots of times how great I made them feel, the feeling is mutual.  Here's a peek at just a couple of the pretty awesome peeps--just for fun I gave them a little bit of matte finish and love how it feels.

When will I take your portrait?

My 6 favorite tips for perfect makeup for your photo shoot

I KNOW you've been prepping ahead of time for your shoot and have followed my advice on advance preparation. You've gotten your hair cut, you've been drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep.  It's the day of your shoot and time to do your makeup.  Now what?  If you don't have a professional makeup artist at the ready, don't worry, I've got you covered!  Here are my 6 favorite tips for perfect makeup for your shoot.

Think these tips are just for women?  Guys, you'll benefit from (well, most) 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 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.

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

I can't wait to see you!

Featuring: Citizen Relations UK--Corporate Editorial Portraits on Location

I'm beyond excited to share my shoot with the global PR firm Citizen Relations UK team.

When the dates were confirmed for me to fly over the pond, I arranged for my family to join me and for us to travel first to Paris and then a week later to London for my shoot. The day before the shoot, we took the Eurostar from Paris to London and got settled in our hotel. A definite benefit to hitting Paris first was the ability to arrive in London, jet lag far behind, ready to shoot.

I arrived at the UK office early to take a look around to find my spot. Although I knew HOW I would be shooting to maintain the consistent look I'd established so far, what I didn't know was WHERE I would be shooting.  All of the Citizen offices have had lovely large windows and lots of white walls and ceilings to bounce light around and happily, the London office was no exception.  I choose several spots near each other that gave me flexibility to work as the light moved through the day.  The sun came and went throughout the day, as might be expected in London and I met and photographed some pretty exceptional Citizens.  Brilliant.

Here's a peek!

This is Immy.  Gorgeous!

This is Lily--I wish I'd had time to take her out and shoot on the streets of London--we had so much fun!

Nadia--those eyes!

Mark is the Managing Director of the UK office by day and farmer by night.  Sort of like Superman!

Tom, British GQ called wondering if you are available for the cover.

Getting ready for your business portrait

You have an important meeting with a prospective client in a couple of weeks and you definitely want to win this client's business. What's your plan? Have you already started your preparations? Been doing your research?  Begun putting it all together? Of course you have!

Guess what? That client has already begun their research on YOU!  No doubt they've checked out your profiles and link backs to your company. And that headshot that's out there is the first thing they see. It's always on and out there.  You've spent a great deal of time branding your company.  Your headshot is a huge part of that brand as it sets the tone for who you are and what you are all about--the first impression.

From Entrepreneur.com:
"Simply put your brand is your promise to your customer.  It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offerings from your competitors'. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be."

From Forbes.com:
"Personal branding is no longer an option; it's a powerful leadership enabler."

Your corporate portrait/headshot deserves the same attention as that important client meeting. You begin winning business the moment the prospective client views your headshot.

Prepping for your portrait should begin a couple weeks ahead of time--give it the same importance that you would give to an important meeting.  Your portrait will represent you (and your company) for a bit--give it the attention it deserves.

Ahead of time:
Hair:  Do you need a haircut, your roots done, your eyebrows trimmed?  Do it a week ahead of time so your hair has time to relax into the cut.

Keep smoking and drinking to a minimum in the days before your session and begin drinking plenty of water to hydrate so your skin will look its best and lines and wrinkles will be minimized.  (Really, it works!)  Get adequate sleep, particularly the night before your session so you appear rested and relaxed.  Would you go out partying the night before a big client meeting?

There aren't definitive rules for what you should wear and how you should present yourself, your company culture and profession should be your guide.

Your business portrait should reflect a confident, relaxed and approachable you.  Schedule yourself accordingly so that your arrive relaxed and on time.  Now that you've done your prep work, you can relax, have fun and let me do my job!

I can't wait to see you!

My top ten tips for clothing selection, hair and makeup preparation:

1.  Prep your clothing beforehand--Clothing should fit well, be clean and pressed.  (Mind the gap in a blouse!)
2.  Solids look best--avoid bold or loud patterns (patterns or prints can sometimes create strange looking patterns on camera or distract from your face. Moire anyone?)
3.  Darker is slimming.  (Did you know black is my favorite color to wear?  And now you know why!)
3.  Watch that your neckline isn't too revealing and at the other end of the spectrum stay away from turtlenecks--they are difficult for even the longest of necks!
4.  Men--watch that a shiny or reflective tie doesn't compete with your face or that your undershirt is peeking out.
5.  Women--stay away from sleeveless blouses and jewelry that would distract from your face.  It goes without saying to wear well fitting undergarments.  (You--it's all about you!!!)
6.  Check your facial hair--eyebrows, nose hairs, beards and mustaches.  Trim neatly and check for strays.
7. Check your smile, brush and floss beforehand.  (It's great to have a little snack before we shoot so you aren't cranky with hunger, but make sure you check your smile!)
8.  Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows because shiny makeup reflects light and can be distracting in camera.
8.  Bring a bit a smoothing product for hair and light smooth down any frizzy stray hairs. 
9.  If in doubt, uses professional makeup artist or hair stylist.  (You'll look so good, you'll want to go out afterward!)
10.  If you wear glasses all the time--wear them.  You can consider having your optician pop the lenses out for the session.  And if you'd like we can shoot with and without them.

And finally, just between you and me--can we get up close and personal a minute?  Don't forget a few last minute checks: stray eyebrows, wayward nose hairs, inner eye gunk and dry lips!