Where Should We Shoot Your Headshot?

I get that question a lot--where should I have my headshot taken?  My answer is dependent on the look you are trying to convey or the business you are in.  Are you in a traditional business environment? A more casual business?  Do you want to help tell the story about what you do and who you are or simply focus on you?

Many companies that I work for like to show their office culture or tell a story about what their business is.  I often shoot in or around their offices and this works well, especially when I'm shooting larger numbers of people in a day.  I come to the office, find my location and it's a breeze to schedule multiple employees.

However, when I'm shooting individuals, we have more flexibility with locations.  I do limit distractions in the background while still giving the viewer information about the subject.  Last week, during a conversation with a city council candidate, I recommended a couple of well known locations in the city for his background, which would show the viewer this is a candidate of the city.

Several weeks ago, I shot an IT executive at her home.  I like shooting in my client's homes or offices because they feel comfortable in familiar surroundings.  Most people are already apprehensive about having their portrait taken and this takes the element of unfamiliar surroundings out of the equation.  As usual, I brought both backgrounds and portable lighting with me, just in case.  While I do come prepared,  I also know that in most cases, I'll be able to find simple light or dark backgrounds in most home or office situations.  It's not always the case to find those backgrounds with the right light, so I make sure I'm prepared to create my own if necessary.  In this case, I found a lovely bank of windows as well as the background.

A quick test shot with my hairstylist using the background I brought yields a more traditional portrait with absolutely stunning results.  For my client,  I wanted something a little less traditional with a little depth to the background.

Going outside lends a fresh and more casual feel.

Wherever we shoot, I'm looking to provide an engaging, approachable portrait and at the same time a fun and relaxed experience for my client.  

Where will we photograph your headshots?

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 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!

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!

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?

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?