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!

On Photographing Animals

The last several shoots have included one VERY large dog and about a dozen horses as subjects. I feel a little bit like I've been herding cats!

I definitely approach photographing animals differently than photographing people.  Even if I plan on shooting with available light, I always bring lighting gear, just in case I can't find the light I need or want so that I can create my own.  With animals (and kids), however, I need to be cognizant of their unfamiliarity with big, white, round and floppy discs (my reflectors) or lights that flash at them or even the way my gear sounds. (I once photographed a horse that was fearful of the sound of the shutter!) I work hard to find the right space and the right light to avoid a lot of hullabaloo.  And I bring my patience with me, because more likely than not, it's often a waiting game for the animal/kids to put it's/their best face forward.

When the magic happens, it's awesome!

Would you like to have your favorite animals photographed?  Drop me a line and we can plan it!

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?

Featuring: Jamie Nammany, President-Elect ASID/OC

I had the pleasure of photographing Jamie Nammany of Interior Matters last week upon my return from the UK.  Jamie is the President-Elect of the American Society of Interior Designers Orange County.  We had chosen to photograph her in her beautiful home because as its designer, she loved it's design elements and colors.  As a client, it's the ultimate in comfort when being photographed.  As a photographer, making my clients feel at ease results in better images and there is nowhere more comfortable than their own home!

As she showed me around and we discussed areas we could use, I felt like I was touring a gorgeous design house, but one that felt so much more comfortable.  We choose three areas to work in, but I knew the minute I took my first test shot, what would be my favorite.

My favorite spot was a small corner in her dining room, with window light coming from both the side and the front of her, brightening her eyes and naturally softening her face.  I knew that the wall color would become a little darker and would enhance the richness of her blouse color and the minute I took this image, I knew we had a winner.  I also knew that the drapes might be distracting for the final image.  I always try to get as close to my finished image as possible in camera, but sometimes a little help is necessary in processing.  In photoshop I extended the canvas to remove the drapes and created this: a much stronger, cleaner image of Jamie.  (You might also notice a little smoothing of her blouse on her shoulder to look a little neater).  (on a side note: I really like creating a little fun in photoshop like this GIF, but what I don't like is the banding it added to my image (insert frown face here) so I've included the image as well)  

 I love how rich and elegant yet friendly this image feels--just like Jamie.  Congratulations Jamie, on your upcoming Presidency!

If you'd like to see more of Jamie's gorgeous interiors, click here.

How to prepare for your portrait--scheduling and locations.

It's the holidays already.  Shopping at Costco this past week, it seems like the holidays have been thrust upon us even earlier than last year--holiday ribbon and wrap, gift baskets, toys...here we go!

And that means it's time for holiday portraits.  For some of my clients, its the holidays that signal that it's time for an annual portrait and time to think about where and when we are going to shoot.

The best location for your portraits is one that means something to you and your family.  We can go anywhere--a special beach, park, in the studio or in your home.  Perhaps it's a train station or Disneyland--let's come up with somewhere fun!  Nowadays, some locations do require permits for photography.  If you are set on shooting at a location that does require a permit, I'll make the arrangements and any fees will be included in your session fee.  I do abide by the rules because it'd be a bummer to be all dressed up and get kicked out of a great location because we didn't follow the rules!  Just know that I've got lots of ideas for great places that don't require permits!  Because sometimes permits take time, let's start our scheduling early.

The location will sometimes dictate the timing of your session for the best lighting and feel of your portraits.  Sometimes, that doesn't always jive with some of the subjects of your portrait--your kids.  If our portrait session is scheduled for late afternoon's golden hour at the beach, (which is often the dinner hour!) we'll talk about how we can optimize our time to make it fun for them by making sure they are rested, fed and ready to play!

It's important to be on time to your appointment because I've scheduled it based on the light.  I do use light modifiers if necessary, but prefer natural light.  When we scheduled our time, I also allowed for us all to relax with each other and settle in.  I find the best portraits are those that happen in the "in between" moments after you start to relax with me!  Sometimes, the weather doesn't cooperate or a kid gets sick.  It  happens.  Try to notify me in advance if possible and we'll find a new date that will work.

My goal for our session is to make it feel like playing for both you and your kids.  In between, I'll pose you casually and help guide you into looking your best.  I aim for fun, not stress!

See you soon!

"My 'high' for the weekend was the photo shoot.  Even better than scoring a soccer goal!"
Avalon, age 6

Marriage Counseling

When photographing couples that have celebrated milestone anniversaries, I always ask the obvious: to what do you attribute the longevity of your marriage? And I've heard the same answer more times than I can count. Inevitably, one partner (usually the male) always seems to answer first, jokingly explaining that their partner simply "puts up with them".  

So perhaps the true answer is a sense of humor and fun.  Laughter will take you far in a relationship!

Last week I had the pleasure of documenting this family get together celebrating a 50 year marriage and got a little bit of marriage counseling in the process.  

Happy Labor Day!  May you share laughter with your loved ones today!

Featuring: Citizen Relations/DARE New York--Corporate Editorial Portraits on Location

Last week, I flew to the Big Apple to shoot corporate editorial portraits for my new client, Citizen Relations/Dare in their New York City offices.  When I arrived in the offices on Thursday morning, I was beyond excited to see my location options.  I chose the corner window overlooking Madison Avenue and 48th Street that CEO Daryl McCullough had recommended.  Hello.... YES, Madison Avenue!  Probably not a big deal to the New Yorkers in the bunch, but so cool to this California girl!

The setup was simple: there was so much gorgeous window light floating around and bouncing off the white pony walls, I set up a couple of reflectors and had insane light.  I didn't open up my lens super wide (only f4) because I wanted some of the New York element to show through.  I wanted it to have a consistent feel with the portraits from the Los Angeles offices, yet definitely have a more New York City feel.  Having little splashes of yellow from the taxis was the icing on the cake.

I had asked about the differences between the west and east coast offices--but found them to be just as much fun as the LA office.  In fact, we ended with a bang, shooting a few "Beyonce" shots--using a reflector for blowing hair--these ladies can really work it!

As I walked to the office from the hotel on Friday morning, I found myself behind another photographer going to a job.  He carried a bag with light stands and a large Nikon camera bag.  I almost started crying with happiness.  It wasn't  lost on me that here I was, a California photographer, working in NYC, a city FILLED with fabulous photographers. I am one lucky girl.


Here's a sprinkling of the fabulous portraits from New York!

This is Jon--he's the Managing Director of Social Engagement.  Pretty engaging, right?

Since Nick's the General Manager of Canada, he was a bit reticent to have his portrait done in New York, but I talked him into hanging a bit in front of my camera.

Adam.  Talk about style!

Hellllllllo Lauren!!! Stunning!

By the time McEason's appointment came, I was positive that only super models worked for Citizen!

I had so much fun talking with Theresa that I almost forgot we were shooting!

Katie playing assistant for Beyonce, I mean Cristine!

Cristine can definitely work it!

Then Katie had her turn--gorgeous!

The end of a successful trip. Sitting on the tarmac, watching planes take off in the sunset.

Featuring: Citizen Relations/DARE Los Angeles--Corporate Editorial Portraits on Location

I jokingly have a personal goal of seeing as many of my business portraits on social media channels as possible.  Last week, I think I made good headway into that goal when I took on corporate portraits for my new client, public relations agency, Citizen Relations and their sister agency, DARE in their Los Angeles offices.   

We had WAYYYY more fun than they expected.  Sometimes people approach having their portraits taken with trepidation and fear.  I mean, who doesn't want to look good for a portrait that's going to be the first image people have of you?  I got a lot of trepidation and fear last week, but if the hugs and smiles I got afterward were any indication, I think by the end of my time with them, I might have changed their viewpoint.  

This week, I'm heading to the Big Apple to photograph the New York offices--looking forward to more fun!

Here's a sprinkling from two days of shooting in the Los Angeles office.

This is Bruno, with DARE.  Ok, he didn't approach my camera with trepidation.  It was more like photographing a model.

This is Mai, with DARE.  She started dancing to the music I was playing and we didn't stop.

I couldn't resist a gif of Mai dancing.

This is Chris, with Citizen Relations.  Yep, like having a model in front of my camera.

This is Gina, she didn't think I could get a good portrait of her.  All I can say is WOW!

This is Megan.  LOVE her laugh and her AH-MAZING personality!

This is Lisa--so much style!

This is Julie--Can you tell how infectious her personality is? Gorgeous!

This is Jennifer.  Absolutely, positively sure we weren't going to get a good one.  Stunning.