Perspectives

It’s always fun to photograph a family over the years and watch the kids grow up.  I’ve been photographing Roger and Debbie and their kids for many years now.  We had arranged to meet at one of my favorite areas to shoot, however, a community parade route changed our plans and blocked access to our shooting location.  

I quickly called them and told them to stay put until I found our new location.  Our new location had lots of scenic places and while the family were en route, I quickly walked the area and choose three to shoot at.  There were several other photographers already there, so I wanted to choose some unique locations.  

The last area I choose was by a lake, which by itself seems like it should have been scenic, but really most would have dismissed as too crowded and ugly.  There were at least 50 people fishing at the edge of the lake, lots of trash cans, signs and lunch tables.  It wasn’t pretty.  But I saw something.  

I’m not great at behind the scenes images, I’m focused on creating great in front of the camera images. This time, however, I did take a quick photo of just a little bit of the view to show how a change in perspective can change everything.  

And that’s a thought that can be applied to just about anything.

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!

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!

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.

How to Care for your Printed Images

Last week, I delivered print images to a corporate client.  How cool is that?  Normally, when I'm working for corporate clients I'm delivering digital files (along with licensing terms).  This particular client wanted to do something special for it's employees and offered a print of their favorite image to keep or give to a loved one, which in some cases, was not the same image chosen for their professional image.

I always work with my portrait clients to create custom images that they can live with everyday, whether on the wall or in an album and discuss how to care for their images when they receive them, but it's rare that I am talking about it with corporate clients!

I'm a big believer in living with your images and I work with professional lab partners to produce the highest quality archival images possible on photographic paper, art paper, photographic albums, canvas and metal prints.  Here's a quick primer on caring for your printed images--with proper care and handling, your printed photographs should last a lifetime and beyond.

Images that I create for my clients are printed with archival quality inks and on mediums that are chemically stable and will not deteriorate quickly. My images are printed on high quality archival papers, canvas or metal.  Images 5x7 and larger printed on photographic paper and all canvases will have a protective coating applied to the surface.  Album pages also have a protective coating applied.  This will help prevent fingerprints as well as provide some protection against UV light.  Exceptions would include images printed on photographic art papers or fuji's deep matte paper.

Most damage to photographic prints is often caused by acidic materials (like non-archival matts, backings or tapes), temperature changes, humidity, UV light and physical damage. Avoiding these will go a long way to preserving printed images.

Handle photographs with care to avoid bending, denting or scratching their surface.  Avoid touching photographic surfaces with your fingers.

Don't write on the back of your photographs, as inks from pens can penetrate the surface and cause damage.  Label the outside packaging with a soft pencil.

The images I deliver to you will have a protective coating applied to the surface, but can be protected further by framing them behind glass with Acid free matting or glass spacers and acid free backings. Archival quality mounts should be used to attach the photographs.  Canvas and metal prints will be delivered ready to hang on your wall.

Don't laminate photographs as this can cause permanent damage to the emulsion layer.


Display images in an area that is cool, low light and dry.  Avoid direct sunlight or rooms with high humidity.

Avoid contact with water or liquids.  Here's a really helpful tip:  if the photograph is framed, clean the glass by putting glass cleaner on a soft cloth first, then cleaning the glass so that liquid does not come in contact with the photograph.

Canvas prints may be dusted with a soft, dry cloth.

Metal prints are the exception and are very durable and maybe wiped with a damp cloth to clean the surface.  Use caution with a metal print with sharp corners--they are extremely sharp!  Infused onto thin aluminum, the metal print while durable, can be dented if dropped.

Do you have more questions about how to care for your images?  Drop me an email--I'd love to help!

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!

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!

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!  

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!

Here comes the New Year!

A little more than two weeks away from 2016 and I've been thinking about WHAT A YEAR! 2015 has been!

Laura Schmidt Photography (and I) grew by leaps and bounds this year and I find myself so thankful and grateful for the opportunities to grow and shape my business and to reach toward my goals.  I am so lucky to have worked with and for amazing clients who have trusted me, my direction and vision.

I am so grateful...
to be trusted to get the job done, done right and done on time
that my clients recognize and tell me how appreciative they are of my work
to have made so many amazing connections, both professionally and personally with my clients
to hear how fun it was to work with me and how much my clients actually enjoyed the experience
to be pushed into new creative areas, challenging me to be a BETTER photographer, a BETTER business owner and to learn something new everyday
to you, dear internet, my followers and website visitors for your time, your interest, your feedback and support

It's time to think forward to the new year and its possibilities and goals--I already know it's going to be a doozy of a year--full of change, both personally and professionally--and I'm ready--Bring it!

Thank you so much for your support--it's been an honor and a pleasure.  I wish you a New Year filled with good health, laughter, sweet moments, a little magic and spectacular success and look forward to seeing and working with you soon!

Featuring: Website images for Plant Depot

Over the course of the last several weeks, I've been creating new images for Plant Depot's website.  It's a big project that spans the entire site to create a photographic snapshot of the Nursery for the web viewer.

Projects like this are much easier when they are broken down into smaller shoots within the larger project.  Additionally, creating a shoot plan and even setting up and styling in advance provides relatively stress free shoot and post production days.

Perhaps the only stress was trying to get the nursery cat Disney to walk through at the right time.  Tricks like this work much better when cats are hungry.  I'm not going to call myself a cat whisperer just yet.

It does make me feel like getting out in the garden, even if it's just to put out some holiday greens!

Keep an eye on Plant Depot's site--new images coming!