High quality, consistent headshots of your executive team conveys a level of professionalism, attention to detail, and cohesiveness that are important elements of successful branding.
Read MoreI was researching a number of different Boston-area company’s websites recently, looking at executive/management team individual headshot photos. A number of the sites had a very consistent look to the images – backgrounds, lighting, clothing options, and expressions. Many others seemed to take the approach of asking each individual to provide the best photo of themselves, whether it be a selfie or one taken by a friend or colleague.
On one these sites, the CEO is sitting outside with sailboats and water behind him, one of the founders (CTO) is wearing a dark colored T-shirt shot against a blue background, the Chairman is wearing a collared shirt shot against a grey background, and an SVP is posed sitting down on a couch with what appears to be a wide screen TV off to the side perhaps shot in a living room. Other supporting cast (advisors, etc.) had many shots where they’re not even looking at the camera, some shot in color others in black and white, different colored backgrounds (including red), etc..
Read MoreHeadshots are often cropped so that the top of someone’s head is out of the frame - this is a particular style that is successful as it focuses the viewers attention on the eyes and mouth, which is where confidence and approachability are conveyed.
Read MoreHow headshots are going to be used is important to understand in order to create the right look.
Read MoreNatural lighting can be beautiful if used correctly - but the same can be said for flash photography. Choosing which one is best is a function of the type of look, how/where the images will be used, and a collaboration between the photographer and subject.
Read MoreNot all photographers are created equal, and there is specialization. If you’re looking for a professionally done headshot, be sure the photographer specializes in that and can discuss their process.
Read MoreMany colleges are reviewing applicants Facebook and other social media pages as part of their admissions/selection process. Having a great, professionally done image gives a better overall impression when the admissions officer visits the applicants social media profile
Read MoreYou want to be deliberate in your social and business branding/digital footprint - make sure you’re conveying the image/message you want people to see.
Read MorePeople judge a person’s character, trustworthiness, and likeability is as little as 80 milliseconds when they see an image - make sure the first impression s the right one for your brand.
Read MoreOne of the many decisions you and your photographer makes for your headshots is choosing a background. While it is not the main focus of the image, it does play an important role in the overall look, feel, mood, and message your images convey.
Read MoreDuring the headshot or portrait session, your photographer should be working with you to produce a variety of poses and “looks” that will yield a variety of images.
Read MoreWe live in a world that is more imaged based than ever before – when looking for a job, a resume is no longer sufficient; employers are using sites such as LinkedIn to learn more about who it is that is applying, and the first thing they see is the profile picture of the candidate.
Read MoreToday’s photographer has more tools to create photographs than ever before – from removing objects, to creating scenes, blemish removals, etc.. You can create composites, add people to a photograph from a different session, etc.. But personally, I draw the line with replacing backgrounds.
Read MoreHow do you go about selecting a photographer? This post may seem odd coming from a photographer (something about the fox in the henhouse comes to mind) so I’ll admit some of my views may be biased, if not self-serving – but I hope you’ll find value in at least some of the suggestions I have, and I’ll do my best to be as objective as possible.
Read MoreThere are many types of images that are appropriate for entertainers, actors, musicians, etc. Much of what is needed depends on how you plan on using the image. Here are some shots that should be included in your portfolio that reflect your look, personality, and who you are as an artist.
Read MoreFor many people who are not used to being in front of a camera or performing, having a headshot taken can be uncomfortable. Part of the reason for this is that people often feel they either don’t look good in front of a camera, or can’t tell how they look. And while the photographer can provide direction, the subject is still left with doubt and cannot see the results.
Read MoreImages for a model’s portfolio have a different set of needs vs. headshots for business (yes, modeling is a business too). There are some basic setups that are generally good to have for a model’s portfolio, along with many options depending on the personality of the model, the type of clients and the look(s) the model is going for:
Read MoreIn earlier blogs we’ve talked about the messages that imagery sends to viewers of your headshot(s), whether for individuals and companies, and importance of the right look. So how do you achieve the right “look”?
Read MoreIn today’s media centric world, it may surprise you to learn that many people have some form of camera shyness. Whether it be full blown hiding themselves when a camera is present, to avoiding updating their profile photo on LinkedIn (which is many years old), the thought of having someone take a picture of them can create fear and anxiety, or at best simple avoidance (people often compare having their picture taken to having root canal surgery…).
Read MoreIt’s important that you have the right photography that conveys the right message/image (no pun intended) you want to convey to the viewer of whatever platform the photograph resides on. It’s also important to note that employers, educational institutions, potential clients, etc. not only all have access to these images and can easily find them, but that they typically do so as part of their vetting process.
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