7-17-18, On-Location Professionals

I was pleased to take my headshot services on the road recently for an on-location shoot at American Senior Benefits.  This great group of professionals welcomed me (and my array of photography equipment) into their office.  I set-up shop and worked with each person to achieve headshots that expressed each person's individuality while emphasizing consistency throughout the company.  I think this was a wise investment for the company and the people that represent it.   Just look at how approachable, friendly and professional each of these people look.  Shouldn't every company want representation like this?

5-10-18, Headshot Fun!

Tell me....  you hear 'headshots' and you think bor-ing!  Am I right?  Am I close?  Well, maybe- honestly, it depends.  Does your photographer love photographing headshots?  I do.  I really do!  In fact, when I came across the Headshot Crew a year ago, I was in awe that there was a whole community, a whole site, a whole Facebook group dedicated to this facet of photography.  I remember the moment vividly:  I was sitting on the floor of the Verizon store waiting for our number to come up for customer service.  I was killing time (Lord knows there is plenty of that waiting in line at the Verizon store on a Saturday morning...) so I decided to log onto the crew site.  I got SUCKED in.  I remember excitedly telling my husband:  "I can go here, day and night, and talk to people who are as crazy about this as I am!!"  My husband gave me a strange look like, "um, ok?"  He clearly did not get it.   He was, well, bored, and I was beyond excited.  There was a BIG group of photographers out there who also spent their time analyzing camera settings, light placement, catch lights, background colors, client connection, authentic expression, retouching, etc (etc, etc, etc, etc.......).  It blew my mind.  Finding the crew was like finally finding that golden nugget after years and years of panning.  

So, I ask you again, do you think headshots are boring?  Do you think the sessions are boring?  Do you think I, the photographer, am bored?  Let these snapshots from a recent session answer these questions for you.  Look how much fun we had!!!

So, all that fun and a final image like this?  Amazing, isn't it?  I LOVE headshot photography!!

4-17-18, Before and After

Are social media profile pictures really that big of a deal?  Do they really make a difference?  Well, I'll let you be the judge of that.  Let's take Dave here, for instance.  Dave contacted me through LinkedIn looking to update his headshot.  Take a look at his 'before As Eye See It' headshot.  What do you think he does for a living?  What's your overall first impression?

Now take a look at Dave's new As Eye See It professional headshot.  Although he's obviously the same person, he almost looks like a completely different person.  Don't you agree?  Dave took the 'confidence and approachability' concepts and knocked them out of the park.  Now, do you want to know Dave's occupation?  He's a software engineer (with over 30 years of experience in this field).  Which headshot do you think best represents him for new employment opportunities?  No comparison, right?  

Thank you, Dave, for allowing me to use your before and after images for illustrating the value of a great headshot.  And, because my clients tend to become friends, I'd love to share some interesting information about Dave.  For over 19 years, he has hosted foster dogs and literally saved them.  He has shared some of his experiences with me.  His stories are amazing and incredible.  The compassion Dave has for these animals that would otherwise have no other chance is highly commendable.  Don't be surprised if one day you pick up a book, turn it over and see his face looking back at you.  See, you just never know in what capacity you'll need a great headshot!

4-12-18, Get that Chin out there!

"Get that chin out!" is something you will continuously hear me say throughout a session.  I know, I've heard it before-- "this is uncomfortable"...."it feels so awkward"......"I AM (getting my chin out there)!!"  But, you've got to trust me on this one (and if you don't trust me-- which you totally should, but if you don't... yet-- then trust Peter Hurley.  He has driven this point home over and over again.  What's going to feel more awkward:  a) having to stick your chin out during a session to extend the skin on your neck and under your chin (EVERYONE has it....) to accentuate your jawline, or b) having to look at photos of yourself and think 'man, I didn't know I was living in 'double-chins-ville'.  Nobody wants to live there, right?  

Let's look at exhibits A and B, yes, my good-sport-son.  Image A:  Do you see his chin and jawline?  No, I really can't either.  I mean, I know he has one, because he's always using it to eat or talk, but where is it?!  Ok, now Image B:  There it is!!  You can see a clear definition of his jawline.  Pretty impressive transformation, right?  Now, if you can see a clear difference between images A and B with regard to the jawline, imagine the difference when you no longer have the look or weight of a 16-year old?  I know!  We have to help ourselves out every chance we can get, right?  So, the next time you are in front of my camera and I'm saying, "get your chin out!", remember these images.  Know that I'm not being bossy (well, I am, but that's what you're paying me for....), but that I've really just got your back.  I want the best images of you floating around in cyber space just as much as you do!  Start practicing now, because I won't lie.... it does feel a bit awkward!  But it's worth it, so worth it!

It's all about the jawline, people.  Check out Peter Hurley's video!

4-10-18, Confidence is in the Eyes

What do you think is desirable in the appearance of one's eyes when you see a headshot?  Do you think wide, colorful irises?  Are you sure?  Take a look at the photo below of my son.  (Yes, he's my son so I can post this photo of him!  And, yes, he does have amazing eyes.). If this were a business headshot, what feeling would you be conveying to potential clients?  Confidence?  Nope.  Got it all under control? No, not that either.  How about "how in the heck did I get here?" or "I have NO idea what I'm doing!".  I think we can all agree that none of these vibes are ones that you want to put out into the world.  Unfortunately, this is a common reaction when people stand in front of a camera.  Discomfort.  Maybe even fear.  

How do we overcome this?  Together.  Together, the client and I work on expression, comfort and distraction so you don't remember the camera in front of you.  Another common tactic that was made famous by premier headshot photographer Peter Hurley, is the 'squinch'.  Not a 'squint' and not a 'smeyes', but a squinch.  Have you seen the images of actors and models where they appear to be staring off into the distance with this total, complete look of coolness?  Yep, they're nailing the 'squinch'.  And, in effect, confidence is oozing out of their pores.  This is what we strive for in a headshot:  confidence and approachability (more to come on approachability in a later post).  If you want to pursue the methodology of the squinch further (which I whole-heartedly recommend), please view the corresponding video in the tips section of my site.  

For comparison purposes, taking a look at the first 'deer in the headlights' image.  Now, scroll down and look at the second 'I'm a teenager so I'm automatically cool' image.  You've got to admit, the second image is where it's at.  Don't forget this the next time you're in front of a camera.  Feel the lift of the muscle under your lower eyelid, but try to keep the upper eye lid from lowering (that would just be a squint).  Practice this even, in front of a mirror, and you'll feel you'll coolness factor increase exponentially.   

For more information about the squinch, take a look at Peter Hurley's video!

Look more photogenic every time you step in front of a camera with this move PEOPLE! It's all about the Jaw started the series, so check that sucker out too!