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!

4-10-18, 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!