The negative is the score. The print is the performance.
With the invention of Photoshop, we have been able to make micro changes to scanned images even before we could shoot straight to digital. As the tools for manipulation became more powerful, so did the controversy around misleading and false images. And now with AI, the ability for images to be digitally corrupted has grown exponentially.
So, what do I mean when I say you will get two retouched images as part of your photo package? Simply put, I will correct any lighting issues I couldn’t fix when the shot was taken, and I will boost some of the settings to make the image pop. But I will NOT do anything to your face or body that you have not given permission for me to do. If you want to keep all of your freckles, I won’t touch them.
But if you want me to remove a couple blemishes here and there, I will do that for you. Similarly, if you would like me to soften some wrinkles or maybe whiten your teeth a bit, I am happy to do that as well.
The idea is to get the best shot in camera and use the retouching to enhance it, not create something totally different. All of this can be discussed either before the shoot or during. It’s how we collaborate together.
The image on the left has had the shadows darkened, the skin softened and some of the age spots removed.Â
The image on the right is a composite of a portrait and abstract textures of sand.
The answer to this question depends on what your branding and marketing strategy is.
If you only have one online presence – say on LinkedIn – then a headshot is probably all you need. However, if you have a website or produce printed materials, you will want to have a variety of shots to tell the full story of your business. This may include full-body shots of you in your studio/office or meeting with a client.
The purpose of a full branding shoot is to show potential clients how you work and to help them imagine themselves working with you. Think about how you go about choosing the businesses you want to work with.
Generally, we are looking for shared values and shared lifestyle and this can be shown in a variety of shots of your in your element.
So think about what you want to say to your potential clients and we can talk about it in our initial consultation. I will work with you to come up with a shot list that fits your strategy.
It may seem obvious, but what you wear for your photo shoot is very important. Though the working world has become very casual and only some industries have a dress code, we are often judged by what we choose to wear. A wrinkled shirt may say that we slept in and are messy and unorganized. Very revealing clothes (as much as this is controversial) may say that we are too sexual and that isn’t appropriate in business.
That being said it is very important to wear clothing that you feel reflects who you are because that is just one more way to show potential clients what it would be like to work with you.
In addition to showing your style, what you wear in a photo shoot will effect how you feel and thus, how you behave in front of the camera. We all know how a pair of shoes or a certain jacket can make us feel. If that jacket makes you feel confident and sassy, it will show in your expression.
I personally can’t wear heels anymore for any length of time as they hurt my feet. That pain would show through how I hold my body and the tension in my face. I prefer a stylish sneaker or kick ass boot. But some women love the way they feel in heels. It defines them. Heels make them feel powerful.
I almost never wear dresses as I am always physically active and I find they get in the way but the very accomplished photographer Lindsay Adler is always wearing a cute dress during her instructional photo shoots.
What we choose to wear defines us and figuring out what you personal and business style is a very important exercise in your branding journey. There are outfits that fit in with the general crowd and there are some that make you stand out. You get to choose how you want to present yourself.
There are some general guidelines for a photo shoot, though, and that is finding clothes that are a bit more form-fitting with no wrinkles and few to no ruffles. When I was younger, I did a photoshoot with a photographer friend. Understand it was the 90’s, so I showed up with a very ruffled blouse. Good man that he was, he offered me his very nice leather jacket to cover my silly top, making the images much more interesting.
It’s always good to come to a shoot with a couple of options. Alternatively, if your budget allows, we can hire a stylist to find the look that suits you best.
Should you pay a professional photographer for a headshot? Technically, you don’t have to. You could ask your friend to take a headshot in portrait mode on their smart phone. Usually camera phones do a pretty good job.
But there are some things to consider. Your headshot is more than just a snapshot of your head and shoulders. In this world of social media, it’s the first thing people see of you and depending on what you are trying to accomplish that could either work in your favour or not.
Headshots are a very important way to show your clients or potential co-workers who you are. They show what you look like but they can also express your personality and style. They are the first insight for customers or clients as to if they want to work with you.
A professional photographer can use lighting, angles and props to better express your message and personal branding. They can guide you in how to position your head and body in order to flatter your shape and they can provide you with high-resolution files that can be used in multiple environments from online to print.
Getting a professional headshot shows to your potential clients and co-workers that you are serious about your business and career.
Portrait photoshoots are not like the movies, fast paced and stressful with domineering photographers. Instead, they can be relaxed and fun, like having coffee with a friend.
When I was younger, I took acting courses and did some extra work for film and television. I was exploring my options and I was really curious about the industry. My cousin was very involved and she introduced me to her friend who did headshots for actors. Even though I didn’t need a professional headshot for extra work, I wanted to experience what it was like to be photographed by a professional. I hung out at his studio like a groupie until I could afford a headshot of my own.
I did my own make up – luckily I had taken a modeling course when I was in my teens so I had some idea of that but my wardrobe choices were ridiculous. Yes, I brought a ruffle blouse but he saved that choice by lending me his very cool leather jacket.
I felt very nervous at first, especially as I kept making what I felt were big mistakes. However, the photographer was incredibly supportive and made me feel very relaxed and comfortable by simply talking to me.
We ended up having an animated discussion about politics as my very new bachelor diploma was in Political Science. We achieved some amazing images that day that totally reflected my personality, though the outtakes included many funny shots of me with my mouth open and my hands moving as I made some very important point.
As a result of that shoot, I believe the process of a photo shoot should be always be relaxed and supportive. It starts with our preliminary discussion about what you want to accomplish in your shoot, and it just follows from there. You can let me know what things help you relax. I almost always have music playing, and the playlist is yours to choose.
During the process, I will suggest you move and stand in different ways. Some of them might feel awkward at first, but I always shoot to my computer so I can show you why some poses work better than others. This isn’t about right and wrong poses; together, we will find what works best for you.
When I hit my 50s I started to hate how I looked in pictures. Inside I felt 35 but on the outside, I looked a mess. Everything was changing and I had no control over it. As we were still in the midst of the pandemic, I started a self-portrait project to see if I could change how I viewed myself and ultimately, how I felt about myself.
And I loved the results! Finally, I started to recognize and appreciate the person I was becoming. Age really is just a number. Our attitude is what matters most.
I want to help other women who may be facing the same challenges. If you want to start celebrating the new you, you can get started with some of my tips found in the Posing for Pictures section. You will also find information on what a professional photo shoot would look like. When you are ready, you can contact me to set up a personalized photo shoot.
Mirror portraits of the author at 35 and 55.
In Patrick Stewart’s memoir, “Making It So”, he mentioned some advice he received from Rod Steigler on how to act for Film and Television. “You must understand, Patrick, the camera photographs thoughts”.
Meaning that, while in stage acting you show your emotions through body movement, in film, the emphasis is on what is behind your eyes. The reason why actors take great still portraits is that when a camera is pointing at them, they are on, present, showing their emotions through their eyes.
Most of the time when we, as adults, have a camera pointed at us, we are thinking of a dozen other things than what we might want to express in that moment. For me, recently, it was usually something along the lines of, I hate my hair, my smile, my weight, but I will smile because I am being asked to. You can just imagine the results.
So the next time someone points a camera at you, think about it and then FEEL what you want to express. Be there, in that moment.
Cameras were never designed to flatter, they were designed to record. And that tiny wide angle lens in your camera phone is often working against you. If you want to take better pictures of yourself and your friends, you need to remember one thing;
what is closest to the lens will appear the largest.
There is a reason they designed the selfie stick, as silly as it may seem. Our arms just aren’t long enough to keep the default lens from distorting out features.
In picture 1 you can see how much bigger my knees and hand is compared to my head.
Of course, there is always the exception if distortion or emphasis is what you are going for. This can be great if you want to reveal some attitude or show off your new shoes. 😀 Picture 2.
The most flattering image for your face and body however, is to keep the camera at eye level and move the parts of you that you want to de-emphasize away from the lens.
One of the hardest things for people to do when they have their portrait taken is stand up straight. Usually, we are relaxing with family or friends, having a good time and not thinking of our position. But this often results in double chins and slouched shoulders. If a camera appears at your next gathering, remember the string. Imaging a string is pulling the top of your head away from your shoulders. Stand or sit up straight, move your chin out slightly, lean forward a bit. It’s amazing how just a little shift can make a huge difference.
If you are concerned about how you look in pictures, it actually helps to practice a bit in the mirror. It seems really silly at first but as you play with it, you will discover some things. Such as what is your better side – we all have one, your best smile, and over and over you will remember to drop those shoulders and push out your chin a bit. Practice does make things easier.
what is closest to the camera will appear the largest.
Continuing with tips for posing for casual photos with friends…
When the camera pulls back to include your body, the most important thing to remember is ANGLES. Nothing looks good straight on or flat.
In addition, arms always look bigger when they are pressed against the body. Even a slight bend of the elbow looks more flattering. Put your arm on the table, reach around a friend, put your hand on your hip. Remember to drop your shoulders and shift your chin out and down. Then tap into your feelings and smile your favourite smile.
