In fact, your first headshot session can appear very daunting. As a result, you may feel anxious about what you are going to experience.
Therefore, whatever your reason for the photo-shoot
- whether a friend said you needed one
- whether you found out how short a time it takes to form your first impression
- you felt that it was time
- or you read this article at photo feeler
Accordingly, good preparation is the key.
Preparation for your First Headshot Session
In the first place, it’s definitely an important step. Markedly, your first headshot session can appear very daunting. As a result, you may feel anxious about what you are going to experience. Equally, as a rule, people don’t like to be photographed.
As a matter of fact, a lot of photographers have information on their websites that tell you how to prepare. Accordingly, this ranges from what to wear, hair and makeup, drinking plenty of fluids to deciding the type of background you want. In this case, here’s a link to mine. In addition, if it helps I can also supply a photography brief available on my LinkedIn Profile
Consequently, the trick to good quality photography is to put the subject at ease. I usually do this before I start to take photos. As a result, by chatting with the subject finding something out about them relative to the shoot. Whilst doing this I also am looking at the subject’s face and stance. As well as this, I am also looking at the subject’s face and stance. Accordingly, I also like to establish whether the images are to be colour or Black & White. Consequently would inside or outside images be required.
All the aboves about finding out whether the image needs to be natural or playing a character.
In addition, there is a thought that the headshot is all about the head. However, it’s also about what you wear. In this case, the clothing you wear adds to the perception you portray. When you wear different things you feel different, you act differently.
Attitude
Accordingly, the majority of headshots I take are for businesses. Therefore, they require to display an air of friendliness and authority. In other words, people buy from people they “Know, Like and Trust”.
Moreover, at the end of the session, I ask if the subject would like to see the images. Of course, this is only viewable on the small screen of the camera. In this case, it’s to make sure that the subject is happy with the result.
For further information contact Martin now. Alternatively, complete this form.
Business Headshots
As a matter of fact, business headshots for your business are one of your best selling tools. Likewise, people that view your business headshot images form their first impression of you on what they see.
As a result, a business headshot that displays you clearly and shows you as approachable will give a good impression. In other words, a business headshot that confuses viewers will result in the viewer moving on quickly. That’s not just what they are viewing but also your website/social media. In this case, this will not be good for your business.
As an illustration, if you are looking for ideas why not visit Pinterest.
How we can help
In the first place, the first thing that we can do for you saves you money. In this case, we do this by bringing the portable studio to your business. Consequently, downtime’s minimised by you or your staffs from there place of work.
On the positive side, the other benefit this brings is familiarity. As a result, this means that you and your staff relax better in a familiar environment. That is to say, this helps produce a more pleasing image.
What we bring with us.
In the first place the equipment, we bring to the shoot’s, compact. This includes
- Collapsible Background (White/Green)
- Lighting (studio lights or flashlights)
- Tripod
- Camera
- Transmitter and trigger units
- Light meter
- Lens 24mm-70mm and 70mm to 200mm.
Furthermore, as you can see it’s not a lot of equipment.
What we need in the way of photographing space for headshots
In this case, ideally, a space of 4Metres by 4Metres would be good with no furniture to move. Because space is not always available, we need free space for the collapsible backdrop and the subject to stand. As a result, we can place the portable lights and adjust the light levels. For this reason, we do need an unobstructed view of the subject.
Taking the business headshot
Accordingly, with the equipment set up, light levels adjusted next comes the business of creating images. For one thing, we can create up to 6 peoples images in an hour.
We charge an hourly rate thus saving you money by you not having to pay for individual headshots. In addition, as we photograph each individual the next can be ready to take their place. For this reason, this takes the individual away from there workplace for a minimum amount of time.
When we have finished we pack the equipment up. Furthermore, the cost includes post-processing and delivery via internet protocol.
Now that you know what we do, give Martin a call and book your session.
What is a professional headshot image?
Accordingly creating the Professional headshot image is an art after all “Image is Everything”.
For one thing, it’s personality, a body, a face, an expression. For this reason, it’s an expression and energy that conveys realism, character and intensity.
What is the energy?
In this case, its someone who wants to be in front of the camera. As well as the ability to offer a range of expressions and acting naturally. As a result, this creates good commercial energy usually with a great natural smile. Consequently, the viewer senses the energy from the eyes projected right into the lens.
Accordingly, the image must look natural and not over styled.
Your headshot
In the first place, your professional headshot image is your ambassador. As a result, when someone meets you in person they will expect to see the person they viewed.
Therefore, what impression will they form if your image is different from your appearance? In the first place, the impression that they then form may not be a good one. Surprisingly, the lifespan of a headshot is 2-3 yrs.
Composition
In the first place, it is not as simple as standing in front of a camera and taking a picture. Consequently, you have to consider the background, lighting, wardrobe, hairstyle, smile and look. Specifically, the wardrobe and styling are to complement the subject not overwhelm them.
Equally important is the framing of the subject with a background that is either plain or out of focus. Accordingly, the background should not stand out, the viewer’s eyes should concentrate on the subject.
For one thing, the world wide web has probably been the largest drivers of white backgrounds. As a result, most templates for websites etc are white or off-white for profile images. For this reason, a professional headshot can integrate fairly seamlessly directly onto most websites and social media platforms.
Consequently, this has created the need for the background of headshots to be uniform. For this reason, white portrait backgrounds fit this bill very well. In addition, this helps in making them work best across viewing platforms.
For this reason, business profile photographers like Peter Hurley use light and white backgrounds to make the subject stand out.
Setting the professional headshot image mood.
To begin with, setting the mood is about relaxing the subject. Therefore a good way to start is by using music, find out what music the subject(s) like to relax to.
In like manner, the subject needs to be comfortable. As a result, avoid extremes of hot or cold indoors or outdoors. Accordingly, keep movement around the photo shoot to a minimum to avoid the distracting the subject.
Expression
In this case, framing is about creating a professional headshot image. For this reason, the photographer has to study the subject and talk to them. Consequently, some of the information is obvious to the photographer, like scars, different size eyes, broken nose, physical appearance.
In contrast, others may not, such as a lazy eye, the subjects best side. As a result, this information helps the photographer bring out the best in the photo shoot session.
The aim of the professional headshot image session
In the first place, the aim is to provide a professional headshot image. Therefore this needs to convey warmth, confidence and authority.
For this reason, the image should have a natural smile, pleasing eye contact, shot from a flattering angle and at eye level.
Additionally, for further information or to book a photo shoot, act now by contacting Martin
BUSINESS PORTRAIT
In the first place, a business portrait requires an expression that conveys realism, confidence, character and intensity. In this case, for a business portrait “Image is Everything” which makes this an art.
For this reason, it’s important to get your image right, have a look at this study from Photo Feeler
Conveying Confidence
Furthermore, the biggest challenge a photographer faces is getting people to relax and look “themselves” for a good business portrait. More often people are simply too tense or self-conscious when facing a camera to really let their guard down. Consequently, this causes a problem by denying a chance to capture their relaxed, smiling and natural expressions.
How To Create A Pleasing Business Portrait.
In the first place asking someone to smile for the camera, can look a little fake. Surprisingly a fake smile does not show in the eyes.
Likewise, to achieve the genuine smile you need to employ a few tactics, what’s the best way to do this?
For one thing, never ask people to smile or ask them to say “cheese”.
Relax
In like manner, it’s important that the photographers relaxed and smiling as its contagious. Consequently, if not the client will sense the uptight feeling and they won’t relax. For this reason, if they feel uptight this will show in the photos.
Therefore start by asking them to think about someone or something that makes them laugh. As a result of that way, you get a great reaction and a genuine smile.
Conversation
In the first place, get the conversation going, take the pressure off by chatting. Therefore, ask them what they like or dislike, what the weather is doing, what was there best night out. In other words, DO NOT stand behind the camera and not say a word.
Use Jokes.
Using jokes is a good way to break the ice. Beware though keep within acceptable limits. In this case, you can use corny jokes or even knock-knock.
Tongue Twisters
Surely you remember the fun you had at school with tongue twisters? Prepare a couple on a card and ask the client to repeat them aloud. Then in front of the camera ask them to repeat them quickly. As a result, yes, you guessed it they will start to laugh/smile.
Compliments
Compliment them, find something that is part of them. Like their eyes instead of their outfit.
Sing
Furthermore, try and find out what music they like. During the session randomly start singing. See what happens when you sing the lyrics wrong?
Ask Them Not To Smile
As an illustration, make a point of asking the client to keep a straight face. Particularly if you’re still smiling. As a result, when you tell them not to smile they find it hard not to smile.
On the positive side, I hope that you enjoyed this. For further information, contact Martin
LinkedIn Photo
As a matter of fact, your LinkedIn photo identifies you to your viewers. With this in mind does your LinkedIn photo create the right impression?
For this reason, have you given much thought to your LinkedIn photo profile? In fact, have you updated it recently?
People who join LinkedIn do so because it is the largest professional networking site. Consequently, by making connections you expand your circle of businesses that could be looking for what you offer.
LinkedIn Photo
In the first place, your LinkedIn photo matters have a view of this piece of work by Alexander Todorov. LinkedIn photos do matter, in fact, it is a powerful marketing tool.
For this reason professional headshots important, it is your first chance to impress the people that visit your profile. In other words, it creates your first impression. From the article by Alexander Todorov, it’s less than 1/10th of a second for someone to form that first impression.
For example is by using a selfie, a photo from a wedding/party, business people are doing themselves a disservice. That is to say, the square box on your profile is really important. In other words, go on give yourself a chance you never know who is looking.
Consequently, have you looked at the people your connected to? In addition to how many of those profile photos stand out as a good first impression?
What makes a bad LinkedIn photo that lets people down?
Selfies
Likewise, selfies have their place, but not where you are portraying yourself as a professional business person. Consequently, you are more likely to impress people with what you do, can do or what you have to offer. Thus a poorly taken selfie is unlikely to create that great impression.
Old photos
For one thing, giveaways are the hair, medallions, flairs, glasses, holding the brick phone these reveal a dated photo. As a result, what does that say to the viewer?
Accordingly, it portrays how seriously you take your online presence, viewers are likely not to take you seriously.
For this reason, I would recommend updating your profile every 2-3yrs.
Photos that look nothing like you in real life
Equally important is that your LinkedIn photo should reflect you as you are. When you first meet someone they want to see the person they have been looking at. Consequently if not they are likely to ask themselves “can I trust this person”.
Photos not showing the face clearly
By the same token, people make first impressions on what they see. For this reason, people have a tendency not to trust people whose face they can’t see. In this case, it could be something as simple as sunglasses. Therefore as the saying goes “the eyes are the window to the soul”. Also, don’t wear a hat that shields the face, people need to know who you really are.
Feeling awkward or false smiles
In my opinion, a natural smile looks far better than a forced or fake grin. When people enjoy themselves smiles come naturally, therefore, you look relaxed in a photo. For this reason, this is something that you probably won’t be able to replicate with a selfie.
In the first place to relax a subject its all about communication. Consequently the more communicating you do the more at ease you feel
LinkedIn Photo
The first thing to remember is your photo needs to show your personality and how relaxed you appear. Your face requires to be visible, so viewers can relate to you when they communicate.
Equally important is what you wear and how you prepare for this a whole new subject.
For your updated LinkedIn profile photo get in contact with Martin and book your session.
Corporate Headshot with a Cityscape Backdrop
First thing to remember is that a Corporate Headshot is a personal and a business selling tool. For this reason, it is important that you have a quality image that portrays you and your business. In this case, it’s this that forms the first impression of you.
CREATING YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION
To begin with, the start of the process is to capture your headshot. In this case, I attend your office and set up the lighting and a white or green collapsible background. As a result, the main point of this exercise is to capture a well-lit professional headshot.
For this reason by shooting at the client’s office means that I am in full control of the lighting. Consequently, the major benefit of this method ensures the headshot looks like it taken in an office.
POST PROCESSING
With this in mind, green is good for replacing the background of an image (as in green screen).
In this case, white is perfect for web-friendly images. Unfortunately, when you photograph against a white background you always have a hint of grey in it.
Then in post processing, I work on the photo to remove the remove the original background. The client is then able to have a white background or one of there choice.
As a result, the white background is highly acceptable for professional headshots. However, sometimes the client likes to match a current corporate website background colour and drop that in for the individual.
Accordingly, the next process is to email the client a range of backgrounds. In this case for them to choose from and then we add these to the headshot.
When the client has selected the backgrounds(s) the subjects placed in the image. Indeed cares taken in placing the subject in the right place. That is finding the right place and ensuring the background is not pin sharp. Also reviewing the angle of the background ensuring it matches the subject.
For this reason, I ask the client to choose different backgrounds as not all of them will work. Therefore choosing the right one is about making the image look real.
Another great benefit once I have captured your headshot, you can review our photo library for a variety of backgrounds that you feel suits the headshot. Accordingly, you could use these for different media or profile photographs.
Find out more about this service corporate headshot with a city backdrop contact Martin
White Backgrounds for Professional Headshots
Professional Headshots using White Backgrounds is undoubtedly a personal and professional business selling tool. For this reason, the first image that viewers see helps to build rapport. As a result, it’s the start of “Like, Know and Trust”.
It must be remembered that until we meet, our professional headshot becomes our public face. To put it another way, your website and social media platforms are your extended workplaces.
Professional Headshots, Social Media and Web Use
For one thing, the internet and social media have probably been the largest drivers of white backgrounds. As a result, most templates for social media and websites profile images are white or off-white. For this reason, a professional headshot can integrate fairly seamlessly directly onto most websites and social media platforms.
As a result of the shift to web-based viewing, this has created the need for the background of headshots to be uniform. For this reason, white portrait backgrounds fit this bill very well. In addition, this helps in making them work best across viewing platforms.
Corporate Look Matching of Headshots
For the most part, companies wishing to maintain a ‘corporate look’ to their employee headshots, need consistency. As an illustration, headshots taken on different days of different people in different locations can look totally different. For this reason, the easiest way to consistently match looks is with plain white backgrounds.
Thus white backgrounds are the easiest most flexible background colour choice for larger companies, with constant new hires and multiple sites, wishing to maintain a uniform corporate look to their headshots. They are also simpler for smaller operations, though not as much an issue on this score until a new hire is brought on board, or if one of the team members needs an update for a new look they may have, due to a new hairstyle or significant loss of weight, etc.
White Backgrounds are Distraction Free for Headshots
In reality, no matter if we shoot in black and white or colour, plain white is the most consistent distraction free background for headshots.
In black and white, the pure white tone is usually lighter than any skin tone and separates faces well from the background for most people. This is regardless of their race.
Small Screens
In reality the smaller the size of a headshot being viewed, the more pronounced the white background effect. In fact, as the display screen gets smaller, the lack of distraction of the background becomes more critical. As a result, what looks a fantastic headshot on a full page size look indistinguishable on smartphone screens.
In particular environmental headshots, become hard to distinguish as size becomes smaller due to their many distracting elements.
A HEADSHOT ON A PURE WHITE SAYS, PROFESSIONAL,
When someone takes a selfie the pure white background is very difficult to emulate. That is to say, you usually end up with a greyish background. Under these circumstances, to have a pure white background is to use a professional or have it created post-production.
Pure white backgrounds silently convey the powerful message that this headshot is a Professional Headshot of a Business Professional.
For your Professional Headshots give me a call and book your headshot session.
Business Headshots
It must be remembered that using good Business Headshots helps create your first impression. It’s important to get this right as viewers form that impression in less than 1/10th of a second.
As an illustration, have a look at this interesting post from James Potter. He makes some very valid points.
Why are good business headshots so important?
There is a simple answer to this. It‘s fair to say that the growth and power of social media means photographs and video are very powerful tools. The main reason being that people browse by looking at images. When they find something of interest they then might read the text that accompanies.
Baring the above in mind how can you turn images to your advantage?
To ensure that you present yourself as a professional business you need the following:-
- Clear images – An image that is in focus on the main subject and where the subject stands out.
- A non-distracting Background – In this case using a plain background or ensure that the background is out of focus.
Moreover potential customers like to see who they are going to do business with. As a result this makes the business more personal to them. For this reason I am sure that you have heard the expression “know like and trust”. As a result that’s why it’s important to show yourself.
Do I have to have a profile pic?
Viewers of your website, social media or literature will browse your images before reading the text. As a result this is this is where they form that all important first impression. It is equally important to use well taken photographs to enhance your business.
You have a choice of where you can get your photographs from, you can:-
Use your own photographs.
Hire a photographer
Use your own photographs.
Before you use your own images, ask yourself an honest question, do I have the skill to produce quality images?
On the other hand you might choose to use a photo from
- A night out
- A wedding
- Relaxing at a BBQ.
Given these points, how do they look and portray you to the public? Do they look professional i.e. the right lighting, composition of the shot, in focus (clear) and no distracting background. As a result if they do not look professional, consider what message this sends about you and your company.
As a matter of fact here is another article from LinkedIn regarding profile photos. Although this appears to have been written in fun, it must be remembered that it has a serous side.
Professional Photographer
A professional photographer will for this reason produce quality images that are unique to your business. Remember that they can ensure that they get the best composition and lighting showing you in your best light.
In Conclusion
Ultimately the decision of photography choice is yours; use the solution that is the most suitable for you. Each choice has benefits and disadvantages, the important thing to remember is that it’s your business, what message do you want to convey, I have a professional business or I consider myself a professional business but no one will really notice if I skimp on the photographs?
For further information give Martin a call and discuss your requirements.
Business Portraits Preparation
Business Portraits Preparation as can be seen is about creating that first impression. Consequently that first Impression starts with the images on your website, social media and literature. As a result that impression depends on your images showing you and your business in their best light. For this reason using a professional photographer will give you the images that will achieve this.
As an illustration of good and bad portraits, take a look at LinkedIn. For this reason by not having professional images, people may come to the conclusion that you don’t take your business seriously and you may not be very professional yourself.”
What can you do to improve your images?
1. Background
In the first place the image background needs to be simple plain colour or out of focus. As a result this ensures that the subject is what the viewer eyes are attracted to.
2. Well Lit
For this reason its important to realise that the image has to be correctly exposed. Another key point is the correct colour balance and the lighting is not to dark.
3. Clothing
Another key point is to consider about how you want your businesses viewed. Equally important do you meet the public every day? Do you generally use the phone to make contact? In addition how do you see others that you contact?
The days of a tie and jacket have all but passed. It is right for those businesses such as Solicitors, Accountants, Bankers etc. In like manner if you are a manual worker, Builder, Electrician Plumber etc, you may want to choose smart casual. Whatever you choose please ensure that your choice is plain, that is no stipes, squares or really bright colours. For one thing this helps with post processing of the images.
4. Hair
Whether you have long or short hair well-groomed looks good on photos. If you are going to have a haircut, do so a couple of days before. As a matter of fact, freshly cut hair does not sit right in photos.
5. Makeup
The first thing to remember here is don’t overdo it. If you’re not confident with applying makeup then speak with the photographer. Additionally for an extra cost they can bring a makeup artist to help you look amazing.
6. Glasses
If you normally wear glasses then bring them along. Above all if lighting does reflect into your glasses it’s easy to overcome.
7. Smile
As a matter of fact it’s the longest word in the dictionary, a mile between the s’s. That’s better, viewers like to see happy people, and as a result psychologically people feel more comfortable.
It must be remembered this is some general advice on Business Portraits Preparation. For further information give Martin a call and discuss your requirements.
Head shot Background
For a head shot background there are a lot of choices. In view of this only a few of these are regularly used.
White Backgrounds
When looking for a background for professional head-shots the stock standard background for most is the white background and looks good for anyone, male or female.
As this is a head-shot all you need is a white background large enough to cover the head and shoulders. If you want to do this yourself you need white card or white foam backed card (gives you a bit more stiffness). As it’s a head-shot the card only needs to be large enough to cover the head and shoulders. You could use a white screen if you have one or a white painted wall.
For best results use your flash off camera, this will eliminate red eye in the photos.
Black Backgrounds
Black as a background is not common as this is a little more tricky to light or rather not light. As this is a black background we want the backdrop to absorb the light and not make the background show up. In order to do this the subject needs to stand far enough in-front of the background so that the light only falls on the subject.
This again could be black card or foam card or black cloth like Felt.
Natural Backgrounds
For something different use the great outdoors as your backdrop. With this in mind, you want something that does not stand out, ideally bushes, rocks or water. The trick is not to shoot the subject and have the background stand out. You want a blurred background this allows the subject to stand out and draw the viewers eye towards them.
Collapsible Backgrounds
Today you can by a background that enables you to fold up into a convenient sized bag. They come in a selection of sizes but the 2m x 1.5m should be big enough for single subjects or a small group. They come in a selection of colours, White, black, green, grey you can even get mottled look coloured backgrounds. You can buy separate covers to zip over the original to change the background,. These are not cheap but they will last a long time.
Green Screen
Lynn edited
Green Screen original
Green screen as a background offers a lot of possibilities, you do need photo editing software like Photoshop to post process the image.
To photograph the subject, you need the subject to stand about six feet in front of the backdrop and try not to spill light onto the backdrop (creating a hotspot), just the subject. See here or here for more details.
Transfer the image onto your computer and open the software. The software allows you to change the background and use another suitable image to place behind the subject.
Whatever background you choose remember that the subject needs to stand out and not the background.
Tell me what your favourite head shot background is and why you would like your image shot against it?