Choosing a Professional Headshot Photographer
Have you been noticing that some of your peers and competition have killer headshots? Is the photo you are using to represent you not professional? Out of date? Or just doesn’t look like you in 2020?
Finding a professional headshot photographer doesn’t have to be a difficult task if you know what to look for. When you search online for ‘best headshot photographers near me,’ a TON of options will pop up. But, how do you know they are good and the right fit for you.
Below are my 5 things to keep in mind when choosing a professional headshot photographer-
Define Your Scope First
What are you planning to use your headshots for? An experienced branding photographer will know how to customize your session to give you headshots that match your professional, personality and style.
Check Out Their Previous Work
A professional photographer will have an extensive portfolio for you to look at. Go through their website and make sure that they are experienced with taking the kind of headshots you want.
If you are looking for a creative headshot taken at a specific location, but they have only included the studio work in their portfolio, they may not be the right fit for you.
Share your ideas. A good photographer will listen carefully and collaborate with you to ensure that they have understood.
Choose Someone Who Focuses On Headshots Only
You will find different types of photographers in the market, for example, family photographers, wedding photographers, etc. But, there are skills and experience a professional headshot photographer has to make you look great. Not everyone is a model and knows how to pose for a camera. You have to trust your photographer that they know how to make you look great.
Look for the photographer who focuses on headshots.
Read The Online Reviews Carefully
When picking a photographer, reviews and testimonials are important. Read the reviews to know what previous clients have said and know what you can expect from the photographer. While reading the reviews, focus on the comments about communication with the photographer before the shoot.
Communicate With Them Before Your Photoshoot
If the photographer is local, you could consult with them in-person or via Zoom. Meet with them to agree on the mood of the headshots. Discuss the details, like what to wear and the location of the shot. A professional photographer will listen to you and guide you with their experience.
Book a Mini Session for Your Kids and Family
SOLD OUT
We announced our Fall Mini Schedule to our newsletter subscribers first and I’m excited to say - thank you! We are almost sold out! Contact the studio to grab one of the remaining sessions left.
Brand Visibility and Why You Need It
The business world is crowded and complex. There are a million brands bombarding you with information, vying for your attention through email, social media and even TV commercials. Consumers are highly distracted with all of the noise. Customers are more educated on their buying options and more sophisticated in their decision-making process thanks to search engines like Google.
So how do you capture your client's attention in a noisy world?
It’s not enough to just advertise what your business does. If you want to build a stand-out brand, you must build a relationship with your customer through consistent brand visibility. This means showing up often and in a relevant way.
To win the hearts and minds of today’s modern consumer, storytelling and visibility are key. Hiding behind our websites, our offerings no longer works.
To take that sometimes-scary leap and boldly show up in our marketing you will become the trusted face your brand. When you open up and share the many layers of yourself with your audience you are building that know-like-trust factor.
Powerful brands have depth, meaning and story — and that starts with YOU!
Why does visibility matter so much?
You’ll Get Noticed. DUH! But seriously — your competition is fierce. Markets are saturated. And there are so many people doing the exact same thing as you. To rise above the noise, you need to be SEEN. The more visible you make yourself, the more you’ll be remembered.
Having photos of yourself on your website and on social media will help boost your brand awareness and build a connection with your audience. It demonstrates how you’re different from the rest, and will showcase your personality and vibe. These elements are essential for making you memorable (especially when it comes time for your audience to hire or refer!).
You’ll Develop Brand Depth. Using visual storytelling to add dimension to your brand and to develop a relationship with your audience creates brand depth.
When you share your message through video or photography, you can communicate your authentic story clearly. You’ll convey your purpose, your vision, and your values in a quick and engaging manner. Your audience will understand so much more about you than just the offerings you sell. By putting yourself and your story out into the world, you’ll create a brand with meaning that captures the heart of your consumer. It will inspire your audience, making them loyal fans.
Be a Leader. Research shows that the visibility of a brand creates perceptions of success. It strengthens your brand reputation. The more you share your expertise, the more the world will view you as an authority and professional. You will build credibility, trust and viewed as a leader.
Get out there and share your knowledge! Find speaking engagements, be a guest on a podcast and even write guest blog posts. These types of opportunities will create trust and differentiate you from the newbies and the hobbyists. Leaders don’t hide, they speak, teach, empower and support. By being the face of your brand, you can solidify this leadership status.
We can no longer rely on traditional marketing tools to build our brands. The goal is to develop strong consumer relationships by being transparent with your story and visible to your audience.
If you want to make an impact and build a breakthrough business, don’t miss the opportunity to become the FACE of your brand. It’s a critical element of success in today’s modern marketplace.
Ready to take your visibility to the next level? What if you scaled up your influence so much that you become the household name that comes to mind in your industry?
Fill out the form below and set up a Discovery Call - and let’s get you out there!
Dr. Arnold Koo of Turning Point Chiropractic
Dr. Arnold Koo is the owner of Turning Point Chiropractic in Pleasanton CA. Read on for our interview with Dr. Koo:
Why do you do this type of work? I chose chiropractic because I believe in the body's ability to naturally self-heal, and my mission is to help remind people that theirs can too. My job is just to figure out what misalignments in their spine are affecting the nervous system and preventing their body from healing or functioning at its potential, and correct it.
Describe your ideal client. Who are you hoping to connect with through your images? My ideal client is someone who has never been adjusted before but has also "tried everything". I also love working with a parent who is bringing her children into the chiropractor for the first time because they heard it could possibly help with something going on. Kids are great because they respond so honestly and quickly to chiropractic care.
How does your client's life change after working with you? What's the outcome? The most common thing I hear is, "I didn't know this is how I am supposed to feel". People seem to associate the word or feeling of pain into their daily lives. I always hear about an issue that they've had for a while but it's not bad or they have gotten used to it. Most importantly, when people get the adjustment they need, they start to realize that the discomfort and dysfunction they have been living with for so long is actually not normal. This is the best outcome for someone that I could ever wish for.
What is your signature method or process? Tell us more about working with you. I believe that feeling well is an important factor when it comes to health, but maybe more importantly, I also believe that being able to objectively measure wellness is equally as important. My initial process involves a little more upfront work and analysis to figure out what is causing people's health issues, why it is happening, and what specific goal they have for their health so that I can customize chiropractic care to their specific needs. Most of the time it comes down to how well the communication between your brain and body is performing. I understand that not everyone is built the same or some people just simply require different needs so use a multitude of different techniques for adjusting the spine which can or cannot involve the popping sounds usually associated with an adjustment.
What do you do for your clients that is unexpected? How do you make them feel special? If you don't like positivity, then you probably won't like me. But I want people to walk into my office feeling that sense of positivity because that is where real health starts.
When people see your brand images, what do you want them to feel? I want people to feel comfortable and hopeful about their health.
Where do you draw your inspiration from? My inspiration comes from the smiles I get to see after people get an adjustment. I don't feel like there are many doctors offices where more people leave smiling, and I really am grateful to be apart of this profession.
What do you love to do outside of work that can give us a peek at who you are behind the scenes? I love staying active outside of "work". You can usually find me hiking or doing some sort of workout. If I am not doing that, I also like cooking while pretending I'm on the show "Chopped" while streaming "The Office" in the background.
What are the three core messages of your business? The body can heal. Chiropractic works. We are here for you.
Learn more about Dr. Arnold Koo and his practice HERE.
10,000 Headshots in One Day
I’m so excited to be a part of this on July 22nd!
Sign up below to get early access to the signup site.
PRESS RELEASE:
Headshot Booker Helps America Get Back to Work by Producing Complimentary Professional Headshots for 10,000 Unemployed Workers Nationwide
Brookfield Properties Will Host Pop-Up Studios at 165 U.S. Retail Locations; AI Technology from SpotMyPhotos Lets 200 Photographers Present Final Headshots to Participants Onsite
On July 22, more than 200 photographers will create 10,000 professional headshots for unemployed Americans. Headshot Booker has teamed-up with retail real estate giant Brookfield Properties and will create pop-up photo studios at their locations in all 50 states. This is the largest, single-day initiative of its kind to help put America back to work. (Photo: Business Wire)
June 29, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume, and of course, a professional headshot. Regardless of profession, COVID-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why Headshot Booker is coordinating the largest, single-day photo initiative to provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to include with their resumes and post to job sites such as LinkedIn. According to LinkedIn, people who include headshots receive 21 times more profile views and nine times more “connection” requests. Complimentary headshots will be conducted nationwide on Wednesday, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (local times) and are open to anyone who is currently unemployed. Visit HeadshotBooker.com to find the nearest location and schedule a time to be photographed. More than 200 photographers will participate across all 50 states, creating pop-up studios at Brookfield Properties retail locations to take the headshots.
10,000 Headshots is the brainchild of Tony Taafe, who co-founded Headshot Booker with renowned portrait photographer, Peter Hurley, national event photographer, Lauren Lieberman, and developer, Joseph Pelosi. Taafe recalled the struggles his dad had with unemployment and the impact it had on his entire family. “I know firsthand that the effects of unemployment extend well beyond an individual,” he explains. “My dad was the hardest working person I ever met. He was in construction, so the work wasn’t consistent and he had almost zero job security. Unemployment impacts everyone and everything associated with that person,” Taafe continued.
“Headshot Booker is in a unique position to provide out-of-work Americans with an important element of the job search process – a great, professional headshot. And thanks to our partners who share a similar vision, we will be able to help thousands of unemployed Americans put their best foot forward and help them get back to work.”
Headshot Booker, the world’s largest consortium of accredited photographers trained in the art of the headshot, has teamed-up with retail real estate giant Brookfield Properties who will use its shopping centers around the country as locations for the photo shoots. SpotMyPhotos, the first AI-powered photo delivery platform to directly integrate with professional cameras, will provide its platform to more than 200 photographers to instantly share professional headshots with participants. Participants can then update LinkedIn profiles from their phones.
“We are proud and excited to host the 10,000 Headshots initiative across our portfolio,” said Brookfield Properties Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Snyder. “As we continue to welcome guests back to our centers, we are grateful for this opportunity to help the members of our communities that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.” Snyder emphasized that safety for all participants is a core focus, and each photographer will follow specific protocols to ensure safe distancing and hygiene practices throughout the day.
“This is an impactful initiative on multiple levels for participants, photographers and partners,” said Ryan Jacobs, founder and CEO of SpotMyPhotos. “We are proud to leverage our platform to empower 10,000 people with the confidence accompanying such high-quality headshots as they seek out new job opportunities.”
More than 200 professional photographers will volunteer their services to the project thanks to the Headshot Crew, a coaching platform created by world-renowned photographer Peter Hurley. The Headshot Crew has set the global standard for headshot photography using Peter's signature techniques outlined in his book, “The Headshot.”
“Many job seekers underestimate the value of a professional headshot, instead opting for a snapshot taken by a friend or even worse a selfie. The headshot has become the cornerstone of one’s digital brand identity and we want to empower people as they go through the process procuring a new job and getting back into the workforce,” explains Hurley.
“The base price for a high quality, professional headshot starts around $250, which equates to more than $2.5 million in collective services these photographers will provide through this initiative. These are small business owners who are looking for ways to give back to their respective communities and they are excited and grateful to be able to contribute,” Hurley added.
“We want everyone coming through 10,000 Headshots to have a wonderful experience and look to us as a support network,” explained Lauren Lieberman, co-founder of Headshot Booker and CEO of LILA PHOTO in Palm Beach. “Finding a job is hard work. Our hope is that, along with a great professional headshot, they will leave the photo session with a greater sense of confidence and purpose, knowing they are making an investment in themselves and their future.”
Headshot Booker will also create a dedicated platform where participants and others can share success stories with securing employment and find additional employment tools, tips, and other resources. The page will also serve as a means of support among its members.
In addition to Headshot Booker, Brookfield Partners, and SpotMyPhotos, additional support is provided by Canon USA, Tether Tools, and PhotoFlashDrive.
About Headshot Booker
Headshot Booker is the premier agency committed to uniting Corporations with accredited headshot photographers around the globe. Headshot Booker is powered by the largest and most elite group of headshot specialists trained by Peter Hurley, renowned photographer, author of The Headshot, and co-founder of Headshot Booker. Whether a company is in one location or multiple offices around the world, we are passionate about delivering to each client an elevated experience, complete with a streamlined booking process and exceptional headshots with a cohesive and consistent look that highlights the people who define your brand.
About Brookfield Properties
Brookfield Properties is a fully-integrated, global real estate services company, providing industry-leading portfolio management capabilities across the real estate investment strategies of Brookfield Asset Management - a global alternative asset manager with over $515 billion in AUM. Brookfield Properties develops and manages premier real estate with a focus on maximizing the tenant experience in addition to the investment and operational performance of the asset. We also focus on integrating leading-edge real estate technologies which enables us to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability - benefiting not only our tenants and business partners, but also the communities in which we operate. For more information about our approach to operating and developing best-in-class real estate, visit brookfieldproperties.com.
About SpotMyPhotos
SpotMyPhotos is a pioneer in automated private photo-sharing that uses AI-technologies to go beyond facial recognition and let your photos find you. The company was founded with the objective of facilitating rapid photo access in conjunction with unprecedented privacy safeguards. Through a patented advanced photo delivery platform, SpotMyPhotos empowers professional photographers to seamlessly deliver high-quality event photography in seconds to those photographed. SpotMyPhotos is available to photographers and event organizers as a subscription service, and has spotted hundreds of thousands of people at photo booths, entertainment venues, and events throughout North America.
Sign up below to get early access to the signup site.
Photography in the age of COVID-19
This pandemic has been really tough on everyone especially on small businesses. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of my clients, so I will be taking thorough precautions before, during, and after every photoshoot and adjusting our procedures as needed.
Here are some changes that you’ll be seeing:
General procedures:
Increased cleaning in the studio and equipment using disinfectant.
If myself or any staff of mine feels any symptoms or have been in recent contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, client photoshoots will be rescheduled and will self-quarantine for at least 14 days.
In the studio:
Both you and the photographer must wear a mask / face covering when entering the building and refrain from handshakes/physical contact. The photographer will wear a face mask during the photoshoot (but obviously not the client.)
Upon arrival, you will also be asked if you’ve had a fever in the past 14 days.
Everyone must immediately disinfect their hands upon arrival at the studio using a handwipe or hand sanitizer.
Instead of the photographer adjusting your hair or clothing during the shoot, a mirror will be provided, and/or live-viewing of the photos on a monitor.
After every shoot, high-touch areas will be wiped with a disinfectant before the next visitor is allowed entry.
Touch-free payments and booking
On-site photoshoots:
All our staff members will wear a mask/face covering.
We will maintain social distancing and no physical contact with your employees while at your location.
When each person enters the room where we are set up for photos, we will ask them to sanitize their hands.
Surfaces and objects touched will be wiped with disinfectant (we will bring disinfecting wipes) between each person.
Instead of the photographer adjusting your hair or clothing during the shoot, a mirror will be provided.
Hair and makeup artists:
Hair and makeup artists will wear a mask/face covering.
All surfaces will be sanitized between each person.
Since a mask is not possible during makeup application, you will be given some paper towels to hold so that if you feel a cough or sneeze coming, you can cough/sneeze into the paper towels.
As is already customary, all makeup is applied with as many disposable products as possible and all non-disposable products are used once and sanitized. No personal products allowed.
Hair and makeup artists already wash their hands before beginning, but you will now have the option of them using disposable gloves if you prefer.
Student Headshots
Express Headshots are perfect for graduates, college students, residency applications.
Quick and painless! I will prompt and walk you through the whole thing. No awkward poses or forced smiles.
While focused on graduates, and job seekers, these sessions are great for anyone looking to update their professional portrait. Full-service packages are available as well, which are perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, job seekers and graduates.