Nina Pomeroy Honored with Business Philanthropy Award from Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce
Pleasanton photographer recognized for community service and charitable contributions
I'm deeply honored to share that I've received the Business Philanthropy Award from the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce at their 2022 Community Service Awards ceremony.
What the Business Philanthropy Award Means to Me
Receiving this community service recognition from the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce is truly humbling. When I reflect on the projects we support and the people we help, it never feels like "work." Giving back is a fundamental part of who I am—a driving force behind everything I do. I genuinely believe that a life without service to others is a life only half-lived.
Why Community Involvement Matters for Local Businesses
As a Pleasanton-based photographer and business owner, I've learned that we're all part of something bigger than ourselves. Contributing to our community's well-being isn't just a responsibility—it's a privilege.
Whether it's supporting local Tri-Valley charities, mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs, or lending a helping hand to neighbors in need, these acts of service are what truly feeds my soul.
A Shared Achievement
This award isn't just for me. It's a reflection of the collective effort of everyone involved in our charitable initiatives throughout the Pleasanton and Tri-Valley area. It serves as a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect, transforming lives and strengthening the community we all call home.
Thank you to the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce for this recognition, and to everyone who makes our community such a wonderful place to live and work.
Learn more about the 2022 Community Service Awards from the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce.
In the News - Military Headshots
What a honor to have my work featured in the local paper Livermore Vine! And an even bigger honor to photograph those who serve our country! Thank you to Portraits For Patriots for creating such a life changing organization.
How much should a headshot cost?
Did you read the Wall Street Journal about the importance of powerful headshots? They interviewed the most famous headshot photographer in the world -- my mentor, Peter Hurley. I'm proud to be in Peter Hurley's Headshot Crew.
We create powerful, authentic, expressive headshots. At my Pleasanton photo studio, I use incredible lighting, modern style and technique - not to mention, I have a keen eye for detail and my unique coaching to bring out the best you!
Powerful headshots will boost your online prescence- and your ego! When people see a powerful headshot, the conversation begins even before you meet.
Read the full article here.
Tips For Using Your Brand Photos
There are many opportunities to use personal brand photos that are often overlooked. Everyone thinks, I’ll use post them on social media and my website but did you know there are other avenues where you can put your sparkly new branding photos? AND, it will they will work for you! They will help create a custom experience for your clients. Here are some of my favorite tips:
Your Email Signature: You can use photos in your email signature. I like wisestamp.com but there are plenty of others out there too.
Your Newsletters: You can also use them in newsletters (I like flodesk,) blogs, articles that you publish on linkedin or your google business page. There are so many places within your email platform where you can use your brand photos when you send out your newsletters, blogs, monthly updates, etc.
Your Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system: This is the system you use to organize leads, streamline processes, automate workflows, etc. It can also be the system you use to create proposals, contracts, invoices and questionnaires. You definitely want to use your logo on these documents but there are plenty of opportunities to use your brand photos too. I’ve been a user of Dubsado for awhile now and love it.
Do I really need professional headshots for my company?
Here’s a super common scenario:
“I have a commercial B2B business. My team needs headshots so I can put them on a website and also in their email signatures. I have a friend who’s good with a camera, but I think we need to have them done right since it’s been years since we had the last round of headshots. I don’t really know how much this should cost so I don’t have a budget in mind.”
First thing I want to tell you is, whether you have a business that has 2 persons or 50, you will need to invest in your business and your branding. You’ve seen amateur photos that might look “ok” but they are definitely not professionally taken in a studio, nor are they consistent with one another. What’s your impression of that? Versus, seeing a really polished set of headshots of a company team. Does it look expensive? Do you want to get top dollar for your services? Or are you happy just getting ok pricing for your services and you don’t really care.
I don’t know about you, but I do NOT want someone’s impression of my website to be, yeah, she’s ok. I want someone to say - wow, everything looks professional and I know I’ll get a great product and great service.
PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING.
Your website just might be the FIRST impression your next client has of your business. What does yours say?
Contact us for a custom quote for company headshots.
Top 5 Headshot Mistakes
Many who come to me for their Headshots used to believe that good-enough is perfectly fine, until it isn’t. Until you see someone you know who has a killer headshot. Then you second guess that “good-enough” headshot. As someone who’s been in the photography business for 22 years, I know firsthand that not everyone is as particular about headshots as I am. I see a lot of people making some glaring mistakes when it comes to their professional headshots.
Here are the 5 headshot mistakes I see the most often that most people don’t even realize…
USING A SELFIE - We all have that somewhat decent selfie where we don’t look too bad - so we think that’ll do! The problem is that everyone can tell that it’s not a professional headshot, no matter how much you think it might pass as one. Having a distracting background doesn’t translate well when you see the tiny thumbnail on LinkedIn or Facebook. And the quality of the image screams that you didn’t invest in yourself like someone who takes their profession seriously would. We are all becoming a personal brand online and our reputation as an expert (and how we present ourself to our audience) precedes us through that tiny thumbnail image.
USING AN OLD HEADSHOT - The next most common mistake I see is having a headshot that’s old. An by old I mean more than 1 year. There’s hardly anyone who looks the same as they did over a year ago. Even if you LOVE how you looked, that doesn’t matter. You want potential clients and business contacts to be able to recognize you in a room, and having a headshot that actually looks like you is really important.
WEARING UNFLATTERING CLOTHING - The easiest tip I suggest is to not wear a busy pattern or large logos. You want all the attention on your face. Not what you are wearing. Colors are important and how your skin tone works with them. Not everything photographs well either. That’s why our pre-session consultation is super helpful. Set up a Discovery Call to learn more about our process!
DISTRACTING JEWELRY - Skip the necklace and just wear simple earrings. Again, nothing should distract from your face.
NOT LOOKING RELAXED - Nina’s facial expression coaching will get you looking professional and confident. This is the #1 way she can make you look great in your headshot!
Ready to get your great headshots portraits? Contact the studio to get started!