Firemen Calendar
When I first received a call to collaborate on a fundraiser calendar project for the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department I was not sure what to expect. We've all seen the calendars for NYFD and the like, but they assured me this would be different. The department is in a huge equipment budget deficit and they need to raise money, specifically for boots.
If you haven't any idea on how much their equipment actually costs, check out this video they made that has gone viral all over the internet and local news.
This calendar contains 12 months of well thought out hilarious scenes taking place in and around the Georgetown Fire House. Many local businesses shared their enthusiasm and supported them in this project. You'll see scenes from the Black Cat Grill, as well as Uncle Leo's Donuts, The Wire Mill BBQ just to name a few.
I honestly can't remember the last time I had this much fun on a project. And I encourage you to support them. Each volunteer fireman and firewoman donates their time and effort to support our community. They all have families and full time jobs. gtownfire.org.
Are AI Headshot OK to use?
You’ve seen AI headshots all over social media these days. Before you upload you photo to one of those AI generators, here’s something you should know. You no longer retain ownership of that data. Your image can now be used anywhere for any purpose.
For my corporate clients, I’m pretty sure they never said “we’re ok with you doing whatever you want with our images.”
NOBODY CONNECTS WITH PERFECTION
In addition to the security risks at hand, AI headshots give a false sense of perfection.
Large companies spend millions of marketing money to present their brand and unique as authentic. This connection comes through individual headshots of their people. People do business with other people, not blank un-identifiable companies. Remember Johnson and Johnson? They used to use adorable babies and families as part of their advertising. Why? Because we can relate and connect with that.
AI headshots are the equivalent of using bitmoji and emoji’s. A fun social media idea but not for a successful company looking to connect with their ideal client.
Professional headshot photographers are the key to authentic marketing in a world where everything will look and feel the same.
COPYRIGHT RISKS OF AI HEADSHOTS
The US Copyright Office which calls AI generated art a “completely mechanical” process with “no place for novelty, invention, or originality,” and therefore not worthy of copyright protection. Companies using AI images risk having exclusivity not to mention these images can be used by anybody in any way they like.
Experienced professional headshot photographers know that it’s also common for companies to require photographers to sign NDAs when contracted to capture their team. These agreements often ban the photographer from not only sharing the photos online, but from even sharing social posts that include BTS images of their office, company name, or any other information about the company and their location. If they choose to use AI headshots for their team, they relinquish legal recourse and invite others to use images of their team members in whatever way they like, without the ability to protect themselves.
FUTURE OF HEADSHOT PHOTOGRAPHY
AI headshots can be fun but what professional headshot photographers offer is an authentic and unique perspective of an individual which yields a one of a kind marketing product.
Professional headshot photographers are the key to authentic marketing in a world where everything can look and feel the same.
Why Renting a Brand Photoshoot Location Is Totally Worth It
During all planning sessions with my clients, the *very* first thing we pin down is location. Location is the foundation for the rest of the photoshoot. It solidifies everything else about the experience, like:
What to wear
What accessories to bring
Whether you’re going to be standing or sitting
What props to bring
…and so much more
I recommend renting a location because you can literally choose what details will be in your photo backdrop.
You’re already putting so much time and energy into your photoshoot. You’ve taken the day off, gotten your hair/makeup done, and picked out a whole new wardrobe. So, might as well go ALL IN and invest in a perfect-for-you location to make sure your background brings everything together seamlessly.
HOW TO ENSURE A SUCCESSFUL BRAND PHOTOSHOOT:
The location — To reflect your personality and brand’s mission.
Hair/makeup — To ensure you feel radiant and stunning for your big day.
Wardrobe — To make sure you’re sporting the look that aligns with your brand.
I highly recommend investing in a photoshoot location. A place that aligns flawlessly with your brand.
Without a hand-picked location, you risk having your brand look less coordinated, which could hinder your overall branding.
Here are some ideas where you can find your ideal location.
HOW CAN I FIND A PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION?
Many of my clients have asked me, “where can I find a location for my photoshoot?”
And I have a few different methods I always give them. Here are my top three ways to find your perfect photoshoot location, so you can get a head start on your search.
1. Peerspace
This is a great resource for photography sessions. It’s basically like Airbnb for photoshoots. There’s a cool search feature where all you do is add your activity (ex: a photoshoot), the city of your photoshoot, and the day you’re looking for. It’ll then give you many options to choose from.
This is another great one for finding a beautiful location. There are tons of spaces to choose from there. You can filter according to what you’re looking for — whether it’s a mansion, a lakefront home, a beach home, or a cabin. The sky’s the limit. There are so many choices — make sure to choose one that aligns with you.
3. Rent a nearby location
If there’s a location you have your eye on in the city of your photoshoot, chances are you can rent it out. Places like hotels, beautiful cafes, and restaurants are a few that come to mind. Some require a small fee, and others don’t — it depends on the location, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
What’s important is that you have a clear vision about what location is right for your brand. Think about what words describe the look you’re going for.
When I first start working with my clients, we work through my Brand Strategy questions so we can get clear on their brand story and who they want to connect with.
Then, I look at the details of the locations and make sure they match what they want to express.
THE RESULT OF CHOOSING AN AMAZING PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION
I’m passionate about the importance of investing in a location for your photoshoot. As a photographer, I see how much it can uplevel your photos.
When you have authentic and magnetic photos, your ideal clients come knocking on your virtual door excited to work with you.
I’ll leave you with a few BONUS tips to keep in mind when choosing a photoshoot location:
➤ Choose a location that is not overly distracting. Locations with minimal decor are best, so it doesn’t distract from you and your branding. If a location is beautiful, but there’s too much clutter, the viewer’s eye goes straight to the “stuff” — taking away attention from you.
➤ Make sure the location is either neutral or includes your brand colors. If your brand colors clash with the background, it’ll distract the viewer’s eye. The focus should be all on you for your personal brand.
➤ Locations with beautiful natural light can be very flattering on your skin, so it’s best to choose spaces with tons of natural daylight.
If you need more help finding the perfect locations for your brand shoot, I am happy to help.
If you haven’t yet booked your personal branding photoshoot, I’d love to work with you so we can get you some outstanding photos that you will be excited to show off! Contact the studio here.
I am also travel, so if you’re outside of California, I’d love to meet you in your town too.
Executive and C-Suite Headshot Photographer
Professional headshots serve as a powerful asset, going beyond casual photos to become purposeful visual expressions of your professional identity. This post explores the importance of personal branding and the ways in which professional headshots can elevate your professional persona.
The Essence Of Personal Branding
Personal branding is the intentional effort to create and influence public perception of an individual. It elevates their credibility, showcases their expertise, and differentiates them from the competition. It’s about controlling the public narrative about who you are, what you represent, and what you aspire to be professionally.
Why Professional Headshot Portraits Matter
In an age where visual content reigns supreme, a professional headshot is usually the first point of contact between you and potential employers, clients, or collaborators. A headshot goes beyond a simple profile picture. It is a professional portrait that conveys your professionalism, confidence, and personality. Your headshot’s quality, style, and vibe can speak volumes about your professional identity and influence how others perceive you.
Crafting A Compelling Visual Identity
A professional headshot should align with your overall personal branding strategy. It should reflect the qualities you want to be associated with – approachability, authority, creativity, or reliability. The headshot’s background, attire, pose, and lighting should be carefully considered to match your professional brand. For example, a lawyer might opt for a more formal headshot with a neutral background, whereas a creative professional might choose a more relaxed pose with vibrant colors.
The ROI of Professional Headshots
Investing in personal branding and a professional headshot has a tangible return on investment. It can lead to more professional opportunities, higher visibility in your industry, and a stronger network. It’s an investment in your future and your career.
Headshot Tips for Success
Not all photographers coach their clients on what to do and what NOT to do during a headshot session.
Knowing my client's goals are IMPERATIVE to creating beautiful imagery that they will be happy with. Not to mention, this is my favorite part - getting to know one another so I can have creative liberty to create images that fit your needs.
Here are just a few of my favorite TIPS:
1. Don't expect the photographer will retouch your image unrealistically to look like an instagram influencer. I provide a detailed guide with tips to ensure a successful photoshoot.
2. Don't assume YOU know the best way to pose for the camera. I have years of experience in facial expression coaching and posing to make you look your best.
3. Don't forget styling and makeup. Styling comprises of clothing and makeup. Professional makeup application is very helpful for ladies and also nice bit of pampering right before your photoshoot. Ask me for artist recommenations. (Did you know that eyebrows and lips are the top 2 things that I say must be visited by your makeup artist to make a great portrait?)
Now that you are ready to get a modern updated headshot that you’ll love, set up a free consultation to learn more about my Signature Headshot and Personal Branding Sessions.
3 Steps to Check Up On Your Personal Brand
Have you ever googled yourself? No, I’m serious (even though it sounds silly.) Here are my steps to ensure your personal branding and marketing is working for you.
Step 1: Google yourself and see what the results are.
Step 2: Give your old profiles an update. Whether it’s an old blog, old website, , a stale LinkedIn profile or the neglected YouTube channel. Make sure all search results reflect your current brand and message.
An outdated profile can give the impression that you’re not staying current or growing…or even still in business!
Step 3: Use tools like Google Alerts to monitor mentions of your name and your business name.
The more you work on your personal brand, the more authority and confidence you will build.
The more authority your build, the more trust you will gain from your audience.
The more trust you gain from your audience, the more likely they are to become your client.
The Best Guide for Headshots for Realtors
The Best Guide for Headshots for Realtors
I haven’t met many people who love to have their photo taken. Real estate agent headshots are the first step to lookinBut when you have an outstanding headshot you are leveraging yourself to stand out in a saturated market. With the right coaching and guidance I will help you get the best headshots for your real estate business. I promise it will be fun..and easy!
You already know there are hundreds if not thousands of realtors. So what’s the number one reason why to chose a realtor? Your relationship with them. How to share your relationship, passion and your WHY can all be shown through your headshots and personal branding photos.
If you are using an old photo or a selfie, I guarantee you they will affect your marketing. Would you hire someone that looks unprofessional or worse, showcasing a photo taken from 1990?
As a professional photographer for 25 years, I have worked with so many real estate agents who know they need to update their online headshots and branding but are scared to take the first step. I will work with you on creating a strategy for your professional headshot portraits and share my ideas on how you can use them in your digital marketing.
Contact the studio for a free Consult to prepare and ensure success at your photoshoot!
How to Market Yourself (and your Personal Brand)
How to Market Yourself
(and your Personal Brand)
As an entrepreneur — the goal is to grow your business.
Implementing great marketing techniques should feel authentic for you, your business and your clients.
Ideally, it shouldn’t be complicated or overwhelming.
If you click around on business blogs or watch marketers on Instagram reels, you’re probably going to feel overwhelmed imagining that you need a library content, an email funnel and thousands of followers on social media.
This doesn’t need to be the case at all.
It’s a lot more effective to try out marketing that makes sense for you. Instead of stressing yourself out doing Instagram lives each week, find clarity around your goals and then go from there. It’s way less stressful, and it’s also a lot more effective, and can even be fun.
To market yourself the right way, you have to realize something super important: there really is no right way for everyone. There may be a right way for you, but it’s not going to be the same as your realtor friend or even your business partner.
Marketing is personal, especially when you’re a solopreneur. When we implement marketing that’s right for us, the possibility of a very successful business multiplies.
Often, marketing plans fall short because they haven’t identified their who, what, when, where, and why.
Let’s get clear with this simple exercise:
Who are you marketing to? Who is your ideal client, what are they looking for, and what are their biggest pain points?
What are you marketing? Are you trying for general brand awareness? Is there a specific service or offer you want to sell?
When are you marketing? Are you focusing on certain key periods in your business?
Where are you marketing? Are you on certain social media platforms, trying out an email newsletter or running paid ads? Where do you want to spend the most time?
Why are you marketing in the first place? Are you trying to grow your sales or looking for more leads? Or do you simply want to increase awareness?
For instance, some don’t love social media. Instead, you might want to be focus on your email list. It doesn’t matter which one you prefer just be sure to show up there.
So, as you start dreaming up a marketing strategy that resonates with you, remember: this is not life and death, it has no impact on your worth, and it has only as much power as you let it.
I might be biased, but I think one of the best ways you can show up in your marketing is through personal branding photos that capture your personality. Most importantly, personal branding photos give you the chance to show your authentic self and put your best impression as an entrepreneur.
It actually matters more than you think. People want to feel connected to the those that they’re working with, they want to see a personal side too. It’s the know, like, trust factor.
So, friends, here’s your challenge: start marketing your business in the ways that feel good to you. If personal branding photography is part of that, contact me. I’d love to help you.
LinkedIn Profile Picture Tips
A professional headshot is a must on your LinkedIn profile.
Your profile picture is the first impression that people have of you, it shows up in searches and in Google, and it enables you to connect with others and visually convey your personal brand.
According to LinkedIn, “members who include a profile photo receive 21 times more profile views and up to 36 times more messages.”
A study of 500 profile pictures found that people view you as more likable, competent and influential if you smile in your profile photo. The study also found that people with open mouth smiles were considered twice as likable as closed mouth smiles.
You’d be surprised just how many casual (aka unfriendly/unapproachable) headshots there are on LinkedIn. Photos in which you are smiling and dressed professionally are key as well as updating your photo if it is more than a year old.
Ensure that your LinkedIn profile photo is a high-resolution, professional headshot that is correctly sized. When you work with a professional headshot photographer, they should know proper cropping and sizing should you need assistance.
Aim to have your face filling about 60 percent of the space. There’s no need for a full-body view of you – your photo should focus on your face.
Having a low-resolution unprofessional LinkedIn photo is as bad as not having any photo at all.
It goes without saying that your headshot should look like you. Today. Not you 10 years ago. If you don’t look like your headshot, it can create a level of distrust with your clients. I recommend getting a new headshot every year and taking several photos in different outfits (with tie, without tie, women in a jacket and without one) to give you and your social media team variety when they post photos of you online.
Not having a headshot also can signal that you just don’t care enough about your profile and what others think of you.
Here are my 10 Don’ts for your LinkedIn profile photo:
Don’t include a pet or child in your photo
No selfies
Don’t post a photo of you taken in a car
Don’t wear too much makeup or no makeup at all – look as natural and polished as possible
Don’t wear casual clothing or too much jewelry
Don’t use a group photo
Don’t use a low-resolution or blurry photo
Don’t use a photo of you that is more than one year old
Don’t wear sunglasses or hold a drink
Don’t use a full body photo. Your profile photo should only showcase your face.
A great LinkedIn headshot is attainable and essential for social media. Contact the studio and find out how we can create your best profile pic.