Virtual and On-Location Photography

  If you haven't experienced it yet  ... most likely you will soon because virtual photography is now a must-have experience in the day of the new normal.  It's here to stay.  Traditionally, companies that use photography for their branding, marketing, and image have used more traditional avenues to capture these photos ... ... which are time-consuming, costly, and inconsistent. And while it came about as a necessity from the pandemic, it has presented many benefits, especially to companies with multiple locations that need to have streamlined branding. Here are the top 5 ways my clients are benefiting from virtual photoshoots * We've been able to save employee productivity by reducing travel time to and from photoshoots. * No need to manage multiple photographers in various locations; one photographer as the point of contact for management (easy scheduling). * Brand consistency: photography that meets corporate standards * Budget management * New employee remote dig...

  We live in a visual world especially now that for many much of our communications are strictly  online. Professional photography  has never been as important as it is right now when communicating with prospects and influencing your market. You are the literal face of your business and you want your prospects and clients to know who you are. Here's the list... Throughout your  website In posts on you  social media  platforms In your newsletter,  blogs  and e-blasts. In proposals to prospective clients. In the contracts you present to your clients. Press releases about an event or new offering you have. Profile photo  refreshing every few months so that people see a new  image of you. In your sales and landing pages. Submit an image  (not just a headshot) along with your bio when you  have a speaking engagement. In your email signature On print materials like rack cards, brochures, mailers or other With a strategic library you'...

  How did you feel that last time you posted a new professional headshot? I'm guessing pretty good. What I've noticed on social media is when a client posts a new headshot the comments like these start to explode.                                                        Love it Gorgeous Wow You're so pretty Very professional... You look younger than ever Fabulous as always only more so... Awesome So handsome. Keep up the good work. You're looking good... Who took that photo? I want to look like you. When I read the comments and see clients' social media likes it's an endorphin rush. There are so many reasons why you'll want to update your headshot.  It will attract new viewers. Have you ever bought a book twice because the cover was changed? You get the idea. An updated headshot will keep you in front of clients and prosp...

This 2 part blog addresses the professionalism and your personal brand that you can project in a virtual meeting. Don't waste the opportunity or other attendees' time if you aren't going to respect who they and you are. In Part 1  we discussed paying attention in a virtual meeting, dressing professionally, and staying in one place sitting still. The next 3 thoughts address the environmental setting. Backgrounds - Is it as difficult for you as it is for me to concentrate on the person when the background is like a storage facility? OK, that's harsh. But even though not all of us have the luxury of devoting a spiffy space to where we meet it wouldn't hurt to clean up the mess behind. Solution: have your logo, product photos, etc. ( professionally shot if possible ) printed by a retail printer and hang them up behind you. Make sure the photo size is large enough or close enough to your screen that your viewers can appreciate what's behind you. Optional...

For real. It's not a futuristic idea, Virtual Impact Photography is here. Technology has had a profound effect on how we do business and how we acquire clients, partne rs and services. Photography is the unifying visual element that brings focus to you, your brand and products.  Virtual Impact Photography (VIP) launched a remote photography and coaching service that mirrors a professional studio photoshoot experience for headshots and personal branding. A VIP experience lets clients feel comfortable and safe in their own surroundings while a professional photographer coaches them afar for the best poses, and best lighting and most effective setting before snapping the shutter remotely.  Photos taken during a virtual photoshoot are actual live mobile camera shots in the client’s own environment, NOT screen shots or fake backdrops. The photoshoot is conducted in real time anywhere in the world, managed by the photographer who makes suggestions for poses, ...

In spite of the fact that we're not meeting in person, why is it less important that we present ourselves in a professional manner online? Think of your online video image as personal branding. This article is a little bit of a rant - very little - but I've noticed a few things during an online meeting that I want to share. I am definitely guilty of some of the following so let's improve together as we learn more about the technology and the fact that we will be using it for a long time going forward.   This meeting participant totally shocked me. I was in a meeting for professional women and this one was in addition to sitting just like you see her, she was also crocheting. Then she would get up, come back, get up, move around. She's the prime example of what not to do in 1, 2 and 3 in this post. Pay Attention  - It's frustrating to see someone who is presenting or part of a group discussion when others are doing paperwork, looking bored, general...

We're all selfie-obsessed!  My sister and I were doing selfies decades ago with film (huh!) cameras but had no way to share. The digital mobile phone has turned Selfies into a necessary component of socializing even to only to share online if you're sheltering in place. Over 17 million self-photos are uploaded to social media every week - with those individuals over-55 taking more pics than those aged 18-24. If that many pics are being uploaded imagine how many are being taken daily ~ badly! With summer NOW and Selfies an obsession we're in for quite a season of dropping our phones, bumping into people and falling over anyone in our way.  These 3 tips will help you take better Selfies and avoid walking into traffic when we eventually can walk around in traffic! These tips also work well with or without a mask.  1 - Make sure the light is toward or at least a 45 degree angle to your face. Note: Do not face bright sun without some sort of shade...

This is going to be short and sweet. PUT A HEADSHOT ON YOUR LINKED IN ACCOUNT!!!  Do I sound like I'm screaming? Sorry - I am. I'm a little edgy right now. Hope you understand. Do you follow or trust anyone on LinkedIn who won't post a current headshot on their account? Next worse thing to no headshot is posting a 20 year old photo but that's a different argument. Once you have a proper headshot how about filling in all the blue space? It's prime advertising space. Even just a logo is better than blue. I like blue but not on a LinkedIn Cover Image. Use these dimensions from the LinkedIn help page when you want to update your LinkedIn photos.  TAB MODULE MINIMUM IMAGE SIZE RECOMMENDED IMAGE SIZE Page Logo Image 300 (w) x 300 (h) pixels 300 (w) x 300 (h) pixels Page Cover Image 1192 (w) x 220 (h) pixels 1584 (w) x 396(h) pixels You may not be thinking about headshots, advertising, your job, your future - it's understandable. When you do decide to...

After spending a ton of money on equipment with a plan to make promotional videos for my photography business I was frustrated when I could not get all the equipment to work together. I know my photography equipment inside and out but when it came to producing video not so much, actually not at all! Out of frustration I did a search on line (of course) and found a simple, low cost option that includes what you already have. This hack is particularly for iPhone users but may also apply to other mobile phone cameras as well. This link will take you to a quick video  with the instructions as well that may give you a good visual way to implement the solution for yourself. I will outline here as well. Find something you can put the phone on that is stable. I have a mini-tripod which isn't very expensive and helps. You have a choice of many specifically to hold a mobile phone. Position the camera horizontally which is best for almost all uses. Take the headset provide...

I think a lot about headshots. I think about what's best in a headshot and can come up with a dozen ideas that suit me but maybe not you. What it boils down to is that your headshots reflect your personality, supports your story ~ all while it projects your brand. We live in a visual world. Professional photography has never been as important as it is right now when communicating with prospects and influencing your market. You are the literal face of your business and you want your prospects and clients to know who you are. Building a robust library of photos is key to maintaining a fresh portfolio of flexible visual assets. It is useful to have more than one headshot taken during a session. That provides flexibility for when and where to post your photo. It's an opportunity to always have something new to post and update your followers and clients on social media, place on  business cards, press releases, brochures, announcements and more. Decide what works best f...

Everyone is photogenic but I hear so many people think that they aren't because they believe they have never taken a good photo. And maybe they haven't. With the standard in today's world of selfies and point and shoots it's impossible for most people to show off their best features. There's a lot that goes into being photogenic and what you see in photos of celebrities isn't always who they are off camera. “Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.”  Cindy Crawford Cindy is being modest, but all professional photos have some retouching done without compromising who the person is in the photo. Photoshop is designed for that. So much of what changes an individual's look (the photogenic factor) in photographs is lighting and angles. Angles are affected by professional posing, camera and lighting placement. Then there's an inner glow that I can't explain but it's like a light switch.  Ugly? Never. Photogenic? Always. Wan...

The holidays are upon us and planning the season has kicked in. I took my vampire and witch Halloween 'dolls' out (they will enjoy the light until January 2), we're planning Thanksgiving dinner and hosting a comfort soup party on January 1. Between now and when the activities are in full swing many of us will also be planning holiday cards (hopefully with professional photography but that's a different story), event invitations and more. I'm currently scheduling mini-photo sessions for Saturday November 16 in DC Ranch, North Scottsdale. Get in touch to schedule your session and receive a FREE digital photo optimized for  your holiday cards or wherever you prefer.  There are several companies that do wonderful printing for reasonable prices. The labs I use have good quality paper, fantastic range of designs and great pricing. They're easy to set up - just drag and drop. Add a personal message and you're in good shape for the holidays. Vistapri...

It's not your camera, it's what you photograph that counts. I've been thinking about what we should all consider when we're planning and taking photos. Here are a few tips that may help in your photography journey. Pick a waterproof case if you're going to be near or in water. Nothing more disappointing than watching your camera flutter to the bottom of the pool, bathtub, lake and anywhere there is water. Leave free space on your digital card for plenty of photos. Newer digital technology built into the casual users camera allow high resolution photos that may take up a lot of space on the card. Even a mobile phone can run out of space. Either have a second card backup or delete those redundant selfies. That will  guarantee you don't run out of digital 'film' right at the most important time in your vacation, family gathering etc. Change your perspective. Move the camera up and down, move you or your subject to the left and right. The photos wi...

Linda Kazares, Photographer, linda@LindaKazares.com Article 5 of 6 Series Here are a few more things to keep in mind on headshot day. Take two or three changes of clothing so you can experiment with contrasting colors. You only need the top half of the outfit for “head and shoulder” type headshots. Ask what color background we will be using and what prime color would compliment it. Tell your photographer before you arrive what image you are trying to convey. What type of business are you in? What is your corporate or business culture? Look at other photos of those in your company for samples to compare.If you are “not” a corporate type, let the photographer know what type of look you want to portray. Dark clothes are less distracting and put the focus on your face and eyes. Men: if you have a heavy beard, shave right before arrival. Men: Bring additional clothing if you’d like to add a “casual” look. Some people take off their suit jacket and do more casual phot...

If you wear glasses most of the time, you will probably want to wear them in your headshot photo. If you’d like photographs without your glasses, just let your photographer know.  To eliminate glare or reflections: Tip One: Bring empty frames or remove the lenses from your glasses. Tip Two: Tilt your head slightly down or away from the camera.  Tip Three: Have lights off to the side or anywhere they are not right in front of the person, I generally use two lights off to the sides so I can get even fill for business headshots. It may take a few shots before the lights are in the right position. Tiny adjustments make all the difference. Of course you can always just not wear your glasses! ;-) Many people choose to have their makeup done professionally for their headshots. It’s a good idea! A professional makeup artist will know how to make you look your best for the camera. If you’re doing your makeup yourself, keep it natural. In either case if ...

Figuring out what to wear is only the first step in preparing for your headshot session. You’ll also want to pay special attention to your hair and nails. I can’t stress enough the importance of well-groomed hair in your headshot. Bad hair can ruin your whole session! Tip One: Don’t style your hair in an unusual way. You want to look like you normally look. Ladies: Play it safe and go to the hairdresser for color and cut a week before the session. Then have your hair done the day of the shoot. Guys: go to the barber a day or two before the session. Tip Two: Remember the importance of your hands they will be part of your portrait. Whether you choose to do your nails yourself or have them manicured, keep them clean. Ladies: If you wear nail polish use coordinating colors. Frankly it's best to keep them a neutral or no color polish so they don't clash with your clothes or distract from your face. Guys: Buffing your nails will make them shine and show that y...

It may go without saying, I'll say it anyway, that your clothing choice is important. That doesn’t mean that picking clothing is easy though! I have some tips that will make the process of deciding what to wear easy and help you ensure that you look your very best. Tip One: When choosing what to wear for you professional headshots, it’s best to avoid complex patterns like stripes or checks. Horizontal lines can be difficult to look at in a photo and mixing patterns can make the photo feel busy. Vertical lines can have a slimming effect but should be minimal. It’s best to opt for solid colors whenever possible. This will not only give the headshot a more classic look but will be more visually pleasing several years from now when styles and trends have changed. Tip Two: Men Choosing what to wear is often pretty simple. For a corporate headshot, a business suit is almost always a good choice. If you want a more casual look, you can forgo the blazer and wear a white shirt with...

How often have you taken a pic and at least someones's single eyeball is the only thing that shows up in the photo. Or you can see two eyes peeking out under the arm pit of someone who should be in the back row. Ha, happens all the time. Try these tips: Arrange short people in front! Little kids in front of them. It's OK to sit on the ground or front row chairs depending on how many you have in the group so you can get everyone in the photo. This sounds like a duh head slapper but people aren't always aware of if can or cannot be seen in the photos. Next time you're doing a group photo make this announcement... "If you can't see the camera, the camera can't see you!" ...then wait for everyone to reassemble themselves.  You'll get better group photos this way. Have fun at your next party. I hope this little tidbit is helpful.  If you enjoy my articles, I’d love to hear what you liked best. Please feel free to pass these tips on...