Virtual and On-Location Photography

  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...

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...

As a photographer I tend to see things that others might ignore or pass over. During the past couple months I've been in many virtual meetings on Zoom, FaceTime and others. Here are my observations and suggestions for a better business meeting visual experience - mostly for your viewers. Environment - have a 'clean' background; take things off your desk if it will show during the meeting. I suggest a neat, professional background with your logo or something specific to your business. What does your business do/sell?  Think about featuring a product, tools used to sell your product or even a display or picture in the background. If you have nothing you want to feature, be sure the background has a professional, organized office feel.  Sound – Please mute when you're not speaking if you have anything in the background that could interrupt or detract from your conversation, particularly if you are on a call with multiple participants. Pets, dishwasher, kids,...

In Part 1 we covered Productive Ways to Use Corporate Event Photography with 14 tips to consider the next time you hire a photographer for an event. Pre-Event planning is an important step that will assure success. Without it it's like darts - hit or miss. The plan will be used to communicate with your team and photographer so everyone is on the same page when it comes to before, during and after the event. There are two key areas to define in the planning stage that should be provided by the organizer to the photographer: a check list of shots that will be needed depending on how the photos will be used and tactical instructions.   Suggested “shot list” many include: Pre-event setup. This can involve set-up, preparation and decoration throughout the construction phase before the attendees arrive A step and repeat at the 'Red carpet' location as the attendees arrive Posed and candid shots of VIPS such as speakers, awardees, key clients etc. Crowds m...

Composition is one of the most important aspects of photography and also, probably one of the most taken for granted. How you frame your subject and compose your shot ultimately determines how memorable and interesting it is. A lot of times, we see something that we want to take a picture of and take 15 images of the exact same thing from the exact same spot. Moving a few feet to the right or to the left, getting higher and getting lower can totally change an image and give you a series of unique and interesting images instead of dozens that are almost identical. Changing your perspective can also help eliminate distracting background elements like cars and other people. It’s important to pay attention to the whole scene. Nothing ruins a portrait faster than a lamp post or street sign coming out of the top of your subjects head! A few steps to the right or left or getting a little higher or lower is all you have to do to get rid of distracting background elements. Try This:...

'Woo hoo...because I want to be pretty/handsome and fun!' That thinking won't get you anywhere. You have a message to share and defining that message is a key part of developing a strong brand that will attract more valuable clients.  Start by defining your style, who you are and why you do what you do. A brand by the way isn't a business plan. They have very different purposes. Your personal brand will influence your plan but not visa versa. Next, get help. There are literally thousands of resources online including how to and what to do articles, apps, videos and more. Look for ideas and questions that will guide you toward discovering, internalizing and communicating your personal brand.  Hiring a consultant may be the way to go for you. That person will support you, give you advice, keep you on track and provide valuable feedback. A brand doesn't happen overnight. Be patient.  Are you ready to build your personal brand photo library? A good personal...

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. Here's the list that you can consider and decide what works best for you. 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 along with your bio when you have a speaking engagement. In your email signature. On print materials like rack cards, brochures, mailers or other. Building y...