Virtual and On-Location Photography

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,...

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...

We're all selfie-obsessed! The digital mobile phone has turned Selfies into a necessary component of socializing but definitely not an art.   Did you know that 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. Astonishing. With a new year ahead of us and Selfies an obsession we're in for quite a year of dropping our phones, bumping into people or falling over anyone in our way to get that very special selfie.   These examples will help you take better Selfies and avoid walking into traffic. Photo 1 through 4 were taken in the same room within a 10 minute timeframe. You can see how direction can impact the resulting photo. Photo 5 was in a meeting room with overhead lighting. Photo 1 ~  Make sure the light is toward or at least a 45 degree angle to your face. Th...

😓😢🙈🚂 I typically start out an article or post with as much an upbeat tone as possible. This email, however, has an entirely different tone.   A l ittle glum but useful.   Never, ever, ever stand or have your photo subject stand on railroad tracks. Most of the time the train will be way past you before you ever hear it. You know what that means! It's happened more that just a few times that the client or photographer have been killed as a result of getting that 'fabulous' shot down the middle of the tracks. Seniors particularly like this setting.   Same concept as in 1 above. Don't stand in the middle of the street. You do not have right of way just because you're doing something like taking a perspective photo of the Empire State building.   Stop texting when you're walking. It's just plain rude and selfish to think that others have to watch out for you rather than you watching out where you're going. PS I know this because I've done it....

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:...

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...