Category Archives: headshots-do’s and don’ts
Still Need A New Headshot. Read On (part five)
What’s the next thing in trying to choose the dream-photograher? Well, how about “look at the pictures” as a client so simply informed me the other day at a photo-shoot where I was honored to be chosen do do her company’s headshots. I had simply asked her how she found me and she said she searched for “dallas photographers.” Fine, so far. But finding a corporate headshot photographer amongst all the choices on the internet is convenient yet can be scary if you make bad choices.
So, I just asked. Why me? I know there are other good photographers. But, to that she said, yeah, Sal, BUT there are bunches of them that just are not that hot. How can you tell I asked. Well? She said, “just look at the pictures.”
Now, being a full-time professional photographer maybe my mind is geared in a different direction. Sure I look at other photographers work, but I see it from a different point of view. Maybe more “technical” like any photographer would.
So, it was nice to hear a simple, traditional POV that intuition and good taste still has value. I think as they young lady was trying to tell me, she breezed through various dallas photographers websites and easily picked up on what was “consistent.” And I had to agree that those two things (intuition in consistent quality) is something clients should consider when finding a photographer who will do to produce the business portraits and / or headshots that will represent their company for what could be a long time.
I have a bullet point in my FAQ
11. I found someone who provides “the same service” for less.
“Well. What can I say? You are going to put “your best face forward” on the internet for the world to see. Pease consider that saving a few bucks here might not be money in the bank for you.
Rather the opposite, actually. Folks can spot a “cheap headshot” a mile away, and (at that point) it can only reflect back on you, not the photographer.”
Obviously we “are not all created equal” and none of us can provide “the same service.” But hopefully, the process will begin with finding the photographer that has “the right stuff” and not just “the same service.”
More later…..
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
You need a headshot. Now what (part four.)
Well? Now the fun begins. Find a decent headshot or portrait photographer. These days that means a few things. You an always ask for a referral from friends or co-workers at your company, or similar positions as you, but maybe in a different company. If you are part of a trade organization you might call them and just ask. A lot of organizations keep referral lists on “preferred vendors” that they have come to know and trust.
Of course, there is always the internet. Using search engines to find business headshot photographers, or executive portrait photography services for you company is fast and has some advantages (and / but) some disadvantages as well.
You can do a simple local search, for, e.g. “Dallas Headshots” (if you are in Dallas) or something more specific, e.g. “dallas executive headshots for attorneys.” You will come up with pages of services, where you can simply go and check-out your self. The good? It was fast and you have found plenty of choices. The bad? Some of these folks may not be “as good” as you thought.
Here is where you have to be crafty and use your intuition. These days “everybody’s a photographer” and not only that, but “anybody can make themselves / and / or their webpage” look good. Before you actually lay your money down and trust your company’s good reputation with just “any” photographer, ask some questions (subject of next blog.) That is, of course _after_ you have seen their work.
First, though. Do the samples on their web page look consistent (meaning are they the photographer you will be working with, or are you just looking at a hodge-podge they may have collected from various studios they worked at?) Can you see yourself in the samples? Meaning can you see how these samples would work for you and your company?
Are they showing a variety of headshot types from “all sorts” of people. If all they are showing you are “beautiful people” done with professional make-up, having them over to your attorney, money-managers, doctor’s office, etc. where mostly just “regular folks” work may not work out like you hoped.
Are they using professional camera gear and lighting? You expected “the best” and most true professional photographers are going to not only “be the best” but “use the best” high-end gear available to them. Just my opinion (as is everything here) that if your photographer can’t afford decent stuff, then business can’t be too good. If business is lacking then maybe you should be too! More later.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
Hey Turkey! You need a headshot. Now what? (part three)
Dallas Attorney Headshot
Well, it’s Thanksgiving! And after _way_ too much turkey, I thought I would try to ”talk turkey” instead. Headshot photo on the left is a new, local Dallas attorney who was one of three I shot this week at their office. To continue the conversation for folks who may be new to business or experienced corporate types just needing to update their business portraits. Sixth. Be on time! What can I say? I know it’s not easy. At Dallas Headshots one of our goals is to be cognizant of your time restraints. We know you are busy professionals, as are we. We can get you “in and out” of a session and on your way to doing what you do best, but please keep in mind that sometimes your being too early or late cuts into someone else’s session, and of course all we would do is ask you to call ahead so you can plan.
If we are shooting you at your office, normally your office manager will have you set up in increments. We can do as many as 10 headshots an hour at your office. Approximately 3 every 15 minutes. It will be quick as we have a very efficient setup and are adept at guiding you through the process.
So, _don’t be nervous_. Permission to relax. We will have fun with you. I mean, not too much fun, IYKWIM, but we want you to feel comfortable. I had a (somewhat nervous) client the other day say to me “Hey! This is the first time I ever did this.” And I explained to her that for 99.9% of my clients it is the first time _they_ ever did this as well. So, remember. I am more afraid of you than you are of me! That should ease your pain.
Please let me know if there are any questions or topics you would like to discuss. I would like to open this up to folks in Public Relations, Human Resources, Corporate Communications and other Corporate Types that handle Marketing for their companies in Dallas and beyond.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
You need a headshot. Now what ? (part two)
Recent Headshot / 11-09
Fourth. Are you going to the headshot photographer’s location or are they coming to you? Either way you want to know what background they are using, and what color it might be or not be. You do not want what you are wearing to clash or worse be the same. For example, blue background? Of course, as mentioned, a “dark suit” always goes well and is the standard for corporate portraits. Dark clothes are always a good choice as they put the emphasis of the headshot on the face.
But, if you want to spice it up a bit a nice choice (headshots for women) might be something like a red, pale pink or yellow suit jacket. Or even a neutral color, like a tan. What you want to _avoid_ though would be wearing a blue suit (with a blue background.) Make sense? So, don’t be afraid to ask the portrait photographer or the person coordinating the photo-shoot. I’m sure your photographer would ask you to bring some options with you and take a look when you arrive.
Fifth. Things to avoid? Big jewelry. Turtlenecks. Short sleeve shirts (please, please, please.)
Let’s switch gears. For the sake of this conversation let’s talk about headshots for men. Guys. If you have a heavy beard please get a good shave right before you come over. If you are going to want more than one look, like business corporate and casual, please bring a few changes on hangers. Stuff that looks great for men’s casual are classic button down, classy golf shirts, etc. I’ll say it again. Classic. Classy. You know what I am talking about. Keep it to those two things and you can’t go wrong.
Avoid loud stripes and patterns. No herringbone please. Solid colors work best. I always find it best to have you look at what your counterparts at your particular company are wearing and go with the flow. And, I mean look at the good ones! LOL.
Everything we talked about here is regarding headshots. Meaning the headshot photography service you employ will be bringing the backgrounds to you. So, all you have to do is know in advance what background they are bringing and ask your corporate meeting department, Public Relations counselor, HR department or whoever is heading up the session about any instructions the photographer might have forwarded.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
You need a headshot. Now what?
According to Wikipedia: “A head shot is a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a person’s face. Headshot is essentially the same as portrait. However, headshot is an image that portrays people as they are and is more of a ‘mug shot’, however simple or stylized it might be. Whereas, a portrait will often ‘portray’ the person with elements of his life, such as his work, interest, etc. (Please refer to portrait for more information.)”
But what does that mean to you or your Dallas based business when preparing for one? Obviously you are making an investment in time and money to get your headshots done and you want results that will portray your company’s executives, management and employees in a positive manner.
By following a few simple tips of preparation you can make your headshot experience a good one. Even a fun one for those folks who “hate having their pictures made,” as I hear so often.
I have a great “Do’s & Don’ts on my Dallas Headshots Web Page if you want to book mark it, but for the sake of this conversation let’s just hit the high points (in parts, to be continued in following blogs.)
First things first. Be yourself. Only, maybe not like “too much so.” Meaning, if this is a corporate headshot or business portrait, vs. an actor headshot where you are “portraying” a character you don’t necessarily want to “act like a character.” IYKWIM. So, conservative always wins. Again, be yourself, but knock it down a notch.
Second. Relax. The whole thing probably takes less than five minutes. When you have us over for your headshots I can guarantee we are going to put you at ease. Maybe too at ease. With over 10,000 headshots under out belts (heck, we shot 1,000 one day at a convention) we know how to make folks feel comfy.
Third. Don’t over think it. And what I mean by that is, don’t go nuts trying to figure out what to wear. I can’t tell you how many clients I have do this. They totally stress out about it, and really end up wearing something that just is “not them.”
Wear what you are comfortable in. Something that makes you feel good. If it is for business, dark suits usually work best. Don’t wear white unless it is under something (like a jacket.) Sick with “clothes classics” not over-the-top styles. If you want your headshot to last wear something you won’t be asking “what was I thinking” five years from now. You will not only know “what a headshot is / was” by the time you are done, but you will have yourself a good one that will give you years of service.
Again, please see my “do’s and don’ts” (link above) for more specifics and we will keep the conversation going soon.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
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