Archive for March 2010
Using Photography to Sell Yourself
An Iphone Predecessor
Flip through any magazine and you’ll see hundreds of images creative directors have chosen to motivate you to buy their product. Imagine a full page ad without images? Or an ad using an outdated photo? Maybe Apple should stop with the inspiring campaigns that motivate you to want to be part of something? Maybe their ad should use this cell phone photo with a disclaimer that current model may be different from the model shown. They pretty much do the same thing right?
Should the importance of the photo change when the product is you? It’s not just actors who need headshots. If you use your likeness to promote your business, it is in my opinion, the photo should show the same level of professionalism you want your company to convey.
Unacceptable Head Shot - A Photo taken at a wedding of me and my wife
People often overlook their head shot. I’ve seen shots that look like a friend took them out to the backyard and shot the photo against a palm tree. What about the photos where someone is cropped out?
What about an outdated or no-longer-accurate photo? A 10 year old photo? Or maybe one taken 15 lbs ago? I was once hired to shoot executive portraits for a research institute. The director knew I was there to shoot the execs but made himself scarce when it was his turn. So scarce that he left to “get a haircut” but didn’t come back. Later I found out that the director liked his current photo and didn’t want to replace it. The photo he liked so much was 15 years old.
What should your head shot say about you? Does it convey strength? professionalism? warmth? success? honesty?
A couple weeks ago I was hired to shoot some portraits/head shot for Jennifer. During out initial meeting we talked about the two different venues she is pursuing, writing and jewelry design. I suggested that although we could kill two birds with one stone it would be better in the long run to shoot different portraits for the different uses. That’s what we did. With the help of Valerie Noble on hair and makeup we came away with a handful of great shots. As with a lot of my portrait work we opted to shoot these in Jennifer’s home. It allows a sense of comfort for the subject and takes the edge off the stress of “having my photo taken”.
Author's head shot/ portrait
Jennifer Hummer - Jewelry Designer
Some Models Have It….
I’ve worked with a lot of models and actors over the years. Some models have it; some think they do, but don’t. It’s always a great experience to work with someone who is really great at what they do, knowing that when I work with them the results will be amazing. In this case it was shooting with Tiffany Toth down in Laguna Beach. Tiffany and I have had the pleasure of working together on three different occasions and every time we shoot together we get the caliber of images that stand out.
Renaissance Towers for About:Space
A couple weeks ago I got a call from the interior designers at About:Space. They were finishing up on a project for the Renaissance Towers downtown and wanted to submit photos of their work for an industry award. Their work involved upgrading the lobby and leasing office as well as designing the new penthouse. The following shots are samples from our two day shoot.
Renaissance Towers Leasing Office Design
Renaissance Towers Lobby Design
As much as tried to integrate it into the shot, I just couldn’t manage to get the helicopter pad just outside the windows on the right to read. Next time I’ll request a helicopter.
Renaissance Towers Penthouse Living Room
Renaissance Towers Penthouse Master Bedroom