Ha, Headshots, who needs em!

Good Tuesday from Prospect.

Headshots, who needs em. "Hell I don't need to post a pic of myself, potential clients will just know who I am and want to work with me."

Is this what gets you ahead? I see this everyday. The infamous facebook guy or the linkedin head and especially that computer/laptop camera shot. Trust me that's not a positive image.

It's one thing if you're online in a personal capacity, but when it comes to business what are you thinking? If you think your facebook page is only viewed by your friends you're sadly mistaken. Even if you don't think it happens potential clients/employers are checking you out. That online presence is key to selling yourself and your ideas. If you don't care then power to ya.

Really, if you're going to take the time to post yourself online what the hell are you doing without a good headshot. You are your brand. A good headshot is part of your brand, if it doesn't portray your messaging and what you have to offer than why bother? 

Good branding is how you portray yourself to potentials, a good headshot is one graphic element in a successful marketing plan that stems from your brand. Good brands are about being focused. 

As a Designer and photographer I can assure you, if you don't put your best foot forward you won't succeed in whatever you're up to.

When looking to get a good headshot, look to a professional.

Professional photographers aren't your average enthusiasts, they aren't your cousin or boyfriend or fellow employee that just happens to have a camera, they are professionals because they understand professionalism. 

A professional seeks a vision, a creative that envelopes a message. Professionals deliver consistently time after time, not just get paid to shoot pictures. They know their gear and they know light. A professional headshot is a big part of your brand. Remember…"Your brand is what people say about you when you leave the room".

Whether you agree or not the net is image driven, it's not just what you say but what you show.

That deer in the headlights shot chases people away from, not toward, you. BTW, that includes your staff pics on your web site.

A Professional headshot is so empowering. So lean In, put your best self forward and get a professional headshot that communicates all of your many talents!

Until next post, enjoy Derek

Mastering the right kit part2

Happy Tuesday from Prospect.

Well, back in the studio today perfecting the traveling headshot kit. Today we set up the typical clam shell.

(Kit part 1 link here)

This set-up is typically used in fashion but works exceptionally well for head shots, when set-up right, and the beauty is it can have a black, dark (non distracting) or pleasing, environmental, background depending on your light ratios. The kit only includes one main light and an optional second light to add separation where and when needed.

Something I wanted to add. I, for the umpteenth time, heard Zack Arias' ( his link is on the side bar) talk about an honest and inexpensive starter kit when starting out as a a photographer. He chose a Canon 5D mark 1, 2 primes and some basic flash gear, all used for easy pocket book pricing. What he failed to mention is why this gear. Although it may not be the latest and greatest in camera gear with oodles of mega pixels, it is a full frame package that fits a productive bill that delivers real results your client will love.

Full frame vs Crop sensor discussions are all over the place. Sorry, Full Frame rules…and delivers, period. (My XPro-1 is the only crop I've ever enjoyed and I use it for street, not business or deliverables.)

So for the shoot today, I used just that. I shot some of these with a 5D mk1 (this is my back-up body) with an 85mm f1.8 and the rest with a 5D mrk2 with a 70-200mm f2.8. Same strobe and separation flash set-up for both. Doubt you can tell the diff and I'm not tellin'. (Aperture/shutter speed/ISO/white balance are identical between the two. That's what happens when you take the time to calibrate your gear. PREVIOUS POST HERE) 

BTW, when I'm in the studio or on location doing these I always want my clients to enjoy themselves so we shoot as much fun stuff along with the final serious pieces, even if they don't leave the studio and no one else sees them. It makes for a better shoot and my clients end up much happier that they decided to do these. No humdrum Walmart here.

Good Headshots are just as important as your business card or brand. It's what you put forward. Can you really afford to go cheap. A Bad headshot (Maybe shot from your computers camera. Don't laugh, I see it all the time) is just as detrimental as a bad logo (50 bucks online).

Stop hurting yourself and look good to your potential clients, it's worth it.

Enjoy the fun poses, Derek

Head Shots that DON'T HURT

Good Thursday from Prospect,

My new Photography site is up and running and filling up with current works.

Check it out here [ http://derekmasonphotography.com ]. 

In need of that head shot that has life? You know what I'm talking about. one that shows who you are, not the Walmart or department store snap. The one that shows people what you're about.

Well check out the Portrait & Head Shot Portfolio page for some samples of what I do. If you're interested just drop a line through the contact page or place a comment here.

I also do editorial and commercial work, Just Sayin'. 

If that's the bag you're in I'd be happy to take the time to discuss what we can do together.

Hope to hear from you. Enjoy the pics.

Derek