When T. reached out to me, she was finishing a degree in Data Analytics and in the process of embarking on a new career path.
She is an experienced and educated woman with a collection of impressive degrees: Biology, Fish & Wildlife Biotechnology, and now Data Analytics. She is a mother of two school-aged kids, who had gone back to school to reorient her professional life. This was a bold, ambitious, and courageous move. When life throws you a curve ball, you either duck or swing at it. And swing she did!
Time-pressed and budget-conscious, we had to get these headshots done. So we did.
We did a video call consultation before the shoot. We went over what message she wanted to convey with her professional headshots. We discussed the various looks we would photograph and talked about items of clothing and accessories to bring. She purchased some and borrowed a few items. Clean and simple was the way to go. We had to showcase her personality: competent, experienced, approachable, and talented.
As the session progressed, the self-confidence built. Can you see how much more relaxed she is becoming over time in the sequence of the portraits?
I’ve mentioned this before and will write it again:
A professional-looking headshot you are proud to show off to the world (online or in print) will boost your confidence. This newfound confidence generates an energy and a vitality that impacts your business directly.
I photographed this trailblazing woman back in 2016.
circa 2016
Now, she needed updated headshots. She is the host of Reader’s Corner and F.Y.I. on http://yourtv.tv/brockville.
circa 2023
Doreen brings a wealth of experience and passion to all she does. Doreen is curious about and engaged in the community. She is a woman of influence.
With the collaboration of Samantha, makeup artist extraordinaire and owner of Raw Beauty Cosmetology@rawbeautycosmetology, we created new business headshots.
Samantha, the artist, at work.
The Pre-Shoot Consultation is an important step in this experience. It helps make the portrait session flow.
It may not look like it but getting photographed demands energy on the subject’s part. It is essential we work efficiently and that we have a good idea of the must-have shots we want to create. During the consultation, we map out the shoot by discussing looks, outfits, accessories, etc. We also get clear on the purpose of each business headshot while allowing for spontaneous additions or changes.
Doreen, being a returning client, has mastered the art of outfit selection. We were able to choose outfits with matching accessories to fit the different portraits needed.
Accessories aren’t necessary but are a nice complement to an outfit to provide a slightly different look.Showcasing the independently published novel by Neville Johnson: The Naked and the Damned.
Researchers say it takes many touchpoints before converting a follower into a client or a member of your tribe. A consistent and polished media feed is key to building trust with your audience.
Upgrade your social media presence to make your business stand out.
From professional, casual, or fun portraits to images of your storefront and polished photos of your service and products, this experience is all-inclusive to help you promote your business.
Define what your brand stands for, its core values and tone of voice, and then communicate consistently in those terms. – Simon Mainwaring
The shoot includes a styling consultation, an in-studio or on-location professional shoot, a variety of looks, professional business portraits, a curated bank of images of your place of business, and of the outstanding service and products you offer. Optional and highly recommended hair and makeup services are also available by a licensed professional.
Madison putting her best face forward.
When you photograph a face…, you photograph the soul behind it. – Jean-Luc Goddard
What types of images does your business need?
Clients do business with people they know, like, and trust, so it makes sense to proudly show your face in some of your social media and marketing.
Écouter est un art et cet entrepreneur et formateur maîtrise cet art depuis longtemps. En matière de vente et conseil, il préconise la préparation. C’est là que le lien de confiance se tisse entre le conseiller et le client.
C’est un peu ce qui s’est passé dans le studio. Il faisait chaud à la fin de la session de portraits pendant laquelle se sont succédés des portraits corporatifs et personnels. Plus la session avançait, plus le côté généreux et passionné de Félix transperçait sur les images. À la fin, Monsieur n’avait plus besoin de coaching; son charme naturel venait de prendre le dessus.
PRÉPARATION: Armé de différents ensembles, il est arrivé préparé avec chemises, cravates, accessoires et vestons allant du très professionnel bon-chic-bon-genre au look apéro 5 à 7 pour terminer avec le look décontracté de fin de semaine.
Nous avons eu de la difficulté à choisir quelle image définit le mieux cet entrepreneur de talent et renommé. C’est aussi difficile de choisir l’image qui dresse le portrait de l’homme derrière l’homme d’affaire. Qu’en pensez-vous? Laquelle est votre préférée?
We met on a very rainy Friday in June of 2017. Back then, Cheryl was the owner-manager of a Golf course where the WMB Kingston hosted their annual Summer Kick-Off event At the end of the evening, she had won a portrait session with us as part of the door prizes draw.
She called about a year later. Lots had happened in her life. We spoke on the phone and discussed how she wanted to be photographed. She wanted to celebrate a new chapter in her life and celebrate life itself. This delicate and elegant woman overcame cancer in the last few years.
She now dances just for fun almost daily. She is saying yes to opportunities and invitations all of the time and her positive and vibrant energy is contagious. Take a look for yourself and scroll down…
I find there is a Diane Keaton element to her personality.We squeezed in a few corporate casual portraits for her future business ventures.On her way out, I said: «Grab your hat and let’s see.»
I received a call a few months ago from Meredith. We knew each other without my realizing. We used to attend the same spin class and the local gym. This woman is a machine on and off the bike!
During the styling phone consultation, we discussed how she wanted to be photographed. The photography session we were going to create together had this purpose: to celebrate her uniqueness. For one, her idol is Iris Apfel. They seem to share a love for funky, out-of-the-ordinary and stylish glasses. Secondly, her love of textures and colors in clothes made for very different looks during the shoot.
After going over general guidelines and tips about what to wear and what to bring to the photo shoot, I shortly received an email with four pictures. She had put together four different outfits, including accessories and footwear, and photographed each one. To say this woman is organized is an understatement.
This woman is a powerhouse. She is a published author. She wrote Road to the Rainbow: A Personal Journey to Recovery from an Eating Disorder Survivor. She also works for the local hospital Foundation and is an amazing, caring, inspiring and generous human being.
Which of the four styles of glasses do you prefer?
Meredith’s book, published by CCB Publishing: Road to the Rainbow is available on Amazon.
Hair & makeup by the fabulous and talented Madison Moore.
Meredith is wearing Lise Watier’s Nude Addiction on her lips.
The school year is about to end. Where did time go? Graduating from high school, college or university signifies many different things to many.
This special time is significant for anyone. That is why we love opening up the studio doors to young men and women and treat them to a magazine-style photo experience and make them feel like a celebrity.
Prior to the shooting session, we do a styling consultation. This is when you share how you wish to be photographed. The blend of your ideas, personal style, and inspiration combined with the lighting setups and posing make for unique timeless images. We start mapping out the shoot during the consultation while leaving room for spur of the moment ideas.
The day of the shoot starts with a hair and makeup session. For guys, we can still bring in the fabulous artist as she can help style the hair and remove dark circles (from staying up late studying for final exams, of course).
You do NOT need to know how to pose. You do not need to worry about where to place your hands. That is my job. During the shoot, we flow from one idea to the next listening to music and grabbing snacks when energy is low. You leave looking and feeling fabulous, energized and ready to take on the world.
A few weeks after the shoot, you come in to view the images created for you. You can then decide how you wish to enjoy and cherish the images. There are keepsake boxes that fit 8x10s, matted enlargements and canvas prints. Stationary such as greeting cards and postcards or press-printed books are also fun, customized and long-lasting options. They are great mementos.
Below are a few of the dozens of young celebrities I have had the honor of photographing in the last 20 years.
The featured image at the top of the blog post is that of a young woman who is determined, ambitious and industrious. I met her when she was a few hours old. She was born on Friday the 13th, the night of a full moon, the year the movie Titanic came out.
Graduating from college.
One of the many reasons behind the setting up of her magazine-style celebrity-inspired portrait session was that we wanted to celebrate her graduation from a 3-year college degree in Interior Design. This young woman graduated with honors and spent one of her semesters in Paris working on real-life projects for a French design firm.
This session was also a way to celebrate another milestone: her admittance into Université de Montréal’s limited-enrollment and reputable Architecture Program.
This second graduation portrait is one of a talented and hard-working high school teenager. Her artistic abilities and infinite creativity leave me speechless. She manages to work part-time throughout her final high school year and still partake in many school initiatives that bring diverse experiences to her life. She has also worked as a studio assistant for me and makes the future look promising. I am excited by the idea that she is going to make the world better in her next adventure. Good luck Angélique!
This third image is over 5 years old. This beautiful, talented young woman is now a first-time mother. I have been fortunate to document many important moments in her life. (Baby portraits coming later on). Phia is smart, eloquent and creative and she has the voice of an angel.
This last image is from a creative and outgoing young woman. Tamara’s sense of humor and empathy are qualities she brings to the world to make it better and brighter every day.
These portraits are created with the intention of immortalizing an important moment in young adults’ lives. What it also does is foster a positive inner transformation that happens in almost every photo shoot like these.
Celebrating milestones and creating timeless images are important and of inestimable value. So get your portraits printed and show them to the world.
If you wish to receive some information on the in-studio beauty portrait session, you may order the brochure here.
“To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.” – Oscar Wilde
Many female clients put portraits of their loved ones on their wall. Some women admit they feel vain displaying a portrait of themselves. Yet, they have no difficulty having their partner’s portrait or their children’s in the home.
Think an 8 x 10 is large?! This image is 16 inches by 20 inches and professionally framed in a 20 x 24 frame.Every morning, this is N’s reminder of how uniquely beautiful she is.
Women clients tell me they are not photogenic, that they dislike their arms, their double-chin, their thighs, their behinds, their hooded eyelids, etc. In the last 20 years I have heard it all!
So I have a challenge for women, this Valentine’s Day. How about honouring your unique beauty? That inner beauty that is uniquely yours. That beauty that is earned in a life of raising children, staying in or leaving a marriage or long-term relationship, caring for aging parents, losing a loved one, going back to school, building a business, embracing retirement, etc. The beauty that comes from a life lived to its fullest.
The unique features that define your body image create an energy that is perceptible in a portrait. Energy, passion and sparkle cannot be Photoshopped into an image. Those are superpowers that you bring to the photo shoot.
9-up portrait sequence.
Hanging portraits of yourself in your home, reminds you of how uniquely beautiful you are. It lets the other members of the family know you are as important as they are. It is a great way to model self-love and acceptance to younger family members. If nothing else, you leave a legacy-portrait of yourself to those who love you. More importantly, it may change the way you see yourself.
In the beauty magazine-style photoshoot experience, we go after your sparkle. Your inner light. The styling of the photo session is customized. It can be as casual or as glamorous (or both) as you wish it to be. You decide.
If you think we live in a digital world and that human connection no longer matters, think again. However, people will probably see your face online before they hear your voice or shake your hand. Which means that subtle grin, that eye twinkle, that confident stare or that laugh-out-loud smile affects how the viewer perceives you and your brand.
This idea leads me to reiterate the importance of a great business portrait. Technically, it should be above average, with flawless posing, lighting, retouching and composition to catch the viewers’ attention.
”Your headshot is like the logo of your personal brand.”– Giancarlo Pawelec for LinkedIn
The corporate portrait becomes one of the elements that make your business’ visual identity along with the logo, colours and typefaces used.
Find out about Kelly’s social media strategy services: KellyBateson.com
When you book a photo session, make sure your share your brand’s visual identity with the image creator. It is also a good idea to answer some of the following questions: – What is the intention behind this headshot? – How do you define yourself in business? – What is the message or feeling you are trying to convey? – How do you want to be photographed? – Which platform or media is this image (images) going to be used? – Will there be copy written onto it? Where will this text appear?
If you do not have an answer for most or any of the questions above, I can help you start the reflection and discussion around your future or current brand identity. I am not a branding expert by any means but I am a graphic designer and have helped small-businesses develop their brand. I will gladly share tips and content with you.
After the pre-shoot discussion, we can design a customized photo shoot for you and help you create the perfect image for you and your brand.
If your business requires some product shots or images of your services for the website or for printed documentation, this can easily be included.
”So take a look at your current headshot. Is it doing you and your company justice? If not, it’s time to fire it and get the job done right.”– Kate L. Harrison for Forbes.com
The web makes learning accessible. I use it as part of my regular training to perfect the mastery of my craft, I follow a number of entrepreneurs and leaders in my industry. I am constantly watching and listening to webinars and podcasts. Like every day. Like all the time.
The other day, while listening to a business webinar, the influential speaker said this: «You attract the clients you deserve.» In other words, you attract clients who are aligned with your energy. This line has stayed with me since.
I struggle with the confidence in the service I provide and the quality of the work I produce for people. I have come to understand that and expect it. I know many artists and soul-preneurs feel the same way because our soul is part and parcel of the service we provide for others. Indeed, portrait photography is my labor of love.
These are some of the lovely souls that have come into my life in 2018.
When I read this line over and over again: «You attract the clients you deserve.», I am at a loss for words to express my gratitude toward the clients who come into my studio. All I know is I am one darn-lucky and blessed human being!
