I recently spent a weekend in Hobart. I didn’t take many photographs because, well, it wasn’t that kind of trip.
I did get up early one morning and drove to the summit of Mount Wellington, where it was 2.7 degrees, with crazy winds making it feel like -8.2 degrees. The drive back down was much more pleasant, so I stopped when I saw this golden dawn light falling on the foothills and Lenah Valley.
As people increasingly promote themselves through social and professional networks, headshots and portraits are no longer just for models and actors. They’re becoming an important way for many people – business owners, job seekers, executives, consultants – to market themselves. In this post, I’ll outline what to expect from a headshot or portrait shoot, and how to prepare.
Most people don’t like having their photo taken. Add to this that, by their nature, headshot sessions are very “in your face”, and you can see the importance of choosing a photographer who you will be comfortable with. First, take a look through their website to get an idea of their style. Any photographer worth their salt will be comfortable shooting a range of styles, but their website will give you a good first impression.
Next, talk to the photographer. How does the conversation go? Did you like them? Did they ask about what you’re hoping to get from the shoot? Did they talk you through how their sessions work? Did they make you feel comfortable? If not, they’re probably not right for you.
The most common, traditional style is the vertical portrait. Generally close-cropped head and shoulders, in front of a plain background, like the examples below.
Another option for ‘studio-style’ headshots is to have them composed in a horizontal/landscape orientation like those below. Personally, I find this style a little more engaging and relaxed. In a corporate setting, this style also allows for the inclusion of company signage or branding in the background. Typically, during a session I will shoot a combination of vertical and horizontal compositions and provide clients with both options.
‘Environmental’ portraits or headshots are typically taken outside or in some other non-studio location such as your workplace. This style can be a little more relaxed, and is much better for telling the story of who you are and what you do.
Once you’ve chosen a photographer and made a booking for a session, it’s time to start getting prepared. Things to do before the shoot include:
It’s Brisbane. It’s humid, particularly in summer. Your hair’s going to get a little frizzy. Bring along a brush or comb, and maybe some product, to take care of those fuzzy flyaways.
Makeup can help to hide any blemishes or cut down on shiny skin, but there’s no need to go overboard. If you usually wear makeup, just put on what you normally would for a day at work. Bring some makeup with you to make any touchups during the shoot, along with some lip gloss or balm to keep your lips looking soft.
Try and avoid any significant beauty procedures such as facial peels or exfoliating in the leadup to your shoot. A bad reaction could leave your skin looking irritated.
For men, there’s no need to shave before the shoot if you’re someone who usually has a day or two’s growth. Remember – you’re looking for shots that represent you. If you bring your shaving gear, we can get some clean shaven shots in the second half of the session. That’s much easier than trying to grow some stubble in an hour.
Once we’re done, I’ll start to select and edit the best images from the shoot. Editing will generally include:
And, we’re done! If it’s time you updated your corporate portraits, social media profile photos or performer’s headshot, get in touch, and we’ll talk about how I can help.
“Some people sat in a room, and some other people stood up and talked at them.” Not a very interesting story is it? Events – whether corporate events, workshops, launches or parties – are much more interesting than that, and my aim when covering them is to tell the story of the connections and interactions that occur amongst the speakers, participants and guests.
Event managers, it’s 2016. Time to get your speakers out from behind lecterns and podiums and interacting with their audience. My approach to photographing event speakers and presenters is to capture moments when their expressing themselves, not when they’re reading from their notes at a lectern. Some aspects I consider while photographing presenters include:
When you’re telling the story of your event, you want to show that your audience was engaged and interested. Photos from the back of the room, showing the back of people’s heads aren;t really going to tell that story. When I’m photographing an event, I walk around the room, looking for moments where audience members are clearly focussed on the front of the room, pondering what’s being said, and taking notes.
“Social Photos”. You know the ones I mean – two people who barely know each other, standing awkwardly next to each other, forcing a smile at a photographer who interrupted their conversation. I don’t want to interrupt people’s conversations for social photos. I’d rather capture the conversations, the interactions, the smiles of recognition cross the room. These images are the story of your event.
Events are presented, supported and sponsored by brands. They don’t do that out of the goodness of their heart. They do it for exposure, brand recognition and good will. So, when I’m shooting an event, I try to get as many photographs as possible which include some element of the event’s branding. A banner in the corner of the room? Hmm, maybe. Someone using, wearing or interacting with your sponsor’s product or your company or sponsor’s logo? Ideal.
As 2016 gets underway, and you’re planning your event calendar for the year, think about the type of event coverage you’d prefer. If you want photographs that tell the story of your event, the people, the interactions and the connections, get in touch.
Since learning I would be losing my day job, stress has been an infrequent visitor in my life. Sure, there’s the ever-present uncertainty about the future, but nothing of the “things could go really wrong really soon” type stress that occasionally comes with corporate life.
Kylie and I drove from Queenstown to Glenorchy one morning, and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a ruined pier jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. I made a mental note to stop and photograph it on the way back, but by then the rain had come so I just continued on back to Queenstown.
So, later in the afternoon, when the weather had cleared, I decided to head back out and try again. While it may look like a pretty serene photo, it was responsible for one of the most stressful afternoons in my recent life.
When I jumped in the car, noticed that the fuel gauge was a little low, but figured it would be enough to get me there and back.
Turns out the location was a little further along the road than I remembered. And just as I finished up and got back in the car, the fuel light came on. So here I was, on a winding, narrow road with no real shoulder, with no phone, and at least 30km between me and the nearest service station.
I had no idea of the fuel range in the unfamiliar 2006 Toyota Corolla rental car, so I’ve never driven so conservatively in my life – smooth around the corners, coasting down the hills, gentle acceleration up the hills. At the 10km out of town mark, my thoughts turned to “well, it’s not too far to walk now, but Kylie will start wondering where I am.”
I made it to Queenstown, but of course, the nearest fuel is a few kilometres on the other site of the town centre. So, I gingerly drove through town keeping an eye on potential places to pull over. I made it in the end, pulling into the service station just as Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” came on the radio. I think I was down to the final 2 litres.
Totally worth it.