Part 1: Basic Tips for Everyone
So you've booked your portrait session, and the date is approaching. Maybe you're unsure what you should do to prepare. Thankfully we have put together some tips to help you make the most of your portrait session. Here are some ways to prepare in the days leading up to your session.
What to Wear
The clothing that you wear in your portraits must represent you, so choose carefully. Choose three “looks” to bring along to your session, even if you only plan to wear one. You don't want to be on set, wishing you had brought that one other thing.
Do not wear your session outfit to the shoot. Accidents can and do happen. Instead, make sure everything is clean and pressed.
Grooming
Your hair, nails and skin will also require attention in the days leading up to your session.
If you need a haircut, make sure to allow time before your session for the cut to grow in or get fixed if necessary. Your hands will most likely appear in your photos, so be sure to manicure your nails. Moisturize your hands as well.
The best way to prepare your skin for your session is by drinking plenty of water. Also remember to moisturize and exfoliate your skin. And don't forget about your lips-- they need to stay moisturized as well. Consider having your teeth whitened, either professionally or at home.
Self-Care
The happier and healthier you are, the more it will show on camera. So take good care of yourself in preparation for your session. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Get as much sleep as possible. Review what you discussed with Amber in your pre-session consultation. Remember that your session is going to be fun!
Be Prepared
As you are packing for your session, keep in mind your Vision Board. Bring along items that best represent you and your personal brand. Think of your audience and choose pieces that you will be confident wearing in your most important meeting. If you keep all of these tips in mind, you will be prepared for your portrait session.
Click through to book a complimentary discussion on ways you can leverage your headshots to make more money
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
Tips for Men
What to Wear:
We covered bringing three “looks" to your photo session. More specifically, what should these looks include? For your three looks I suggest: The Casual Male (i.e. tight fitting t-shirt, dark jeans), The Business Casual (i.e. button up shirt, no tie, sport coat), and The Business Man (i.e. suit and tie).
What does a “look" consist of? A more traditional look could include a combination of: suit, collared shirt, tie (with tie pin/bar), pocket square, cuff links, socks, shoes, and additional accessories as desired.
A more casual look could include trousers, jeans, blazer, sweater, hoodie, open collar shirt, or black or white t-shirt.
Whatever you bring should be clean and pressed. Choose colors that make your eyes stand out and your skin look healthy. If you aren't sure what to choose, ask a trusted, fashion-savvy friend.
Pay special attention to ties and pocket squares. These are very important so bring your best.
Grooming:
If your hair needs a cut, schedule it accordingly, giving the cut time to grow out or be fixed before your session if necessary.
If you are clean shaven, please plan to visit a professional barber the morning of your session. We want you to have the cleanest, sharpest look. Alternatively, if you are a five o’clock shadow guy, trim your beard prior to your session accordingly. If you have manicured facial hair, please shave and trim as needed.
If you have full facial hair, please condition it.
Make sure you trim any stray ear, nose, or neck hairs, and also your eyebrows.
Whitening your teeth professionally or at home is highly recommended, since you will most likely smile during your session.
Drink plenty of water in the days before your session. It’s nature’s most effective “facelift.” Your skin will look better and you will feel better.
Moisturize your skin, including your hands, with whatever men's skin care line you currently use. If you don't have a favorite, Cetaphil makes an excellent face wash and moisturizer, available at Duane Reade. Exfoliating is a paramount step in the preparation process. If you don’t already have product you use, you can either wash your face with a washcloth and gently massage your face cleanser in small circles around your face (including your lips) to help remove any dead skin OR add a small amount of baking soda (not powder) to your cleanser and use your fingers to gently massage small circles all over your face. This also helps to reduce pores and oil. Don’t forget to do your lips.
It is very important to use a lip balm of your choice to keep your lips moisturized and healthy looking. You will not look ‘glossy’ on camera. Carmex is a good choice.
Please feel free to bring any skin or hair products you may use with you. It is helpful to have on hand for touch ups.
Self-care:
This bears repeating: drink plenty of water. Try to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day. This does not include coffee, which can actually dehydrate you.
If you drink alcohol, refrain as much as possible in the days leading up to your session, and definitely do not drink the night before.
Try to get as much sleep as you can the night before you come in.
Review what you and Amber discussed in your pre-session consultation and prepare physically and mentally.
Your session is going to be a lot of fun!
Vision:
Keep your clothing consistent with your ‘personal brand’ and with your audience. You want to look like the person who shows up to the meeting. Don’t choose anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable and confident wearing to your most important meeting to date.
If you keep all of these tips in mind, you will be better prepared for your session and it will show in your pictures.
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
While this is true across the board, it is more pronounced in my male clients. They want to look good, but don’t know what to do with their hands, how to stand, where to look or they just seem to have one “look.”
Here are some top posing tips to keep in mind (and practice) before your session:
FACE
Stick your chin out. This may seem strange and out of the norm, but trust me, it photographs well. Not only are you avoiding a double chin look, you are accentuating a masculine jaw line. If posing with a small to no smile, try slightly biting down too to further define this jaw line.
Squint your eyes. Don’t take this tip too far and look like you’re struggling to see, but a slight squint to your eyes gives you an illusion of smiling without a big, toothy grin.
BODY
Open up your stance. Don’t stand with your feet together. Plant each foot directly under each shoulder, and point your toes out slightly for a more confident look.
Mind your posture. A good posture communicates confidence and professionalism. Achieve this look by standing tall and confident with a strong, tight core, but make sure you stay relaxed with non-stiff shoulders.
Lean in towards to the camera. This tip helps your shoulders look as broad as possible, and your waist look thinner – achieving the ideal v shape male body type (without extra trips to the gym).
Shift your weight to one leg. Having your weight evenly distributed between each foot looks less natural. Shifting your weight very slightly loosens things up, makes your look more comfortable and gives a natural vibe.
Inhale before a picture is snapped. This tiny practice sucks in your gut and gives your chest a bigger (and more confident) look.
HANDS
One of the biggest challenges when taking portraits with men, is what to do with their hands. Many men get uncomfortable, and it shows with their hand positioning. Here are some good hand poses to keep “on-hand.”
- Hands in pockets with thumbs looped out
- One hand hanging on the side with one in the pocket
- Arms crossed across chest - Fixing a tie or cufflinks
- Holding or adjusting a prop – football, guitar, hat, jacket
- If sitting and in a professional setting – try the “steeple” pose by holding your hands out in front of you and touching your fingertips on each hand to the corresponding hand’s fingertips.
Last, but most certainly, not least – BRING YOUR ATTITUDE. How you feel will come across on camera. If you feel shy, awkward and unsure – your pictures will show it. If you feel good and confident, your image in your photos will speak for itself. We can accomplish a lot with posting, but it is no substitute for your own confidence and self-esteem.
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
FACE
Ask for shots from above. Without fail, photos where the subject is looking slightly up at the camera are flattering. The focus is on your face, your chin line is clearly defined and your eyes will pop.
Pull your chin down. This tip differs from the posing tip to men, and seems counter intuitive. But make sure, you are pulling your chin OUT and down. Doing so will shape your jaw line (in a feminine way), and thin your jaw line, chin and neck area out.
Take small breaths through your nose right before shots. Seems weird, I know, but doing so will make your collar bone (a flattering area on most every woman) pop in the photo.
BODY
Put your best foot forward – literally. Not necessarily your foot, but remember, whatever is closest to the camera will be the biggest. So make that big focus something you love – whether it’s your fresh manicure by bringing your arms and hands to the front or your lovely face by leaning into the shot.
Pose at an angle. Posing square or straight on makes the body appear wider. A slight angle is instantly slimming.
Don’t hide your curves. Be empowered and embrace your feminine body. Whether that’s shifting your weight to one leg or using the hand-on-hip pose, your curves are beautiful and doing so also defines your waist.
HANDS
Use the classic hand-on-hip pose. While this pose is cliché and used all the time, there’s a reason for it – it works and looks good. But, you don’t need to look like a high school cheerleader when using it. The hand-on-hip pose can be loosely done with one arm while letting the other naturally (and softly) rest to the side.
Play with your hair. Use the one prop that goes everywhere with you – your hair. It keeps your hands busy, and looking less awkward, and it looks great!
Last, but most certainly, not least – BRING YOUR ATTITUDE. I’ve said this before in our last blog, but it holds true for all of my clients, and it can’t be emphasized enough. How you feel will come across on camera. If you feel shy, awkward and unsure – your pictures will show it. If you feel pretty and confident, your image in your photos will speak for itself. We can accomplish a lot with posting, but it is no substitute for your own confidence and self-esteem.
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
“It’s just a picture.”
“Do I really need a professional photographer?”
“I have a camera, can I just do it myself?”
These are all common thoughts we run into all the time when advertising our professional headshot service. In the modern, digital age where everyone has a camera at the touch of their fingertips – whether it’s on a smartphone or a “fancy” digital SLR camera – not everyone sees the benefit of professional portraits. But, benefits there are, and here’s just a few:
Your online profile is your digital business card – Sure, business cards are still around, but they’re not used quite like they use to be. Most people use the card long enough to search your name on LinkedIn, and then your online profile takes over. Once on your profile, you become more than just a name on a card, business contacts and potential clients put your name with your face and all of your accomplishments and skills that are listed right below your picture.
Want the best of both worlds? Put your headshot on your business card too. You’ll automatically be more memorable before someone searches for you online, and when they do go to search for your profile, it’ll be easier to find you (especially if you have a more common name.)
A professional headshot shows you’re serious – Would you show up to a job interview in beach attire, wrinkled clothes or anything else that’s not suited for that place of employment? Of course not – if you want the job, you’ll put your best foot forward with your interview skills AND your appearance. The same goes for your professional digital profile – once people are on your site, are they seeing a professional who is ready for business, knows their stuff and is willing to show up prepared?
For business owners, your face IS the face of your business – If you are a small business owner, you really can’t afford to NOT have professional headshots. Even if you’re in the “startup” phase, you don’t want your business to look like it’s in the startup phase. Professional photos enhance your biography page, add an element of legitimacy to your company and can prove useful for marketing and branding material.
You’ll look good – Think about the last time you got your haircut. You may have gone into the salon with disheveled hair that needed a good wash, but when you left you probably felt like a million bucks, ready to take on the world. Why? Psychologically, if you look good, you’ll feel (and perform) good. It’s an instant confidence boost, and the same goes for photos. A professional knows all about the right lighting, positioning and of course, Photoshop to help you look your best. The effects of quality images where you like how you look are far reaching.
Your team will thank you - Professional headshots for your team are important for all of the same reasons individual headshots are important, and then some. Your website is your company’s digital business card, and you’ll want to display your talent in the best light. Professional headshots show you take your company serious and you invest in the quality product or service you provide. Your employees are also the face of your business - make them look good and they’ll make you look good.
To learn more, set up a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to learn more about how you can make more money for less than the price of a cup of coffee a day.
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
Self-made being defined as having become successful or rich by one's own efforts.
What sort of efforts does one need to make in order to become successful and rich?
Every one of those 860 millionaires surveyed above probably has their own personal formula, but I think that in all the research I'm doing, that there are basic ingredients
- Identifying what drives you to succeed and why (hint: it's not making money)
- Not just trading your time for money, but leveraging your other assets to make your money
- Being able to "win friends and influence people" with ease
- Managing your energy and not just your time
- Smart planning
- Consistency
- A strong personal brand
- Why should you care if you're self-made or not? Because why not! If they can do it, you can do it too.
If you're wise enough to invest in a professional photography, you're clearly committed to your career and passionate about being your best. You understand that having professional portraits done isn't just about having nice pictures of your face; it's about leveraging yourself as a "brand." And as we know popular "brands" can make big bucks.
So to put it simply, a well-done profile photo is a very effective tool to help you get to the top (faster).
These 7 books will also be particularly powerful, when it comes to refining those basic ingredients of success and wealth-building in your life beyond fantastic portraits.
1. The Charge: Activating the 10 Human Drives That Make You Feel by Brendon Burchard
When it comes to understanding why we do what we do, the best book I've found to date is this one. My own strongest drive is "Challenge" and my most valued drive is "Contribution"
2. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime by MJ DeMarco
It's no fun waiting until you're in your 60's to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. This is a fantastic read on why the traditional model of 'slow lane' wealth-building does not work if you want to be rich when you're young.
3. The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss
This is a good one as well if you want to figure out how to generate massive wealth without having to trade your time for money in order to do it. It actually is possible to make money while you sleep!
4. How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships by Leil Lowndes
I've read this one twice now it's so helpful. Leil Lowndes gives great advice on how to interact with people in meetings, over dinner, at social events. My camera is usually my tool of engagement, so this was great for all the times I was around strangers without my 'prop'.
5. The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time, is the Key to High Performance and Personal Renewal by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
This is a life-changer for sure! For the longest time, I always thought my problem was time management (there are only so many hours in a day and only so much of me to go around!). But after reading this book, I learned that it's about managing my energy more effectively in order to manage tasks more effectively.
6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change by Stephen R. Covey
This is a classic and still a best seller. I think consistency is the real secret to success.
7. Start Late, Finish Rich: A No-Fail Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom at Any Age by David Bach
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
In this article we want to give you the easiest to execute tips on how to stay healthy and feel good, both very necessary ingredients for a successful portrait. And while there's lots of things you can do to look and feel good, the easiest, and most profound is drinking LOTS of water. Yes, water!
People spend thousands of dollars a year on beauty products, surgical enhancements, elixirs and creams all to look younger and feel better. But, it's fair to say that staying well-hydrated will do more for your well-being than any of those things, and it's 'free.'
To illustrate this point, here are two images of a Peace Lily plant - one is when the plant is in dire need of water, and the other is AFTER it's been watered. You may think that your lips are thin, your skin is sallow, your eyes are dark, your scalp is flaky and pooping takes a long time because of your health, age, or eating habits. But most likely, it's just your body's way of indicating that you're dehydrated. You are just like this plant. Without water, you wilt, with water you flourish. You want to "fix your flaws?" Drink more water! It's also interesting to know that often times when you feel 'hungry' you're actually thirsty!
The quality and tone of your skin when you drink ample amounts of water will vastly improve.
"Have you ever tried to flush a toilet with no water?" It's near impossible to eliminate the waste out of the toilet without it. The more water you use, the easier it goes down.
The same is true for your body. Water serves not only to quench your thirst, but to flush out the toxins and other wastes we accumulate throughout the day and improve your overall performance. It plumps and hydrates your cells, makes bowel movements easier and nourishes your entire system. Did you know that your body is made of 50 - 65% water and your brain is 75%?
"Okay, okay" you say "I get that I need to drink water if I want to look good, feel good and think good, but how much should I be drinking?"
Well, it depends on who you ask, but the general rule of thumb is 12 (twelve) 8 oz glasses if you're a woman, 16 (sixteen) if you're a man - which, in terms of water bottle sizes, is 3 liters and 4 liters respectively. Which sounds like a lot, and it is. If you are an avid exerciser or very physically active, drink even more. Water evaporates through your skin and is eliminated through urine and feces. The barest minimum is "8x8" = 8 (eight) 8 oz glasses.
Consuming all that clear, fresh, tasteless water might sound boring..... So, to 'spice things up' add lemon juice for a health boost, fresh cucumber slices for a cooler, pineapple chunks for some sweetness or drink flavored herbal teas (also health boosters). Low sodium broths are also a great way to take in water and other helpful nutrients.
It's important to note though, in drinking more fluids, do not make the mistake in thinking that because coffee is made with water, that it will do the trick too. In fact, coffee is a diuretic (meaning it will de-hydrate you by encouraging urine production) and actually requires you to drink more water to replenish what you lose, same with caffeinated black teas. Alcohol too is very dehydrating -- not to mention ruins your skin, diminishes your dexterity and bloats you up. And, fruit juices, as tasty as they are, should be consumed in moderation, as they are high in sugar (empty calories) as is soda (the carbonic acid of which is also bad for your teeth).
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>
But there are just as many high level professional men who understand that personal branding is important, and therefore so is having great pictures to represent you.
However, it is true that men do not know as much about "beauty" as the need to when it comes to being "camera-ready."
We aim to educae and inspiremen to take their grooming and personal style to the next level. Every segment, we will feature a helpful tip or trick that can be used for photo sessions, and every day use alike.
Soren d.
A. De Vos Photo Studio, NYC
August 06, 2013
Photo by Amber De Vos
www.adevosphoto.com
This first segment is about that most basic 'grooming task' - shaving.
Often times, my male clients will ask me "should I shave?" and the real question is - 'do you usually shave?' If the answer is yes, my answer is yes. If the answer is "sometimes", then I generally recommend that my clients come to the studio with their 'beard' intact and to bring razors with them if they want to shave mid-session. That way, they have both looks to choose from.
For some fantastic shaving techniques we found these great infographics from Advanced Dermatology and Salon Supply Store.
For those who prefer to rock a beard, the second infographic gives some great suggestions on how best to maintain a beard if you have one.
To see more helpful men's grooming tips, feel free to check out our Pinterest board "Men's Grooming" and stay tuned for more articles.
Just for our readers we've put together some awesome personal products on our Affiliate Store
If you have your own tips and suggestions on 'successful shaving' we'd love to hear them, please leave in the comments below.
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
]]>It's fair to say the question I get asked the most is "Would you mind taking a look at my photos and telling me what you think?" And while I'm happy to share my professional opinion with people, it's important to note that I'm biased -- almost always my answer is "they're a great start and it's time for an update." (which is generally true - I'm passionate about people looking their best).
Also, it's not always easy to tell someone that their current image isn't as successful as it could be, and breaking down all the reasons why....
When it comes to your image, it's a very sensitive subject and it's best when you can get an unbiased opinion.
Where do you find an unbiased opinion? (cause you know your friends and loved ones are going to be biased too....)
On an amazing new website I recently discovered! It's called www.photofeeler.com. It's a brilliant online service where you can submit your current profile photos (both professional and personal) and get back an objective rating of your image in terms of Competence, Likability, and Influence. They use unique algorithms to derive the results (how's that for objective?!)
In their wonderfully comprehensive blog article, PhotoFeeler's New Research Study Breaks Down “The Perfect Profile Photo”
Direct quote:
"Profile photos are so essential to modern communication that a good one’s become a basic necessity. And that couldn’t be truer than for those of us whose professional lives are tied to social media profiles.
That’s why we at PhotoFeeler decided to set our first major study on the goal of targeting just a few, over-arching guidelines"
It's a really fantastic read, and it's completely free to submit your current photo for objective feedback.
If you find that your feedback is telling you it's time for an upgrade, consider hiring a professional photographer that specializes in personality and business branding photography to help you create the new photos you need to really represent your most "competent, likeable and influential" self.
Here is a quick infographic with "The Perfect Profile Photo" basics:
Do you have a helpful tip or suggestion for us that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Leave them in the comments below or send me a personal message. Do you like this article? Share with your audience!
SP Photo Studio, is a full-service provider for your private and business image branding needs. Our philosophy is based on our commitment to helping ordinary people do extraordinary things on camera.
We work with our clients to grow their vision with a defined approach, creating engaging image content for social media network. We provide the tools, tips and talent to empower you to be 'camera ready', whenever and wherever. Would you like a free consultation on how to take your personal branding images to the next level? Schedule a 15 minute consultation right now.
Image of
fellow w/sunglasses by istolethetv