A Headshot with Matt in Gurnee

Say you just found out about an invitation to speak at a very prestigious seminar. Do you have a professional headshot ready to go for the conference website, or the slides?

Matt got that very invitation. Luckily, he was ahead of the game. He contacted me just in time so we could arrange a headshot session. At my Gurnee studio bright and early one morning, we captured a few different looks in about an hour. Matt was then back at work in no time.

Also an author, Matt will be using his new headshots for upcoming books.

If you don’t have a great headshot on standby for your next professional presentation, drop me a note and we’ll cross it off your list.

Headshot with Mitch

Mitch came down from Milwaukee to my Gurnee studio for some new headshots. He knew he needed some great images to make the best impression possible on his LInkedIn Profile.

He brought a wide selection of clothing so we could capture a range of looks, from formal to business casual. It was a pleasure working with Mitch, and he even let me try out some new lighting techniques.

If your LinkedIn photo isn't making the best first impression possible, give me a call. I'd love to help you take it to the next level.

Headshot Hangout

Polishing up your professional online profile, tweaking your resume — these tasks can often feel tedious and dull, the kind of thing you put off as long as possible. But keeping your headshot fresh — which, if you're a professional, entrepreneur, or creative type, is just as important as keeping your resume current — doesn't have to feel like a chore at all. Turns out, it can feel like a party.

My brother and a few friends needed new headshots for LinkedIn, Facebook, and various work websites, so we came up with the idea of holding a 'Headshot Hangout' to get all the pictures taken and make an event out of it.

I headed into Chicago to set up an impromptu photo studio at Mike's apartment. He made some pizzas for everyone to snack on. Josh, who runs a wine business, brought something to drink. Our friend Mark, a stylist at Trunk Club, helped all the guys dress the part.

Over the course of 3 hours, everyone ate, drank, enjoyed great company, and spent some quality time in front of the camera. It was a fun afternoon and the shots look great. I follow several of the guys on Facebook and it’s been cool to see the comments they get when they post their new photos as profile pics.

Sound like fun? If you're interested in hosting your own Headshot Party in Chicago or Lake County, drop me a note — I'd love to help!

Show Me Your Headshot

Once upon a time, only actors and executives thought about headshots. Now we all do.

Your Facebook profile photo? Your Twitter avatar? Your LinkedIn photo? They're all headshots. The context might have changed a bit, but many of the old rules still apply:

Rule #1. There’s a huge difference between a great headshot and a lousy one.

Rule #2. Get a great one.

My new headshot was taken by Peter Hurley, a world famous headshot photographer, at an incredible workshop this past weekend. Just weeks after I moved to the Chicago area, Peter happened to be in town offering an intensive weekend course for photographers. My wife volunteered to hold down the fort and watch the kids, and I got 20 hours to study with Peter.

The workshop included great lectures and plenty of time both behind and in front of the camera. Being in front of the camera — actually sitting there getting my own picture taken — was illuminating. Literally. It was blinding due to Peter’s intense lighting. But his true gift isn’t his fancy equipment. It’s his ability to pull rich expressions from anyone who steps in front of his camera.

Peter describes himself as “90% therapist, 10% photographer.” Watching him work, it’s easy to see how the dynamic between subject and photographer makes all the difference. The human element in his work is incredible. No matter where technology takes us, I don’t believe a computer will ever be able to product expressions with the authenticity that a talented photographer brings every day to his craft.  

I learned so much at the workshop, and I’m already putting new techniques and tricks to use in my own sessions. Drop me a note and let’s get to work on a new headshot for your social media presence. Everyone can benefit from a bit of profile therapy.

PS - Here's a quick tip for your next selfie — Check out Peter's video on the Squinch. Now, take that photo!

Headshot with Mark

Recently, my good friend Mark inquired about a headshot. He was looking to brush up his LinkedIn profile. And it sounds like his mom was in need of a new photo of him as well (moms are always good clients, no matter how old the kids are).

Headshots are becoming increasingly important in networking. You should always have a solid photo of yourself handy — even a good selfie is better than nothing. A Facebook profile photo can be a little less formal, but try not to have a drink in your hand. Your profile images, current and former, are typically more public than your other shared photos, so if there’s even the remote possibility that you’ll need the photograph to convey a message to an employer or potential client, a professional headshot is wise.

Mark and I met outside his apartment. He lives in one the coolest areas of Jacksonville — very urban and walkable with amazing restaurants. We didn’t have to look far for a background. The bricks add a bit of subtle context to the photo and avoid the stuffiness of a studio backdrop.

I love the challenge of photographing kids, but working with an adult was a nice change of pace. Mark follows directions much better than your average five year old! If that were a LinkedIn skill, I’d endorse it.

Here’s a quick portrait tip. Keep the background as simple as possible. A brick wall, as shown in this photo, is perfect.  A simple background will keep the viewer’s attention on the subject. You’ll be amazed how much an uncluttered scene can do for a quick portrait.