Meet David Blair

Meet Dave Blair

There's a saying when talking about computer backups. If the data doesn't exist in at least three places across two physical locations, then it doesn't really exist. If your computer crashed tomorrow, could you simply grab the backup and resume your work? If you have any hesitation, you'll definitely want to meet Dave Blair of CV Tech. He stopped in the photography studio for a new professional headshot and social media images. Take it away Dave!

Scott Lawrence: Tell us about your business.

IT help is just a phone call away. Contact CV Tech.

Dave Blair: CV Tech is a technology company in Rochester, MI, offering a wide range of IT services including PC and server support, network installations and managed services. We specialize in small business support; these businesses have unique challenges, and we’ve developed some powerful solutions for these customers! We also provide field service to larger organizations requiring local field service.

SL: What’s unique about how you do what you do?

Dave: We think and act like an IT department, not a vendor. This means we're advocates for your business goals and objectives. Even better, our team listens and communicates in familiar terms, not technical language you don’t understand. We specialize in finding creative solutions to technical problems, solutions that improve reliability, reduce cost, and add value.

SL: What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your business or industry, but should?

Dave: The performance and reliability of most business computer networks can be dramatically improved with just a few small tweaks or upgrades. Sometimes we completely overhaul customer networks, rebuilding everything from the ground up to deliver a top-notch network with fantastic performance. Just as often though, we just change a few settings or components to deliver significant improvements at a fraction of the cost.

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Be sure to visit CV Tech or follow them on Facebook.

Interested in updating your headshot? Drop me a note.

What Jewelry Should I Wear In My Headshot

What Jewelry Should I Wear In My Headshot?

Less (bling) is more as far as your headshot session is concerned. Jewelry is designed to catch attention. It’s your day to sparkle; keep the focus on you. As an example, take a look at this headshot below. Are you at all bothered by the lack of jewelry? Did you even notice?

Before the session starts, we’ll do a quick jewelry check and offer specific suggestions based on what you bring. But in general, don’t stress about picking the perfect chain or pendants. Your final headshot image will be cropped pretty tight anyway, so only a tiny bit of the chain will show. This can distract viewers by making them wonder what was hanging there. It’s the details that matter in your headshot.

Earrings are fine, but avoid anything big or dangly. You don’t want a prospective contact to start admiring your earrings and forget why they wanted to contact you!

Have a specific question? Drop me note.

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Watch these videos for a few more headshot session tips!

What Should I Wear to My Headshot Session?

What Should I Wear to My Headshot Session?

The most common question before a headshot session is “What should I wear?” Go with a simple, trusted look.

Why is simple better? The whole point of your headshot is to encourage the viewer to reach out and get to know you, hire you, or refer you to a friend. Distracting clothing won’t help that cause. It’s not the time to make a fashion statement.

Clean neck lines and crisp collars are best.

Avoid big patterns and loud colors. Extreme colors can reflect the studio lights off your face and neck (giving your skin a color cast). Heavy patterns can quickly date the photo, and may make the image look out of place in some contexts.

Proper fit is critical.

This is especially true for a fitted dress shirt or suit. When in doubt, visit a good tailor to ensure your garment is tuned to perfection. They can do amazing things. 

You probably don’t need to buy anything new, but if you want an excuse to go shopping, use this as an opportunity to add (or update) one of those classic pieces — the kind fashion magazines say should be in every closet.

Finally, keep your options open. Always bring a range of items to your session.

Do you have a specific question? Drop me note.

Meet Alaina Sullivan

Meet Alaina Sullivan

Alaina, of Sullivan Law Office, stopped in the studio to update her headshot for the new year. Take it away Alaina!

Scott Lawrence: Tell us about your business.

Alaina Sullivan: I have a solo law practice focusing on estate planning, probate, and family law.

SL: What’s unique about how you do what you do?

Alaina: There are a lot of lawyers out there, especially in my practice area. The difference between me and others is that I genuinely do what I do to help people. It is why I started practicing law, and it was why I dedicated six years of my life to helping children in abuse and neglect situations, and people who were not able to afford legal services. To me, you are not just another number. Whether you need an estate plan or need help in a family law matter, you are important. Your case is important to you, so it is just as important to me. That is, after all, why you hire me — to take your legal burden off your shoulders and help you through it. I am honored every day to help people through all walks of life.

SL: What’s the one thing most people don’t know about your business or industry, but should?  

Alaina: It depends on the practice area, but with my estate practice I hear a lot of “I can just do my own will online, right?” You should consider your estate plan an investment. You need a professional to make sure everything is proper and legal based on your particular situation. You simply do not get that with a “fill-in-the-blank” form. It is so worth it in the end.

Also, please do not trust advice that you get from a friend who has a friend of a friend that had the same type of case as you. I see a lot of people posting legal questions on general community forums, and you get a lot of armchair lawyers. Please, ask a professional. It is a lot like seeking medical advice from WebMD. What you know or what you think you know is usually not correct. Unless the person giving you the advice has a license to practice law and knows your situation, you should probably take his or her advice with a grain of salt.

SL: What's your favorite thing about Rochester?

Alaina: I recently moved to Oakland County from Indianapolis. So I am learning new things about Rochester all the time. I love the downtown. The shops are great, and the food options are amazing. I am a huge fan of Rochester Mills Brewing Company as well as Too-ra-loo. If you have not had their BLAT (bacon lettuce avocado and tomato) sandwich you need to do so immediately. I loved the lights downtown, too. Everything is so vibrant and fun. It is an amazing town.

SL: What’s the best way to get in contact with you?

Alaina: Give me a call at (248) 917-1351 or email me asullivan@sullivanlawonline.com

Interested in updating your headshot? Get in touch with Scott.

Retouching and Your Professional Portrait

Retouching and Your Professional Portrait

You woke up with a big zit, should you cancel the photoshoot? Probably not. Localized skin blemishes are not worth worrying about. They will be handled in the standard retouching phase, just like a stray hair.

Beauty marks are reduced but not typically eliminated, because they represent you. Don’t hesitate to mention any concerns at your session. Your photographer should always appreciate the feedback on this topic.

Retouching is a big part of the modern headshot or portrait. Lots of subtle smoothing, thinning, and brightening takes place on the final images. For a professional headshot, retouching should help you appear like you’ve had the best night’s sleep in a year (or before you had kids). This is a huge difference from looking like a pore-less supermodel. The porcelain skin look has it’s place in the fashion industry, just not on your LinkedIn profile.

Remember, it’s about being you. Maybe a slightly more polished version of you. But still you!

With and without retouching. It's subtle, but critical. Show your clients that details matter!

Have more questions about a headshot or professional portrait? Drop me a note!