Got Questions About Headshot Photography?

Got Questions?

If you follow the blog, you know it’s a great general resource on headshot photography. You’ll learn about the people and businesses around Rochester. But, as with any headshot session, it’s a not a one size fits all solution. Sometimes, there’s just a specific nagging question that you need answered.

Introducing Office Hours

That’s right, today, I’m happy to announce office hours — an opportunity to schedule time directly with me. If you have questions about anything photography & marketing related, I’d love to chat.

If you’re considering a session, this is a great way to get started. In about 20 minutes, we will:

• Discuss where the new images will take you
• Review any current images you plan to replace
• Walk through the headshot process and address any lingering questions

Do you run a business?

Then let’s talk marketing too! We can discuss your web, print and social media presence and how we can up your branding game. 

Not in Detroit? No problem. These slots are open to anyone. I can’t wait to chat. Book a time here and we’ll talk soon!

How Often Should I Update my Headshot?

How Often Should I Update my Headshot?

Great headshot? Check.

Up-to-date headshot? Ummm….

For maximum impact, it’s important to refresh your headshot regularly. Your headshot must be an honest representation of you. That means today you, not eight-years-ago you! You're not the same person you were eight years ago.

The Coffee Shop Test

How do you know it’s time for an update? Try the coffee shop test.

Ask yourself: if someone is coming to meet you in a coffee shop, would they be able to pick you out of the crowd based only on your headshot?

If you’re not so sure, it’s defintely time for an upgrade.
 

Milestones

The Coffee Shop Test is my go-to, but the fact is that you should be updating your headshot regularly. it’s also great to think about updating your headshot at major professional milestones.

• Earning a big promotion
• Moving into management
• Starting a job search
• Switching industries
• Launching a side hustle / passion project
• Jumpstarting your freelance or consulting work

A big change in industry or seniority can mean it’s time for a different look. Moving to the west coast to work in tech? Let’s ditch the suit. Moving into management? Time to add a tie.

I'm sure you've heard the phrase, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have." The same idea applies here. Your headshot projects where you're going, not where you've been. The right headshot will get you in the door — it's up to you to close the deal.

Out with the old

I know it can be tough to let go of a favorite image — especially if you look at it and see a few less wrinkles or a little more hair than you see in the mirror today.

Don’t worry. We’ll have you looking better than ever. This is what I do. With the right professional lighting and smart posing techniques, you'll look your absolute best. We’ll make eight-years-ago you jealous.

Let’s chat

If your business depends on networking and meeting new people every day, then a regular headshot update is essential. Don’t hesitate to give me a call for a quick consult. We can talk about that next big career step. And I’d love to hear how your professional journey is unfolding. If you’ve worked with me in the past, you’re eligible for special returning client rate.

And if you live around Rochester, I'd love to meet for coffee! My favorite two spots are the Bean and Leaf and Dessert Oasis. 
 

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.