Meet E'Lisa Campbell
As I've made new connections in Rochester, MI, I was fortunate enough to meet E'Lisa Campbell. She's an amazing portrait photographer, but I think her true talent is weddings. When we started discussing options for a new headshot, it was clear that a studio look just didn't make sense. We had to make her new headshot outside to best align with her work & brand. I'll let E'Lisa take it from here...
Meet E'Lisa Campbell
Over the past few years, I've done headshots for some very talented photographers. Yes, I love working with other photographers! But, photographers tend to be a little camera shy (shocking, I know). Like everyone else, we sometimes cling to a favorite image that was taken years ago and doesn't quite resemble our current look. So whenever possible, I encourage photographers to start using a fresh image that's easily recognizable. As small business owners, it's critical our image connect with the right audience.
As I've made new connections in Rochester, MI, I was fortunate enough to meet E'Lisa Campbell. She's an amazing portrait photographer, but I think her true talent is weddings. When we started discussing options for a new headshot, it was clear that a studio look just didn't make sense. We had to make her new headshot outside to best align with her work & brand. I'll let E'Lisa take it from here...
Scott Lawrence: Tell me about your business.
E'Lisa Campbell: My name is E'Lisa and I am the main photographer here at E.C. Campbell Photography. I photograph weddings, families, children, babies and brands. My approach is lifestyle based. A little posing mixed in with lots of candid moments. I have been photographing full time for 11 years. I am married to Chris and have two daughters, Lucy and Piper. :)
SL: What's unique about how you do what you do?
E'Lisa: My number one goal in everything I photograph is capturing the connection between people. I feel like that is everything in life. How we are all connected in some way to each other and to the environment around us. I really love to show people how beautiful their life is through my vision.
SL: What's the one thing people don't know about your business or industry, but should?
E'Lisa: Communication is key between you and your photographer. Choose a photographer whose style you love but who you can relate to and like as a person as well. If you feel comfortable with them, it will show in your photos and make them the best they can be.
The Best Background for your Headshot
Believe it or not, the background is a huge consideration in any photograph. Have you ever wondered what works best for a headshot? Let’s start with what not to do...
The Best Background for your Headshot
Believe it or not, the background is a huge consideration in any photograph. Have you ever wondered what works best for a headshot? Let’s start with what not to do...
Remember your school picture days? Those muddy backgrounds are out That same background was often used in stodgy boardroom photos. It doesn’t work there anymore either. Why? First, it’s super dated. Times have changed — you don't want to imply you're stuck in the 90s.
Second, it’s lousy for social media. Your image must pop! Your face (the whole purpose of the headshot image) should stand out — especially in LinkedIn, when the image is the size of a postage stamp on your screen. Your face can get lost in the dark muddy background, bringing down the impact.
Should your image ever need to match others, it’s difficult to get things to match up. Don’t waste your time trying to match an old standard. Let your photographer spend that time retouching or helping you with graphic design options.
A simple background is super versatile for the constantly changing social media graphics sizes.
Less is more.
I recommend going for a clean seamless backdrop. It’s easy to match and can usually be tweaked to match other tones. I love a pure white, but grey tones work as well. These backgrounds are ideal for social media graphics and work with almost any branding color scheme. Every social media platform, from Facebook to LinkedIn has different recommended dimensions for ads, banners and image posts. Simple backgrounds are easily extended (or cropped) to fit any specs. This ensures you get the most mileage out of every image.
What about natural backgrounds?
Absolutely! These are often referred to as environmental portraits. Subjects are photographed in their element. This could be anywhere from an office chair to a nature scene.
Organic backgrounds can be great, but they come with tradeoffs.
But there are couple things to watch out for. First, if you’re hoping to get a perfectly uniform background for multiple people in your organization, think again. By definition, things will change. Variations in height across a few people may result in dramatically different background frames.
Second, an organic background can be much more difficult to resize in Photoshop. So in some sense, this look is a little less flexible than a seamless background (which can be extended in any direction).
Keep it simple!
I believe your headshot tells a story. To the extent that photographing you in a particular scene adds to that story, all the better. But, if the image is going straight to your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, then I wouldn’t stress about the background. Just go with a clean seamless look for maximum impact.
Have more questions? Drop me a note!
Ready to book your session? Make an appointment online.
Meet Patrice Sinclair
Today’s post is all about my friend Patrice Sinclair. She runs the Sinclair Wealth Management Group of Raymond James in Auburn Hills.
Meet Patrice Sinclair
One of the best parts of my job is that I get to meet all sorts of great people throughout the community here in Rochester. I love sharing the stories of my fellow small business owners — there’s so much we can learn from one another.
Today’s post is all about my friend Patrice Sinclair. She runs the Sinclair Wealth Management Group of Raymond James in Auburn Hills. She and her amazing colleagues Drew and Priscilla are so dedicated to their clients that it was tough to pull them away from phones during our photoshoot.
Scott Lawrence: Tell me about a time when you saved a client from making a huge mistake.
Patrice Sinclair: My mind goes back to a couple of bear market periods but specifically to the most recent financial “meltdown” of Oct. 2007-March 2009. I was in communication with my clients constantly during that time period, more to hold their hands and keep them from crawling out on the ledge than anything. I recall one specific conversation where we had been in this midst of declining markets and subsequent declines of account values when a very concerned retired client said to me, “Patrice, if you tell me to hold on and not sell, I won’t sell.” I responded, “Selling now is the worst thing you can do. Hold tight and breathe. You will get through this.” That’s exactly what he did. He held on, didn’t react and recovered his losses in a very short time frame. Times like that solidify client relationships and this client and I have worked together for over 25 years now.
SL: What do you do when you’re not talking people off ledges?
Patrice: We are a full-service financial planning team that helps individuals and families simplify their financial plan. That might include assisting with your 401k choices; planning for college funding; protecting your heirs/estate in case of an unforeseen event; reviewing your estate plan; investment portfolio reviews; or assisting you in the decision to buy or lease a car, airplane or medical equipment. Whatever your need is, we’re your financial coaches that help to guide you in the direction that makes sense for you.
SL: What’s unique about how you do what you do?
Patrice: Our unique quality is experience and access. We have combined experience of over 45 years. We’ve seen how exuberant markets can blow up and we’ve seen how various financial crashes recover. We’re conservative but goal-oriented. There’s always a reason people will choose to NOT invest, but we help them to see that it’s important to block out the noise of our day to day lives and focus on their objectives. We seek to provide regular and consistent education to our clients so they can make informed decisions, and we seek to always be available for their questions and/or concerns. We feel it’s an honor to be chosen by our clients and we never take it for granted. That said, we have many clients that have continued to seek our counsel for over 25 years.
SL: What’s one thing most people don’t know about your industry but should?
Patrice: We educate our clients on fees that aren’t always transparent in our industry. We understand that finance isn’t the most simple or comfortable topic in many of our clients’ lives so we seek to explain everything in a way that they can comprehend.
If you have more questions for Patrice, give her a call at 248-276-2828 or send her a note.
If you’d like to set up a headshot session for your office, drop me a note.
Got Questions About Headshot Photography?
I’ve decided to carve out some time in my schedule each week just for you. 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 headshot photography & marketing related, I’d love to chat.
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 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 probably time for an upgrade.
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.
The Blog
Headshot tips, client features, and more!
