Why Shadows Help Make an Interesting Headshot
If the age of windshield selfies, my Detroit area clients occasionally ask why one side of their face is darker in their headshot proofs. So I made a video that explains why shadows are key part of the best portraiture!
If the age of windshield selfies, my Detroit area clients occasionally ask why one side of their face is darker in their headshot proofs. So I made a video that explains why shadows are key part of the best portraiture!
Rembrandt Light on a Headshot
If you took an art history class, you might’ve heard about the painter, Rembrandt. These days his staying power comes from the term Rembrandt lighting, which basically refers to that little triangle of light underneath the eye on the darker side of the face.
The variations are many, but once you start looking, you’ll see this setup all over the place - wherever people are photographed (or filmed). The fact is that it makes for much more interesting portrait. Shadows create depth, interest and engagement in a face!
Remember, we’re used to driveway selfies, not professionally lit portraits. So you’ll look different than you might expect, but so much better. Whether you’re working with me here in Detroit, or anywhere in the world, let your photographer know you’re happy to let them experiment with some more dramatic light—you just might love the results!
And if you really want to be daring, post one to your LinkedIn profile. Your followers will take notice.
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Makeup and Hair Styling Options for your Professional Headshot
Watch this video to learn about the most common styling services available for your headshot session and whether they make sense for you.
If you’re coming in for a new headshot, check out all the styling options available. We offer hair & makeup services in my Troy, MI studio or on location around Detroit. Professional styling adds that extra polish to wow your clients or recruiters!
Professional Makeup Options
We offer both a full service makeup application and a touchup option. Full makeup is a wonderful add-on to your individual or personal branding session and takes about an hour before your shoot.
Consider the makeup touch up option if you’re coming to the studio with a few colleagues or we’re coming to your office. This service typically takes just 20 minutes per person. Sales teams, financial service firms and IT providers just love this option.
Guys, don’t brush off male grooming (makeup for men) until you’ve tried it! It’s our sleeper hit!
Hair Styling
Here in Detroit, the weather is always tough on hair. Humid summers and blustery winters don’t make it easy. So our hairstylists can do blowouts or curls right in studio before or during your makeup application.
How to get started?
When booking a session, simply select your desired services and a stylist will be touch to discuss your needs. If you have questions before booking, reach out and we’ll connect you with a member of the team.
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
Should I Wear Glasses in My Headshot Session?
This is probably the most common question I get from my Detroit headshot clients. Now that I’m wearing glasses again, it was time to revisit the topic!
This is probably the most common question I get from my Detroit headshot clients. Now that I’m wearing glasses again, it was time to revisit the topic!
Four Challenges Glasses Create in a Headshot
Functionally, glasses may cause glare or refraction in your portrait. The might also create unwanted shadows around your eyes or cheeks. And, if you have tinted or transition lenses, glasses may reduce the light that gets to your eyes (making your eyes look darker).
Glasses Solutions
Don’t get discouraged. We have LOTS of tricks at our disposal in the studio. Some involve Photoshop and some require a few extra steps to fix things in camera! Check out the video to see the magic!
Own your Glasses
So you can see there are lots of ways we can work around the challenges that glasses create. If you wear glasses most of the time, I strongly recommend you wear them in your headshot. Otherwise, you won’t be as recognizable in your portrait (that’s the whole point)!
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
How to Pose for your Headshot
Watch this quick video for a few key posing tips before your next headshot session. Just a few tricks can make a huge difference in the final result.
It turns out there’s a lot of posing for the best headshot. As your Detroit photographer, here are some essential tips.
Why Headshot Posing Matters
While you may only see your shoulders and face, posing fundamentals are hard at work when it comes to a headshot. In fact, I would argue that posing is even more critical in a headshot. An inch or two in the right direction makes all the difference.
Proper Stance
It all starts with an athletic stance, feet shoulder width apart or so. And lead with one foot. From there, expect to lean (from the core) on the front foot a bit more. This gives you a more engaging presence in the camera. The alternative is a standoffish look, if you lean back.
Reduce a Double Chin
Think forehead out, chin down. That’s the most important part! This little trick will slim down your neck and emphasize your eyes!
Waist Up Posing
If you need a waist up or full length shot, clothing fit is critical. Fitted shirts or jackets (jackets that button) will help you appear slimmer because we can leverage negative space between your arms and torso.
Expression and Lighting
Finally, now the magic happens as we fine tune the lighting and fid your most authentic expressions!
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
MacBook Pro M1 Max for Photographers
With power to spare, Apple's MacBook Pro M1 Max is incredible. But does it make sense for a photographer's workflow? Watch this video for my take from the standpoint of a full time working headshot & portrait photographer.
With power to spare, Apple's MacBook Pro M1 Max is incredible. But does it make sense for a photographer's workflow? Watch this video for my take from the standpoint of a full time working headshot & portrait photographer.
The best laptop for photographers?
As a working portrait photographer, here in Detroit, I’ve been putting my MacBook Pro M1 Max to the test. Granted, as a photographer, I don’t need a ton of processor cores, but it’s nice to have some breathing room. If only Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom would take advantage of all this head room.
I opted for the 14” model as it’s ideal for any and all travel. The built in SD card reader is a welcome addition along with the HDMI port! It’s so nice not to have to worry about dongles.
The machine is fast! Is it a little more than I need? Well, it helps me run my business faster (and lighter). Time is money…
Ready to make your first professional headshot appointment?
Learn more about corporate headshot options.
Got more headshot questions? Check out the headshot FAQs.
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Headshot tips, client features, and more!
