Photographing the McKinney Family was so fun! They are awesome, with 2 of the cutest boys. We roamed the park together exploring and photographing along the way. It brought back so many wonderful memories of when our 3 boys were young. Talking and walking with your family always brings curiosity and fun memories. They were so happy and relaxed, I hope you enjoy their photos as much as I do!
WHY EVERYONE NEEDS A PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOT
Take a look at the photo of yourself on your LinkedIn profile, Facebook page, or website. Does it look like you? Does it bring out an element of trust, authority, and respect? Is it current? Do you still have the same hair style? Do you even have a professional photo of yourself? If the answer to any of these questions is “no”, then you may need to invest in an updated professional headshot.Who needs a professional corporate headshot anyway?Almost anyone in business nowadays can benefit from a professional, corporate headshot. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, doctors, insurance agents, lawyers, landscape companies, actors, dancers, executives, authors, restaurateurs, plumbers – actually anyone who has an online presence and interacts with people.Why can’t I just be anonymous? A lot of people don’t like to have their picture taken or try to protect their privacy by not posting their photo online. But the reality is people need to see you. Clients, vendors, business associates, and potential employers will all be checking you out online. And in order for them to feel comfortable with you, they need to see you.Can I use the photo from my backyard picnic?We all have that favorite photo at the beach or with our family that brings ba
ck a lot of good memories. But the reality is it’s a candid shot in mediocre lighting and is probably not the professional image you want to portray.A good photographer who specializes in headshots will be able to bring out your personality and show the best in you. They will use a simple background and proper soft lighting, along with sharp focus and expert composition, and make your photo will look professional and refined. Color correction and subtle re-touching afterwards can make you shine while still looking natural. The whole purpose is to have that personal touch and to convey the right tone for your personality and business.What does a headshot tell people about me?
People like to know who they are dealing with – often times before they even give you that first phone call. They need to see if you are trustworthy, if you are friendly, and if you make a good ‘first impression.’ If you don’t, they may call your competitor without ever talking to you. How many times do you go to the ‘About Us’ section of a new company and check out the principles?Think of a headshot as your professional calling card, or your personal logo. It can tell people a lot about you in just an instant. A friendly smile can convey a gregarious and approachable person; a more serious expression can convey solemnity, authority and respect. Conversely, an unflattering or outdated headshot can subconsciously tell people you don’t pay attention to details or may even give the impression of low self-esteem. Your headshot is the best way to put your best foot forward and to make a great first impression. A flattering professional headshot can help put a face to a name and helps to establish a personal connection between you and your clients, vendors, and potential employers.I don’t have a job right now. Do I still need a headshot?Absolutely! I recently read that up to 90% of Human Resources employees will check social media profiles, especially LinkedIn and Facebook, before deciding whether or not to interview a candidate. A professional looking profile picture can make the difference between getting that interview or not. In this situation, it is critical that you portray your digital self for the job you want.What else can I do with my headshot?A professional headshot can be used in many ways:
- On your company website and blog
- On your Facebook page
- On your LinkedIn profile
- On your Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and any other online social media
- On your business card
- In your email signature
- On company literature, brochures, and other marketing material
- As your bio picture for speaking engagements, seminars, tradeshows, articles you have written, book covers
- On a resume for a job interview
- For advertising in a magazine, newspaper, online, on a billboard or even a bus!
- Pretty much anywhere you want show your personality
What are my options to get a headshot done? Ask co-workers and friends for recommendations. Once you have narrowed it down, contact your local photographer and ask about options for a photo session.Typically there are three options:
- A private session at the photographer’s studio. This will usually take 1-2 hours and may include several clothing changes. Bring an assortment of colors and accessories. You would be amazed at how different your skin tone looks against different color clothes.
A private session at an outside location. This may be perfect for a less formal business and may also include clothing changes. Be prepared to be flexible to allow for weather.- An on-site session for your whole office. If there are five or more people in the same company, a photographer may be willing to set up a professional studio at your workplace. Typically, these are much shorter sessions – about 10 or 15 minutes per person. The beauty here is that you don't need to travel and the pictures will have consistency across the photos while maintaining individuality. They will have the same look, style, and lighting for use on corporate websites. That would also be a great time to have a ‘Team Photo’ taken as well.
So do yourself and your business a favor by updating your profile picture. Show the world your professional, confident self and watch your business take off. If nothing else, think of all the positive comments and likes you’ll get.
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Kerri Garfield is the Owner/Photographer at Kerri Ann Garfield Photography. She is located in West Linn, OR – just outside beautiful Portland. She photographs in Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Wilsonville, Tualatin, Tigard, Beaverton, and surrounding areas.She will set up an individual photo session in her studio, at an outside location, or come to your workplace for office shots. Email kerrisphotos@msn.com for more information or visit her website at www.KerriAnnGarfield.com
Daryl's Senior Photos 2016, Wilsonville Senior Photographer
Daryl's photo session was a on a cold November morning but you wouldn't even know it. We were also lucky enough not to get rained on and there was a still a bit of fall hanging around. He's looking very handsome with his tie and dress shirt and his coloring goes so well with the fall colors. I'm looking forward to seeing which photos Daryl and his family choose. Here's a sneak peek from his Senior Photo shoot. 
The Science Behind the PRINT!
The Science Behind the PRINT.Have you ever noticed how brilliant and true to life the colors are in the prints you receive from a professional photographer? Skin tones look natural, shadows are smoothed out, and scenery is striking without overwhelming or overshadowing the main figures. You may not realize, but it’s not accidental, coincidental, or lucky. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to provide you with prints with the most realistic, most vivid colors.The most important thing a photographer can do is to pick out one or two local labs that she knows and trusts. Working closely with these labs, the photographer calibrates her own monitor to the lab so the colors she sees precisely match the colors from the printer. Typically the photographer will have a piece of specialized hardware that attaches to the monitor and reads the color off the screen. This device helps optimize the brightness, contrast and color output and works in tandem with Photoshop to display your images with the most accurate color display possible. This ensures the colors she sees on her screen will be the exact colors you get. Before you receive your print, she will look at each one critically and have it reprinted if it isn’t perfect.A professional print goes through the same process that old-school film prints used to go through – light is shone on light-sensitive paper and run through a chemical process. These are true photographs, not just inkjet prints like you can do at home.Sometimes it’s nice to purchase a digital file from the photographer as it allows you to do many other things your photographer can’t do. You can post it on Facebook or Instagram, use it as your computer wallpaper, put it in that family calendar, or maybe even create a fun mug or throw for Mother’s Day. It’s great to be able to do all those things. However, if you plan on having prints made to frame, be sure to talk to your photographer first. She can recommend what labs to use to ensure you will be happy with your print for years to come. It’s not uncommon for people to take a digital file and send it off to a discount store to print some copies, only to be disappointed that they aren’t the quality they were expecting.A framed family portrait can grace the walls of your home for years and can become a treasured family heirloom. Make sure you give it the proper care and respect by starting off with the best possible print you can.
The Young Wedding, Portland Wedding Photographer
Sharing my Wedding Photography on my blog is so fun, with each wedding a story unfolds. Here is the beautiful photo story of Jennifer and Robert's wedding day. They not only have the love for one another but have a love for Karate & board games (we even captured some of their Karate moves...) they also brought every game you could think of to share with the guests. Right after their beautiful ceremony at the World Forestry Center in Portland, they headed into the reception to laugh and play with their friends and family. It was a fantastic day, full of love & laughter. Congratulations to Jen and Robert! I have known Jen's family for quite a few years and I felt very honored to be asked to be their photographer. Enjoy this sneak peek of their special wedding day.
Ariel 2016 / West Linn Senior Photographer
I feel so lucky to meet many wonderful young students, as a Senior Portrait photographer. Ariel is definitely among them, she is a breath of fresh air and so so beautiful. She brought many of her own ideas and style to the photo shoot and I just love her photos. She is playful and stunning all in one. She's thinking about being a make up artist, she also loves to sketch and has a very creative side to her. Which included bringing her 2 sweet kittens to the end of our photo session. Check out her awesome photos!
Tyler 2016 / West Linn Senior Photographer
Here are some awesome photos from Tyler's Senior Photo shoot. The sunshine was out, which always adds a wonderful warmth to the photos. I really like the colors too, it is just beginning to feel like fall. We ended the photo session with Tyler playing his bass clarinet along the beautiful Willamette River, which was so cool. I hope you enjoy his photos as much as I do.
Ella, Ava and Lucy, Oct. 2015 / West Linn Family Photographer
I had such a fun shoot with Ella, Ava and Lucy last week. They brought their beautiful smiles and just shined through out the whole session. Here's a sneak peek of their lovely portraits, they are so so sweet, Enjoy!
Nathaniel 2016 / West Linn Senior Photographer
Nathaniel's senior photo shoot was so awesome! He brought his guitar and skateboard, and we were able to capture some fun shots of him. I would of loved extending his shoot, to some jumps and big actions shots but it can get pretty busy in the city. When he played the guitar, he just fell into a natural pose and looked so comfortable. These are some of my favorite shots. He chose to have his photo shoot in Portland, and I just love the textures and backdrops we used, they add so much to the photos. Check out a few sneak peeks from Nathaniel's senior shoot.
Kaitlin 2016 / West Linn Senior Photographer
I am so happy to share Kaitlin's Senior Photos with you, they are so so lovely, just like Kaitlin. Kaitlin has many looks, when she smiles the whole photo lights up and when she gives us her serious side, you have a feeling of nostalgia, with her beautiful wavy blonde hair and big blue eyes. Kaitlin is the youngest of 3 siblings and I feel so lucky to have photographed all of them for their senior portraits. Here are a just a few stunning photos of Kaitlin, Enjoy!
