Category: Headshots

6 Styling Guidelines for a Successful Portrait

1/20/2016

Guest blog by Rachel Strabley

When it comes to dressing for a photoshoot there are no definitive dress rules to follow as it is more about feeling right in your look, yet here are some thoughts to keep in mind when choosing your outfit.

1. What is my goal?

Discuss with your photographer the image you are wanting to portray: playful, professional, mysterious or sensual. According to Irina Simeonova, founder and owner of New England Fashion and Design Association, the topic of the photo shoot, the mood your trying to convey and your character will determine your color story.

photo of woman in blue with flowers behind her

2. Am I being me?

Wearing a style that you have never worn before will not make you feel great which will show in your photographs. Such as wearing tailored clothing when your style has always been rocker chic will not provide the best outcome. Yet wearing a style that you know looks great and is your personality will give you confidence and that will be conveyed in the final photo’s. Always be true to yourself!

3. Am I comfortable?

Your clothes should make you feel relaxed, happy and show your personality so you can enjoy your time with your photographer.

4. Am I complimenting my complexion?

Do not stay completely in your comfort zone when it comes to deciding what to wear, you want to make the most of this photo shoot after all. Yet always choose colors that compliment your skin tone and hair color and make you stand out from the image in the background.

5. Color is key.

Even If you are opting for black and white photographs it is still important to wear color as this will add depth, contrast and harmony to the end result.

6. Get the right second opinion.

Before the photo shoot it doesn’t hurt to get a second opinion on your outfit. Just make sure you ask the right person. Your significant other for instance, might not be brutally honest and forget about asking your social media contacts. You want someone who knows you and is comfortable telling you what’s what. You can also seek professional help in this regard.

Ultimately you are paying for this experience and you want to get the most out of it. This isn’t a selfie you are going to post on Facebook. So don’t treat it that way. Taking some extra time to think about and plan your outfit in advance of the photo shoot will ensure you get the most out of the shoot. If you are still at a loss, I know a great stylist that would be willing to help.

woman in black with himilayan singing bowl

Rachel is a personal stylist to residents in Fairfield and Westchester Counties, she has been dabbling in the industry for many many years before making it official two years ago. She does complete makeovers and wardrobe consultations, personal shopping for her busy clients as well as online consultations when clients need a specific outfit for an event.

Rachel can be found on Social Media at www.facebook.com/stylebyrachel and @iamstylebyrachel on instagram or by phone 203 246 8694 and email info@stylebyrachel.net

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Why Professional Photography Is Needed For Your Business

12/8/2015

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Of course, I think your business needs professional photography, but these tips come from another business expert. Today's guest blogger is Kate Elfatah, owner of HOM consulting, where she helps businesses expand through digital marketing. She assists businesses in planning a custom digital marketing strategy which puts them on the path to increase market and customer awareness for revenue growth and visibility. I have worked with Kate before and she is great so I hope you enjoy her tips!

Kate Working with one of her clients

We have all stumbled upon that website or marketing campaign on social media with some pretty awful photography. I’m here to talk you about the importance of professional photography for your business and why it’s so important to make sure you have some good shots to represent your business. I’m all about the selfie and the right now when it comes to social media, but there is a place and need for a professional photographer when it comes to your business. I don’t care what size business you are.

The biggest reason you should consider professional shots for your business is exactly that, you want a professional look and feel to your business, service or product. If you’re selling products, you want to highlight and create a look and feel that mirrors your brand. Having one-of-a-kind photographs that are unique to your business, meaning no stock photos, will assist you in establishing a cohesive brand identity. It makes it more personal for your potential customers. With stock photography you have the risk of having those images being used by your competitors or someone else. Be unique.

Tips when considering professional photography:

Determine the use. Yep, what do you need the photos for? Social Media, Website, Marketing Campaigns, Print etc?
You want to pick a professional photographer that understands your vision and needs as a business. Someone that can capture the essence of your business or product with a polished finish. Look at the work that the photographer has done and pre-qualify them for your needs.
Ask them creative questions to be sure they are the right fit for you. Ask them for ideas for your business even if you have it in your head what you want it to be, if they are good, they are going to have ideas.
You will want to consult with your business marketing professional and web designer to have a full understanding of their needs. They will be the ones most likely needing the use and reuse of those photos so getting their input would be a good idea.
Try to think for future use, just not the now. Is there something big for the holidays you are doing, bang it out if you can. Get all the images that you will need for a period of time.
Get creative. If you are creative now is the time get more creative. Think about how you can work with a photographer to create some creative and trendy photos that will make you and your brand stand out. Don’t be a bore.
Show your product or services in the world. Create shots that show the products in use, not just on a background. If you provide a service, show that service in action.
Understand the photographers policies. Some photographers will require certain releases for the different uses of their photographs. Understand that photography is more than clicking a button. Be respectful of the photographer, this is their livelihood more than likely. They too are business owners. Don’t expect it for FREE.
When booking your shoot be sure you are ready and have all the puzzle pieces ready to go for the photographer. Don’t make people wait around because you’re not prepared or unorganized.
Have FUN! This should be fun and an exciting part of developing your business. Have a cocktail and enjoy the day.

We are in the world where visual is everything. We all like pretty pictures and things that look appealing and inviting. It’s no different for your business.

Visit http://www.homconsulting.com/ for more information on HOM Consulting.

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The Holidays and Depression

12/1/2015

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The Holidays can be a jolly time but for some people it can be stressful and lonely. Today's guest blog is Gina Medvedz of Wellness Transformations. She has some action steps you can take this holiday season to keep depression away.

Depression isn’t the first word that comes to mind when people think of the holidays. Sadly, the holiday season stirs up memories of loved ones who are no longer here, loneliness is exacerbated, and financial stress can cause the cheeriest among us to feel blue. I’m Rev. Gina Medvedz and I spend my days working with spirit guides in order to help my clients heal, find their purpose and move forward. We all know someone who is affected by depression, and I want to let you know what spirit has to say about this epidemic.

You can’t allow your thoughts to dwell on the past. In my years of doing hundreds of akashic readings, spirit is always very stern about this. Even by focusing on our good memories, we are stealing time and attention from the opportunity that we have right now to create new experiences. Your purpose here is to experience, create and love, and none of those things can occur if you are focusing on the past. Here are some action steps you can take this holiday season to keep depression away. Be sure to share them with your friends and family who may be suffering in silence.

Make a list of things you love about the holidays

1. Write as many things as you can. From holiday foods to favorite movies, include friends and family members you love to spend time with, and traditions you enjoy. Intentionally schedule these things into your calendar. I love to drive around looking at Christmas lights. Make sure you spend time doing what you love!

Make a list of things that make you crazy during the holidays

2. You are the director of your life and if you hate sending holiday cards then don’t do it! Can’t stand your Aunt Mable and don’t want to see her this year? Don’t go! Can’t afford expensive gifts and know you shouldn’t charge them? Don’t buy them! If you want to live an authentic life then you must be true to yourself first. If you struggle with saying no, your spirit guides can fix you up in a flash…you need to have a chat with them.

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Tips for Business Owners to Relieve Stress

11/18/2015

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For this blog I bring you a great guest blogger! Her name is Krista and she is the owner of
Magick & Miracles Healing Sanctuary. She will tell you more about her business and what she does! I hope you enjoy her tips on how to relieve stress!

Krista McKeon, Magick and Miracles

Introduction

As a small business owner myself, I understand the unique demands it has, not only on one's body, but mind as well. We wear many many hats, which can get quite weighty by day's end. Then add on any that we wear for our families and communities, and you have the makings for a very stressed out individual. Luckily, I am in the business of helping with just that!

My name is Rev. Krista McKeon, RM, LMT, CACRTM, MM and I am the hands and heart behind Magick & Miracles Healing Sanctuary, which is a private healing arts practice. I offer a range of different types of services to help relieve the mind and body of the stresses it accumulates throughout this journey we call life.

In my practice, I work with each client one on one to help them achieve their personal goals of well- being. Whether they come to see me to ease their body's aches and pains, seek emotional comfort and resolution, mental clarity and perspective, or to find a deeper meaning within it all, each person receives a customized approach and not only leaves feeling lighter, but also with a few tips to help them between sessions. After all... well-being is everything we do, say, see, and think, because there is a lot of life happening between visits.

A Solid Foundation

So first I find out if they have their basics covered:

Getting enough quality sleep (7-9 hours a night is recommended)
Eating right (Healthy diet, not skipping any meals, taking supplements)
Exercise (working out 30 minutes for at least three times/week)

If not, then we start there. But if they seem to have a solid foundation, I will then begin looking into other areas to see where any imbalances may be. As I talk with each client, it usually becomes quite apparent what aspects could use a little tweaking, and more often times than not, the biggest challenge for small business owners is their TIME!

We all only have 24 hours in a day, so we need to be very protective of that time. Prioritizing activities to not only get things done, but leave you feeling accomplished and energized is key.

Suggestions for Relieving Stress