Archive for the ‘Your first impression is visual, online tips for the businessperson.’ Category

Make-up, it’s not just for women.

For photography and film it’s always been for everyone. From Errol Flyn to Daniel Craig they all do it.

The most common use is to reduce reflections and hot spots, AKA “shinny nose syndrome” (well, also forehead and chin). These areas tend to be the oiliest and therefore the shiniest. Allowing the photographer or make-up artist apply powder to your face will reduce the hot spots and give a more natural appearance.

When you look in the mirror you usually have flat lighting and may not see the differences in shinny skin. However when you get on set the photographer is using different lighting, to accentuate your best features, and unfortunately the differences may show.

Yes, Photoshop is the miracle program, but it is just better and easier to correct any tonal differences in your skin before the shoot.

So the next time the photographer approaches you with a powder puff, Don’t run, Don’t hide, just understand that they are trying to make you look your best.

As Vidal Sasson Said “If you don’t look good…”

As the dust settles, and we start not only a new year but a new decade as well, it’s time to refresh our look

When the time comes to get your portrait taken spend a few minutes perusing the web and look at various portraits.

The web is a virtual goldmine of pictures of people. Don’t just limit the  search to “headshots” corporate portraits or celebrity mug shots (though those are quite a bit of fun).
Look at old renaissance portraits, look up Avedon, Hurrell., old movie publicity photos.
Look at the lighting, the angle of the head, is the portrait from above below or from the side?
Then take some time looking in the mirror and see which pose suits you.
Go ahead and make some funny faces (you know you want to) not only will it ease the tension and self-consciousness that you’ll be feeling, it actually will relive the tension in your facial muscles.

During a photoshoot most people will try to keep a smile on their face, however after a while the muscles start to harden and the smile becomes frozen. The smile looks fake and sometimes almost looks like the person is in pain. I usually try to keep the person engaged with questions to loosen up the muscles. If that doesn’t work a funny face is in order.

Remember this is supposed to be fun, the photographer is there to make it as easy and enjoyable as possible. That way they get the photo portrays you in all your glory.

Let’s face it if you’re not an actor or in the public eye, you’re probably uncomfortable being photographed.
That’s ok, I know I am that’s why I became a photographer, “problem solved”.

This usually stems from embarrasing photos taken by your so called friends at a party shown on Facebook and other web sites.
Or maybe when your parents made you wear that really ugly sweater for the family holiday portrait.
Please remember this. This holiday season don’t subject your kids to the same abuse.
Stop the cycle now!
I’ll be selling t-shirts and bumper stickers backstage after the show.
But I digress.

Whatever the reason, we need to overcome the fear to put our best face forward.We are now adults in business and need to portray a visage of professionalism and capability.

Too many times photographers hear “Uggh, I hate having my picture taken”.
We understand.
We as professionals are there to help you, unlike that backstabbing _____________, that wants your job.
We are there to work with you and to make you look good. You know, like the old adage “If you don’t look good…”

next time some tips.

Your image:

It has often been said that image is everything. I don’t agree. There are so many aspects to each of us that one image just can’t capture our totality.

However, when people come across your profile the first thing they see is your photo. Your first impression should reflect you and your goals.

On Facebook and Myspace your photo/avatar can be whatever you like. A cartoon, a photo taken on holiday, whatever projects your persona.

On a professional networking site a photo of you with a MaiTai in a Hawaiian shirt doesn’t exude professionalism, unless you’re an owner of a bar in Hawaii.

Too many times I see out of focus, taken on holiday, poorly exposed photos for CEO’s, CFO’s, Entrepreneurs and small business people. It makes me think,  “Are they really serious?”

You only have 80X80 pixels on most sites to put forth your professionalism and desire to succeed, and that drops to 40X40 pixels on the newsfeeds. You need to use that space to your best advantage. A professional portrait will set you apart.

For my next installment I’ll discuss how to prepare for a photo shoot.