Sometimes when people inquire about professional headshots they have in mind an image that’s just shy of a snapshot.  That happens frequently enough that when people call inquiring about headshots, I’m inclined to let them know that what I do may be overkill for them.  Which is exactly what happened with Anna – I described what I do and went on to explain how that might be more than she needed.  She quickly began explaining to me why she needed my services and I thought that maybe I should hire her.

Needless to say she convinced me.

Anna has lived all over the country working as an anthropologist studying veterans in the VA hospital system. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Washington and moved out to Seattle two days after our session together to finish up and defend her thesis.

My dad is a veteran who receives services through the VA and I had so many questions to ask her. I was tempted to pack up my equipment and just listen because our conversation required a little more mental energy than I had to spare while juggling photography things.

Thank you so much Anna for the lovely afternoon. Good luck in the next phase of your adventurous life!

When I lived by the airport I didn’t notice the planes flying overhead.  Similarly Danielle and Alan would just say, “come on Mira!” as she cartwheeled after them.

Alan and I both recognized each other from somewhere but after about 10 minutes of trying to figure out where, we gave up.

Danielle has a job I didn’t quite follow involved being highly skilled and traveling. Alan works at a lab at U of R and holds down the fort.  Mira enjoys balance beams, handstands and trampolines.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family with me!

#1: The location is 50% of the photo.  If there’s a place that you think represents you (like a pool if you’re a swimmer) then that’s fantastic.  You don’t have to be wearing a bathing suit in a pool to show that you’re a swimmer.  It could also be a place you love to be, or even just a place with lots of different options.  These photos were shot on the University of Rochester Campus, which has a track, nature, architecture, etc.

#2: Clothing changes are your friend.  Since it’s just you, it’s basically the background, you in different positions (women have more options with this than men), and your clothes.  Two different outfits can go a long way toward variety.

#3: Bring something along that’s important to you.  DJ runs track, and so we met at a track and he brought along his running shoes.  Some people bring musical instruments, other types of sports equipment, etc.

#4: Add an effect.  I’m not a big photoshop person.  I try to avoid it.  I mainly do this by trying to get the image right in the camera and I kick myself if I have to leave Lightroom, but this effect works really well.  If you see some Photoshop type thing you love, let me know and we’ll recreate it.

5.  Have your colors analyzed.  If you’re super hard core about this, I highly recommend Kerry Stitch at Indigo Tones.  I was a skeptic, but I have to say that after having my colors analyzed, it’s something I come back to all the time.

A lot of us wear colors we like, or colors other people wear, or just what’s on sale.  We can’t figure out why we never pick that yellow shirt, or why black seems to wash us out.  It turns out that there is a reason, and knowing what colors look best on you will help you photograph better than ever.  There’s not one magic color – it depends on your complexion.

After my analysis Kerry said, “You get to wear the colors everyone else wears but shouldn’t.”  Meaning black, brown, dark red, etc.  But I can’t wear yellow.  Somehow I knew this but kept buying light colored clothing anyway.  I don’t anymore and it is incredibly liberating!

6.  Bring a friend, or your mom, or someone to make you smile.  Even having someone to challenge you to a staring contest can evoke some great facial expressions.

Have any tips to add?  Leave a comment below!