The Benefits of Professional Headshots

A professional headshot is a great way to make a lasting and positive impression. In today's digital world, having a well-crafted and polished headshot can set you apart from the competition and give you an edge when it comes to networking. Professional headshots are also vital for businesses and companies looking to represent themselves in the best possible light. Let’s take a look at why professional headshots are important.

Authenticity and Authority

A professional headshot conveys authenticity and authority. It shows potential employers or customers that you are serious about your work or business, and it can help establish trust with those who view it. Having a high-quality professional headshot also conveys that you have taken the time to craft an image that is presentable and polished. This can speak volumes about your attention to detail, professionalism, and credibility.

Personality and Personality Branding

Your headshot should capture your personality in addition to showing off your skillset. It should show people who you are as an individual as well as what kind of business you run or what kind of service you provide. Professional headshots should be able to convey who you are in such a way that viewers can immediately connect with you on some level—whether it be through similar interests or through shared experiences—and this connection will often lead to greater opportunities down the line.

Social Media Presence

Having a professional headshot is essential for businesses looking to build their social media presence because it provides them with something tangible for their followers to connect with—something more than just words or message threads on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. A high-quality image of yourself will make all the difference in terms of establishing yourself as someone worth following online. Additionally, having an up-to-date profile picture across all of your social media platforms will increase brand recognition over time as well as trustworthiness within your industry or niche market.

Conclusion:

Professional headshots are key for both individuals looking to get ahead professionally as well as businesses trying to stand out from their competition. Not only do they convey authenticity and authority but they also allow people to get a better sense of who you are as an individual which can help establish relationships with potential customers or employers further down the line. Professional headshots also play an integral role when it comes to building social media presence; having high quality images across all platforms will ultimately increase brand recognition while also making sure that customers know they can trust working with that particular business or individual moving forward. All in all, professional headshots have many benefits which is why so many people opt for them these days!

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Why Hire a Local Photographer for Your company’s Headshots?

Choosing the right photographer is essential if you want to capture corporate headshots that stand out.

Style and experience are just two of the main considerations when deciding on a professional though – location is another.

Before you choose a headshot photographer based on style and experience alone, here’s why you should consider hiring a local photographer.

You will always have someone close by to assist you. You never know when you might need someone to help you out with a new set of headshots or some extra photos for a campaign. By developing a relationship with a local photographer, you have someone who understands your brand and who can get to your offices more easily than someone who lives in another city or state.

It’s easier to stick to your budget. When you hire a local headshot photographer, less travel time is required, which means it’s much easier to find someone who fits in with your budget. It’s also more likely that your photographer can offer you a quantity discount.

They’re more focused on their community. Another perk of working with a local professional is that they’re passionate about their community. This means they will want to help you create images that will benefit your business and your bottom line, which, in turn, benefits the community.

It’s more personal. Overall, working with a local photographer to capture new corporate headshots generally means you can expect a more personal experience. You’ll be working with someone who wants to make a name for themselves in their community and get repeat business, which means they take the time to really get to know you, your staff, and your business.

In the end, you should always pick a headshot photographer with a style you really love, but if you can find that perfect match locally, let that be your first choice.

Don Evans is a professional headshot photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

How Professional Headshots Can Help You Grow Your Business

Any business sector nowadays can be a competitive space, which means you need to take full advantage of the tools you have available to you – your website and the images it hosts is one of them.

In most instances, your website is one of the first encounters a potential client will have with your company. Is it going to leave the best first impression? Will it encourage potential customers to get in touch with you?

Working with a professional photographer is one way that you can instantly turn your website into a powerful digital marketing tool for your firm.

With the right photos, not only are you making a stronger first impression, but you’re able to better convey your values and mission as a firm.

Let’s look at some of the ways that you can use professional photography to benefit your business:

Showcase your offices. If you’ve spent time designing eye-catching offices, why not show them off on your website and social media pages? This will also indicate that you take your business and the client experience seriously.

Put faces to the names. Professional headshots make clients feel more comfortable because they know who they’re communicating with and will be meeting with. Plus, with the help of a professional photographer and the right outfit, you can instantly appear more credible before a client even meets you.

Make it more personal. As much as corporation can be serious, your clients are still humans and so are you. When you work with a professional photographer, you can work a few candid shots of your team into the mix. This highlights your personalities and that your company does offer that personal touch. These shots also make for great social media content.

Create a cohesive look and feel. Anytime a potential or existing client encounters your brand online, they should immediately recognize your firm. When your brand’s visual identity is different from one platform to the next, it can affect your credibility.

Improve team morale. Organizing a team photo day is excellent for team morale. It brings everyone together in a fun and engaging way and emphasizes the fact that you’re working towards a unified goal. And when everyone’s working together, it means more potential business for your firm. Be sure to have your photographer update each of your team member’s headshots as well.

Overall, investing in a professional photography session is one of the best things you can do for your business, internally and externally.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

When was the last time you reviewed your headshots?

When was the last time you reviewed your headshots? Do you think they’re still relevant?

Regardless of the industry you are in, your headshots matter. How people perceive you is directly linked to the images you use to market yourself as a professional.

To help you better decide whether it might be time for a headshot update, here are a few things to consider:

1. Headshots Help Build Relationships. Want to form a stronger connection with customers or potential employers? Show them your face. A great headshot can portray your personality and authenticity more clearly and help build a great connection with your audience. Plus, if your appearance has changed in recent years, there has never been a better time to update your headshots. What people see online should be what they get in person.

2. It’s Not Just for LinkedIn. When people think headshots, LinkedIn generally jumps to mind first, but this is not the only use. Headshots can be used almost anywhere you want to promote yourself. From your business cards and website, to a flyer for an event you’re speaking at, to every email that you send – they are a worthwhile investment.

3. You Need a Professional Photographer. Before you decide to take a few selfies, consider the benefits of having professional headshots. Not only do you have a professional photographer to guide you, but the equipment and editing software that’s used makes all the difference to the end result. Let your competition use their iphones for their headshots, and elevate your brand above the pack by using a professional photographer.

Take a closer look at your existing headshots. Are you happy to keep sharing them with the world? Or is it time for an update? In today’s fast moving world, chances are that you are in need for a new headshot.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Why Professional Headshots Can Be Costly (and Why They’re Worth It)

If this is the first time you’re considering professional headshots, you might be shocked by the price tag. Before you decide that booking a session isn’t right for you, here is what you should consider about headshot pricing.

Experience Requires Time and Money

Experienced headshot photographers have spent years honing their skills, which is why they can produce the professional and creative images they do. Headshots aren’t just profile photos either – they need to look professional and tell a story too. 

Professional photographers also need the right equipment to assist clients. From cameras and lenses to reflectors and flashes, there is a lot of equipment that comes in handy for these types of sessions. Not only is the initial purchase costly, but there are repairs, maintenance, and insurance costs to account for too.

Commuting is Sometimes Required

Very often, photographers will need to travel to a specific location for a shoot, which also costs money. Most headshot photography costs include travel, which can drive up the total price. Something else that many people forget to consider is the time it takes a photographer to set everything up and answer any questions you might have. 

Retouching Takes Time

Impressed with the headshots you’ve seen in a photographer’s portfolio? They didn’t get that way naturally. You may personally see your photographer working during your session, but that is only about 1/3 or 1/4 of the time they will spend working on your images. Some retouching is always required after a photo session, which requires more time and effort than the time spent with you in person. Photographers take this time into consideration when delivering a quote.

If you are serious about your personal brand, headshot sessions are a worthwhile investment. What’s more, you may only need an updated headshot every 2 years. And if your budget is tight, there is always the option of scheduling a mini headshot session – you do end up with fewer photos, but the results are still fantastic and won’t cost as much as a full detailed session.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Preparing for Professional Headshots When You Have Facial Hair

You’ve finally scheduled your headshot session with a professional photographer, but what should you do about your facial hair? 

There are no hard and fast rules that state you need to get rid of your facial hair, but it helps to consider both a shaved and unshaved look before your shoot. Your headshots are going to be relevant for one to two years after all. 

The Shaved Look

If you choose to shave your facial hair, it’s highly recommended that you go for a professional shave. Yes, you know how to do it, but a professional shave will ensure you don’t miss any spots and that you don’t end up with cuts or ingrown hairs on the day of your headshot session. Remember, your photographer is shooting with high-definition cameras, which pick up on the smallest of details. 

Plus, everyone feels more confident and relaxed after a professional shave, exactly what you want on the day of your shoot. 

If you do decide to shave on your own, make sure you have the right products, including aftershave to help soothe your skin afterward. You should also aim to shave at least an hour or two before your shoot to ensure that any redness has subsided. Staying hydrated will also help your skin look and feel its best. 

The Unshaven Look

If your facial hair is an integral part of your look, schedule a grooming session before your headshot session. Again, it’s always better to schedule a professional grooming session for the best results. A barber has all the right tools available for a smooth finish.

Something you should keep in mind if you have a 5 o’clock shadow that hides or distorts your jawline, you might want to consider a shaved look for more striking photos. 

And if you have the time and money, and would prefer to have options, you could always take some photos with facial hair and a few without to decide which look you want to present to the world.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Headshot Tips for Actors Looking for More Auditions

With the help of the right photographer, you can catch the attention of more casting directors and agents. In fact, visuals can often make or break your chances of landing your dream audition, which is why it’s essential to get your headshots right.

Here are some tips that will help:

• Stick with a basic backdrop

When it comes to taking professional acting headshots, a basic studio backdrop is a better bet. This way, you minimize any distractions and keep the focus on you. It’s fine to shoot headshots on location, but you should still ensure your background is fairly simple. Generally, a plain white backdrop will serve you well.

• Practice your facial expressions

Before you schedule a headshot session, take a look at what other professionals are doing in terms of poses. Once you find a few poses and expressions you like, practice them in a mirror prior to your photo session. Knowing how you want to pose will also make time for more headshots while you’re in studio. And since you want to walk away with a variety of photos, make sure you are going to your session with a variety of poses in mind.  

• Don’t overthink your outfit

Since headshots focus more on your head and shoulders, you don’t need to overthink your outfit too much. Stick to solid colors and statement pieces such as a blouse or blazer. You should also be wary of any accessories that might take the focus off your face. With that being said, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan your outfit at all (you definitely should), but it’s okay to stick with something basic, but professional.

• Think twice about the photographer you choose

Picking the right photographer will make a big difference to your results as well as your overall experience. Only go with photographers that offer headshot sessions and preferably, someone who specializes. Don’t forget to review their portfolio to ensure you like their photography style. 

With these simple tips in mind, you are on your way to taking better headshots that will benefit your career as an actor.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

3 Headshot Photography Myths You Can Discard Today

Whether you’re thinking about taking a professional headshot for the first time or you want to refresh your current photos, you may have noticed there is a lot of different information floating around.

In this blog, we debunk some of the most common headshot myths so that you can book your next session with confidence and peace of mind.

There is No Need to Hire a Professional

Anyone can take a headshot on their smartphone, but there’s a very slim chance it will look professional. If you want to look and feel like a true professional online, it’s best to invest in a professional headshot session with a specialist photographer. Even if you or a family member has a professional camera, equipment doesn’t mean much if you don’t know how to use it or have an eye for headshots. 

Headshots Don’t Need Personality

Contrary to what you’ve heard or read, headshots do need to tell a story and showcase your personality. There are thousands of profiles and portfolios out there, so you need to find a way to stand out. In most instances, someone will notice your photo before they start reading about your skills and experience, so make it count. 

You’re Not Photogenic

Far too many professionals shy away from scheduling a professional headshot session because they believe they aren’t photogenic. This is never the case – you’ve just been using the wrong photographer. This paired with a little practice in the mirror can lead to eye-catching and professional headshots that will make you stand out in your industry. 

My Existing Headshots are Fine

This might be the case if you took them within the last 1 or 2 years. If not, it’s time to update them. Not only do headshot styles change, but you’ve changed too. And your headshots should always be a clear representation of who you are today. 

If you have any other concerns about whether a headshot session is right for you, contact me for a free consultation.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

LinkedIn Profile Photo Mistakes Professionals Should Avoid

LinkedIn can be a powerful platform for professionals looking for new career opportunities and those who want to network. Your LinkedIn profile picture is an integral part of the first impression you create – it gives people some insight into who you are and what your personality is like. As LinkedIn is more professionally oriented versus its casual/personal cousin, Facebook, your LinkedIn profile picture should be a Professional Headshot.

If you want to make sure your LinkedIn profile picture has the right effect, here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Mistake 1: You’re Using an Outdated Photo. 

If someone wouldn’t be able to recognize you in person after seeing your LinkedIn profile picture, it’s time for an update. Whether you’ve changed your hair, style, or you’ve simply lost a significant amount of weight, it’s best to update your headshots.

Mistake 2: The Backdrop is Distracting

If your eye is drawn to the background of your photo instead of your face, it’s not the right image. Ugly, outdated, or distracting backdrops should be avoided for any and all headshots.

Mistake 3: You’re Wearing an Unprofessional Outfit

While it’s perfectly fine to wear something that represents your personality and creativity, you should always look professional. What are you currently wearing in your profile photo? Would a potential client or employer find it off-putting? If so, it’s time to update your LinkedIn profile photo.  

Mistake 4: Your Profile Photo Lacks Personality

As much as you want to appear professional, your headshot should still tell some sort of story. Using a stiff and overly formal LinkedIn profile picture is a sure-fire way to blend into the background. If you want to stand out, bring a bit of personality into your headshot. 

Mistake 5: Using a Poor-Quality Photo

The last mistake you want to avoid is using a low-quality LinkedIn profile picture. If you took it with your phone and the photo looks grainy and unprofessional, it’s time to invest in a headshot session with a photographer. 

By avoiding these mistakes, you can upload a LinkedIn profile picture that stands out and tells your personal brand story.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

5 Must-Haves for Your Personal Branding Headshot Photo Session

Personal branding headshot photos are unique in the sense that they can be customized according to the needs of your business and your personality. However, not all brands' photos are created equal.

Hiring a professional headshot photographer for your personal branding photos is a commercial investment in your business. Yes, you do want to look your best, but this isn’t your usual glamour shoot. These photos are meant to tell your brand’s story and sell your strengths.

If you’re still planning your personal brand headshot session, here are a few must-haves:

Specific Goals

Having a goal for your shoot is a must-have before you even start searching for a headshot photographer. Where will your images be used? What kind of story do you want to tell? If possible, hire a photographer once you start designing your website and marketing materials. This way, your designer can guide you on the types and number of unique shots you’ll need.

A Brand-Appropriate Location

There are so many options to consider when you first start searching for a location for your shoot but if it doesn’t match your brand style, the photos won’t have the effect you’re hoping for. If you’re not sure about locations that would match your style, speak to your headshot photographer about suggestions.

A Shot List

It doesn’t matter how many photos are included in your session, it’s always best to come prepared by creating a shot list. What types of photos do you want to take to tell your brand story? The more specific you are, the better your headshot photographer can tell your story. Don’t forget to get a few suggestions from your photographer once you explain your vision to them.

Clothing That Makes You Feel Your Best

There are a lot of routes you can take with your photoshoot outfit but ultimately, you need to wear whatever makes you look and feel great. Style is so subjective, so it’s difficult to give specific suggestions. Naturally, just make sure that your outfit portrays the right image and that you stick to your brand palette.

Interesting Props

Props can really make a personal branding headshot session much more fun and interesting. Choose props that add to your brand’s story and speak to your unique personality. You want to use props that help you stand out from the crowd but won’t take the attention away from you in a shot.

By being more prepared and organized for your personal branding photoshoot, you can make the most of your investment.

Don Evans is a professional headshot photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Questions to Ask a Personal Branding and Headshot Photographer Before Booking a Shoot

So, you’ve decided that this is the year you want to build a unique personal brand. Knowing how you want to portray yourself in the public eye is only the first step. Next, you will need to ensure you have a strong online presence that represents what you’re all about – visuals are one of the most essential elements.

Scheduling a personal branding headshot photoshoot is one way to start building your ideal image. Your photos need to capture the essence of who you are and what you offer. It might sound easy enough to do on your own, but many entrepreneurs soon realize how difficult it is to bring a message across in an image.

Hiring a professional headshot photographer will save you a lot of time and give you the most professional results.

If you’re in the process of hiring a photographer, here are some key questions you should be asking.

1. How often do you shoot headshot photos? Not all photographers specialize in or have a lot of experience with personal branding headshots. This is not to say that they aren’t experienced and skilled, but it is better to go with someone who has specific personal branding and headshot experience. You need someone who you can discuss your vision with and trust that they can bring it to life. 

2. Where can I shoot? Next, you want to find out whether the photographer shoots headshots in a studio or other locations too. There’s nothing wrong with shooting in a studio but to truly tell a story, you should have the option to choose your own locations too. Whether this is your office, home or favorite coffee shop, location plays a leading role in your visual story.

3. What’s included in the shoot? Find out more about what’s included in the total cost of the headshot and whether that meets your requirements. Number of edited images, and travel costs are just some of the aspects to consider.

4. What process do you follow? If you want to end up with headshots that portray what your brand is all about, your photographer should have a process in place that will allow them to understand what you’re looking for. 

5. Can I send you a mood board or ideas? While this is not an absolute must, you might want to provide your headshot photographer with a visual idea of the kind of imagery and story you want your photos will tell. 

From there, you can look forward to stunning and engaging personal branding imagery. 

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

4 Proven Ways to Strengthen Your Personal Brand

Branding is all about making something more desirable by highlighting its uniqueness and value. This basic branding principle is usually associated with products and services but it’s relevant to personal brands too.

So much of what we do to make a product or service stand out amongst competitors and appeal to customers are tactics that can be applied to our own brands. 

Here are some key traditional branding principles that you can apply to your personal brand:

Give Them Something to Remember

When it comes to marketing a product, giving it a personality and using eye-catching visuals can help it stand out – the same applies to your personal brand and professional headshot. Look at ways that you can be more distinctive in your market. What is it about your personal brand that you love and that others are always complimenting you on? What are your best skills and what energy and working style do you bring to projects? 

Be Visible

Visibility is key in all types of marketing – if customers don’t know about you, they can’t interact with or buy from you. Consumers are inundated with so many choices that you have no choice but to be visible and stand out too. Being visible means you’ll stay top-of-mind in your industry and professional network. Along with having a strong online presence on platforms you know your customers frequent, get out there and speak at events, join networking groups in your area, and engage with your audience. 

What’s In It for Them?

If you want customers to sit up and pay attention, tell them what they will gain. Marketers know that focusing on the features of products will only get you so far. Customers want to know how they will benefit by making a purchase. Why should people work with you? Pair what you offer with the value you will bring to the lives of those who partner with you if you want to stand out. 

Tell Them Why

What is it that drives you to do what you do? When you’re passionate, authentic, and do meaningful work, you automatically build trust and credibility. Decide what’s important to your dream clients and see where you can build a link between that and the reason why you’re offering what you do. Take it a step further with a more environmental headshot that can show not only who you are, but what you do and what you offer. 

A memorable, authentic, and visible personal brand headshot will always stand out amongst the rest. All it takes is finding the right angle, understanding your audience, and being clear about the what and why behind your brand. 

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

The Positive Side Effects of Scheduling a Professional Branding Headshot Session

Your personal brand is something you should feel proud of. Finding the time to schedule a professional headshot session isn’t always easy, but if most entrepreneurs knew just how beneficial it can be, they would all be doing it a lot sooner.

When it comes to building a strong personal brand, it’s important to get the basics right. When there’s a strong foundation in place, you can focus on what really matters when things start getting busy.

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t put a personal branding headshot session off any longer.

Builds Credibility Online

In most instances, your clients will stumble across your brand and profiles online first. Not only is it important to have a website and a solid social media presence, but potential customers should know who you are. Having a set of professional headshot photos that you can use across all online profiles will instantly give you more credibility.

Connecting with Your Audience Comes Naturally

When people know who they’re dealing with, it’s easier to connect with them. Anyone can create a logo and social media profile, but this says nothing about the face behind the brand. Plus, personal branding headshot photos showcase your personality, which tells customers more about what they can expect. When your brand speaks through your photos, it’s also much easier to attract more of your dream clients. 

Boosts Your Confidence

When you have a professional online headshot, and even your traditional marketing materials look fresh and engaging, it instantly instills more confidence. You deserve to feel proud of what you’ve built. It might sound simple but a set of photos that showcase your best features and qualities is a reminder of who you are and what you’re working towards. 

Saves Time 

If you’re wondering how a personal branding shoot can save, you’ve never tried to take the perfect professional headshot using a tripod and your smartphone. Plus, if you’re not a photographer yourself, it’s not always easy to know how to perfectly capture your personality in an image. A professional photographer can though and in much less time. 

Increasing Pricing Is Easier

When you have a strong and credible online presence, it reflects the value you offer. This way, when it comes time to increase your prices, customers are more willing to pay you what you’re worth. 

If you’re still in the process of creating your personal brand, a professional photographer can help bring your ideas and vision together by helping you visualize the image you want to create. A personal branding shoot is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

4 Reasons Not to DIY Your Headshot and Personal Branding Photos

So, you’re in the process of building and improving your personal brand. Since your brand is all about you, you know that headshot photos are an essential piece of the puzzle.

It can be tempting to try and take care of your photography yourself but there are a few downsides to going the DIY route.

When you’re building a personal brand, it’s important to view it as an investment, as well as a competition against other companies or individuals. When you build your brand on a strong foundation, you get to reap the rewards later on.

Why a Professional Personal Branding Photographer is a Must

• You receive high-quality photos

When you hire a professional photographer to assist you with your personal branding headshot photos, you will have access to high-end equipment that produces quality results. Grainy and blurry photos will not help you create the first impression you’re hoping for. Plus, investing in a professional photographer now, will leave you with professional headshot photos that you can use across all of your marketing material for years to come, both online and off.

• Benefit from professional guidance and experience

Professional photographers know how to achieve the best results, which means you get to benefit from this experience. If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, a photographer can provide you with guidance that will ensure your headshot photos perfectly portray what your personal brand is all about.

• Your photos are professionally edited

Editing software is not only complicated but it can be pricey too. When you hire a professional photographer, they will expertly edit your photos in subtle ways that will highlight your best features. They can get rid of blemishes and imperfections that might stand out in photos.

• The right lighting is everything

Lighting is an essential component of good photography. By hiring a professional, you will have access to a studio that has the perfect lighting for personal branding photos. A photographer will also have additional equipment such as reflectors, which can also completely change the end result.

Photography might sound like a simple and small part of this journey but it’s important, especially if you want to make a good first impression.

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Seniors – What to Wear For Your Senior Picture Photo Session

Ok teenagers ... I know what you’re thinking ... You have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.

Choose a VARIETY of outfits

It's a good idea to include both casual and a more formal outfit in your senior portraits. You choose one and let Mom choose one, that way everyone is happy.

For outdoor portraits

Be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. I recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors.

Try to stay clear of stripes

Large bold ones are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.

Your face should be the focal point of your portraits

Loud colors and busy patterns can be very distracting in your photos. Avoid large & bold patterns that might draw attention away from your face. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering.

Classic styles

Those classics will best stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking less dated for years to come. So try wearing styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer...otherwise you're portrait will look dated in a year or two. Classic solids will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer. A great example is the standard jeans and a white t-shirt, which has been around for decades and still looks fantastic.

Shoes

Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! White socks don't photograph well, so bring darker ones too (just in case they show!) Guys... don't forget those belts and Gals...don't forget your jewelry!

Learn more about my Senior Picture Photo Sessions here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/seniors

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Can Personal Branding Headshots Really Help You Grow Your Business?

As more people enter the world of freelancing, branding is a bigger buzz word than ever. It’s for this reason that personal branding photography has also grown in popularity. 

You might not realize it, but personal branding photography is an investment and a tool that can help you grow your small business. Why take a chance that people will know what your brand is all about when you can tell them yourself with professional headshots? 

You won’t always be able to control how potential customers perceive your brand, but you can take steps to ensure that your story is as clear as possible. 

6 Ways Personal Branding Headshots Can Boost Your Business

1. Add compelling images to your website

If you want to grab a website visitor’s attention in an authentic way, you’re going to need engaging photos. They don’t want to see generic stock photos either – they want to know who they might be doing business with. Text is definitely still important, but people are also very visual, which is why quality photos matter. The photos on your site should serve a purpose and not simply be placeholders. 

2. Personalize your marketing material 

If you print business cards, leaflets or design any other marketing material to promote your business, it’s important to have professional images like headshots that you can incorporate. By adding photos, your brand also becomes more recognizable to clients – an important factor in building trust.

3. Create unique social media content

Social media can give your brand a lot of exposure and adding your headshot photo to some of your posts will help boost your credibility. Social media is personal, which means existing and potential customers need to be able to relate to you. Knowing who you’re engaging with online automatically makes them more trustworthy and believable. 

4. Liven up your email signature

An email signature that has a headshot photo automatically stands out more. It also solidifies that you’re a professional who is transparent and confident in what they do. Plus, if you chat to a client over email for several weeks, it makes meeting you for the first time more comfortable and natural because they know what you look like.

5. Send your headshot photo along with guest posts

If you are a blogger for other websites, you should always be adding a professional headshot to your bio. A bio photo might be small but it does help create a more consistent and trustworthy online image, especially once you start writing for multiple websites. 

6. Enhance your PR efforts

Approaching publications and PR firms about publicity opportunities? Professional branding photos are a must! If you want to position yourself as an expert in your sector, a good headshot goes a long way. Plus, a reputable publication or firm will always ask you to send a photo anyway. When you take your business seriously, others will too.

Personal branding photos ensure that you’re showing up professionally and consistently online. It also gives your marketing and content a personal edge that will help you stand out from competitors. A small investment can give you the boost you need to grow your business in a big way.

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Making the Most of Your Professional Headshot Session – A Brief Guide

When you schedule a professional headshot session, you’re investing in showcasing the very best version of you and your business. These photos will help you market yourself by telling your story in a unique way.

We live in a visual world and it’s important to make a good impression right away. When you use photos that look authentic, you make it that much easier for people to trust you.

So, how do you ensure you’re making the most of this opportunity?

Connect with your photographer

When you work with a photographer you love and connect with, your images automatically turn out better. Find a photographer whose work inspires and excites you. Scroll through their online portfolio and social media feed to get an idea of what they’re capable of and if it suits your personal style. At the end of the day, you want to feel completely comfortable in front of your photographer.

Communicate what you want

A photographer can’t give you the results you want if they don’t know what you want. Clearly communicating your ideas to your photographer is essential. Provide them with details on the first impression and message you want to portray. Share your ideas and examples with them. They may even be able to give you suggestions you haven’t thought about yet. When I am able to speak with my clients in advance, one of the first questions I ask is, "What's the message we want to get across?" With that information, I'm able to do a much better job of guiding my clients in poses that convey that message.

Think carefully about your location

Your location will help set the tone for the shoot, so choose carefully. There are so many options to choose from that go beyond a basic studio setting. Just make sure that your photographer has actual experience in both studio, and off site / natural light photography. For a bit more of a deep dive on that, check out my blog titled, "Does My Professional Headshot Need to Be In a Studio?"

Plan your outfit, hair and makeup

Don’t leave your outfit, hair and makeup arrangements to the last minute. If possible, get a professional to assist you so that you look your best. In fact, your photographer may even be able to give you a few suggestions. The outfit you choose will also play a major role in the message you send when people see your photos, so think twice about what you want to wear. Better yet, have a few options available. Keep in mind that you want to be able to use these photos for a few years, so rather opt for a timeless look.

One of the best business decisions I've ever made, is when I decided to team up with a hair and makeup artist. I had to go through a lot of people to find just the right person who could not only do makeup, but also relate to my clients and help put them at ease prior to the photo session. I offer this as an option service but, more and more, my clients are choosing to take advantage of this service. My clients look their best, my pictures look their best, and my client satisfaction is through the roof!

In summary, there's more to it than just showing up to a photographer's studio and standing in front of a camera with a smile. Planning is the key underlying factor in making the most of your personal branding and headshot photoshoot. Don’t be scared to ask your photographer for additional guidance.

feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions:

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography