Your Online and Offline Headshot | Atlanta Headshot Photographer

When I create professional headshots, I'm always considering the personal branding, message, and feeling that those headshots have to convey to a client's customers. I don't do "assembly line photography." Instead, my portraits are custom-made. I show your personality, reliability, and professionalism in your portrait, and that can go a long way in attracting customers.

This was definitely the case for Tamay Shannon who owns Where 2 Start Marketing, a social media firm for small businesses. (By the way, Tamay has guest posted for me about creating a social media plan. You can read it here.) Because Tamay is online all the time, we wanted a variety of poses and looks she could use throughout the year. During our extended session, we had a blast choosing from accessories and outfits. Plus, it was all on location at a friend's home.

What does your headshot say about you? Both online and offline? If you are in need of some new headshots, I'd love to be your photographer. Contact me for more information.

 

Why Headshots are Important for Small Businesses Professionals | Alpharetta GA Headshot Photographer

I'm so excited about my new business cards. As a small business owner, I represent my own brand, so it makes sense that a business card features my portrait.

I made the change because of a conversation with Tamay Shannon, Atlanta small business social media strategist and owner of W2S Marketing. Here's what she she said:

"A good headshot allows people to connect with you because people don't naturally connect with a logo. That's why Coca-Cola and Starbucks have to spend millions of dollars on their marketing and branding. Small businesses don't have that kind of money. So, use what God gives you! People connect with faces because they have a face too. Use your headshot to build back-of-mind familiarity. Use it on your website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and advertising so people see it and think, 'Hey, I know you. I can trust you. I can do business with you.' "

So, what's stopping you from putting your face on your business card, website, and social media profile? For most people, it's because they 1) don't have a current headshot or 2) hate the headshot they already have. I can help you! (Contact me if you need headshots.)

My headshot sessions are fun and professional, and you'll get great pictures you actually like! Plus, you can request professional hair and make-up. My hair and makeup artist, Kristin Layne Morris, makes my clients look and feel amazing. Here are a few images of Susan, Independent Team Leader with NYR Organic. Hair and makeup by Kristin Layne. Photography and editing by me!

Your Headshot is your First Impression | Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell Headshot Photographer

Marchet Butler, professional headshot photographer in Alpharetta, Milton, and Roswell explains the importance of a good headshot.

Imagine you have an important interview. You don't worry too much about how you look. Clothes: eh, what you're wearing is fine. Makeup: well, the mascara's still there Hair: it's okay. Breath: oh, better pop in a mint.

Unless you are very sure you are not going to get the job anyway, you wouldn't go to an interview like that. After all, first impressions are important! Here's the thing, though. The first impression isn't in person anymore. It's online.

Clients, interviewers, and other business professionals will Google you before they meet you face to face. And what will they find? Your headshot. (And by the way, here's mine.) Your headshot should show you at your best and present you as an expert in your field. It is your first impression.

Besides families, my specialty is in professional headshots. I have a talent for bringing out the best in my subjects, even in short sessions. I do both indoor studio-style and outdoor headshots, and with professional hair and make-up, you are going to look and feel amazing--and not just for one day either, for each day you see your headshot.

Here are two of my outdoor headshots, taken of Stacy Perkinson and Jackie Gasparre Meyer of Team Perks, Chapman Hall Real Estate. I love how professional yet approachable each of them look in their portraits, and the outdoor setting is appropriate because they are experts in real estate. Also, I have to thank my fabulous hair and makeup artist, Kristin Layne Morris, who comes with my on my shoots when hair and makeup is requested.

I would love to create headshots for you that are just as gorgeous! Contact me for more information about my headshot packages.

Real Estate Agent Headshots | Atlanta GA Headshot Photographer

Though I'm known mostly for my on-location family portraits, I also am passionate about creating beautiful headshots for business professionals. In this case, I did headshots for Atlanta real estate agents Debbie Redford and Debbie DeWinne of All Atlanta Realty and Color It Sold.

For these headshots, we wanted to have something that could both be used on business cards and on posters. We kept with a neutral background and soft lighting which I set up at their office on the morning of the shoot. As in any headshot, we worked to achieve a look that was both accessible, trustworthy, and professional. If you are interested in headshots, please contact me. I would love to be your photographer.

Going Vintage | Atlanta GA Photographer

This is just a sneak peek of a shoot I did a while back with my good friend and fellow photographer, Kaylene Fister of Southern Kiwi Photography. The photo is by Kaylene. Thanks girl! The styling and editing (lots of it!) is by me. I will be doing a post on what editing I did next week. Stay tuned!

Buy One Get One Free 8x10 at Walgreens

I've recently started clipping coupons thanks to a couple friends and a workshop at church that taught me some tricks about saving money this way. So, I was thrilled when I found a coupon in this Sunday's paper for a Buy One Get One Free 8x10 at Walgreens. The coupon says if you order online, just "enter promtional code 2FOR1 for online checkout." Awesome! The code is good through Sat. 11/28/09. With Christmas coming, I'm thinking about all the photos I will want to print for presents. This is a nice way to get one of those for free.

Remember, for an 8x10 print, you will be getting a print that isn't be the same aspect ratio as the original file. Plus, labs always upsize the image so it will "bleed" (a printing term here) all the way to the edges of the paper. Here's how a photo of my photographer friend and aunt will be cropped for an 8x10 print:

Original Image

Cropped Image for 8x10 print:
Loses some of the camera at the bottom and the hat on top.

Aspect ratio is another problem with prints, but as long as you are aware of the limitations of your intended prints, you can shoot photos that have a little leeway for cropping.