Should you have Professional Makeup done for your Photo Shoot?

The short answer is YES!

The long answer is, I will always recommend to take advantage of the services from a professional makeup artist before a photo shoot. Do you have to? No, of course not. I would never want someone to do something they do not want to do. But it is highly suggested!

You have made the commitment to invest in yourself and your professional image, so well done! You will likely use the photos in your resume, website, social media profiles, marketing materials, print materials, etc for at least a year. The photo will be the first impression people get of you. So why not go above and beyond to make it your best image!? Adding professional makeup to that will help level up your images.

Here are a couple of reasons why a professional makeup artist may be better than photos with no makeup or doing your own makeup:

1. Experience.
   Skilled makeup artists have many years of experience, they’ve worked on all complexions, skin tones, face shapes and they know what looks best on camera. A professional has spent a lot of time working to make sure others look and feel fabulous.

2. Makeup looks different on camera.
   Pro makeup artists use products that look best on camera, that reduce shine and they understand how studio lighting is going to affect how you look on camera. They also know how to pump up your look naturally to enhance your best features without looking overdone.

3. Professional Products.
   Many over the counter products that we may use on a daily basis may not look good under studio lights. Have you ever seen photos where someone’s face is a different color than their neck? That won’t happen when working with a pro.

4. You get to relax a bit.
   Having a pro handle your makeup means you get to relax and just focus on you right before your session. Most people come in a little stressed, nervous, or excited about getting their photo taken. Why add one more thing to your to do list? Hiring a pro makeup artist will allow you to focus on other things and will result in your best photos.

5. Even if you want a no-makeup makeup look, we have you covered! Hiring a pro makeup artist doesn’t mean you will end up looking like someone else. The makeup artist is receptive to your needs and they want you to be comfortable and happy.

If you wish to make a great impression with your photos, I suggest working with a professional makeup artist. In the end, the decision is up to you!

Check out the photo comparison below to see the difference on myself!

Huge thanks to my favorite makeup artist Angie T

Professional Makeup by Angie T (far right photo)

https://www.makeupbyangiet.com/

Top 5 reasons why I love photography….

Ok so there are a lot more reasons why, but I had to cut it off somewhere!

Here are my Top 5 reasons why I love photography….

1. I can help people feel great about themselves even when they may not feel so great. We can all use a bit of a self esteem boost now and then. We focus on what makes you great during a photo session so you can say “damn, I am pretty awesome” each time you look at your photo!

2. It gives me the super power of freezing time… Days may seem long but the years are short. Isn’t it funny how day-by-day, seemingly nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different.

3. I have learned to see things in a different way, that others may not see. It’s all about the right angles and lighting and timing.

4. I can erase a few pounds off anyone without making them sweat. Nothing wrong with making your best photo of yourself just the way you want, it will still look like you!

5. I get to create custom art that grows more valuable over time, and that’s priceless. It will make people smile for years and I don’t even have to be in the room. It’s not even about me, it’s about YOU.

Cheers! ;)

life is like a camera

focus on what's important

capture the good times

develop from the negatives

and if things don't turn out

take another shot

Things you shouldn't ask a photographer ...

Of course you can choose to take my advice or skip it. Chances are you’ve already asked one of these questions and will again. Any photographer is used to getting these questions and probably already has a gracious answer memorized. If you’d like to avoid making a photographer slightly cringe or just want some insight into the common cringeworthy questions, please read on…

If you are a photographer in any capacity, chances are you deal with the same repetitive questions and comments from non-photographers when your photography comes up in discussions. It gets old, despite it usually being well-meaning. I know that it is whiny and nitpicky, but quite frankly I wish these questions could just mostly go away.

Do You Shoot Weddings?

This is almost always the first question I get from people when I tell them I am a photographer.

Instead just take the time to find out what type of work the photographer actually does. Resist the urge to jump right into asking if they do weddings. Wedding photographers are a specialty. It is apparently big news to some non-photographers, but there are genres and careers of photography out there that do not involve shooting weddings. Not every photographer wants to photograph weddings. Lots never, ever, ever want to ever photograph a wedding. Ever. Instead just ask what type of photography they do.

You Should Try [Fill in the Blank] Photography!

Ok so it’s not in the form of a question but it still belongs on this list. One of the other things that I get almost every time these types of conversations happen (and one that gets under my skin the most), is the non-photographer trying to give me photography advice. They like to recommend types of sessions that they think would be popular, even with no insight into the market in my location, what I may enjoy doing, or what my skill set is.

I get that these people are well-meaning and just trying to help. But, you don't ask a divorce lawyer if they have tried copyright law? Would you ask a High School Science teacher if they have thought about teaching College English? And yet, photographers are frequently asked if they have tried any number of genres outside their field of expertise or enjoyment just because people thing all photography is the same. It isn’t.

You’re a Photographer, will YOU take the photo?

This one is usually in the context of birthday parties, social gatherings, vacations or special trips, and it still happens way too often. Once again, at the core, this comment comes down to an individual not taking the time to consider what type of photography you may actually do or enjoy.

While yes, I do take images on trips, I am not there to take loads of professional images of the rest of my group having fun on vacation. You are welcome to hand me your phone for the occasional snapshot, but don't expect too much more than that.

In the same vein, it is all too common to have group shots happen and be told that I should take the photograph because I'm a photographer.

Taking a spontaneous group shot with a cellphone is absolutely not the same thing as me posing a group and taking an image with my camera, but this seems to be misunderstood. While the composition could be marginally better than if a non-photographer was to take it, I am not going to be treating a moment like that as a professional shoot and thus, the results will not be anything special. I'm happy to do it (within reason), but let's keep expectations realistic. 

What Camera Do You Have? It Takes Such Good Photos!

To a certain extent, gear matters. But, there is also a lot of skill and creativity that goes into taking strong photographs.

Would you tell a chef, your pots and pans make really great food!? Absolutely not!!!! A camera is a tool that is used and does not control if a photo is good or not, same as a great pot/pan does not guarantee a great tasting dish.

So, when people quickly ask this question after seeing a few of my images (or even before seeing my photos), it rubs me the wrong way. I have spent a lot of time, money, and effort getting to where I am today, and having that work distilled down to just having a nice camera can be frustrating.

(Fill in the Blank Name) has a nice camera, and would do the same for half the price. Would you match that?

First, let’s compare apples to apples. Is their quality, product, service, etc the same? If you like ____ photographer, and they are at the price you want, feel free to hire them. No photographer wants to change their prices to match someone else that probably is not even covering their costs of doing business and probably won’t be in the business much longer if they are not charging enough. There’s more to a photography business than ‘snapping’ a button.

Would Chanel cut their cost because Walmart sells a similar handbag for a fraction of the cost? Nope. If someone called you in your industry would you cut your price to match someone else that you know doesn’t deliver the quality/service/product the same as what you do? Doubt it.

If you still want to go with someone else that is cheaper that’s your choice!….& You might be back later! I’ve had people come back to me after hiring someone at a lower price point because they didn’t get what they really wanted. And then you’re out additional time and money.

What are some common frustrating questions that you get in your industry or in your life? Rant away in the comments!

Many Ways to use your Photos

OK so you went through the hard part of getting your photo taken.

Now, what to do with those photos?

In my full sessions we discuss how you can use them BEFORE your session so we can shoot accordingly for your specific needs. But if you have a great photo and need ideas on how you could use it see my helpful list below!

What do you want to accomplish this year? Thinking ahead next week is hard enough but make sure to think about your next 12 months.

Exhibits

Speaking Engagements

Billboard Ads

New business cards

Flyers

Add new product or service

Launch a new product

Launch a new service

Write a book

Write an article web/magazine

Create a magazine for your business

Create a brochure

Create presentation materials

Product care cards

Client Thank you cards

Client Holiday cards

Welcome packet for new clients

Specialized packages

New signage

Host an event

Update existing website

Design a new website

Update social media

Create new social media accounts

Create blog posts

New blog topics

Guest blog posts

Email signature

Facebook ads

Google ads

Online promotions

Launch e-course/online program

Create downloadable resources

Online email newsletter articles

Podcasts

Online interviews

Now go out there and use your photos in a new way!

Posing Tips to Look Great Every Time

Posing Secrets of the Red Carpet

How is it that celebs look fabulous in every red carpet picture you see?  

True, the expensive dresses, personal stylists and trainers, and crew they have at work carefully editing out the duds DO help.  

Celebs have also learned and practiced the key secrets to posing that make the most of what they've got when they're strutting the red carpet. 

Real women can also look fab at any age and any size.

Would you like to look like you stepped off the red carpet in your next picture?  

Below are some of those posing secrets!

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First let’s start with a Bonus Tip that doesn’t involve posing:

Pro Makeup

It can't hurt to start with professional makeup! (standard with all our Full Portrait sessions) Having a pro take care of you before your session starts the tone for the whole shoot. So you’re not in a rush and get to relax before your photos.

BEFORE & AFTER PRO MAKEUP

Posing Tip #1
Put your weight on your back foot.

What shape do all women want?  That's right. An hourglass figure, ladies! 

Place your weight on your back foot, and place your front foot with bended knee slightly forward to get that hourglass shape.

Why does this work? 

What is closest to the camera will look larger in your photos. 

In most cases, that means we want the booty away from the camera. 

It also helps to turn your body slightly, which you’ll see next is a slimming trick.

Posing Tip #2

Turn your body 45 degrees.

Now what can we do to whittle down that waist even more?

The trick here is to turn your body 45 degrees to the camera.

The more you turn, the smaller the slice of body the camera captures.

Just don't overdo it. 45 degrees is perfect. You'll see that angle throughout this post.

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Posing Tip #3

Pull your arms away from your body.

Let’s look at what happens if your arms are at your sides… In effect, this doubles the size of your midsection.  The eye sees a giant block of color and thinks big. 

For that shapely look, we want a slim middle. 

By separating the arms away from your body (even just a little bit), the eye will see space and the middle is made smaller. 

Try varying it up with asymmetrical hand placement to spice up your portrait poses. 

Plus, as a bonus, you'll get that triangle shape that the fashion world adores.
And remember the 45 degree angle from tip # 2.

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Posing Tip #4

Chin forward and down.

This is my favorite tip. It instantly slims your neck and jawline.  Another way of thinking of it is bringing your forehead out and down.  Think of it the way that works best for you and practice this in the mirror. It will look and feel funny the first few times you so this so Practice! Practice! Practice! in order to make this look natural.

It's a "looks good, feels weird" pose.  Let me elaborate on the amazing difference this small trick will make.

First of all, don't laugh at my bad photos.  Just kidding.  DO LAUGH! 

The position on the far left looks bad, doesn't it?  When we laugh, we naturally throw out heads back-- creating a terrible double chin.  The natural, relaxed position for most people is somewhere in the middle.  It's okay, but not great. Now  look at the final picture on the right.  With the chin projecting forward, the neck is lifted and smoothed.  Got a double chin that drives your crazy in pictures?  No problem.  Got aging skin that has some sag you'd like to eliminate?  Try this.

Let's see that again from the side.  Note: Don't adopt this pose if you're shooting a profile shot.
This is how I want you to project your head.  FORWARD.

Now what was that about putting the chin (or forehead, if you will) down?  Remember from step 1, that what moves towards the camera appears bigger and what is away from the camera appears smaller.  By bringing the chin down, your eyes come towards the camera, making them appear larger.  And aren't large, doe-like eyes, better?  This is your go-to move for portraits and headshots.

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Sidenote... You might be asking: "why do models tip their heads up?" 

Have you seen this "I'm staring you down" look in magazines? 

By tipping the head up, you emphasize a long, slender neck and in effect give the body language that says "I'm looking down on you."  All you divas are welcome to rock that pose and enjoy the fun fashion feel it projects, but for a universally pleasing look, I say, chin forward and down.

Not a posing tip but... Remember that having confidence in yourself is the most important thing you can do in any photo. That’s a main thing celebs may do even when they don’t always feel confident … they ACT confident like they are playing a role in a movie.

Alright.  That's a wrap.  All it took was four basic posing tips to dramatically improve your portraits. 

Not bad, huh?  You've got the knowledge you need to rock the red carpet (or the iPhone snapshot for that matter) and look much, much better with these tips alone.  

Now just practice a bit whenever you pass a mirror and have fun!

I'd love to hear what you found most helpful and what you think you'll put into practice the next time you're faced with a photo op.  I read every comment, so post yours below.

Sharing is caring.  Let your girlfriends know how they can look their best by pinning or Facebook sharing this post.

Cheers!

Lori

loricardwell@outlook.com

What to wear for a GREAT Headshot

GENERAL RULES FOR EVERYONE

• Keep it simple
  Solid colors look timeless and photograph best.
  As a rule of thumb, choose colors that compliment your eyes and skin color. For instance, avoid ghost-white if you have pale skin. It will be a good idea to look in the mirror and determine your skin tone. Is it warm or cold? Then if your skin tone is warm, try colors and shades that are warm, and vice verse.

  A black or a white top, whether it’s a shirt, t-shirt, dress, you name it, is a safe go-to – neutral but elegant, and suits almost everyone. Have at least one simple outfit, so one of your headshots is ready to go for anything.

  Vivid color tops or Jewel tones (Emerald Green · Rich Reds · Deep Blues · Royal Purples · Golden Yellow) will help your headshot ‘pop’ and stand out from the rest.

• Think CLASSIC.

  Avoid trends and dress for your body type.

  Avoid stripes and patterns that can be too distracting

  Avoid logos on clothing… unless it is your business logo!

• Bring clothes that are ironed /wrinkle free
  Wrinkles on your clothes stick out in photos, you don’t want to look like you rolled out of bed do you?

• Do your clothes FIT?

  This may seem like a no-brainer. But I’ve seen people show up with a shirt that is 3 sizes too big. It won’t look good. No matter how I pose you. Shirts that are too baggy may be comfortable but it can make people look bigger than they really are, at the same time you also don’t want to wear anything too tight. Find that just right fit that gives you confidence and looks great.

• BE CONFIDENT

  If you prepared your outfit and hair before the shoot, your work is done, all you can do during the shoot is let your confidence shine through like the professional that you are.

MEN:

Classic suits work best in black, navy or grey

Dark suits pair best with a light shirt and mid-tone tie

For a Casual look stick to a solid button down, no checks, stripes or patterns.

WOMEN:

Tailored, layered clothing like an open blazer or well fitting top is a great choice

Wrap dresses or tops that wrap around your waist are a flattering cut for any type of body or shape.

V-Necks are an excellent choice as they always elongate the neck. But be careful not to overdo it, a deep V-Neck can show too much cleavage.

Make sure everything is in proportion. U-neck will make your neck look shorter if it’s close to your neck. The further the neckline is from your neck, the longer your neck will appear.

Be careful with a turtle-neck as it tends to shorten your neck. Also, sometimes it might result in a ‘floating head’ look, if the color of your top matches the background.

Off-shoulder look is very feminine, showing off your neck and shoulders in the most natural way.

Jackets and blazers are always a good choice for layering.

Bring extra accessories or jewelry. It can add a little 'pop' to your look!

If you’re properly prepared for the shoot you’ll not only have an easier and more stress free time during the shoot, but you be happier with your images because they will look better than if there wasn’t any preparation.

It’s more crucial than ever to have up-to-date and professional images because your professional photograph builds trust by the many, many people that view it.

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation I’d love to hear from you!

loriCardwell.com

I'm Certified Woman Owned Business by WBENC!

I just received my certification as a women-owned business and a woman-owned small business by WBENC!

“WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S.

Through certification, women-owned businesses gain access to a vast network of support, including targeted business opportunities for certified women-owned firms, increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains, education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity, and networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them.

WBENC is also an approved third-party certifier for the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program.”

Benefits of certification for women-owned businesses includes:

• Access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at hundreds of major U.S. corporations and federal, state, and local government entities that accept WBENC Certification.

• Formal and informal opportunities to pursue business with Corporate and Government Members, as well as with other WBENC-Certified WBEs.

• Access to networking events, procurement opportunities, mentoring, executive education, capacity development programs, and other business tools and resources.

• Eligibility for regional and national recognition and awards.

• Use of Women Owned Logo and Women’s Business Enterprise Seal as a marketing tool to promote your business and expand your company’s visibility.

• Community of support from other female business owners and like-minded professionals all dedicated to the growth and success of women-owned businesses.

To become certified I went through a vetting process, including review of business documentation and a site visit.

I’m not sure what the next step or what opportunities lay ahead for a photographer that is WBEC certified but I am excited to be recognized as a women owned business and encourage others to look into certification if you think it will help your business’ visibility!

The federal government's goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year and I hope to be one of them in the future.

Source: https://www.wbenc.org/

What is Branding Photography?

Being the driven business owner you are, I probably don't have to tell you that your audience needs to see your brand show up on a regular basis before they'll trust you enough to work with you.

But here’s the problem…

you go to post to your social media and you’re still pulling from the same handful of images you've been using over the last year (or more)! AND what’s worse, the photos are all from different sources, with inconsistent light and mismatched editing. Eek…

There’s no cohesion, which means your brand’s visual presence is inconsistent. It’s patch-worked, duct-taped together, and you realized what used to be “good enough” isn’t really working anymore.

You need a complete visual representation of your brand.

Your images are a way for you to show anything from your personal style, your morning routine, the process you go through with each client, and an opportunity to show that you’re an authority on your business. Your photographs not only change the look, but the entire experience your clients have when landing on your website. It can be such a powerful tool to position business owners and entrepreneurs.

Business owners can also use their images to build relationships and create impact through story. Content marketing is simple when you receive the images you need. My goal is to make finding the right assets simple and powerful so that people remember you and your business.

IT’S TIME TO UPLEVEL YOUR DIGITAL DRAWER OF PHOTOS TO HELP YOU ….

SHOW UP CONSISTENTLY,

TELL YOUR BRAND STORY,

AND SERVE THOSE WHO MOST NEED YOUR GIFTS.

Schedule your consultation today. loricardwell.com/schedule

Could It Be Fear…That’s stopping you from growing your business?

You feel like a boss in your business (because you are), but the thought of stepping in front of a camera is quite frankly the last thing you want to do… I get it.  It feels incredibly vulnerable to pose for pictures.  All kinds of insecurities about your looks and awkwardness come up when you even think about it.  This is why I put a special emphasis on helping you feel prepared, and comfortable during your shoot. I feel that it’s my gift to show camera-shy individuals that they are great in pictures.

You Deserve To Be Seen. Right Now, As You Are.

Personal Branding Photography Could Have Your Ideal Clients Falling In Love With Your Brand.

Choosing the right color to wear in headshots and portraits

Clothing colors carry a lot of emotions: each color not only represents a mood, it also changes the mood when paired up with other colors.

I’m often asked what color is best to wear in portraits and headshots. Clothing colors are pivotal when it comes to selecting clothes. Choose the wrong ones; and you end up unknowingly conveying the wrong message to the person viewing your image. The ‘right’ color choice depends on what message you want to send to your viewers.

Below are a few common clothing colors and the personality types they represent. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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WHITE

White indicates simplicity, precision and goodness. Brides are wearing white to symbolize innocence and purity. In fashion, it is popular because it is light and neutral. Doctors and nurses wear white to emphasize cleanliness.

White should be worn by people who would like to be honest, transparent, and receptive to new ideas.

Colors That Go With White

White is versatile and eternally fashionable. Although most colors will go with white our favorites are silver and gold metallic, any of the cool blues, white and tan, purple, and red. Use those colors in shoes and accessories without overpowering the white base.  

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YELLOW

Yellow clothing colors indicate a superior mind that is able to concentrate well.

Yellow is cheerful, sunny, and attracts attention. It is suitable (yellow fashion accessories) for a job interview because it helps us with clear expression.

It encourages rational thinking, improves memory, gives strength, and reinforces self-confidence.

Colors That Go With Yellow

Yellow and green is a fresh combination that looks good almost universally. Go warmer with mustard yellows, khaki, or dark greens and more refreshing with brighter hues in both colors. 

With a yellow dress try black, metallic silver, beige, white, or an animal print like a leopard in shoes and accessories. 

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ORANGE

Like orange clothing colors? Then you probably are a social person who is well liked and makes friends easily. Orange wears people who are working, creative, and full of energy.

Orange should be worn by those who want to add more joy and lightness into their own lives.

Colors That Go With Orange

Orange and blue or orange and black are stand out and bold color choices that exude confidence. Tone it down a notch with orange and grey. 

Try nude, black or brown for safe choices in shoes. Leopard print gives your look some excitement, as does silver. 

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RED

It is the most intense and emotional color. The color of love. The red dress is bold. As an intense color, some say it may not help in negotiations and confrontations.

Red dress expresses confidence. If you are drawn to red clothing colors, then it indicates extroversion, passion, energy, and a personality type that is driven to live fully. People who like red clothes also tend to be energetic.

Colors That Go With Red

Make a statement with red and blue. Keep it simple with jeans and a red jacket or up the ante with a power red dress and blue heels. Safe colors that go with blue include pink, metallic silver for a glitzy look, and camel for a neutral alternative to black or white.    

In shoes and accessories try silver, gold, black, nude & beige, white or an animal print like a leopard.

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PINK

The pink color wears people who are gentle and loving and who are full of compassion and understanding.

Colors That Go With Pink

Pink and pale blue make a delightfully subtle color combination that is still eye-catching. Or for more versatility try pink and grey for an easy on the eye color combination. 

For shoes try dark neutrals, silver, gold or gunmetal metallics and skin tone nudes. For added punch go with fiercely contrasting color blocks like yellow, turquoise, cobalt blue or red.   

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PURPLE

It represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is a color of royalty.

Today, they indicate a personality type having great love for art, creativity and imagination. Violet brings peace and tranquility.

Colors That Go With Purple

Purple looks fantastic with white. Also, try purple with coral for a contrast that fits just right. 

In shoes go with black, silver, gold, white, beige, burgundy or blue for an unexpected yet stunning look.  

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BLUE

Blue Says You Are Loyal And Confident.

Blue is the most popular color. It is quiet, calming. It is recommended for job interviews.

Blue clothes encourages decision making, brings understanding, wisdom, and strengthens self-confidence and a sense of responsibility to others.

Choose navy blue to show you are ‘in control’ while portraying calm, truth, confidence and security.

Colors That Go With Blue

Match blue with pink or red for maximum effect. Soft pinks and blues are subtle but still eye-catching. However red and blue creates contrast for a much bolder look. Try pairing a red jacket with blue jeans for an ultimate and always trending fashion statement.   

For the ultimate in color-blocking, match orange and blue. Try blue pants and an orange top, or a striking blue dress with a statement orange necklace piece. Nude shoes bring this combination together.  

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GREEN

Green is the color of money. It also symbolizes nature. Green is a color that is easy on the eyes and mind.

People who like green clothing colors tend to live in good neighborhoods, have a lot of friends and are very social. They are also environment friendly and have a good sense of balance. Such personality types tend to party well, eat well and live well. They are very mindful of their social standing, reputation and financial position.

Colors That Go With Green

Yellow and green is a fresh combination that looks good almost universally. Go warmer with mustard yellows, khaki, or dark greens and more refreshing with brighter hues in both colors. 

With a green dress try silver, gold, black, nude & beige, white, or an animal print like a leopard in shoes and accessories. 

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BROWN

Brown is the color of the earth; it means strength and reliability. ​

Colors That Go With Brown

For a comfortable combination pair brown with orange, or try yellow for a more energetic look. White, blue, red, and pink are matches too. 

For shoes go with a contrasting brown shade. White or off-white and black are safe choices while pink or yellow add color and personality.  

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BLACK

Black is the color of power and authority. In fashion, it is trendy because it makes people optically thinner. It is elegant and timeless.

Colors That Go With Black

Black pretty much goes with anything. For less attention add small swathes of color like silver or beige shoes, for added emphasis go for red or other bright colors in jackets, handbags, or scarves. 

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In a headshot our clothing colors are one of the things people will notice about you and it helps form a large part of the first impression.

In a competitive market where you want to stand out in your images or any other aspect where one needs to impress and stand out, the choice of clothing colors is no doubt an important part!

Schedule your complimentary portrait consultation to learn more.

Sources: https://www.about-colors.com/color-meaning-clothes & https://www.color-meanings.com/clothing-colors-what-your-clothes-say-about-your-personality/ & https://www.thekewlshop.com/blogs/news/14-things-the-colors-you-wear-say-about-you

3 Reasons why quality portraits for physicians are vital

Top 3 reasons why quality professional photographs are vital for medical marketing & the health care industry

1. Some users skim your website instead of reading it. This means that they will examine your photo long before their eyes make their way to your credentials. In fact, if you have a poor quality headshot, there’s a good chance they won’t read anything about you at all. You want to give the user every reason to slow down and absorb your information.

2. Judging a book by its cover. Fair or not, people DO judge a book by its cover. Your potential patients will see your headshot as a projection of your quality of care. Therefore, you don’t want a headshot that is poor quality or one that makes you look tired or disheveled.

   Regardless of the business you are in, a blurry, low-quality or poorly cropped photo can convey sloppiness and a lack of attention to detail. I realize that there’s absolutely no relationship between practicing medicine and having a good headshot, but many viewers equate a bad headshot to poor service, e.g. “if this doctor doesn’t care what their headshot looks like (that many potential patients view every day), what else do they not care about?” A quality headshot makes a physician more personable. Patients want to relate to their doctors, which in turn fosters a sense of trust. People often look to feel a connection with each person they work with, to understand how they stacked up against other doctors, so they can turn to their pictures, rankings, and reviews. If we don’t have the right first impression that allows us to build trust and confidence immediately, we move on and find someone who possesses the qualities we’re seeking and with whom we believe we can form that trusting relationship and bond.

3. Headshots reinforce your brand . A casual shot outside with your family conveys a different message than one inside with a white coat or scrubs. Headshots are an important part of your brand and you want to be sure that these messages complement each other.

How to create a quality headshot

I can help you put your best foot forward when you’re in front of the lens by following a few tips:

• Do think about the message each surgeon is sending in his or her photo. Does the photo make the surgeon appear warm, friendly, and welcoming? Or does it make him or her feel stiff, cold, and unapproachable? Consciously or unconsciously, patients will take note and respond accordingly if a surgeon doesn’t appear relaxed, natural, authentic, confident, and therefore trustworthy, so make sure to get this right. 

• Unless you’re wearing your physician white coat, I suggest steering away from white. It’s also important to realize that some may be intimidated by a white coat. If you decide to wear something colorful, we suggest jewel tones like blues and greens. Be sure to avoid bright and busy patterns.

• Make sure your picture is up-to-date! Don’t use an older picture from decades ago. We all (patients included) can tell when a photo looks like it was taken 10 or more years ago. In medicine, we all want doctors to be up-to-date on medical care, research, practices, and the like. A dated look can bring this ideal into question.

• Unless you have a professional photography background, you should consider letting a professional take your photograph. Pictures that are low resolution don’t render well on websites. Don’t allow wedding photos or other personal photos to sneak into the mix for the lead image, it looks lazy. Sure include additional photos in a detailed bio but in a list next to other names and profile photos, stick to classic professional shots.

• If you have multiple doctors in an office, don’t mix different backgrounds or styles of photos. All should have a consistent background, with the same lighting and be the same size (dont mix horizontal and vertical crop images together so each persons is different). It may take a bit of time and effort to gain consistency, but it will be well worth it. 

  I’d be glad to provide a stellar headshot that captures who you are. I understand the importance of putting your best face forward because your image will form the first impression potential patients have of your practice.

  Schedule your consultation to learn more.

10 Reasons why a Professional Headshot Portrait is Important

Whether you’re a new business building your website for the first time or a well-established business revamping your online presence, the cost of professional photography might prompt you to wonder if you might be able to get by without it… After all, you couldn’t you just take some pictures yourself? Or use stock photos? There are other, more important things you should be spending your organization’s funds on than professional photography, right? … Wrong!

The truth is that every business no matter the industry can benefit from having professional headshot of themselves on their website. No matter who your customers are or what you are selling, high quality photography, and showing the people behind the business, is an important asset that will contribute to your overall branding and success. When it comes to business expenses that are absolutely worth it, professional photography should be at the top of the list.

I bet you have a hundred or more reasons why you don’t want to have your headshot done… I get it, no one likes to be photographed - but it doesn’t have to be a bad experience! Hiring a professional who knows what they are doing is the key to a great shot and a great experience all around. Looking natural, good lighting, genuine expressions are so important to a great headshot and a professional should help guide you through the process.

So what are the top 10 reasons to hire a professional to do your headshot?

1. Professionalism. First and foremost it gives you credibility and professionalism. Potential clients, investors and collaborators who find you online, either on LinkedIn or website or even Facebook are more likely to take you seriously.

2. First Impressions. Did you know that we are judged by someone within 11 seconds of meeting or being seen? This seems crazy but isn’t it a good idea to take advantage of those 11 seconds (or probably way less online ) and put your very best self forward? Like or not, it’s true that we judge a book by it’s cover. People want to work with people. Put your best self out there.

3. Customers Want to Get To Know YOU! A good headshot will give your potential customers and idea of who you are, a great smile can go a long way. Stock photos are one alternative that some organizations consider when they feel a photo shoot with a professional photographer might be out of reach. That is not the best way to showcase your business. Why? Because they are not photos of you or your business!

   When people visit your website, they want to get to know you! Stock photos don’t help them do that – and they could give people a false impression of what you have to offer. The best way for potential customers to get to know your business is by showing them actual photos of your business, your team members, and your products.

4. Confidence. A great headshot will help you feel confident and professional when you are calling on a potential client. I always suggest having professional makeup and hair done. I work with local professionals that can get you ready in studio so you dont have to travel all over town or try to do it yourself before your session. It’s amazing how much more confident it can make you feel. If you are waiting to loose those 10 lbs, there’s no reason to wait, my retouching can slim those cheeks or arms down just a little to make a visible difference! No one will even be able to tell, including yourself.

5. Stand out above the rest. A great profile photo on LinkedIn will set you apart from the competition. Believe it or not, you can’t imagine how many people cut out a shot of them from a wedding with their arm around an ex. Usually it’s a grainy cropped photo, this is not a good way to show who you are or what you are about. I’m also always shocked at how many people don’t even have a photo up on LinkedIn. Remember, it is your first line of introduction, make it great!

6. Visual Reminder of who you are. How many times have you been to a function and met someone you wanted to connect with for business? A good, clean (and current) headshot can be a visual cue for someone to remember you and connect on LinkedIn.

7. Consistency. There is a lot of talk now about branding your image. Many people think of branding as something only for a large company but it is also applicable to individuals. I see it all the time, someone works for a large company but the company doesn’t have consistent professional headshots. Some are cut outs at weddings, no profile shot at all, some against a wall with a phone and bad shadows on their face... Now, can you imagine pulling up a company profile, seeing the drop down of their employees and seeing them ALL look professional. This is a huge value for the company image. After all, a company is made up of it’s people, wouldn’t you want your company to show well on LinkedIn and your website?

8. Images Can Help You Get Found On the Web. If your business has a website, you may have heard of search engine optimization, or SEO - the practice of strategically optimizing various elements of your website in an effort to help it perform better in the search engine ranking results. There are many elements to SEO, and one element is images.

   Optimized photos can help your website get found in the image results like Google Images and perform better in the overall search results. They can also help to engage customers and keep them on your site for longer, or encourage them to choose you over a competitor.

9. Professional Photos are Versatile Assets. When it comes to marketing your business online “content is king.” This has been the case for a while now, and it definitely still holds true. But what many don’t realize is that photos are content – and they are a powerful, versatile form of content at that.

   Online, photos can be used to make your website infinitely more engaging. They can be used to build your brand on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Google My Business and more. They can also be featured in blog posts and articles – the possibilities are endless.

   Offline, photos can be used in brochures and promotional materials of all kinds. By investing in professional photography, you provide yourself with new, helpful ammunition that can be used to enhance your marketing efforts in a plethora of ways.

10.  A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words

    You’ve probably heard this before. These days pictures are worth at least a thousand words – probably more! Photos enable you to show your clients and customers what you have to offer rather than tell them. People like to see things for themselves before making a decision. The internet has made this possible, which means photos and videos of your products and offerings are more valuable than ever before.

A professional and experienced headshot photographer can provide you with wardrobe advice, location advice, hair and makeup advice, and really bring out the best “you”.

Sure, iPhones are getting really good but there is no replacement for understanding good light, how to position the subject, or bringing out the best in your personality.

A good photographer knows how to do retouching so you still look like you. A good photo retoucher can fix flyaway hairs, blemishes, teeth whiten, smoothen out skin or even take off 10 lbs! A responsible headshot photographer should bring out the very best in the person they are photographing while making sure you still look like YOU. We all want those wrinkles gone but let’s be honest, we earned those lines. If you are a 45 year old professional woman, don’t take your lines totally away. First of all, it doesn’t look natural, secondly, own those lines, you earned them (we will just soften them a bit) !

A professional photographer should ask you what your industry specialty is and professional goals are. The photography session should be in line with meeting your particular goals. It doesn’t make sense if you are a house painter to get a head shot with a coat and tie but if you meet with large corporations to do commercial work, you might find a happy medium with a dress shirt and no tie.

Did you know that the color you wear can speak to a potential customer by associating a “I’m powerful” or “I’m approachable” vibe? Color has a direct subliminal affect on the viewer. These little nuances can make a big difference in how you are perceived. For example, If you are in the finance industry and want to make your executives seem more approachable, they should wear soft blue tones versus power, bold colors like red.

A professional headshot is truly priceless. It is your brand and your first line of introduction, make it a quality one. To inquire about a professional headshot session, contact me , I would love to help make the process easy and enjoyable as well as provide you with an image you will be proud to show.

Schedule your complimentary consultation with me by visiting ….loricardwell.com/schedule

loricardwell@outlook.com

317.296.4359

Fabulous and over 40

Are you a fabulous person that happens to be over 40?

I INVITE YOU TO JOIN MY ‘40 OVER 40’ PROJECT.

As part of this project I will create 40 gorgeous portraits of individuals over 40 to celebrate of the diversity, strength, beauty, essence and wisdom of everyone.

I believe in celebrating and capturing beauty in every stage of life. I decided to create this dedicated project just for people that want to show how fabulous over 40 really is!

Through this project we will…

• Show how fabulous you are, inside and out

• Create beautiful heirlooms photos that you can pass down to your family

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE PROJECT?

You! There are only two requirements (1) be over 40 and (2) be prepared to have an amazing photography session experience unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Ladies - you wont have to worry about your hair and makeup because it will be done for you in studio before your session. You will look amazing – don’t forget to plan a night out afterwards. I invite women of all ages and body shapes! Men - Don’t let the hair and makeup talk scare you away. You deserve to be celebrated and photographed also!

WHAT YOU RECEIVE:

As a participant of my project, you will receive:

• Pre-session consult to talk in details about portrait experience and to design your shoot

• Professional makeup and hairstyling

• Fully guided professional photo shoot (I will pose you down to your fingers)

• A portrait viewing session for you to see all your beautiful photographs

YOU WILL BE ASKED TO

• Sign a model release allowing me to post your images and videos on my website and social media (don’t worry, I never post anything you don’t like!)

WHY OVER 40, WHY ME?

I have seen women living their very best lives after turning 40. The older I get the more I realize the importance of photography and capturing every age. It shouldn't just be the 20-something women who should love photographs of themselves.  I wanted to create this special gift for the women that have been through it all to enjoy.

Fill out the form below to join me on this adventure

Why should I have my portrait taken or my family portrait taken?

Oh there are so many reasons. Because….

1. YOU DESERVE IT! I’m guessing you do a heck of a lot for everyone else. Take some time out to be pampered and then have me capture you looking fantastic!

2. YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS and CHILDREN WANT YOU TO EXIST IN PHOTOS though they might not know it now. One day, your gorgeous photos will become priceless treasures to them. Don’t hide from the camera or be behind it!

3. TIME FLIES REALLY F#$&%! FAST! Literally, you are not getting any younger. Do it now before another year has past by. Families are never the same; they’re always growing and changing. This is one of the reasons why I truly love being a photographer. With many of my clients, I get the privilege of seeing them grow as a family by taking their portraits every year. Don’t take your family’s current stage for granted, as it only takes a few months for your family to change and grow.

4. THAT CELL PHONE DUCK-FACE SELFIE IS GREAT BUT may not be the way your loved ones ultimately want to remember you. Seriously.

5. HEARING “DAMN, GRANDMA/GRANDPA YOU WERE A FOX” will make you smile really big one day.

6. PHOTOS MAKE GREAT DECOR. Give your house or office a pick me up by displaying your family portrait. I want you to smile every time you see your photo or your families photo. Digital is great for Facebook but how many photos do you have on a hard drive or flash drive that never see the light of day? I offer professional high-quality prints which are matted ready to frame, which will surely give life to the walls of your home or office for the years to come.

7. PORTRAITS ARE A VALUABLE INVESTMENT. Let’s be honest, professional services will always cost more than amateur. There is a reason for that. You get what you pay for. When you invest in quality portraiture you are investing in something that will be valuable for a lifetime. It has value the second you create it and it will become more valuable every single year guaranteed. Most of us spend so much on things with little or no value but fail to invest in the things that mean the most. Seriously, in an emergency what would you choose to save, your family portrait or your television?

   So don’t make the mistake of thinking family portraits aren’t worth spending money on. You won’t make a better investment than one that will serve as a lasting keepsake the entire family can treasure forever, a lot of my families tell me that their family portraits are one of their most treasured possessions. I know my personal family portraits are. Make the time and you will never regret it.

A PORTRAIT SESSION IS FOR YOU EVEN IF YOUR HEAD IS SCREAMING EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE like….

"I'M NOT PHOTOGENIC"

Guess what - It’s MY job to make you look amazing in photographs.

"I DON'T LIKE HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN"

I promise to make the shoot not just comfortable but fun for you.

"I NEED TO LOSE A FEW MORE POUNDS"

I will pose you & light you so you look jaw-droppingly hot, just as you are RIGHT NOW.

"I'M TOO OLD"

Ummmm, really? We are like a fine wine and get better with age. I promise to show you your grace, and allure through these photos.

"I'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE"

I promise that 96.995% (yes I’ve done the scientific math) of my clients were nervous first timers just like you, yet left the experience overjoyed.

"I REALLY LIKE DIGITAL IMAGES"

Want to share your photos on Facebook and make everyone green with envy? Good! Any image you purchase in print you also receive in digital format.

"I'M ON A TIGHT DEADLINE"

I have been able to get photos done and in hand with very little notice. So reach out and let’s see what I can do for you!

"I CAN'T AFFORD IT"

I work with clients with all budgets, I take credit cards, and I do offer payment plans. In reality - you can’t afford not to. Photographs are something that only grow more valuable with time and with changes that can happen so fast.