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/

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!

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

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