If you dig up some of my early music career photographs, you’ll find me standing in an alley. I’m usually wearing a bulky jacket and black boots. Typically, a friend was taking the photo, and I just wanted to get the whole damn thing over with. I didn’t think it was worth spending the money to get a good photograph.
Boy was I wrong.
One year, encouraged by my coach, I consciously chose to Uplevel my approach to my work and my music. I invested in a great photographer.
And – surprise! – that’s when I started getting invited to do radio interviews and being featured in major media. My new CD got airplay, too. Lots of it.
We all know that image shouldn’t matter. And yet, in the professional world, and even in the arts – it does matter. A professional photo shows that you take your work seriously (yes, even if you’re creative and fun-loving) – and it conveys success.
But there are some things you need to know. I’ve learned the hard way that just because a photographer has worked with famous people doesn’t mean he’ll have a clue how you want to come across in your photos. It’s important that you fully engage in the process, and that you get clear about some things before you invest in any photographer!
It doesn’t have to be painful though. And right now, I’m going to make it a whole lot easier for you! From my Been-There-Done-That files, here are 7 Secrets for Getting Great Professional Photos…
1 – Get Clear.
Don’t hire anyone until you’re clear about what you want to convey in your photo. Make a list of words to describe who you are, how you show up in the world, and what you share with your clients, customers, students, audiences, etc. (“Professional but not stiff.” “Fun and funky – but in an accessible way.” “Trustworthy and kind.” “Successful and no-nonsense.”)
Write down colors, thoughts on your surroundings, etc. Start a file of your favorite images from magazines. Share these with your photographer.
2 – Hire a Professional.
I know. I know. You can always get your friend Rachel to take a few photos of you after work one Thursday. But I encourage you to Uplevel your image and go pro.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great photographer. Many top-notch wedding photographers offer great prices for mid-week sessions. Ask around or do a Google search, and don’t be afraid to interview several different photographers.
3 – Get Make-Up Advice.
I’ve worked with make-up artists who sprayed foundation on my face like spackle. And some who made my hair stand up about 11 inches from my head. You’d think I would’ve spoken up – but for many years, I thought everyone else knew better than me what I should look like.
And yet, I still believe in hiring hair and make up artists!
My advice is to REQUIRE a phone conversation with her before your shoot. Share your images from #1. Listen to her ideas and advice. You’d be surprised at how much make up you need for even a natural looking photo – but spackle is NOT necessary!
If you don’t have the budget for a make-up artist, then get help from friends in the know. I’ve done my own make-up on many shoots – but I used all the advice from those old Seventeen Magazines I used to pore through when I was a teen!
4 – Plan your Outfits in Advance.
Two weeks before your photo shoot, plan your outfits. Pick at least three. (Avoid crazy patterns on your shirts!)
If you need help in this area, I highly recommend making an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstrom – which has fantastic customer service and highly-trained employees. Plus you’re not required to purchase anything. Share your work from Step #1 with your shopper. Take your time during your appointment.
5 – Go Light on the Accessories.
You don’t want your photo to say, “Hi, I’m Joan. And this is my GIANT PERUVIAN BEAD NECKLACE!” In other words, your accessories should complement – not overpower – your look.
6 – Bring your own Mirror to the Shoot.
Keep a mirror nearby during the shoot so you can check for things like lipstick on teeth and bra straps sticking out in between shoots. Photographers aren’t always good at catching these things because they’re focusing on the lay-out and lighting.
7 – YOU are the most important element.
Your energy. Your light. Your radiance. These are the most important things.
Before you head to the shoot, sit quietly and remember your intentions in your work and life. Connect to your center and take some deep breaths.
Then, as the photos are being shot, remember to be present in your body. Look into and through the camera lens. Act as if you’re looking into the eyes of your very best friend. Don’t be afraid to let loose and smile and laugh. These are often the best photos!
If you've ever believed it was impossible to be totally authentic AND make lots of money in your business - then you're not alone. Purposeful entrepreneurs want it REAL - and I promise to deliver! Get my FREE DVD, and I will walk you step-by-step through my own Uplevel Fast Track Formula for making money... on your own terms and in your own way. Enter your email and let's get started!
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{11 comments ... read them below or add one}
Christine,
As usual, this is great advice. I hired the professional photographer, and it was so worth it. I am still using the photos almost three years later. I used Sephora for my makeup. I booked any appointment and told them that I was having professional pictures taken. The makeup was way more than I would wear on an average day. The lipstick looked a bit garish, but it looks perfect in the photo. Seeking services from the experts is well worth it!
Thank you for all of your wisdom,
Katie
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Christine Kane Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Okay Katie! I clicked on your link – but couldn’t find any photos of you! (Inquiring minds and all that stuff…)
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Since my side biz is helping young, local musicians, I had to laugh at your description of your original music photos. Some of the ones these young guys and gals were submitting were just awful!
Unfortunately, image is everything from website design to photos. I now know I probably need a better photo on my consulting site and a selection of different poses! Haha!
Thanks so much for all you do Christine! And you truly are lovely – both in your photos and in person. Hugs, Dori
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Christine Kane Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Thank you Dori!
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As a photographer who works with people running their own businesses, this article has lots of great tips for those looking for headshots.
My main goal when shooting an individual is to make sure that their personality shines through in their photos. The last thing I want to do is capture images that don’t represent who they truly are!
WW
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Christine Kane Reply:
July 11th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
…and that’s the difference between the great photographers and the rest. EXACTLY what you wrote here!
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Great advice Christine!..As a professional makeup artist and HD Video specialist, its really important that you have THE best lights when doing any photo shoot. It will make you look so much smoother, eyes brighter and skin flawless.( Oprah had supposedly one of THE most expensive lights on her show). Also…When you purchase any foundation color test yourself with your cell camera. Take a picture in the store then go outside and take a 2nd picture and see if you match.
Another thing i see most woman make mistakes is the shape of their brows. Study great brows in magazines like W or Elle and then again take a picture of your brows to see if they compliment your face. Do one side first and make sure they go more in straight lines not curves which look like hooks! Think J Lo as an example, she has beautiful lines to her brows..
If you have any questions on this ..I love my business so I’m here to help in any way i can..
..speaking of beauty..Isnt Christine just gorgeous???..YES!!
[Reply]
Christine Kane Reply:
July 12th, 2012 at 10:35 am
Awwww. Thanks Lisa! And thanks for the great extra tips! (Brow shape? Who’d a thunk?)
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Hi, Christine. You are an encouragement angel. I moved to Connecticut recently from Asheville. (We actually met several years ago and I attended two or three of your wonderful concerts!) I am in the process of starting my wardrobe and color consulting business in the New Haven area. I’ve been reading your articles and just received your free video. In addition to having a professional photographer, I would encourage people to invest in a consultation with a color/wardrobe consultant. Color is the primary expression, and when the colors you wear(especially those close to your face) are in harmony with your skin tone, eye and hair color you will look radiant. Wearing your most flattering colors and designs is always supportive and particularly beneficial when you are being photographed.
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Christine Kane Reply:
July 12th, 2012 at 10:34 am
Very true, Joan! Thanks for the additional advice! (And we will miss you here in Asheville!)
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Hi Christine, I recently hired a professional photographer to do some product shots and photos of me for the new website. It was about 3/4 of the way through the 3 hour shoot and I’m not seeing it come together and I couldn’t figure out why – after all she’s a professional. Then it struck me. While she was a good photographer, she wasn’t a stylist so none of the shots were set up and styled for maximum impact – including the ones of me. An expensive lesson but a necessary one and your tips here have added extra value to my learning. Thank you and to all the other people who commented. I will take more time to plan it and manage it next time.
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