Master Photographers Make a Memorable First Impression
By Sharon White | Photography by Cherie and Tim Flanagan
You are at a professional conference with hundreds of attendees. During meetings, you disperse dozens of business cards. But what makes your business card stand out from all the others? YOUR PHOTO, of course. (Because once they get home, without a photo, how will they ever remember you out of all those strangers they just met?) Here, Solas Gallery owners Tim and Cherie Flanagan, who are celebrating their photography studio’s 25th anniversary, discuss business, success and, of course, how to look great in photographs.
Don’t ignore the opportunity to promote your business by wearing an outfit sporting your logo in your headshot. Here, Jasmine Morris chose bold, solid colors for her top and jacket that match her business logo.
How important is it to have a professional headshot photo in business today?
Cherie: When you present your image to the public, whether it be on a business card, newspaper or magazine ad, website or even a billboard, you are basically marketing yourself—a process referred to as “personal branding.”
Why is “personal branding” all-important in the business world?
Tim: It’s the strongest way to visually connect with people. Anyone in business is selling something, even if it’s themselves. There’s a trust issue involved. This “trust sale” is the most important sale. A photograph has the power to help someone convey that trust.
With the popularity of cellphone photography, everyone seems to have become an amateur photographer. Should a photo taken on a cellphone be used for a business headshot?
This photo captures Nicole Carter’s youth, vibrancy and sophistication. The downward tilt of her head and slight angle of her shoulders bring the photo to life.
Cherie: Cellphones are great, and the technology has gotten so good. It’s really amazing. If you have a portrait setting on your phone, even better, because it takes away the wide angle and softens the background.
Tim: We like to use the analogy of going to a five-star restaurant versus cooking at home. You can go to the store and buy all the ingredients for a good, home-cooked meal. But most of us aren’t trained chefs, who have access to the best recipes, techniques and ingredients. That’s why going to a great restaurant is so enjoyable. You may not go every day, and it might be more expensive, but the final product, the taste and the presentation are what make all the difference.
Dr. Joanna Stacey appears confident, capable and friendly—accomplished by photographing her from an angle and posing her in an active, forward-tilting stance. She wears classic jewelry that won’t look outdated in years to come and a dark plum-colored suit, which connotes authority.
What advantage is there to having a professional headshot done versus one taken by a friend with a cellphone or a regular camera?
Tim: As a society, we’ve gotten used to “good enough.” But there is a true distinction between a professional and an amateur photo, and people are really blown away when they see photos done by a professional. There is no right or wrong way to take a picture, and it’s not even a matter of having the best equipment. The difference is in the professional’s eye for composition and how to create the most flattering pose. And the real secret ingredient is light.
Cherie: A professional photographer knows light and shadow techniques that can be used to generate a truly flattering photograph. The wrong lighting can make the subject look older and more harsh.
Shannon “glows” in this purple sweater. She stands at an angle to the camera, which is visually slimming. Her face beams with light and her posture creates a polished photo that truly expresses her buoyant personality.
Would you say the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is true?
Tim: An image has the power to evoke emotion and color and it can be used to send subconscious messages. A photographer’s job is to get to know clients and understand their goals. What does the client want to convey through the photograph? Strength, confidence, softness, femininity, approachability?
Cherie: A good photographer can use a lighting technique, a head tilt or a body pose to help clients visually connect with their target audience—without ever saying a word.
Tim: Our son is graduating from Baylor University in a few weeks. One of the things his professors highly recommend is that all senior students have a professional photo taken. I think we have that covered!
Add to a photo’s versatility by taking a horizontal shot, leaving lots of space to one side, so the photo can be cropped vertically or as a square. When this photo of Claire Carter is used as a full horizontal image, the off-center source of light adds interest and creates a sense of mystery.
Cherie’s Recommendations for Headshot Success
- Your clothing color should flatter your skin, hair and eyes (and perhaps coordinate with the logo of your business).
- Clothing in solid colors usually photographs better than prints. Some prints can even detract from your face—which should always be the focal point.
- Simple jewelry is best. And stay away from highly trendy accessories, which will make a photo look dated a few years from now.
- Choose a flattering neckline. Beware of low necklines because too much skin on your arms will draw attention away from your face. (If the photo is too closely cropped and your shoulders are cut out, you may appear to be naked.)
- Always keep in mind what you want to communicate through the photograph. A female surgeon would want to project authority, poise and preparedness. A female concert promoter would want to project a more youthful, on-trend, artful style. Those are two very different headshots.
Black-and-white photos can make a big impact. Here, Tim Flanagan is photographed from above to add visual interest.
Solas Gallery includes:
- Tim Flanagan’s Signature Portraiture at SolasGallery.com
- BabyFacesPhotography.com (newborn to 12 months)
