What to Wear for Your Business Photo Shoot
Guest Blog by Nicola English, Personal Style Coach
As a Personal Style Coach, I’m often asked to collaborate on photo shoots from vintage to business. One of the key questions I often get asked before the shoot is: “What should I wear?”
Firstly, it differs from shoot to shoot and it also depends on if it’s in a studio or on location. The indoor or outdoor location will have an influence on your photo shoot wardrobe.
Here are a few simple tips to help with the “what should I wear?” question on photo shoots.
Corporate Attire
If you work in a corporate environment or serve corporate clients, conservative classic outfits are usually the way to go. But remember corporate looks don’t have to be boring or simply black or grey in colour palettes. It’s ok to add a pop of colour, which can help to brighten up your face and make your picture stand out for all the right reasons.
Wardrobe
I like to pull a few key pieces from the client’s wardrobe and then build core outfits based on the client’s style requirements for their photo shoot. It’s important leading up to the shoot to have run through of all the outfits chosen, so you feel confident on the day with your chosen outfits, as it will show in the final images. If you’re thinking about necklines and what to opt for go for a V-neck which is very flattering on all you ladies because it helps to lengthen your neck and displays your beautiful feminine décolleté. If you choose to wear a jacket, team it with a collarless top, keeping it looking modern and the neckline simple and chic.
Make Colour Your Friend
Choose light, soft, and bright tones for your photos. Colours are a great way to express your emotions visually in a picture. But unless you’re feeling super confident, pass on bright red or orange. Please stay clear of neon or fluorescent colours; they really don’t get on well with the camera. If the very thought of colour sends you into a panic, just add a pop of colour with your accessories.
Patterns and Prints
I love mixing up plain solid colours with patterns or prints on clients’ shoots because they really do look good on camera. However, do try to use one pattern or print that will match the colour palette of the rest of your outfit. Don’t be afraid to go with fabulous florals which never go out of fashion.
Accessories Are Your Best Friend
Say yes to accessories! The term accessories cover a multitude of items from necklaces, earrings, watches, brooches, hats, and scarves. Accessories can take your outfit from drab to fab. They also add individuality and style in such a way that nothing else can. They can easily make you look like you’re wearing a whole different outfit!
Makeup
Makeup can make a big difference in terms of getting a fabulous professional look. A photograph isn’t just about the great arrangement, colours, or even the outfit, but having amazing makeup can bring the most out of your own natural looks. If natural and basic is your own style then stick to that look. Or if you wear a lot of make-up or sparkles then go for it. If you find makeup isn’t your thing, then get a professional make-up artist on board. I work with a few make-up artists and it really pulls everything together from the outfit to the hair to create the perfect photo shoot.
Hair
Think of your hair as another element of your wardrobe as it represents you and can be styled depending on your mood and outfit. Experiment with scarves, clips, headpieces, and even clip-ins (always make sure you have a colour match with clip-in hair extensions as you want them to look as natural as possible with your own hair). If you’ve decided to be brave before the shoot and opt for a new style or cut, always remember it should play up to your best features.
Final Note
Finally, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable, happy and confident. How you feel during the shoot reflects in the photos, so make sure to wear something that reflects you!
Interview with Candy Rafferty, Radio Borders Charity Manager
Hi Candy, can you tell us about yourself and what inspires you?
I work for Radio Borders, running their charity Cash for Kids, which supports disadvantaged children in our broadcast area. We grant funds to individuals as well as other children's organisations, so long as they are local, and living in poverty or with an illness or disability. I don't have to look far for inspiration. A 9-year-old I met last week, for example, had recently been diagnosed with a terminal condition. He's not expected to live through his teens and he is aware of that. I spent time with him and his incredibly brave family, learning about his illness so I could understand how Cash for Kids might help. As I left, he ran after me, gave me a big hug, and said "Thank you for helping other children too."
What does a typical workday look like for you?
My desk is always snowed under. In fact, by midday, there's a high risk of an avalanche on to the news desk next to mine. I am only part-time and solo. Even with the help of my long-suffering colleagues, the summit always seems to be just out of reach. There's an endless range of tasks; I might be filling in a risk assessment, forecasting income or expenditure, writing a press release, processing an emergency application, dressing up as our mascot Courage the Cat, ordering disability equipment, clothing or bedding, writing thank you letters, paying bills, attending a school assembly, making a presentation, briefing volunteers, letting the listeners know what's happening with the charity. There are epic peaks and crevasses even in a day. One minute I'll have my head in my hands, looking at a massive shortfall, and the next, I'll get a call from someone who's just run a marathon for us. I am never, ever bored.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
My background is in advertising. I'm a copywriter to trade and worked in London until I had children myself. Two days a week I still work as a freelancer. I love finding creative ways of getting a message out. (Thanks for this one by the way!) I'm so lucky to have that opportunity in both my jobs.
What tips would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Balance your head and your heart.
What's the best feedback you have ever had?
From a social worker who phoned to let a Mum know Cash for Kids funding was on its way. That phone call interrupted Mum in the act of taking her own life.
She'd become so desperate, she felt her kids would be better off without her. Just a few hundred pounds made the difference between three children having a Mum or not.
Who do you most admire in the world and why?
People often ask me how I stop myself from crying when I hear the stories of abuse and neglect, or the challenges of disabilities, bereavement or homelessness; but I am driven to tears by the generosity of people who don't have a spare penny but still stick £1 in my collection can. Or those who give up their precious time to help because through personal experience they know the true value of it. Those people I admire. And I am surrounded by them here.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
"…always try and be a little kinder than is necessary." Appropriately, it's from children's author, JM Barrie.
What are your future plans for Radio Borders Cash for Kids?
I have a lyric on the back of my business card: "...with a little help from my friends." As the charity grows, I need to find more help. A voluntary committee in every locality that can run fundraisers, attend events, or support our big campaigns like Mission Christmas. I need SM and digital expertise. I need local businesses to get behind the charity, and set up staff fundraising groups, I need friends to dedicate their time, energy, commitment and imagination to making sure every child in our community fulfils the potential they were born with.
Candy, that feedback… what can I say? It is amazing what you do and it all sounds pretty hectic. If any businesses or individuals would like some info on how to get involved and help, please visit http://www.radioborders.com/charity/
To apply for a grant from Cash for Kids, visit http://www.radioborders.com/charity/grant-application/
Interview with Katie Chappell, Illustrator and Designer
Interview with Katie Chappell, Illustrator and Designer
In one sentence, what do you do?
I get paid to draw pictures and colour in. I'm an illustrator and designer.
Which part of your job do you feel most passionate about?
Being able to communicate through illustration. One of the most satisfying feelings is taking a solid chunk of text, and being able to inject life and meaning into it by providing pictures that people can 'read' at a glance. It's the best kind of problem-solving. Recently I collaborated with the Science Central team at Newcastle University to illustrate a brochure about Newcastle upon Tyne being a future smart city, and it was wonderful to be able to see those ideas translated into images.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in business so far?
You are never stuck unless you decide to be. This applies to everything: finding inspiration; feeling stuck geographically, financially, or emotionally. Also, I find that as creatives we can be predisposed to feel that our work is not worth that much or that we shouldn't earn as much as other professionals. Overcoming that fear is important to be able to feel confident in your abilities and career and create a sustainable business practice.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your industry?
Get your work out there! Working for free is a highly controversial subject, especially in the creative industries. However, those first few live briefs that I entered into magazines, such as Amelia's Magazine and various blogs, really helped me get my name out there. Sharing work online and having a professional online social media presence have also been key factors in attracting work. Starting to produce work for live briefs while you are still studying is a great way to get a head start and really push yourself creatively. If you can balance university coursework and real live briefs then that will put you in good stead for the real world when you have several projects on the go at once.
What is the best feedback you have ever had from a client?
I have a terrible memory! However, I recently got an email that said "You've done a great job of these, Katie.” That's good enough for me. Feeling like I've done a good job and knowing that the client agrees is one of the best results to hope for.
Who do you admire most in the world and why?
I admire a lot of people and it's really difficult to choose just one. I do love the work of spoken word artist Kate Tempest, however, and I think she gives out really good energy as an artist. The world needs more people like that; people who can wake everyone up and make them rethink what they are doing and how we are as a community, as a nation, and as a planet.
Do you have a favourite quote that you turn to for inspiration?
"Whatever you are, be a good one" -Abraham Lincoln.
What drives you forward more than anything else?
I love the freedom that being self-employed gives me, and being able to travel and still produce work is something that I value greatly. At the moment I am splitting my time between Berlin in Germany and my hometown of Berwick upon Tweed in Northumberland. The knowledge that working freelance allows me to travel drives me forward and keeps me motivated. Even when I eventually settle down I hope to keep travelling regularly.
What is the biggest challenge you face in business?
My biggest challenge in business so far has been balancing the quiet times with the busy times. There can be relatively long stretches where I have no projects coming up and I am only working on the bare minimum. I've learnt that it's wise to have some security savings stashed away and to always make the first connection with potential clients. Sometimes the work won't just come to you and you have to go out there and ask for it yourself. Let people know who you are and what you do! I've taken on part-time jobs in the past to help with paying the rent and bringing in the 'bread and butter money' and that brings a new challenge in itself. Finding the space and time to be creative when you are working in a non-creative job can be exhausting! I feel so lucky to be working solely on illustration and design at the moment.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday for me starts at around 8am. I'll get up, make coffee, and sit down to work straight away (usually still in my pyjamas). For the past 2 years, I have been working with Megan Claire, a personalised card company, and I will do any orders from them before I have breakfast. After breakfast, I get ready and cycle to the studio where I will work on whatever projects I have happening at the time. When I am travelling or living in Berlin, my routine doesn't change much. I definitely don't work as many hours while I am travelling, and when I'm in Berlin I spend a lot more time cycling around the huge city. Going to meet-ups with fellow English-speaking illustrators in Berlin really helped me to network and meet like-minded people. Berlin is massive and I've been amazed at how much more effort it takes to meet new people there and maintain connections. It's a far cry from the tiny town I grew up in.
If you would like to learn more about Katie's work you can visit her website HERE.
Publicity Head Shot Photography: Biorationale
Publicity Head Shot Photography
Today we had 2 publicity photoshoots, mainly head shots and profile photographs for websites of small - medium sized businesses working from home, the first and most interesting was of Roma, a horticultural scientist from Lintlaw near Coldstream..
We used a variety of different natural and farming backgrounds for several organic style images and also some on a white background for a more clinical and scientific look.
Online Identity: Headshots That Make A Compelling First Impression
By Sue Brettell, Online Identity Design and Communication specialist creating compelling personal brand web design and copy for dynamic solopreneurs and professionals.
When building a strong and compelling brand for yourself, quality professional photographs are essential. Whether you're a solopreneur or practitioner, an executive or a careerist, your headshot can make a big difference to how you are perceived.
If you are communicating a message of quality, your entire marketing campaign is dependent on strong personal images. The portrait on your website attracts or reassures your prospective clients; the headshot on your CV or resume could make a first impression that determines whether you get the interview or audition; the picture that accompanies your fabulous magazine article gives you credibility.
It's well documented that people make up their minds about each other within the first few seconds of meeting. The way you look, your body language, your tone of voice and your overall presentation comprises a staggering 93% of the criteria people use when they form an opinion about you. This impression tends to stick, no matter what you say or do subsequently. The same can apply to your online identity, including your photograph.
Even the most beautifully crafted layout and copy can be let down by a poor head shot, yet many people make do with home snapshots which do them no justice at all.
Why do you need a head shot on your website?
A good head shot is an opportunity for you to personalise your website. It helps to build a picture of who you are and establish a connection with your prospective client or employer. If you want to make a terrific first impression, it pays to look your best and to exude warmth and sincerity. It's an opportunity to visually project your brand attributes: colours, characteristics and quirks that are associated with your brand.
Find a good photographer
Make sure you're going to have a good rapport with the photographer: if you're happy and relaxed, your headshots will be more natural and attractive.
To truly set yourself apart from the rest and establish a brand identity for your business, you should aim to set aside a portion of your marketing budget for professional quality product photography. By all means, if you're looking to hire a friendly commercial photographer, feel free to check out our portfolio and contact us.
P.S. We have expert retouchers, and designers on hand who can airbrush your shots so that you look fabulous and the shots still look natural and untouched - this can also be done for clients who are registered with dating websites or those who are a little self concious and would like to have that bit more confidence in their profile images.
Headshots for Carol from SPEAK
Carol and I met at a wedding fayre in Kelso earlier this year. I was fascinated by her zesty stand which featured a massive bowl of bright, fresh lemons. Her stand was for SPEAK which offers professional workshops for individuals (including best men, fathers of the bride, and grooms!) who want or need to successfully present themselves.
I chose to attend one of the workshops myself as public speaking is something I have had trouble with. This might seem rather strange to those of you who have attended a wedding I've photographed as you will know that I don't have any problem in standing up to direct a group of 200+ wedding guests into a group. I guess it only overcomes me during 'set' presentations. I think it all started at university; I'd stand up to do a talk and my knees would start to wobble. This would then move up my body to my hands, shaking the notes, eventually, even my jaw would start to shake making my voice wobble. So embarrassing!
Carol was brilliant! Her experience and knowledge shine. She taught me how to express my ideas and to give information in a really clear way. I'm actually looking forward to putting my new techniques and presentation into practice which is something I thought I would never want to do again.
Here are some photographs from a portrait shoot Carol commissioned. The photographs will be used for advertising and promotion for the new SPEAK website and in publications featuring SPEAK.
“Thank-you. You take a good photo whether indoors or out, even though I was tired on the day. You capture my animated enthusiasm in a ‘thoughtful’ context. You have real talent and wonderful eye.”
Do you have trouble talking in public? Visit http://speak.uk.com/ for more information on the workshops with Carol, I'm highly recommending them (in case you hadn't realised).
Written by Sarah
PR Photograph of Aitken Walker, Duns for a Trade Magazine feature on Jet Garages
PR Photograph of Aitken Walker, Duns for a Trade Magazine feature on Jet Garages
A commercial commission from ProvaPR and Jet Service Stations for a trade media article based on the Duns firm Aitken-Walker Cars and their new Jet garage.
The first is a more dynamic magazine image with a moody sky (that's photographer speak for a gloomy day!) leaving space for headings and the second image is a more traditional newspaper article-type photograph. I leave the choices to the PR company.
Thanks to Graham and his wife for taking time out of their busy day and braving the drizzle and thank you to Emma at ProvaPR for organising the shoot at the last minute.
Written by Sarah