So 2021 Is Well Underway!

So 2021 is well underway. Hopefully your 2021 has started out great compared to the crazy year 2020 we just had. As jobs were lost, many small businesses closed, 2021 birth a new desire for many to live their authentic life. Many Raleigh and Durham professionals are exploring entrepreneurialism and their creative side, therefore NC Headshot Studio is here to capture that “NEW YOU OF 2021” professional headshot and business portrait. Don’t let that camera phone picture keep you from living the life of your dreams.

Call us today at NC Headshot Studio at 984-365-3599 or email us at Bookings@NCHeadshot.com, let us help you get onto the path to success with you new professional headshot.

Tips for Business Portraits & Professional Headshots

Tips for Business Portraits & Professional Headshots - Durham & Raleigh Professional

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- General Tips

• Tell us your expectations and intentions. Let us know what kind of look you want
• Tell us how and where the photo will be used (so we can be sure it's appropriate)
• Drink lots of water and be well rested (so your eyes will not have dark cirlces)
• Your skin might not look it's best after drug/alcohol use. Try to abstain from these before your shoot
• Arrive on time. Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early (we may have other clients scheduled before you) unless you are scheduled to have MakeUp and/or Hair services provided in studio.
• Please call if you are running late or arrive early

What to Wear - Everyone

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and that make you look great
• Make sure your jacket and shirt fit you well. A poor fitting jacket or shirt will be obvious in the photos (especially around the neck)
• Don't overdress
• Turtlenecks are almost always a bad idea (since they crowd the face)
• Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new
• Avoid busy patterns and large lines/stripes
• Blue/green/turquoise shirts/blouses or accents can help emphasize blue/green/hazel eyes

What to Wear - Men

• The standard business look is a suit jacket, dress shirt and tie
• A casual business look is often a jacket and open dress shirt, shirt and tie (no jacket), or dress shirt on it's own
• Polo shirts are a good look for some businesses. Be sure the shirt is in good condition and fits well
• For a no-jacket casual look, bring colored shirts - ideally darker than your skin tone
• A white dress shirt by itself is a bad idea - unless you plan to wear it underneath something (jacket or sweater)
• Bring a few different jackets, shirt colors and ties so we have choices for the photo

What to Wear - Women

• Avoid big prints and busy patterns
• Different necklines will change the apparent shape of your face. Bring a variety different shirts/blouses to see what works best
• For a no-jacket casual look, bring various colored blouses - ideally darker than your skin tone
• Be stylish and fashionable, but remember the picture is about your face and not your clothes or jewelry
• Sleeveless tops/dresses can draw attention to your shoulders/arms. Consider bringing items with a variety of different sleeves

Remember: Select and wear clothes that make you feel comfortable. Select something that makes you look and feel good.

Jewelry

• Keep jewelry extremely simple - small is better
• Avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated
• The picture is about your face, not your jewelry
• Consider if facial piercings or multiple ear piercings are appropriate for where your photo will be displayed

What to Bring

• Your previous headshots (so we can improve)
• Sample headshots to help communicate the look you want
• Favorite Music (iPod/MP3 player, phone, thumb-drive)
• Various changes of clothing (see above)
• A good attitude
• Lip balm
• Hair brush/comb
• Makeup and hair products you prefer (especially if you have allergies)

Hair and Makeup Tips

• Make-up should be clean and natural
• Wear a heavy layer of translucent powder - your face will appear flawless in photos. Shine disappears, pores seem smaller, skin looks even, and blush is smoother
• Line lips before applying matte lipstick, then reline. Don't overdo it. Dip a cotton bud in powder and run along lip line to prevent color from bleeding
• Avoid shimmers or products with lots of sparkle or shine
• Avoid frosts or overly-bright colors
• Don't get a new hair cut just before the shoot (you may want to let it grow-in a bit or get used to styling a new cut)
• Do not try/use any new product on your hair, face or body the day before or few days before your shoot. In case you have a bad reaction to the product

Please Arrive With

• Hair styled and makeup already applied (if not using makeup artist)

A Business Portrait or a Headshot, Which is the Right Choice for You? | Durham | Raleigh | Chapel Hill

A Business Portrait or a Headshot ? Which is the Right Choice for You ?

You might be an actor, a plumber, an artist, a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, a salesperson, musician or physician and you need of a new picture for your professional use.

Do you need a business portrait or a headshot?

To answer that I'd like to tell you one of the most important pieces of advice I've ever received and it's the foundation of why virtually every successful business is successful. No matter if you are an actor or doctor or baker you are an artist. What you do for a living is your art/skill/craft/vocation - call it what you will - this is your passion - it's your art. If you focus only on your art you may love doing it, but you are on a course to fail. If on the only hand you say "I own a business ... and it just happens to be a deli, or a doctor's office or creating art" you realize that you must balance the books, do marketing to get clients, dream up new ideas so that you will continue to be able to do what you love to do.

Anyway, that's where I start my thinking when someone comes in for a headshot - how is your business structured and what type of picture will best help you achieve your business goals.

The Business portrait and the headshot - The Difference

First lets look at both, how they are the same and how they differ.

Both types of images need to get the feeling that you want to get from whomever seeing the picture. Are you welcoming, commanding, solid, sincere, in charge, affluent, competent, stunning, handsome, friendly, "the buck stops here",?

The Business Portrait - formal dress, professional pose, elegant props, lit with some drama and has rich colors. This is the type of image you might see in the lobby of a hotel or on the board of directors page of a company's website.

The Headshot - To be candid, it'a a product shot and you're the product. You'll typically smile or (in the case of an actor) be in character, but the look is fairly generic and welcoming. But I suggest the headshot even for the executive so they will something less formal, maybe for a company seminar they are hosting or blog post.

And then there is the headshot which is purely for commercial use; such as a print ad, website or brochure. These are very fun and bright.

Both the business portrait and the headshot can be critical parts of every company's business marketing plan. Just a nice picture of the person without finding out what the person wants the image to convey is not enough. Today many potential clients are surfing the net and choosing their vendors on the strength of an image.

So think about how the images will be used to help you reach your business goals and you will know what types of pictures you need.

NC Headshot Studio is a premiere headshot, business portrait, and commercial photography studio located in Durham, North Carolina.  We serve Durham, Raleigh, and the Chapel Hill areas.   You can see more of his work at http://www.NCHeadShot.com

15 Secrets for the Perfect Business Portrait & Headshot | Durham | Raleigh | Chapel Hill

15 Secrets for the Perfect Business Portrait

You’re a confident, professional businessperson. Then why are you featuring a grainy, five-year-old picture of yourself on your Web site?

If you’re serious about connecting with clients and want to show the world you mean business, you need to invest in a professional photo of yourself.

It’s less painful than you might imagine.

What is a business portrait and why should I get one?

A business portrait (also called an executive portrait or professional portrait) is generally a headshot (head and shoulders portrait). It’s similar to a typical portrait except you are buying the image to use for your business rather than buying a print to sit on your mantel.

You can put your portrait on your Website or blog, business cards, and even advertising to give a face to your name/business. You can also put your business portrait on your resume when applying for jobs and for college/grad school. These portraits are also perfect for social networking sites, press releases and company brochures.

Can any photographer take my business portrait, or do I need to find someone who specializes in business portraits?

Photographers specialize in different areas, so do a little research. If you want your portrait in a park setting, make sure your photographer has experience doing on-location lighting outside.  Visit www.NCHeadShot.com for a Headshot and Business Portrait Photography Studio in your area!

A picture is worth a thousand words. How do I choose the best “look” and setting for my portrait?

It all depends on what you want your image to say about you. Ask yourself what you want the tone of your portrait to be:

• Serious or smiling?
• Powerful or approachable?
• Moody lighting or soft, bright beauty lighting?

Your personality and business might call for your portrait to be taken on location rather than the studio.

• If you are an executive, you might want your portrait taken in your corner office overlooking the city.

• If you want an image that is more natural, opt for a park setting.

• If you want more traditional lighting and backgrounds, you’ll probably want your pictures done in-studio.

What type of clothes should I wear?

This image will be used to represent you and/or your company so you need to dress accordingly. You’ll want to wear professional business attire that is classic and timeless so you can use your photos for years to come.

• Men should wear a suit jacket, sweater, or a nice dress shirt.
• Women should wear a blouse or a tailored jacket.
• It is best to wear long sleeve shirts for your portrait. Long sleeves are much more flattering on arms than short.

You also want to be somewhat comfortable in what you’re wearing or your picture will look stiff and unnatural. But be aware of clothing that wrinkles easily as that will look sloppy and unprofessional.

What colors photograph best/worst?

• Solid colors photograph best, and most people look good in midtones (green, blue, brown, etc.).

• Avoid white and colors that approximate your flesh tones (this might be beige, tan, or very pale peach, pink, and gray).

• Avoid wearing clothing with patterns or accessories that distract from your face. Very bright reds, yellows and oranges can also be distracting.

Should I wear jewelry?

Jewelry can be a great accessory to your outfit, but should not distract from your face. Less is usually more. Necklaces look best when they are shorter and mimic the neckline of your shirt.

How much makeup should I apply?

• Wear what you would for a nice evening out. Well done, but not overdone.
• Avoid overly glossy or shimmery makeup as it will catch the light and be distracting.
• If you normally don’t wear makeup, your pictures will look better if you at least wear foundation. This will help even out your skin tone.
• Bring extra powder as you’ll want to reapply during the shoot to avoid shine.

What are the best backgrounds for a business portrait?

The most important thing to consider in a background is that it doesn’t distract from your portrait. It should complement your clothing and colors.

• Solid colors or a neutral colored textured background are always classic.
• Bright colors can work for a younger, more vibrant portrait, but I’d recommend doing another neutral background as well just in case.

If you are having your portraits outside your photographer should be able to suggest appropriate backgrounds away from objects that would distract the eye from your face.

What kind of a picture will I receive from the photographer?

You’ll receive a high resolution digital copy from the photographer to use for your business.

Will I own the rights to my image?

The photographer retains the image copyright but grants you permission to use your image for business purposes. Sometimes these rights cost extra, but sometimes the rights will be given to the client as a part of the portrait session fee. Be sure to ask about this before you book your sitting.

Are there any restrictions on how I can use my business portrait?

Some photographers restrict Web use vs. printed use and have separate fees for each. Some have a one-time use fee while others have a fee that gives you unlimited use of the image. This all depends on the photographer.

We highly recommend arranging for unlimited use of your image. You’ll want to plaster your image everywhere, and it’s a major hassle to contact the photographer every time you want to re-use your business portrait. Just suck it up, pay the fee, and be done with it. You’ll be glad you did.

How many different poses should I purchase?

We recommend purchasing 2-3 poses. Having options is always a good thing. Photo sessions are expensive and take time, so if you can get a few different portraits that you can use, it could save you time and money in the future.

So, if I change outfits or backgrounds during my photo shoot, I should buy multiple images, right?

Right. Even if you don’t change outfits, a change in the lighting or in your expression can make a photo completely different. It is helpful to have a range of photos to use for your business. Perhaps vary the use of each photo, using one for your Website and another on your social networking pages.

How much do business portraits typically cost?

It depends on what you are looking for… On the low end, for a short in-studio session, expect to spend $100-175 just for the session fee. That would not include any of the images, digital prints, or the rights to use them.

Shop around until you find a photographer whose prices fit your budget.  Email Us at NC Headshot Studio:  Bookings@NCHeadShot.com

I’m not photogenic. Do you retouch business portraits so I can look my best?

Most photographers do basic retouching on your business portrait without an additional fee. This can be anything from removing blemishes, reducing under-eye circles, brightening eyes, whitening teeth, reducing wrinkles, etc. If your photographer doesn’t retouch and it is important to you, you could get permission from the photographer to send it to a professional retoucher. Retouching fees range from $25-$50 for basic retouching.

NC Headshot Studio is a premiere headshot, business portrait, and commercial photography studio located in Durham, North Carolina.  We serve Durham, Raleigh, and the Chapel Hill areas.   You can see more of his work at http://www.NCHeadShot.com

What's the Difference between a Headshot and a Business Portrait | Durham | Raleigh | Chapel Hill

NC Headshot Studio's Headshot & Business Portrait Difference

Once upon a time, a headshot was a traditional portrait

....used for marketing yourself as an actor or business person. And then the digital revolution hit. And, headshots devolved into a candid snap shot, taken with very little thought to light, background, expression etc.

It got thrown up on facebook, linkedin, myspace, twitter etc, without a thought of who might be looking at it or what it says about you. And, it became a sloppy, amateur marketing tool that was right up there, in terms of usefulness, as a driver's license photo.

Along came the Business Portrait.

A direct reaction to the vacation snap shots that are permeating the online profiles, business portraits are in demand by CEOs, Actors, and other people who are concerned about how their image is perceived by their target audience.

The biggest difference between the “modern headshot” and a "business portrait" is philosophical. Every part of the business portrait, from the light, composition, clothing, makeup, jewelry, background, expression, etc, is a conscious decision, on the part of the photographer and the subject, to create an image designed to stand out. The image that is created, is designed that way specifically because it will help your audience accept you as their choice.

Business portraits are about marketing, branding and the business of your industry.  Corporate Headshots are about the person and the brand of the individual.

They are a visual representation of your competence and reputation.

So, if you call us and ask about “headshots” for you or your company, don’t be surprised if we prob you for more understand to gain a better insight into your actual needs of the photography session. 

NC Headshot Studio is a premiere headshot, business portrait, and commercial photography studio located in Durham, North Carolina.  We serve Durham, Raleigh, and the Chapel Hill areas.   You can see more of his work at http://www.NCHeadShot.com

Business Portraits & Corporate Headshots | Durham | Raleigh | Chapel Hill

NC Headshot Studio's Business Portraits

In business, an image can be the difference between making the sale and missing the opportunity. High-quality, professional business portraits and professional headshots capture the attention of your clients by adding instant personality to marketing materials, public relations efforts, social media and more.

About NC Headshot Studio's Business Portraits & Corporate Headshots

NC Headshot Studio provides you and your business with professional quality, business photos that bring your image and brand into focus. With next day, high res digital delivery and Raleigh and Durham Locations to serve you, NC Headshot Studio is the perfect solution for your business photography needs. 

• Individual Headshots: Our photographers are ready to serve you today! Simply click here to schedule your session.  
• Corporate Headshots: Do you have a company or team in need of a consistent photographic look and feel? Email bookings@NCHeadShot.com to learn more about our corporate program.

Using Business Portraits & Corporate Headshots

Business photography can help establish trust with your customers while achieving greater brand awareness.  Examples of effectively using business photography include:

• Marketing, Advertising and Publicity
  Enhance your outreach efforts by adding a personal touch to marketing, advertising and public relations campaigns with high-quality business photos that reflect the unique image and personality of your company.
• Corporate Websites, Intranets, Business Cards & More
  Your website is an ideal place to add a personable touch, as it’s where initial contact with potential clients often occurs.  
• Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
  Adding professional business photos to annual reports, investor dossiers, executive presentations, newsletters and more reinforces your company's image and helps create tighter relationships among clients, investors and other stakeholders.
• Social Networking
  Utilizing resources such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networking sites, offer different ways to stay in contact with your customers.  Personalize the experience with high-quality business photos, which reinforce your image and help customers identify with your brand.
• Email Confirmation
  For service-related companies, making your customers feel confident, comfortable and self-assured is paramount, especially when entrance to a customer's home is required.  Build trust by including a professional business photo in your emails, letting customers see exactly who will be making their service call.
• Employee Recognition
  Make lasting impressions by recognizing employees with awards, personalized with their professional business photo!

Schedule your session today! If you are interested in retainers or pre-paid business certificates for your company or team, email bookings@NCHeadShot.com.

NC Headshot Studio is a premiere headshot, business portrait, and commercial photography studio located in Durham, North Carolina.  We serve Durham, Raleigh, and the Chapel Hill areas.   You can see more of his work at http://www.NCHeadShot.com

Using Professional Headshots Online

Affordable Headshots - Visit www.NCHeadShot.com

You likely have an “About Me” or “About Our Company” or “About Us” page on your website. And you certainly have a thumbnail image that you use for your social media profiles (if you’re not using a logo or brand). Occasionally you might be asked to be interviewed on a blog, or an article may be written referencing you. In each of these circumstances, you’ll want a photo of yourself displayed. In a physically disconnected world, where many of your networks and connections are made online, it’s more important than ever for people to sense your authenticity and your personality.

And you don’t want a terribly lit & slightly inebriated photo of yourself taken at a friend’s wedding, or a snapshot of you on the beach during your vacation to Costa Rica to be the way you represent yourself & your business to the world. And definitely NOT A CELLPHONE SELFIE / CELFIE.  I once had a client who wanted to use a photo of himself at an event where he was clearly snozzled – yikes!

If it’s your personal Facebook profile and you regularly update it to show a recent snapshot of you at a speaking engagement or giving a presentation, that’s one thing & you can get away with something less formal. If it’s the only headshot of you on the website of your business, that’s another thing entirely. This isn’t to say it needs to be stuffy, or nostalgic for Sears photo shoots circa 1981… you want it to reference your personality and that of your business. 

For example, if you’re an investment banker, you’d likely meet your potential clients face-to-face in some level of business attire. Maybe not a suit, but something appropriate. If you’re a bee keeper, you’re likely wearing something appropriate for that work, etc… In each of these cases it’s not much of an investment of time or money to hire a photographer to take a professional-looking headshot of you in your environment.

Usually, a professional headshot session either takes place in the studio or in the field. Personally, I like shots that aren’t against a solid white backdrop in the studio or that feel too contrived. I prefer shots taken in an appropriate environment – maybe in your office, or maybe outside with a natural backdrop.

There’s no magic formula. You don’t need to be an actor. You don’t need $1 million dollars or an entourage.

So, how do you find someone local to do this for you whose work you like? Well first, if you see a headshot you really like, and you know that it was likely taken in your area, find out who took them! Sometimes there’s an attribution, and other times you can just send an email and ask. Secondly, search for someone & review what you find.

A simple Google Search for Durham Headshot Photography or Raleigh Business Portraits in your local area would suffice.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $175 to $1500 depending on how many poses and/or outfits you want, where you live, and the experience of the photographer. The most important thing is that you find someone whose work shows the kind of headshot you’d like to end up with.

So, throw that modesty out the window, find the right photographer for you, and be happy when you’re being represented in your best light online!

NC Headshot Studio is a Durham Headshot, Business Portrait, and Commercial Photography Studio servicing the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas.  We are your professional headshot studio!

Creative Director / NC HeadShot Photography

Don't Underestimate the power of your headshot!

With the rise in social platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter, visuals are driving consumer engagement in both the business and corporate world.  

A business portrait or a professional headshot by a great headshot photographer is key!

There is no denying the fact that a good headshot will evoke greater trust, authenticity and greater interest in you and your business.

Customers and stakeholders love to know who they are dealing with, so with a good headshot will ensure that your first impression makes a positive impact! Professional headshots are not just for actors, celebrities or corporate heads or an expensive vanity project. In a world where anyone serious about their career or business has a personal brand (whether you like it or not); it’s important to control and manage how people see you.

Your headshot will help to take your online presence to greater heights if done correctly.  Visit www.NCHeadShot.com

It is your corporate handshake in a virtual world, so ensure that your photograph makes the right impression and sets the right tone by investing in your brand. Thankfully, gone are the days when you had to look as if you had a rod up your back. If done correctly your headshot will let your personality shine through and sends out the right message about you.

Failure to invest in your headshot is like turning up to a networking event without a business card. People want to know the face behind the name. Your headshot should encourage people to engage with you. People connect with those they know, like and trust so ensure that you look like someone that they want to engage, work and do business with. As a small business owner or corporate professional on the rise don’t underestimate how your headshot is a critical component for your personal branding strategy.

Thankfully, the formal, pen holding, over staged poses don’t work for today’s socially conscious, savvy and connected customer. They want a headshot that matches your brand, so keep your image consistent, personable but more importantly professional. So make sure your headshot enhances rather than devalues your personal brand.

See more at:  http://www.NCHeadshot.com

NC Headshot Studio is a Durham Headshot, Business Portrait, and Commercial Photography Studio servicing the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas.  We are your professional headshot studio!

The Power of a Professional Headshot - Pt. 3

Your headshot has enormous potential & power, if photographed well. Not going to overload you with stats and numbers, just going to give you 3 quick facts.  

1.  ONLINE / SOCIAL MEDIA, 95% of how people judge you is based on your photo.  Perception is everything!

If this doesn't make you want to update your photo, then consider this as well, people take only about 1/2 a second to come to their judgment of you based on your current photo. So you have less than 1/2 a second to make a first impression.

2- You Become Human With A Photo - You Seem Tangible & Relatable

Putting a face to a name can have a huge impact, it's humanizing!  Use it in your email signature, business card, website about page, social media profiles and other marketing materials. 

3- An Updated & Current Photo Gets A LOT MORE ATTENTION!

We've seen this over and over again. We send a client their new headshot– within a day or two they update their social media profile photos and BOOM– 100+ likes and comments. People want to see a photo of you. Start clicking on your friends profile photos on and you'll see the same thing if it's a quality photo of that person.

A 30-minute Mini-On-The-Go Session (learn more about the Mini-On-The-Go Session by visiting:  www.NCHeadShot.com/Info) professional photo session, can have a huge impact on your marketing and business presence. 

NC Headshot Studio is a Durham Headshot, Business Portrait, and Commercial Photography Studio servicing the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas.  We are your professional headshot studio!

The Power of a Professional Headshot - Pt. 2

Never underestimate the impact professional portraits – or headshots – have on your success. Buyers and sellers visit your real estate website looking to see a comprehensive site Filled with visuals of beautifully marketed listings, properties you have sold and clients you have served. Most of all, they want to see you.

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No one enjoys having their photograph taken, young or old, photogenic or not. The easiest and most important element to a successful headshot is to simply be yourself. You want the client to be immediately put at ease at your First meeting because the image they now have of you matches the personality you portray in their presence.

How else can you take dynamic and engaging portraits? Here is a list of do’s and don’ts:

Do’s

• Remove all distractions. The focus should be entirely on you.
• Find a comfortable location. Taking the photo at your office or at one of your listings is an ideal option. Either location allows you to show yourself in your work environment, which is where your website visitors (prospective clients) prefer to see you.
• Use a backdrop. Another option is to use a backdrop. Using backdrops ensure you won’t fade into the background.
• Wear a favorite business outfit. Choose an outfit that is both comfortable and appropriate to your marketplace.
• Hire a professional portrait photographer. Interview the photographer and ask to see their work. Make sure you explain what you are looking for and show them examples of what you would like. There are many ways to capture a headshot.
• Update your photo regularly. You want the client to recognize you, not think, “Wow, they look very different than their online headshot.”

Don’ts

• Strike a dramatic pose (with your hands under your chin). Remember, this isn’t an audition for a role in a soap opera.
• Cross your arms. Crossing your arms signals you are unapproachable and set in your ways.
• Pose with a phone in your ear. This says, “I’m too busy for you and it’s 1982!”
• Pose with your dog, cat or horse. You want the focus to be on you.

Buyers and sellers encounter a number of real estate agents daily, whether it’s through agent networking, attending open houses or receiving agent marketing material. A professional photograph speaks volumes! Clients are seeking to hire a real estate agent who conveys trust, honesty and integrity. Your appearance on your business card, website and on social media sites is the first impression you give them. You use great photography for your listing because it sells the home. Put that same eye for detail on yourself. You deserve it.

Remember, prospective clients are looking to hire an agent they can trust, so let your photo be modern, simple and realistic.

The Power of a Professional Headshot

Value the power of a good headshot. 

“I can’t stress the importance of this investment, but please don’t cut corners when it comes to this. The photo has to be unique to you. So that means you have to know what you are selling. A great picture isn’t about what you are wearing or the backdrop the photographer uses; it’s all about what you are communicating through your eyes and the essence we get when taking a glance at your photo.” ~ Antonio Martez