Category: General

Jose Soriano
What To Wear For Your Headshot Photo Session

Your headshot is often the first impression you make on potential clients, employers, or colleagues. It’s your chance to showcase your personal brand and communicate your professionalism and confidence. But how do you choose the perfect outfit for your headshot? Dressing for success can be a daunting task, especially when you want to strike the right balance between stylish and appropriate. That’s where I come in. As a digital marketing assistant with a knack for writing and content creation, I’ve helped many clients build their personal brand through their online presence. In this article, I’ll share some tips and tricks on how to choose the perfect outfit for your headshot, so you can stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression. Whether you’re a business professional, an entrepreneur, or a creative freelancer, dressing for success is key to achieving your goals. So let’s dive in and discover how to dress to impress!

 

Importance of a Professional Headshot

A professional headshot is one of any professional’s most important marketing tools. It can be used on your website, social media profiles, LinkedIn, business cards, and promotional materials. Your headshot is a representation of your brand, and it communicates your personality and professionalism. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your headshot is high quality and accurately represents you.

 

Colors to Consider for a Headshot Outfit

Choosing the right colors for your headshot outfit is crucial. You want to choose colors that complement your skin tone and hair color.


  • Neutral and solid colors are the best option for headshots because they provide a clean and professional look. Colors such as black, gray, navy, and beige are effective in creating a strong and polished image. These colors are versatile and easy to match with different outfits, making them ideal for many headshot genres.
  • Avoid overly bright or bold colors as they can distract and draw attention away from the subject’s face. Bright colors can also cast a color cast on the skin, which can be unflattering in photographs.
  • When choosing colors for your headshot outfit, consider the background and lighting. It’s best to avoid matching your outfit to the background, as it can cause you to blend in and become less distinct. Instead, choose colors that complement the background and create a contrast that makes you stand out. Sometimes, using the same color background and outfit could work if the background is in a lower tone than the subject’s outfit.
  • If you are unsure of what color to wear, it is always a good idea to consult with your photographer, as they have the expertise to advise you on the best colors for your skin tone and the background.
  • It is also a good idea to bring a few different color options, even if you think you know exactly what you want to wear. Sometimes, the color that you think will look best in photos may not be the case. 
  • Colors could date your photograph. With fashion, prints and colors are limited to a specific season or year. Wearing those in your photo tells everyone looking at it when you took that photo.

 

Accessorizing for a Headshot

Accessorizing can add interest to an outfit and complement your branding. However, it is important not to overdo it. Choose one or two accessories that complement your outfit and represent your brand. For example, if you are a business professional, you may want to wear a watch or a pair of simple earrings. If you are a creative freelancer, you may want to wear a statement necklace or a pair of funky glasses.

Accessories can enhance the look of your photo and make it stand out from the rest. Here are some tips:
  • Keep jewelry simple and understated. A pair of small, stud earrings is usually a good choice. Avoid chunky or flashy jewelry, as it can be distracting.
  • Be mindful of hairstyle. Make sure your hair is styled and tidy, as your hair can be an important part of your professional headshot.
  • Consider your eyewear. If you wear glasses, make sure they are clean. Dirty glasses can show on your final photos.
  • Avoid heavy makeup, as it can create a harsh or unnatural look. Stick to natural, neutral tones, and avoid shimmery or glittery products.
  • Avoid over-accessorizing. Keep it simple, and don’t distract from your face with too many scarves, hats, or other accessories.
 

Hair and Makeup Tips for a Headshot

Your hair and makeup can make or break your headshot. Therefore, it is essential to take some time to prepare before the shoot. Make sure your hair is clean and styled in a way that complements your outfit. If you are unsure, consider hiring a professional hairstylist. For makeup, choose a natural and polished look. Avoid bold or trendy makeup that may distract from your face. Remember, the goal is to represent yourself accurately and professionally.


Types of Headshots

Actor Headshots

what to wear for your headshot

The headshots for actors have much more freedom about what they’re allowed to wear, since the goal of such shots is to depict who you really are. That’s why being yourself is more important than what you wear.

You need to look sharp and tidy. Dress accordingly to what your next casting will be about.

 

Headshots for creatives (writers, artists)

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If you are in a creative profession, you want your personality to shine through. So you have a little more wiggle room than other professions for headshots. But you don’t want to push the envelope so far that no one takes you seriously.

The general tips above are expert advice to follow to pick colors and staying away from wild accessories. But the nice thing is you aren’t restricted to layers or suit jackets. If you want to wear single layers or sweaters, you can. You are not as constrained with colors either. 

You don’t need to stick to the strict rules of mid-range colors. Just make sure you wear nothing that clashes with your skin, take the focus away from you in the picture, or will date the photo too much. You could also probably sneak in some timeless prints that won’t lock your shot down to a specific time period.

You can even have a little more fun with your accessories. Just like with colors, don’t go too far and take the focus off of your face. But you don’t need to stick with such simple earrings and necklaces.


Professionals (accountants, doctors, lawyers, etc.)

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Those who fall into this group will need the most formal and serious-looking versions of headshots. As much as we want people in these professions to be humans, these are serious jobs, and we want to know that the person we have hired in this role is a very serious person. 

Doctors have it the easiest in this group. Their headshot will include the doctor’s lab coat over anything they are wearing. Men should wear a tie, and women should have a mid-range colored button-up shirt.

Others that fall into this category should wear business suits. That is what we like to see out of people in these fields, so that is what you should have on during your headshot. Keep everything fairly plain for your shoot, as well. Suiting should be gray, navy blue, or black. Only incorporate stripes if they are thin stripes. Bold stripes will take away from you during the photo session. 

The shirting underneath your suiting should be subtle pops of color, but absolutely nothing too bright or too bold. It just doesn’t fit these professions. Apply the same rules to your tie. It should serve as a compliment, not a distraction.

 

Anyone else needing a headshot

This category is almost like a catch-all for anyone else who wants to add a headshot to their social media profiles or websites. You may not fit into one grouping above, but you still need to make sure you are putting your best foot forward.

You want to make sure you present a pulled-together image, but you don’t want to look too formal. A great way to achieve that would be to wear a blazer with a t-shirt underneath. The blazer will give you a look of authority, but not a formality. You can push the limits on the t-shirt in terms of color, but not too much. You want just a slight pop of color. 

Women can follow these rules also and add just a little more style with a necklace or earrings. Instead of a classic chain, a woman could have a longer necklace with beads and hoops or long earrings instead of simple studs. You still look pulled together, but not too formal, not too casual.

 

Conclusion

I hope this article was helpful to you. No two headshots will be the same. And every person taking part in one of these sessions will want to add some type of fun flair to it. These are easy and fast rules. These are just useful tips to follow that will help the session run smoother and fall in line with industry standards. Always ask your photographer for his/her suggestions and feedback. Bring multiple outfits to a shot just to be on the safe side and to give both of you an array of options.

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Jose Soriano
11 Tips For A Successful Event Photoshoot

Adding event photography to your skills as a photographer is a massive boom for your business. Events are always happening!

As an event photographer, you can participate in some of the most important moments, such as corporate events, concerts, etc.

Let’s look at some tips to help you successfully shoot those events for your clients.

 

Put yourself in your client’s shoes.

Be prepared that, as an event photographer, you may be asked to photograph various events. These events can range from weddings to birthday parties or corporate events. You may not find every event the most exciting but think about your client. These events are significant to them.

 

Prepare your equipment ahead of time.

event photography bag

Assess the situation and think about all the gear you will need. You don’t want to get to the site and realize you don’t have everything to make this shoot successful. Err on the side of caution and bring more than you think you might need. You would rather have extra than not enough. Test out all your equipment and make sure it all works. Don’t forget to check any of your equipment that uses batteries and have backups. A great way to be prepared is to have a gear checklist.

 

Organize your shot list

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For most events, there will be certain shots and moments that are required to get. A corporate event is a classic example with a long list of required shots, speakers, networking breaks, booths, etc.

Once you have that list put together, you can think about other moments you want to capture of your clients. This is also a great chance to check with your client to review what you have and what other moments are on their shot list. Pre-event photos should be part of this list. They can also tell a great piece of the story of the event.

 

Managing your client’s expectations

The key to this is communication. Ask your clients their expectations for this event, what they want, and what they need. And then let them know what you can realistically provide. You never want a disappointed customer.

Disappointed customers lead to lawsuits and bad online reviews. Protect yourself by being honest with your customers and getting all agreements in writing. This way, the customer can not say later that they were not informed.

You may also want to hire a contract lawyer to protect both parties. The least you can do to cover your back is to have everything discussed in the email.

 

Show up early to the event

show up early to the event

If you schedule yourself to be early, you can never be late. It is a bad look for the photographer to be late. And since you are capturing moments, whatever you miss by being late is not something you can get back. If you miss something, it’s gone for good.

Being late is also highly unprofessional. Being early allows you to check the venue for lighting conditions, capture some pre-event shots and make you look professional and confident.

 

Plan your outfit

corporate outfit

You don’t want to stand out from the crowd, but you don’t want to look like you don’t belong. The rule of thumb is that if you didn’t have your camera, you would want someone to think you were a guest. If you are at a formal event, wear formal attire.

When photographing a rock concert, wear a nice t-shirt and jeans. Take your cue from what type of event it is and dress accordingly.

Wear neutral colors to blend into the crowd, not stand out. Do not show up in ripped, torn, dirty, not pressed clothes, etc. You are a professional and should look like one.

 

Do not put your camera down

While the event can go on for hours, important moments can happen. If you put your camera down, you can miss something significant. Keep your camera at the ready! If you stay set up for the shot, a moment will happen. You should always be on the lookout for candid shots and moments!

 

Be wise in photographing the event

Don’t get in the way of guests; sometimes, if the moment calls for it, ask them to pose for a group photo. Respect their space if a guest asks you not to take their picture.

As a photographer, you should not obstruct the view of the guests at any time. It is almost like guests should never even notice you are there. Only ask to pose guests if the situation calls for it or they ask you to.

 

Circle the room

If you stay in one spot too long, you will miss action and moments in another location. Stay on the lookout for those unique shots by circulating the room.

 

Make sure you don’t undershoot the event.

Some people would say that overshooting the event could be a problem. Undershooting is worse! There is no way to get that time or moment back in any event. Having too many shots is better because you can always delete a picture.

 

Edit quickly to get images back to your client

event photo edtiting

In many events, clients will want to see the proofs soon after the event is complete. Make sure you meet that expectation. Edit quickly and efficiently to get these pictures to your client. If you did shoot a lot of photos of the event, it might seem like you have too many images to get through. That will not be the case at all.

Once you get into the process, you will see some pictures aren’t up to your quality standards, and you can quickly discard them. Then you can see what you are really working with and get those edited and back to your client.

Hopefully, these tips are helpful when doing your event photoshoot. If you incorporate these simple tips, you will grow your business quickly!

 

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Jose Soriano
How To Take a Headshot with Your Phone

Having a headshot is crucial for your business. It lends credibility to you as a business person, and it has countless uses for your business in terms of its marketing. However, finding a quality photographer can get pricey. The average cost of a photographer to shoot these photos for you is between $250 to $400 per session. If that doesn’t fit in your budget, but you still need a headshot, you can use your phone. While the quality will not be the same as a professional photographer, it can do the trick in a crunch-time situation. Here are some tips on how to use your phone to get a quality headshot.

 

Grab a friend for help

It is possible that you can do this all by yourself. However, it could get complicated. Most smartphones now have timers that you can set to help you take photos. That is nice if you want to pose a group of friends and then run into the picture and join them. But that doesn’t mean it is going to give you a quality headshot. Utilizing this method is going to mean a lot of running back and forth. It is also going to mean you need a tripod. Just ask a friend to come along for an hour or so of fun. Maybe you and your friend can help each other with headshots?

 

Make sure you are using a smartphone

smartphone camera

It should go without saying, but only take photos of this importance with a smartphone. For those of us who have had our smartphones for years, it’s hard for us to imagine there is anything else still on the market in terms of phones. But the flip phone with its very basic camera still exists. And without fail, people still try to use it for crucial projects like this. While it may get the job done as a phone, it will not get the job done as a camera. If you do not have a smartphone, ask a friend who does if they can be your photographer and take some pictures for you.

 

Don’t settle for taking a “selfie”

selfie stick

Selfies are not professional photos. These are the fun photos we take for our social media accounts and when we are posing for our friends. These photos are when you get to make silly faces and whatnot. But a selfie can not be used as a substitute for a headshot. A headshot conveys authority and your personality in business. A selfie shows that you are a fun person to hand out with outside of work. There is a big difference. Also, you need to be careful with the angle you take that selfie, usually, the camera is higher pointing down to the subject and that could create some distortion in the photo.

 

Adjust the phone settings to high-resolution or RAW mode

Technology on phone cameras has come a long way. But they still do not compare to the functionality of a stand-alone camera. The ability to play with the lens and create depth in your shot is paramount to creating high-quality shots for your client. Phone cameras may lack that, but are still capable of producing some great shots. To get the best out of your phone, set it to high resolution or RAW, these days new phones have the capability to shoot RAW format, which allows you to get better quality photos. This way, you will get the best out of your phone’s camera.

 

Use as much natural light as you can

Since you are not a professional photographer, you most likely don’t have access to all the lights and flashes that a pro does. You can take your pictures indoors and use the lights in your home, but that isn’t always going to produce the best quality. That type of light can cause weird shadows, and truthfully, it is not the most flattering kind of light Unless you have big windows and bright space to shoot in. To get the best lighting for your shot, head outside, and take advantage of the natural light from the sun. Natural light helps you avoid any of the weird dark spots and shadows that can come from artificial light.

On the flip side of this, you don’t want too much sun. That can cause you to squint in your photos, and that is not a good look. There is a happy medium that can be found outside. The best and easy light you can use outside is from an overcast day since that produces a very soft light. You can also try to find some shade since you still benefit from that natural reflected light.

 

Finding the best background

background for headshot

The background of a headshot should add to the shot, but not take away from it. You will want to find something that adds value to your picture. If you are taking the advice of going outside for natural light, the outdoors can provide you with some amazing backdrops. Walls make great backdrops for photos. So will certain aspects of nature like trees. These will give your headshot the extra lift it needs without taking away from the main focus of the picture-you. These days new phones have a photo portrait mode that will help separate you from the background, making it blurry.

 

Take plenty of practice shots

Even though you know you need this shot for your branding, it doesn’t make you any more comfortable. Some people just don’t like the camera or having their photos taken. To get yourself in the mood for pictures, take some warm-up shots. This can help you get used to the camera and being a part of a photo session. It can also be an excellent chance to get any silly moments out of the way if you need a serious-looking headshot.

 

Start your session and take plenty of photos

Once you loosen up and blow off any steam, it then becomes time to get down to work. Take as many pictures as you can tolerate. Take photos with you smiling. Take pictures without a smile. Change your angles and play around with tilting your head. If you want, have a couple of different shirts handy and take multiple photos in different outfits. This way, you have a wide variety of photos to choose from. Having multiples should make you confident that you will get the best shots in the end.

 

Edit your photos and select the winners

Now that you’ve done the hard part, you can get to the fun part. And editing is the fun part. Either load your photos up to your computer or scroll through them on your phone. Right off the bat, go through and delete the ones that don’t work. And there will be several that are just a no. Once you have discarded the ones that are a no, you can then start working on the images you want to keep.

If using your phone, there are countless editing apps available, both paid and free, in the respective app stores. These apps allow you to alter the lighting and correct any perceived imperfections in the shot. They also let you change the photo from color to black and white. Usually, smartphones allow you to do simple editing but if you want to take the photos to the next level, you can use one of the most popular apps, lightroom mobile for ios or android, and snapseed for ios or android.

If editing on your computer, the gold standard for photo editing is Adobe lightroom and photoshop but if the idea is saving money and time since these two programs could be daunting. You can give it a try to Google Photos, it’s a cloud base photo app that allows you to correct lots of things on a photo. The other option I would recommend is the free program Darktable, this is more complex and allows you to do more.

 

Using your winning headshot

Once you have completed the editing process, then you get to pick your winners! Select a couple of winners and add them to your website, social media profiles, brand marketing, and anywhere else you need to use your photo. One quick tip is, keep the winning shot consistent on all your social media, which will help you build your brand easier.


While not the same quality as one that you could get from a professional photographer, it can serve as a great substitute until you can make that commitment and investment. Every professional needs a headshot. Our phones can help us make a quality substitute until we have a professional session with a photographer.

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Jose Soriano
Tired Of Not Getting The Perfect Shot? Follow These 8 Tips To Improve Your Photography

Although photography can seem simple at first glance, the more shots you take, the more you’ll realize that getting great photos is harder than it looks. However, there’s a wide variety of simple tricks you can learn to bring your work to the next level. By combining the basic photography tips in this article with your own unique perspective, you can start taking photographs that showcase your ability like never before.

 

1. Use Different Angles Without Being Afraid

architecture photographer 20

A basic tendency of photography is to point the camera at the subject and shoot. After all, what’s most important is getting your subject in frame and in focus, right? But although this approach can be a safe and effective method, it can also hamper you from getting truly innovative or exciting shots. One of the most essential beginner photography tips is to experiment with angles, even if you’re not sure about it. You can often transform a mundane photograph into a unique one by looking for a different angle than the most obvious, straightforward one. Go low, or high, or run off to the side. Sometimes you won’t know what you’re looking for until you see it, but don’t let the fear of taking an imperfect photo hold you back from taking an innovative approach.

 

2. Use Lines to Guide the Attention

Among the critical beginner photography tips for composition is the idea of leading lines. If you can identify lines, paths, and perspectives in your environment, you can use them to direct the eye of the viewer to whatever the subject or most critical point of the shot is. Sometimes, these can be obvious, like railroad tracks or alleyways, but other times you may need to dissect your environment a little bit further to figure out what’s naturally guiding your attention. However, don’t get too caught up the idea of leading lines without understanding or utilizing where they’re pointing. If you frame your shot in such a way that the lines guide the viewer to no particular point of information, then it will do more harm than good.

 

3. Play with Foreground

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Many beginning photographers think principally in terms of the subject and background of an image who or what are you photographing, and what is in the image behind them? Equally important, however, is the foreground. The aforementioned approach of leading lines is one principal way to properly utilize foreground, but it’s not the only applicable technique. As the background, the foreground can be used to provide context to the subject of your image and the environment. If you’re photographing a person, placing them directly in front of a location is often stereotypical or overly posed. Inserting them fully into an environment, however, can let you tell as much of a story with the foreground as with the background. Just be careful not to allow it to distract from the subject; the subject needs to remain obvious, and any leading lines in the foreground that don’t point to the focus of the image can confuse the viewer. 

 

4. Finding New Details

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If you’re shooting a familiar environment, it can be easy to focus on what’s always grabbed your attention. After all, that seems like it would be the most exciting and interesting for a photograph. However, innovative shots can often come from searching for what you don’t usually notice. Photography is about transforming the world and image, not just recording it. Basic photography tips suggest that focusing in on something unique or utilizing something often ignored in your composition is one of the most basic photography tips that can help you present an image in a whole new way.

 

5. Think, then Shoot

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It’s often tempting to jump into shooting a subject without any thought or planning, it’s fast, direct, and you can figure things out as you go. Yet this approach can often end up less effective and even slower than the other way around. If you always make sure to think before you shoot, you can greatly minimize the number of photographs you need to take to hit on a winning composition. Give yourself a specific purpose whenever you’re shooting, and you’ll find that your results can be better than ever before.

 

 

6. Research, Observe and Study Your Location

Although not all photography is planned in advance, the principal of thinking before shooting can offer even more benefit the more you’re able to do with it. If you’re able to visit a shooting location beforehand, you can start to search for the interesting things you might overlook or find the most exciting compositions in the environment. If you can’t go in person, the Internet provides a wide array of tools to learn about many locations digitally, from basic written information to options as sophisticated as 360-degree environments. Don’t discount anything that could give you a better understanding and a leg up when it comes to shooting. Nowadays there is plenty of great apps that help you explore locations at your fingertips. Google Maps is a great tool to explore without leaving your home or office.

 

 

7. Utilize the Seasons

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It’s easy to underestimate how much locations change throughout every year thanks to the effect of seasonal weather. You should always consider the season when thinking about your location and what you can do with it, and you should explore locations near you throughout the year to understand how they change and what they can offer at any time of the year. A field with beautiful flowers in the spring could be desolate in the winter, but it offers unique opportunities in both circumstances. Although outdoor locations are obviously the most transformed, even indoor environments can be affected in smaller ways, whether with seasonal decorations, open windows for a spring breeze, or the warmth of a winter fireplace.

 

 

8. Experiment and get Crazy!

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Although this article lays out a number of concrete photography tips that can help bring your work to another level, you should never feel as though you need to follow a rulebook over embracing opportunities. Your photography is unique to you, and following your wildest ideas for shots is what can make you really stand out among the crowd. Even if you’re not sure if a shot will work out, there’s never any harm in going for it and seeing how the results turn out. Particularly in the age of digital photography, where thousands of photos can be stored on a single cheap SD card, there’s nothing holding you back from pursuing the shots that might not work out. Even if they don’t turn out quite how you want, you’ll learn something from every ambitious shot you take.

 

 
 
So what are you waiting for? Take these photography tips with you, and get out there and create! Please, let me know in the comments what kind of content you guys want to see! Get out and shoot!
 
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Jose Soriano
Best Locations to Photograph in Calgary
If you’re visiting Calgary, or have the pleasure of living in this beautiful city, you might be wondering where to take your camera for the perfect shot. Whether you’re taking a portrait, admiring a landscape, or simply wish to capture the buzz of the city, there’s an ideal location to photograph. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best ones.
 

 

Scotsman’s Hill

photograph in calgary from Scotsman Hill on a sunny day

When you visit a city, you’ll most likely want to take a few shots of the skyline. Taking your camera out during the day allows you to capture the richness and complexity of the architecture, whilst a night-time shot with its bright illuminations is dramatic and visually striking. To get the best view of Calgary’s skyline, head over to Scotsman’s Hill. You’ll discover a breath-taking vantage point with unmissable opportunities to capture the city at its very best.

 

 

The Wonderland Sculpture

photography in calgary of the bow tower

Fans of the modern sculpture will be enthralled by the impressive Wonderland Sculpture on 6th Avenue. This downtown installation, crafted by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa, was unveiled in 2013 and has proven to be popular ever since. The sculpture resembles a face, and its design allows you to stand within the installation, giving you a unique perspective on the city. It’s a great place to take a photo that cannot be replicated anywhere else.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edworthy Park

Situated to the northwest of downtown Calgary, this stunning area of parkland is directly adjacent to the Bow River, which provides an excellent opportunity to photograph a range of wildlife. If you’re a fan of trains, you’ll enjoy views of the Canadian Pacific Railway that runs through the park. Edworthy Park is a beautiful backdrop for portraits, particularly during the fall, when the color palette is at its most spectacular.

 

 

St Patrick’s Island Park

Need a short break from the excitement of city life? Stroll over to St Patrick’s Island, which is just across the George C King Bridge from East Village, right in the Bow River. The site was recently redeveloped to provide a sanctuary within the city. Wildlife, gentle streams, and an aesthetically-pleasing design combine to make this a great location to take relaxed shots and capture the skyline from a different angle.

 

 

The Peace Bridge

photograph in calgary of the peace bridge in downtown

One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in Calgary is the Peace Bridge. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this pedestrian and cycle bridge is the perfect combination of practical purpose and artistic flair. As much a sculpture as it is a bridge, this is an excellent place to capture not only the bridge itself but the city around it. Make it the centerpiece of one of your skyline photos; you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

Music Pavilion

photograph in calgary of the music pavilion at the east village

For a portrait that evokes memories of the past, make your way to the EV Music Pavilion in the East Village. The Music Pavilion was gifted to Calgary in 2016 by its sister metropolis, Quebec City. With a gorgeous view of the skyline and surrounding parkland, this is the perfect location for a snap that encompasses everything that makes Calgary so enchanting.

 

photograph in calgary of the music pavilion looking at downtown

 

 

Prince’s Island Park

family photograph in calgary at the prince's island park

Located in the center of the city, upon the Bow River, is the spectacular Prince’s Island Park. It has unmissable up-close views of the skyline, and enough of its own character to stand out. Enjoy exploring the area, happening upon cute little bridges, wildlife, open spaces to enjoy a picnic.

 

 

Heritage Park Historical Village

photograph in calgary of a landscape at The Heritage Park

A short drive from the city center, you can go back in time by visiting the Heritage Park Historical Village. This amazing living museum gives you the opportunity to experience Western Canadian history from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. There are plenty of opportunities to take unique photographs in bygone settings, including a prairie town, steam railway, paddleboat, and antique amusement rides.

gasoline alley photography in calgary at the heritage park

 

 

Central Memorial Park

photography in calgary of the central memorial park

Set right in the heart of the city, the Central Memorial Park is a magnificent green space with pristine gardens, a library, and several monuments, including Calgary’s cenotaph. Take a walk along the maze of paths, and enjoy a reprieve from the hustle and bustle just outside the park’s parameters. As well as a great place to take photos, it’s also ideal for quiet reflection.

 

Calgary Zoo

Take a walk on the wild side by spending a day at Canada’s most visited zoo. There’s plenty to see and lots of opportunities to capture memories. Almost 800 animals live at the zoo, from 130 different species. Some of the highlights include Siberian tigers, crocodiles, snow leopards, gorillas, penguins, grizzly bears, Cariboo, cougars, grey wolves, owls, hawks, and eagles. You’re certain to catch sight of at least one of your favorite animals! Its central location also makes it a great place to catch an alternate view of the cityscape.

 

 

McHugh Bluff Park Stairs

photograph in calgary of McHugh Bluff Park Stairs

A local favorite spot for photos is the top of the tall wooden stairs at McHugh Bluff Park. From the apex, you will discover an incredible view of the city skyline and Bow River right in front of it. As well as a magnificent photo, you’ll also get a substantial workout! Try to catch this vista during the fall; the golden and amber tones of autumn set against the cityscape is truly spectacular.

 

 

The Rundle Ruins

We’ll close with another stunning vestige of the city’s past. The Rundle Ruins, just south of East Village and adjacent to the Elbow River, are the final traces of Calgary’s second general hospital. Originally built in 1894.

 

I hope this article will help you navigate better the city of Calgary for your photography venture. Keep checking my blog because I will be adding more locations for you to check.

Let me know what your favorite place is for your photography project.

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Jose Soriano
5 Tips for a Great Actor Headshot

A Great Headshot is Essential

As an actor, you know this business requires significant versatility and creativity, and careful attention to every little detail to land excellent roles. A high-quality headshot is a must to get your acting qualities the exposure they need. A great headshot is crucial in moving on to an audition and eventually landing the acting role you know you deserve.

A headshot that meets the cut requires the focused attention to detail that directors always demand. You want to stand out from the crowd but also demonstrate you are a real professional. This means you must draw attention to your best features and strive to be different, but avoid overdoing them.

Your headshot starts your brand as an actor and your primary marketing tool in this business. Your brand begins with the headshot and is the way you get noticed for current jobs and kept in mind for future roles. Now that we have established the importance of this crucial tool let’s look at what to wear for your actor headshot to deliver results.

Here are five tips for a great actor headshot to spark interest in your acting ability.

 

Plan your Brand

Every important endeavor requires careful planning. For the right actor headshot concept, study your target roles and have a profile in mind for the headshot that will get you the proper exposure. Your look is yours, but you want a presentation that projects professionalism and confidence.

The casting people will have to quickly assess your headshot and determine if you have the right basic look for the next step. Ideally, agents and or casting directors will have your great headshot on file and ready for when the proper role comes along.

You want to make sure your photo sends the right message.

What are the roles you expect?

Do your profile and the brand you are trying to project align with the roles you want?

Where is the location of the photo shoot, outdoors or studio?

The lighting and other location factors require planning for this vital shot to get your appearance right.

Every detail is essential, and it starts with detailed planning. Your brand image will drive opportunities for the acting roles you have in mind. Have a plan and brand image defined as you move on to the next steps in selecting what to wear for your headshot photo.

 

 

Your Face is the Focus

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This appears to be blatantly obvious, but the purpose of the headshot is to put your face in the middle of the frame. The shot usually starts below the shoulders, focusing on your face and eyes. Ideally, the shot is the same view and expression as an in-person meeting.

The clothing you are wearing and any accessories should not detract from the primary purpose of conveying your brand as presented by a focused view of your face.

Every detail plays a part in this act, but keep the lighting, background, and clothing, as discussed further below, in harmony with the plan.

The plan is to project a brand that projects you and begins with a focus on the core center of your look- your face.

Should you wear a smile or not? It depends somewhat on the brand. But overall, a smile demonstrates an engaging personality who works well with others. A smile can also project energy and, most importantly, confidence. These are subtle factors that can come across in a headshot. Keep your face in the frame and aligned with your brand image.

 

 

Know your Pose

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Study the various camera angles, shadows, and exciting impressions your pose can create. Your pose position can create a profound impact you want to create with your headshot.

Rarely will a straight-level stare into the camera give you a captivating look. Avoid the “mugshot” approach and turn one shoulder towards the camera to create a slight angle of view.

However, regardless of the pose position you feel looks the best, make sure you come off as comfortable with a natural pose. Your natural pose and genuine smile can project your energy as an actor and, most importantly, your confidence to handle any role.

 

 

Grooming and Stylingdramatic actor headshot

What you wear is only one essential component of your appearance and only one element of the complete headshot. You need to look your best regarding the appearance of your hairstyle.

Are the cut and style right for your image?

Is your hairstyle aligned with the brand image you have planned for the shot?

Is your skin tone too dry or a bit oily?

Guys should pick the right shave level that meets the image target. For the most part, a clean shave is a way to go.

 

  

Dress for the Shot

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Finally, we address the dress requirements. The key factors are the brand image planning, the essential focus, and your overall appearance, but there are some critical notes on the clothing.

The headshot does not cover your entire outfit, but every detail is essential in getting the right headshot.

  • Avoid white clothing since this will conflict with the background.
  • Consider v-neck shirts, and guys should consider a neck-tie if the image is appropriate. The idea is to emphasize and bring focus to your face.
  • Using layered clothing can help develop an image.
  • Experiment with shirt and sweater combinations that work best for you.
  • Avoid crazy patterns and colors that may distract from your face shot and muddle the brand you are going for.
  • Keep the clothing approach as simple as possible; you are the focus, not the clothing.

 

Conclusion

An actor headshot is critical to acting work. Take the time to plan and get it right. A great headshot that will help get you noticed. It is a must to stand out from the crowd, but you must consistently demonstrate you are a real professional. This means selecting the right pose, applying good grooming techniques, and simple clothing to highlight the best features.

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Jose Soriano
How To Add Personality To Your Corporate Photography

Personality is what defines your business and differentiates you from the rest. Photos will go a long way in projecting your image and providing a way for people to understand you. Adding personality to your corporate photography will not only define you but offer you a better opportunity to tell your unique story. You need to add color, the perfect background, and include the small things that matter most.

 

Add Your Corporate Colors

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One of the things that differentiate one business from another is the color people know them for. You can display your personality by adding color that people relate to your business. The color will improve your appearance, create a lasting impression, and will get people’s imagination running wild. Color also has a way of sticking into people’s memories to ensure that they continue to remember you for a long time to come. The way you project these colors and mix them with the lights and other objects in your shoot will help you stand out and make people think you are an extraordinary character they need to pay attention to. 

 

 

Wear Casual Clothing

Most people are used to wearing black suits to take corporate pictures. They want to project an image of power and control and show people they mean business. Well, guess what, people are more attracted to things they are familiar with. This is especially true for businesses that cater to customers who have vast ideas of what fashion is about. Wearing casual clothing in your corporate photography also projects you as someone who is cool and eventful, and is approachable. You have to project yourself as a person ready to mingle and ready to solve problems at any time.

 

Tell Stories

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People love stories. It triggers something in us and makes us want to have more of it. There is a reason why video games, movies, and novels can never go out of fashion. You can tell a story with your photography to reveal something about you or your business. It could be about what you feel about your customers and how you want them to relate to you. It could be one of the most important moments that define your business. The best photographers have ideas for creating scenes that tell stories in their photos. One great example is Joe Mcnally

 

Background

The things that can be found in the background of your corporate photograph tell a lot about your personality. Think about it for a second. If you were a military officer and you want to take a photo without your uniform, what would you do to make people know you must be military? You can also include your company’s logo in the background to show your uniqueness, capacity, and value. Your background should say something about you and help define what you stand for.

 

Use The Exterior

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Your corporate photography does not have to be done within four walls. You can take it to the exterior and make use of the beauty afforded by architecture or public infrastructure. You can blend this idea with your personality to show how vast you can be. Using the exterior also comes with the opportunity to rely on natural lighting to express the kind of story you want to tell. The bottom line is to ensure that there is a true expression that will help you create the kind of ideas you want the world to see in you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You Don’t Always Have To Pose

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Posing is good but most times it makes all photographs look the same. You don’t have to pose in your corporate session. What about having a board meeting or office party and pictures are taken to show your corporate lifestyle, personality, and power in a different form? People like to see things done in a different way because it excites them and makes them reflect in a different way also. You have the power to show the kind of message you want to pass, and the best way to do this is to try new things that people are not too familiar with.

 

Caught In The Act

corporate portrait on a snowy day at the top of a building

Your business has its own different ways of doing things. Why not bring that uniqueness into your creative photography session and turn everything around. Caught in the act means you’ll be photographed doing what you know how to do best as regards your line of business. Such a photograph, when done well, can impact the audience and make them understand why you are unique in what you do and what you stand for.

 

Add Your Creativity

The flexibility to be creative is the sum of it all. How do you make people know that you’re different? How do you express your personality in photography, without saying a word, and expecting people to discover and understand you? The way you show yourself and the way you use ideas to improve your appearance tells a lot about you and can help people relate to you in a better way. Your corporate photography should show your creativity and ability to turn simple things into a masterpiece. Of course, you’re not trying to impress anyone. You just want to show how vast you can be and how easy it is for you to really impact other people with your ideas and creativity. 

Adding personality to your corporate photography sessions is something you should think about and try to achieve. The way you present yourself in the images about you out there determines how people see you and ultimately will play a role in how people accept you. Your photography sessions should be filled with creative ideas that will set you apart and show the kind person you are. Make sure you are creative enough. Use the right background to express your ideas and have it in mind that you don’t need to pose. Take advantage of beautiful exteriors, if you have, and pick the right angles. Take pictures with your colleagues and express the real value in you. Show the world what you are made of. 

Contact me for a corporate photography session now and show your true personality in a dynamic way. 

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Jose Soriano
Unsplash.com, Good Or Bad Idea as a Photographer? Personal experience.

I want to disclaim that this is purely my experience with Unsplash. This doesn’t mean it applies to everyone. 

What is Unsplash?

Unsplash is a website that provides high-resolution photographs that have been made available to the public for free. The images on Unsplash are provided by a community of photographers who have shared their work with others.

Users can browse the images on the site, download them, and use them for various purposes, including as backgrounds for their computers or phones, as images in documents and presentations, or as part of design projects. All the images on Unsplash are licensed under the Unsplash license, which allows for free use of the images for any purpose, subject to certain conditions.

 

My Experience as a Photographer using Unsplash

A year ago I was looking to start different ways to promote and create an awareness of my photography business and I landed on a very interesting blog post about why Unsplash could be a great way to get your name out there. Here are a couple of reasons I found interesting and tried.

BTW, if you don’t know what Unsplash is you can check out this blog post here

Theoretically, when sharing your photos on that platform people have, let’s call it, a moral obligation to credit you for using your photo on social media, blog posts, etc. Well, that is not the case. After a year, my photos got around 1.000.000 downloads, yes it is not a typo, 1.000.000, I would say less than 20% credited me for using the photos on a commercial work or at least to say thank you.

I came up with an idea that I think could benefit my name as a photographer, give me some exposure and help with my SEO. I did a reverse image search with the images people had downloaded the most and asked around 30 to 50 blog editors to get a backlink in exchange since that could help my rankings on google. One more time, just a couple of them replied and did what I asked. Let’s say this time I got a 10% success.

I kept my account open, and I got an unexpected email from a company called Wirestock. they are a photography stock collector and distributor. Basically, what they do is curate the content you upload, populate the keywords, name, description, and category, and submit your work to 5 – 6 stock companies like Shutterstock, adobe stock, etc. I thought at the beginning that I could not do that since my photos were on Unsplash for free but you CAN do it, so I started uploading my work, I have to say that I got my first sale after 1 month, that is great!

My surprise came when I found out that two of my photos were rejected because they were already on Shutterstock, so guess what? Somebody took the photos and uploaded them to sell under his account. Right away, I emailed Shutterstock to their great customer support, and they banned the guy’s account. 

The story doesn’t end there. The person who stole my photos emailed me after a couple of days and asked me to forgive him because he did not do it on purpose, really? A guy with 1000 items in Shutterstock doesn’t know what the policies are? Anyway, he offers me $5 in exchange to remove that claim from my photos. I didn’t know what to do, whether to cry or laugh.

 

Conclusion

My experience was positive and negative since I got some great backlinks to my site that apply to the niches I work with and also found wirestock.io, which so far has been working out for me. Either way, I closed my account on Unsplash and I would suggest you think about doing this before jumping in and registering. If at least users were grateful and shared your work with the proper credits every time they use your photos, it would be wonderful. I would have had 22,000 mentions on social media or blog articles.

What are your thoughts on this?

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Jose Soriano
Top 5 Types of Visual Content You Shouldn’t Miss Out In Your Marketing

Creating striking content for your marketing is no longer an option but a mandate. Naturally, human beings tend to grasp concepts better when they are presented to them visually. It is no wonder 90 percent of the information that your brain processes is usually visual with 40 percent of people finding it easier to learn better through visual stimulation rather than using plain text.

This article is going to help you explore the best five types of visual content marketing for your business in the form of images, videos, infographics, memes, and presentations.

 

 

Eye-catching Images

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Every content creator will tell you that images/photos play a very significant role in marketing for good reasons. For instance, images allow your target audiences to lay their focus on a brand thus making that particular brand more relatable. In addition to that, images come in handy to show the behind the scenes’ of your brand in a bid to help your audience understand better and develop more interest in your brand.

Also, images are used to showcase your products and services in a manner that will attract customers and clients to them. This is a strategic way of applying visual content knowing that imagery has a great impact on how human beings perceive everything. In this case, the use of images becomes important especially when you are looking forward to showing your goods in action. Most photographers and videographers are fully aware of this trick and in the real sense, this is one of the contributing factors that explain better why 90 percent of the public are of the opinion that images are influential in their purchase and buy-in decisions.

It is not just the use of any photos or images that will create an impact on your products and services. There’s more to that and the best way to go about with the use of imagery is to ensure that you reflect your brand’s unique selling point in the best way possible. At the same time, be pretty sure to capture your brand’s values through the use of color imagery or any enhancement that will make it eye-catching.

According to Marketer Jeff Bullas, the use of relevant images is likely to drive a staggering 94 percent more views as compared to not using any images or photos in your content. On top of that, experts say that 65 percent of the information in the form of images is likely to be retained by viewers after three days.

 

 

Videos

Even though photos or images take the lion’s share when it comes to the creation of the content, videos too are equally important. As a matter of fact, it is always a sound idea to mix up your content and give it both the sound and voice as a way of influencing your target audience. The following YouTube video contains some vital information that tells you how content marketing plays a major role in growing your business:

Using videos to grow your content marketing is increasingly becoming popular today. But before you go that way, there are important statistics that you need to have at your fingertips:

  • It has been established that 64 percent of buyers are more motivated to settle for a given product after watching its video.
  • There is a 19 percent chance that your email will be opened and be read by your target audience when you use the term “Video” in it. In addition to that, there will be an increased click-through rate of 65 percent on your email while there will be a reduction of 26 percent for those unsubscribing to your email list.
  • In one survey regarding Video Marketing Statistics and Trends, the prediction was that 74 percent of the total internet traffic will likely be video in the near future.

Apparently, there are a thousand and one reasons as to why videos should be at the forefront of the content marketing plan. A few of the reasons that came up include:

  • Customer retention
  • Improved search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Higher engagement
  • Stronger emotional attachment/connections

Much of the emphasis is placed on learning more about Video SEO as an essential tool in tackling video content effectively.

 

 

Infographics

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Infographics are the epitome of visual content marketing for your business. In fact, this should be the right place to start your marketing campaign. Content creators are fully conversant with infographics because it crystallizes a lot of important information into a single and easily viewable visual content. This way, the content becomes less intimidating and easy to understand and apply its concept by every viewer or reader.

Take a perfect example of the use of infographics in social media today. In its realms, social media provides a good platform where infographics get more likes and shares at least three times in comparison to the other types of visual content. This trend explains clearly why a whopping 60 percent of all content marketers used infographics in the year 2016 unlike in the previous year.

 

 

But why is this the case?

The best explanation for the increase in the use of infographics by content marketers in 2016 is probably based on a few simple reasons. One of the major reasons for that emerging trend is attributed to the fact that infographic as a content marketing tool is well known to cause an increase in profits by a larger margin of about 12 percent. Essentially, all these are valid reasons as to why content marketers are turning to infographics. Other reasons besides the ones highlighted above include the following:

  • Infographics make the information more appealing and eye-catching
  • It comes with valuable ideas
  • Grabs the attention of the viewers
  • Easy to understand
  • Less boredom
  • It awakens the viewers’ interests
  • Easily accessible
  • Infographics are more persuasive
  • Quite memorable
  • It is capable of relaying information so easily.

Infographics are suitable to use for visual content marketing for your business when there is a lot of statistical data to present to your audience. Alternatively, it is essential when you want a breakdown of the hard-to-understand visual content into a more understandable and viewable format.

 

 

Memes

The word meme can trace its roots back to 1976 when it was used by Richard Dawkins for the first time as a way of ascribing an idea the ability to replicate itself into a number of different meanings from one person to the other. With the advancement in technology and increased use of social media, memes (in the form of photos and text) have found their way in various platforms and are always used as pictures or images accompanied by one or more humorous captions. At the moment memes have taken a center stage in content marketing contrary to what many people believed some years back. Their use in visual content creation started when they first gained popularity online as more and more people shared them for entertainment reasons. Currently, they are part and parcel of visual content marketing representing easy-to-create but quirky forms of visual content.

Memes are created every now and then for different reasons. As a visual content creator, you may come up with your own memes as a great way of evoking positive emotions that can help set yourself a mile away from your immediate competitors. Before you get there, you must start by determining if all memes are appropriate for your niche. Apart from that, you will need to find out if your memes will appeal to your target audience.

For you to emerge as a successful visual content creator, your memes should target a certain group of individuals. This means that if the brand you are marketing resonates with young individuals, then you are on the right path. Another unique aspect of your memes is their ability to let you create various in-jokes that are directed to your industry. This is a good way of making your audience laugh while helping you build strong communities around your brands.

 

 

Presentations

Presentations were only reserved for the boardrooms but now things have taken another direction. The improvement in technology has made it convenient for you to share your presentation with the entire world thanks to sites such as SlideShare. Through presentation, you can create your visual content using photos with text and dramatically expand the outreach of your brand. However, you will, first of all, need an effective SlideShare presentation in order to reach out and inform your audience about your business through their devices at the press of a button.

Just like infographics, the presentation focuses mainly on eye-catching colors and attractive design with the aim of drawing the reader’s attention to the text. The only difference comes about in their scope but they are a great way of reaching out and engaging your audience with your visual content. This visual content can be in the form of photos or videos accompanied with some text to clearly highlight your brand in a manner that will draw the attention of your audience to your products or services.

Even though the presentation is meant to display some serious content, preparing and presenting complex information in a digestible and humorous manner can be an added advantage to your content. This makes your presentation to be entertaining as well as offers a piece of actionable advice to the users on how they can improve their content strategically.

However, there are guidelines you need to follow when making your presentations. First of all, you need to be consistent with your fonts, colors, and borders. And don’t forget that proofreading to correct grammatical mistakes and checking spells is equally important.

In conclusion, content marketing for your business has become the best tool to reach and engage your audience while informing them about your brand. Therefore, you may choose the most appropriate way of creating your content starting from images, videos, infographics, and memes as well as presentations among others.

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Jose Soriano
Want to Land That Dream Job? Get Yourself a Professional Headshot

Whether you like it or not, presentation matters to your career. Borrowing from the knowledge we already know from research, most recruiters scrutinize potential candidates on social media.

While business cards can help you project a professional image, in this digital era, most professional connections will first scope you online, for instance, through your LinkedIn profile, before conducting any business with you. So, your headshot can make or break your career. In this post, we will discuss how a professional headshot can catapult your career. But first, let’s cover the basics.

 

 

What is a Professional Headshot?

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A professional headshot is an image of yourself that you use for work-related context, for instance, using it as your LinkedIn profile photo, on your email signatures, business website, article bylines, portfolio, and other related professional engagements. Essentially, it let you display a certain image in the eyes of clients, colleagues, hiring managers, recruiting agencies, and other people who are interested in your professional life.

How Can Professional Headshot helps You Get a Dream Job?

A professional headshot helps you project a sharp image in the eyes of potential clients. Irrespective of whether you just started your career or you are a well-established professional, you project an image that makes you look polished, confident, and capable.

When you talk of professional headshots, many think about having a decent quality photo that shows a pleasant facial expression. Without a doubt, all these are valid points, but having a professional headshot goes beyond this. It needs to be consistent and present on the right places and in the right manner.

Potential employers want to have a clue about you, including what you look like and how you present yourself. For that reason, a successful headshot is your forward-looking statement. In other words, you should appear as if you are already successful in your field without trying it too much. The picture must communicate that you understand the business of your prospective employers, and you are ready for it.

You may want to downplay it as a minor issue and assume that your prospective employers will not dwell on pictures. But some pictures will raise questions about your suitability for a particular job. We are judgmental by nature, so as you upload that LinkedIn profile photo thing twice about how your target audience will perceive it.

Your professional headshot is usually the first point of contact with your client and employers. For instance, HR managers may find you on LinkedIn, then from their opinion of you based on your profile photo. This is also true for prospective clients who visit your website to learn more about you. So, if your social media and website your first impression to the world, why wouldn’t you want to put your best face forward?

Senior-level employees are often the face of the company, so the headshots they use will project a certain image to clients. If a client sees a sloppily dressed president on the company’s website or social media, that client is most likely to develop a negative impression of the company.

Even if you are starting out on your career, the least you can do is to present an image that shows you are a professional. This makes people see you as a mature and capable person. I’m sure you have heard this cliche dress for the position you want, not the one you currently have. The same is true when it comes to using a headshot. Project an image of the job you aim for even if the one you currently have is nothing near to your dream job. The key to having a professional headshot is to understand your industry or your target industry, the company, and the position. For instance, if you are an IT engineer who targets to work for a reputable financial institution, then you will need to project a different image from an IT professional looking to work for a tech startup. Also, a senior-level position will most likely require you to dress sharply, project an image that you are confident and capable of. These factors matter a lot when you want to get that dream job.

No employer will take you seriously if you are still stuck with blurry, unprofessional, or downright unflattering photos. Even if your resume or LinkedIn profile talks much about your accomplishment, your LinkedIn profile photo still has to match the good CV. Today, an increasing number of employers are doing their recruitment entirely online. Even if they do face-to-face interviews, they will still screen your LinkedIn profile before inviting you for an interview.

In short, the headset you use should be guided by the audience you seek to communicate to. With that said, you shouldn’t go too far with professionalism. Sometimes, you also need to bring your personality into the headshot. Your headshot can hint at what motivates or interest you. We would say, it is safe and advisable to have about three different styles of headshots: one business-casual, one corporate, and one personality-driven.

Take as many shots as you can to ensure you get the best headshot. You should be completely satisfied with what you have. If you have a new look or want to change your career direction, you can consider refreshing your headshot to reflect the new person.

When you realize that your headshot is an important career tool, you will get the best return on investment by just optimizing your headshot for that dream job. You stand the best chance to get the dream job faster when you use a professional headshot than when you have none. The reward and the extra paycheck you get from your first few months in your dream job are worth way more than the cost of your headshot.

Irrespective of how far you can go to get that professional headshot, you should at the very least have a headshot. It is better to have a blurry or outdated headshot than to use a picture of an inanimate object or skip it altogether. No recruiter will want to engage someone who hides his or her identity. Fortunately, getting a professional headshot today is not a huge hassle, and in most cases, it is relatively inexpensive.

If you are not sure yet about getting a headshot, check this other article that will make you change your mind and give you some tips when doing your professional headshot.

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