Category: Services

I do a fair amount of event photography; thus far those events have been things such as parties, conferences, or other mostly-indoor affairs.

Last week I tried my hand at photographing a high school football game. I tagged along with Dave Scott to see what I could learn from someone who knows what he’s doing. What I learned is that I have much to learn. I did capture a few decent images; here are a couple of the action.

 
 
Last week I had the opportunity to create headshots for Chris, a business owner in Vancouver, Washington.

Chris is a corporate storyteller. He creates amazing things by mixing up his aesthetic and technical skills. Like most small business owners, Chris needs photos that he can use to represent himself in various forms of marketing: his website, print materials, and online social networks.

Sometimes I create images with a solid studio backdrop, but we decided to go outdoors where we might find some interesting backgrounds. The black & white shot was created against the backdrop of a mural, and the brickwork on the Esther Short Park clock tower provided a good background for the photo below.

I’m available for headshots in the Portland, Oregon metro area. Find out more about my headshot packages or contact me to find out more.

When working with a client who has wants headshots, I always share a few tips on how we can help make sure that folks look their best. Here are those tips:

• Remember we want a headshot that looks like you. We want a realistic image – your headshot isn’t the time to try something crazy; presumably it’s the “you” that you want to represent.
• Solid-colored clothing is good.
• Avoid loud patterns/prints.
• Dark colors are good. Avoid white unless you’re wearing it underneath something else.
• Wear clothes that are comfortable. We don’t want to end up with awkward or uncomfortable looks on your face because your clothes are bothering you.
• Don’t overdress. Dress how you would usually dress for a professional event in your line of business.
• If wearing jewelry, simple is best. Avoid large jewelry that would distract from your face.
• Consider the neckline of your outfit. Avoid turtlenecks which often crowd one’s face. Exception: if you’re Steve Jobs, I’ll let you wear a turtleneck.
• Arrive ready for your first photos — already in the first outfit, hair done, etc.
• If we’re taking photos with clothing changes, think about the different outfits you might want that could reflect different looks: formal, casual, intellectual, sexy, etc.
• Drink lots of water and be well-rested (we want to avoid dark circles under your eyes).

Plan that we’re going to have some casual conversation; folks generally look best once they’re relaxed rather than being uptight or nervous about their photo. I’m going to try to make some jokes. It helps if you laugh at them

One of my favorite services is working with small businesses to create photos of their spaces, people, and events. It’s fun to see the various uses that clients have for these photos. Some use them for print materials like brochures or a newsletter. Others will use the photos on their website or blog. I know my photos appear on at least a few business cards. I’m biased, but I’m pretty sure every single business (whether it’s a solo entrepreneur up through a megacorporation) needs quality business photos.

Contact me about photos of your people, your location, or your event. Let’s work together to share what’s great about your small business!

Last month I had pleasure of working again as a photographer for Comcast Cares Day, an annual event where the communication company’s employees provide service to the community. I photographed at three locations where employees worked on a variety of service projects, as well as a brief presentation/ceremony featuring some local politicians saying a few words about community service. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the day showing men and women performing community service:

Is your company doing good things in the community? I’d love to capture those images. Let’s talk about making that happen!