• 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 more popular images is Under Dolores, a photo taken while looking through a culvert/walkway underneath a railroad yard in Los Angeles. The Flickr-ed image is a departure from the out-of-the-camera shot and I thought it might be interesting to take a quick look at the process:

First, as from the camera:

After adjusting the exposure:

Finally, applying tone and contrast adjustments:

Was the image altered? Heck yes. Did I alter the image specifically to give it more pop and make it an eye-catcher? Yes.

Is that wrong? There’s the debate. Personally I have no problem with folks who adjust images to create something new. I’m not trying to pass it off as some accurate representation of reality, but rather as a piece of art. Most of my photos aren’t altered this heavily, but this one seems to lead to a lot of conversations, so I thought I’d post a bit about how it got to the final state.

Looking north towards the Old Town area of Portland from the 21st floor of the US Bancorp Tower.

If you’re used to being near the earth, I recommend you try elevating your stature once in a while

click for Flickr view

This was shot on Friday at the Green Dragon in Portland. Interesting lighting, attention to composition, and conscious post-processing work to bring out the lighting results in something pleasing.

He got the video because he had a video-capable camera with him at all times. Have you ever missed a photo opportunity because you didn’t have a camera? I always recommend that photographers have a camera with them at all times.

Carrying a DSLR and lenses and other gear all the time isn’t practical for many, but even a relatively inexpensive point-and-shoot camera can take some great photos. I have a Canon A540 with me all the time for opportunities to shoot when I don’t have my 40D. When it comes to getting the shot, a $150 5-megapixel point-and-shoot is far better than nothing at all.