I've photographed Julia many times over the years, but always as an athlete! It was a lot of fun to spend time with her this summer and capture her as she is. Julia has the best smile and the golden sunlight was a perfect fit for her sunny personality.  

There are so many things a photographer (professional or hobbyist) can do to improve the end results of their photos, but one tool I have used for over fifteen years that never fails is my Expodisc White Balance Filter. It is accurate, easy to use, and creates a much more natural tone to my portraits and photos which means less time color correcting in my post-production workflow. 

It's very simple to use. First, you'll set your DSLR white balance settings to custom (this varies by camera - see your user manual for directions). Snap the filter on to your lens, make sure your lens is on manual focus and take a photo with your camera FACING your light source. Your light source can be whatever is providing light for your photos. Don't point your camera right into the sun or anything, but you get the idea. You can also point it towards your external light source. Make sure the flash triggers, and then set the image (it will look white or slightly grey) as your custom white balance for this scene.  

Remove the filter and replace it in the pouch, reset your camera lens to auto focus if that is how you plan on using it, and you are ready to go. 

Some additional reasons for using the ExpoDisc 2.0 White Balancing Filter:

• SAVE TIME FIXING COLOR - set a custom white balance to get beautiful color straight from your camera - stop wasting time fixing your color later with software 
• EASY TO USE - the ExpoDisc is easier to use than white balance cards, gray cards, and photographic calibration targets - simply attach the ExpoDisc to your lens and set your camera’s custom white balance 
• QUICKLY SET WHITE BALANCE - just attach the ExpoDisc to your camera’s lens and follow a few simple steps to set the white balance - in most cameras you can set a custom white balance in just 15 - 20 seconds 
• METER FOR 18% EXPOSURE - ExpoDiscs are individually calibrated to transmit 18% light - this produces a gray frame reference that can be used instead of a photographic gray card to establish an 18% exposure 
• MADE IN USA - we care about our products - we assemble, calibrate, and certify every ExpoDisc in California - 1 year warranty

You can purchase the ExpoDisc 2.0 online, including on Amazon. Here is my affiliate link if you are interested. 

Professional headshots are one of the most important investments you can make in yourself as a business owner or even as a traditional employee, and they are more important than you think. 

First Impressions Matter

Social media is here to stay, and your online presence is usually where someone will get a first impression of you. If they are a potential employer, client, or someone new to you, it's important that your photo represents you well. 

The most important credential is that your headshot is current. If the photo you are using to promote yourself or your services is over five years old (and I see many out there that are FAR older than that), you run the risk of being seen as outdated or not trustworthy. It should be well lit, free of distractions, and reflect the industry you are in. If you work in the financial sector, for example, your headshot should be a more formal, no-nonsense kind of portrait in formal business attire. If you are a writer or public speaker, your headshot should reflect the speaking style you wish to convey. Quite often, this means a headshot that is more casual, approachable, engaging, and confident.

The more professional and in sync your headshot is with your industry and style, the more likely someone is to contact you about the product and services you offer. If I haven't convinced you, take a look at LinkedIn's research that shows profiles with photos are 14 times more likely to be viewed than profiles without out. It goes without saying that if your headshot is from your wedding with half of your spouse is cut out of the photo, you've missed the mark. 

If you aren't thinking much about your branding, you should be. This is true whether you are an entrepreneur, consultant, business owner, executive, or employee. Your competition is thinking about their branding, and so should you. Showcasing strong visual branding online is critical, and something that more people should willingly invest in.

I offer two different professional headshot packages, and each has a purpose. 

Professional Headshot Package

This is an hour-long session on location and includes four professionally retouched files with a full copyright release. This package is great if you need well-done headshots but do not need a variety of different looks and environmental situations for other content. 

Executive Headshot Package 

This is an environmental headshot package that includes a variety of outfits, looks, and themes. This session includes ten professionally retouched files and a full copyright release and is perfect for someone who wants a variety of photos to use for social media profiles, marketing materials, blogs, and/or other marketing purposes. This session includes lifestyle portraits, including "action" shots (maybe sitting at a computer, on the couch with a cup of coffee, walking the dog, etc) that give viewers more information about you as it relates to your professional "personality". I will help you discover what those looks are prior to our session so that when we meet we are ready to start capturing these important visual branding images. The session typically takes 1.5 - 2 hours. 

On Location Group Head Shots and Portraits: 

When it comes to new and consistent head shots for your entire office, company, department or division, we make it as simple and easy as possible to get GREAT head shots of your entire team with minimal disruptions throughout the day. 

I come to your office and create a collection of amazing headshots and/or portraits, for as many people as you need.  Each person receives coaching and directing in their own one-on-one session, photographed with flattering lighting.  All final images are toned, processed, retouched and edited in high resolution.

Incuded in your on site group head shots and portrait package is:  

Free On Site Consultation (Golden Valley Location)
Travel and Set Up 
Live Digital Review
Toning and Processing
Online Proofing Gallery
Professional Retouching and Editing
Secure Online Delivery of Final Files (1 per Employee with Full Copyright Release)

INDIVIDUAL PRICING: ON-LOCATION HEADSHOTS & PORTRAITS

$500 for individual sessions, includes 10 professionally retouched images of your choice 

We collaborate to create a complete package of promotional photos, customized just for you. My individual sessions are done at a relaxed pace, allowing time for multiple backgrounds and outfits. You save time because I bring the studio to you!

Please note that all of my photography is done on location. I do not operate a photo studio.

TEAM MEMBERS IN ACTION

$500 per hour, three hour minimum.

Boost your website, proposals, branding, and social media with your customized, in-house library of creative photos that showcase your team members in action.  We work together to create and capture scenes that will resonate with your audience and match your branding.

At the shoot, we will collaborate and strategize our scenes and locations, to ensure we create a wide variety of images for you to use in design. You’ll see all images pop up immediately on an iPad so you can see exactly what we’re getting.

TEAM PHOTOS

$125 each if added to a headshot shoot; $600 if booked standalone.

Showcase your talent, expertise, and leadership with an impressive group portrait.  Make sure that your audience knows that you stand together as you work hard to help your clients.

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

$400/hour, two hour minimum.

Under your guidance, I will photograph key VIP speakers and guests, candid interactions among guests, quick group photos, wide shots of the room, and anything else you need.