The Benefits of Professional Headshots

A professional headshot is a great way to make a lasting and positive impression. In today's digital world, having a well-crafted and polished headshot can set you apart from the competition and give you an edge when it comes to networking. Professional headshots are also vital for businesses and companies looking to represent themselves in the best possible light. Let’s take a look at why professional headshots are important.

Authenticity and Authority

A professional headshot conveys authenticity and authority. It shows potential employers or customers that you are serious about your work or business, and it can help establish trust with those who view it. Having a high-quality professional headshot also conveys that you have taken the time to craft an image that is presentable and polished. This can speak volumes about your attention to detail, professionalism, and credibility.

Personality and Personality Branding

Your headshot should capture your personality in addition to showing off your skillset. It should show people who you are as an individual as well as what kind of business you run or what kind of service you provide. Professional headshots should be able to convey who you are in such a way that viewers can immediately connect with you on some level—whether it be through similar interests or through shared experiences—and this connection will often lead to greater opportunities down the line.

Social Media Presence

Having a professional headshot is essential for businesses looking to build their social media presence because it provides them with something tangible for their followers to connect with—something more than just words or message threads on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. A high-quality image of yourself will make all the difference in terms of establishing yourself as someone worth following online. Additionally, having an up-to-date profile picture across all of your social media platforms will increase brand recognition over time as well as trustworthiness within your industry or niche market.

Conclusion:

Professional headshots are key for both individuals looking to get ahead professionally as well as businesses trying to stand out from their competition. Not only do they convey authenticity and authority but they also allow people to get a better sense of who you are as an individual which can help establish relationships with potential customers or employers further down the line. Professional headshots also play an integral role when it comes to building social media presence; having high quality images across all platforms will ultimately increase brand recognition while also making sure that customers know they can trust working with that particular business or individual moving forward. All in all, professional headshots have many benefits which is why so many people opt for them these days!

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Why Hire a Local Photographer for Your company’s Headshots?

Choosing the right photographer is essential if you want to capture corporate headshots that stand out.

Style and experience are just two of the main considerations when deciding on a professional though – location is another.

Before you choose a headshot photographer based on style and experience alone, here’s why you should consider hiring a local photographer.

You will always have someone close by to assist you. You never know when you might need someone to help you out with a new set of headshots or some extra photos for a campaign. By developing a relationship with a local photographer, you have someone who understands your brand and who can get to your offices more easily than someone who lives in another city or state.

It’s easier to stick to your budget. When you hire a local headshot photographer, less travel time is required, which means it’s much easier to find someone who fits in with your budget. It’s also more likely that your photographer can offer you a quantity discount.

They’re more focused on their community. Another perk of working with a local professional is that they’re passionate about their community. This means they will want to help you create images that will benefit your business and your bottom line, which, in turn, benefits the community.

It’s more personal. Overall, working with a local photographer to capture new corporate headshots generally means you can expect a more personal experience. You’ll be working with someone who wants to make a name for themselves in their community and get repeat business, which means they take the time to really get to know you, your staff, and your business.

In the end, you should always pick a headshot photographer with a style you really love, but if you can find that perfect match locally, let that be your first choice.

Don Evans is a professional headshot photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Creating a Successful Personal Brand on Instagram

From product brands and photographers to influencers, Instagram is one of the best places to create some buzz. However, to be successful on Instagram, you need to stand out. If you want to use this popular brand to build and grow your personal brand, there are a few basics you’ll need to get right first.

Your Insta Strategy

• Before you can start creating content and gaining followers, you should have the following in place:

• Objectives. What do you want to achieve by starting this account? By being clear on your goals, you’ll have a better idea of the content you should create.

• Audience. Who is your ideal target audience? Spend time getting to know what makes them tick – this will also help your content strategy.

Niche. What is your unique selling proposition? You can’t be everything to everyone, so choosing a niche is key.

Schedule. How often will you be posting? Have a basic schedule in place that you can start building on. 

Instagram Tips for Personal Branding Success

Stay Consistent

If you want followers to trust you and start engaging with your brand, you need to be authentic and consistent. From the tone you use in your copy to your branding visuals, make sure that your followers can instantly recognize you and your content. 

Use the Right Hashtags

Hashtags are important because they’ll increase the visibility of your content. Get creative with your hashtags, make them specific, and ensure they speak to what your personal brand is all about. You should also spend time doing a bit of research to pick up on trends and find inspiration.

Show Them Who You Are

Instead of using a logo as your profile picture, opt for a professional headshot instead. Every entrepreneur and influencer needs a few professional photos that highlight their brand personality and style. These headshots are ideal as profile photos and can be used as Instagram posts too. Your followers want to know what you look like. 

Get Sharing

Get involved in your online community by sharing and liking content that you find interesting or that you know your followers will enjoy. By being more involved and engaged, you start building real connections with your Instagram community. Just don’t go overboard.

Be Detailed

Go all the way with each of your posts. Include high-quality images, the right hashtags, location tags, and clear calls to action. Make each of your posts as detailed and engaging as possible if you want to stand out. It also helps to get your followers involved every now and then by asking for their opinions. 

Instagram can be one of the best platforms to give people an inside look at what your personal brand is all about. Keep it interesting, stay consistent, be authentic, and you’ll be instafamous in no time at all. 

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Getting Ready for Your Headshot Session

Before heading to the studio for your Professional Headshot, think about all of the things that make up your personal brand and what you want others to take away from a glance at your profile page. Jot down some key words and phrases and bring them to your shoot. Think about what exemplifies your personal brand to you. Are you a chef? An educator? A writer? Are there props that could help tell your story? Bring them along!

We can take a couple different shots—in different outfits—so you’ll have a series to choose from. You may want to tailor your profile picture based on the social media platform or other medium that you’re using. Remember to have fun! A relaxed, comfortable subject naturally exudes confidence.

What to Wear

It’s important that your look matches the image you’re trying to convey. What you wear on a daily basis is a great place to start. Solid colors are always a good choice, as are tops with strong collars and necklines. Even though you’ll only be shot from the shoulders up, it’s important you’re pulled together from head to toe—you may want a shot or two that are pulled back a bit. Aim for clothes that complement your skin and eye tones and, overall, steer clear of very bold colors.

Put Your Best Face Forward: Professional Headshots and Your Business

Dubbed “the new handshake,” professional headshots are now the first introduction to you, your business and your personal brand—shouldn’t that intro be the best it can be? With 93% of HR professionals and recruiters tapping into LinkedIn to find quality candidates—plus 2 in 3 on Facebook and more than half utilizing Twitter—that headshot has countless applications in your professional life. Should your profile pic be the family vacation, the fun night out or—worse—the logo or abstract shot? Or should it be a powerful, compelling and confidence-building headshot that makes prospective clients, employers and partners want to click “Connect?”

Don Evans is a professional headshot photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years in the business. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on personal branding and professional headshots.

A good headshot offers a glimpse into who you are, what you do, and why you do it.

A professional headshot is a visual connection that offers people a chance to put a face to your name, and it’s incredibly important for any business or brand. There are many factors that go into a headshot portrait, from posing and lighting to angles and editing, and that’s why it’s important to make the investment in a professional headshot photographer if you want the absolute best results. Good images are important and you and your business deserve them.

More Than One Look for Your Headshot

While headshots are intended to present a professional appearance, there is more than one way to make your headshot work. Headshots reflect your personality, your identity, and your brand. However, there is more than one use for a headshot. Headshots can be used for your resume, LinkedIn profile, company directory, an audition, or even just for fun.

Depending on how you plan to use your headshots, you will need to select a look that appeals to your audience. For instance, your company directory may require a more professional look than your LinkedIn profile, which allows for a more relaxed feel.

Check out these examples for different headshot styles and their uses:

• Casual and friendly style for the business owner who wants to give off an inviting and approachable look.

• Fun, not-so-corporate style for your start-up tech company whose target audience is a more youthful crowd.

• Professional and qualified style for the applicant who intends to land a CEO position in a law firm or other large company.

The possibilities are endless, so determine how your headshots will be used and select the look you need. No matter what you decide, be sure to let your individual personality shine through each image!

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 14 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on branding and professional headshots.

Senior Picture Photo Session Tips

So your big day is just around the corner, and maybe you’re a bit nervous about your Senior Pictures photo session. Follow these simple tips and go in prepared and enjoy yourself.

Simplicity is essential to a successful portrait

• Lenses should be removed from your glasses if possible. Eyeglasses tend to glare off photographer flashes, or reflect unnatural colors that you don’t want in your senior pictures.  Your optometrist will often remove your glasses for free if you can't do it yourself. Or... borrow a pair of empty frames from your optometrist that look similar to your own

• Contacts can be worn, but often your eyes will be less red and will have more sparkle if you can get by with your contact lenses out during your session

• Long sleeve dresses and shirts are MUCH better than short sleeves, ESPECIALLY for your head and shoulder/traditional poses

• Darker clothes minimize body size

• Keep the tonal range of clothing the same.  Don't mix lights & darks in the same outfit

• Don't forget to bring your jewelry, especially your class ring

• If you’re in sports don’t forget your jersey, helmet, lacrosse stick, ball, pom-poms, etc

• You should wear your hair in your regular style. Guys should NOT have a fresh haircut, but should have a fresh shave! 5 o'clock shadow will show! If you need a trim, have it done about a week before. Gals, take caution in getting a new style, unless your photographer has a hair and makeup artist with you during your shoot

•Having your clothes fit and ironed is very important! If that favorite shirt or pair of pants of yours is just a BIT too tight, opt not to wear it... it won’t photograph well. Instead, wear clothes that fit well and complement your body

Don Evans is a professional photographer in Greensboro, NC with over 13 years experience as a professional. While he has a plethora of experience in many different photography styles, his main focus is on Senior Pictures, Branding and Professional headshots.

visit his website and view his work at: https://www.donevansphotography.com

Seniors – What to Wear For Your Senior Picture Photo Session

Ok teenagers ... I know what you’re thinking ... You have a closet full of clothes, but nothing to wear. Here are a few ideas that will help you choose the BEST clothes to wear in your Senior Portraits.

Choose a VARIETY of outfits

It's a good idea to include both casual and a more formal outfit in your senior portraits. You choose one and let Mom choose one, that way everyone is happy.

For outdoor portraits

Be careful of bright greens as they often clash with the greens of the leaves and grass. Black, Khaki, pink, orange, navy, tan, gold, burgundy, dark yellow are good outdoors. I recommend staying away from white, light/pale yellow or other very light/pale colors outdoors.

Try to stay clear of stripes

Large bold ones are tolerable. Small thin ones will not photograph well. It's best to not use any stripes or solids with 1-2 stripes or lines.

Your face should be the focal point of your portraits

Loud colors and busy patterns can be very distracting in your photos. Avoid large & bold patterns that might draw attention away from your face. Long sleeve solids or very subtle prints are usually the most flattering.

Classic styles

Those classics will best stand the test of time and keep your portrait looking less dated for years to come. So try wearing styles and looks that will be in style "next year" as well as this summer...otherwise you're portrait will look dated in a year or two. Classic solids will always be in style. Trendy summer tops will look out of place next summer. A great example is the standard jeans and a white t-shirt, which has been around for decades and still looks fantastic.

Shoes

Some poses will show your shoes so don't forget to bring shoes & socks for each outfit that you plan to wear. Barefoot and sandals! White socks don't photograph well, so bring darker ones too (just in case they show!) Guys... don't forget those belts and Gals...don't forget your jewelry!

Learn more about my Senior Picture Photo Sessions here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/seniors

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Can Personal Branding Headshots Really Help You Grow Your Business?

As more people enter the world of freelancing, branding is a bigger buzz word than ever. It’s for this reason that personal branding photography has also grown in popularity. 

You might not realize it, but personal branding photography is an investment and a tool that can help you grow your small business. Why take a chance that people will know what your brand is all about when you can tell them yourself with professional headshots? 

You won’t always be able to control how potential customers perceive your brand, but you can take steps to ensure that your story is as clear as possible. 

6 Ways Personal Branding Headshots Can Boost Your Business

1. Add compelling images to your website

If you want to grab a website visitor’s attention in an authentic way, you’re going to need engaging photos. They don’t want to see generic stock photos either – they want to know who they might be doing business with. Text is definitely still important, but people are also very visual, which is why quality photos matter. The photos on your site should serve a purpose and not simply be placeholders. 

2. Personalize your marketing material 

If you print business cards, leaflets or design any other marketing material to promote your business, it’s important to have professional images like headshots that you can incorporate. By adding photos, your brand also becomes more recognizable to clients – an important factor in building trust.

3. Create unique social media content

Social media can give your brand a lot of exposure and adding your headshot photo to some of your posts will help boost your credibility. Social media is personal, which means existing and potential customers need to be able to relate to you. Knowing who you’re engaging with online automatically makes them more trustworthy and believable. 

4. Liven up your email signature

An email signature that has a headshot photo automatically stands out more. It also solidifies that you’re a professional who is transparent and confident in what they do. Plus, if you chat to a client over email for several weeks, it makes meeting you for the first time more comfortable and natural because they know what you look like.

5. Send your headshot photo along with guest posts

If you are a blogger for other websites, you should always be adding a professional headshot to your bio. A bio photo might be small but it does help create a more consistent and trustworthy online image, especially once you start writing for multiple websites. 

6. Enhance your PR efforts

Approaching publications and PR firms about publicity opportunities? Professional branding photos are a must! If you want to position yourself as an expert in your sector, a good headshot goes a long way. Plus, a reputable publication or firm will always ask you to send a photo anyway. When you take your business seriously, others will too.

Personal branding photos ensure that you’re showing up professionally and consistently online. It also gives your marketing and content a personal edge that will help you stand out from competitors. A small investment can give you the boost you need to grow your business in a big way.

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Making the Most of Your Professional Headshot Session – A Brief Guide

When you schedule a professional headshot session, you’re investing in showcasing the very best version of you and your business. These photos will help you market yourself by telling your story in a unique way.

We live in a visual world and it’s important to make a good impression right away. When you use photos that look authentic, you make it that much easier for people to trust you.

So, how do you ensure you’re making the most of this opportunity?

Connect with your photographer

When you work with a photographer you love and connect with, your images automatically turn out better. Find a photographer whose work inspires and excites you. Scroll through their online portfolio and social media feed to get an idea of what they’re capable of and if it suits your personal style. At the end of the day, you want to feel completely comfortable in front of your photographer.

Communicate what you want

A photographer can’t give you the results you want if they don’t know what you want. Clearly communicating your ideas to your photographer is essential. Provide them with details on the first impression and message you want to portray. Share your ideas and examples with them. They may even be able to give you suggestions you haven’t thought about yet. When I am able to speak with my clients in advance, one of the first questions I ask is, "What's the message we want to get across?" With that information, I'm able to do a much better job of guiding my clients in poses that convey that message.

Think carefully about your location

Your location will help set the tone for the shoot, so choose carefully. There are so many options to choose from that go beyond a basic studio setting. Just make sure that your photographer has actual experience in both studio, and off site / natural light photography. For a bit more of a deep dive on that, check out my blog titled, "Does My Professional Headshot Need to Be In a Studio?"

Plan your outfit, hair and makeup

Don’t leave your outfit, hair and makeup arrangements to the last minute. If possible, get a professional to assist you so that you look your best. In fact, your photographer may even be able to give you a few suggestions. The outfit you choose will also play a major role in the message you send when people see your photos, so think twice about what you want to wear. Better yet, have a few options available. Keep in mind that you want to be able to use these photos for a few years, so rather opt for a timeless look.

One of the best business decisions I've ever made, is when I decided to team up with a hair and makeup artist. I had to go through a lot of people to find just the right person who could not only do makeup, but also relate to my clients and help put them at ease prior to the photo session. I offer this as an option service but, more and more, my clients are choosing to take advantage of this service. My clients look their best, my pictures look their best, and my client satisfaction is through the roof!

In summary, there's more to it than just showing up to a photographer's studio and standing in front of a camera with a smile. Planning is the key underlying factor in making the most of your personal branding and headshot photoshoot. Don’t be scared to ask your photographer for additional guidance.

feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions:

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography

Does My Professional Headshot Need to Be In a Studio?

The location of your professional headshot helps tell your story. It will also play a role in the first impression you create and what type of audience you attract.

When you think about personal branding photography, a studio setting is usually what jumps to mind. Let there be no doubt, most clients prefer their headshots taken in my studio. The lighting is already set up and perfect. The backdrop is perfect. There is no concern about the weather or time of day. I have a comfortable hair and makeup chair if you choose that service, and on and on. However, this is only one of the many options that you can choose from. Let’s take a closer look at personal branding and headshot photography session location options.

Home Office

Do you work from home? Do you feel that your home office visually represents your personal brand? Then it’s perfect for personal branding shoot. Give people an inside view of how you spend your day. Plus, if you want a more relaxed, personal feel, you can even include your pet in a few of the shots. Some people even go as far as taking a few shots in their living room or kitchen. It all depends on the messaging you want to send. Just make sure that your home office has lots of natural light for the best photos.

Meeting Room or Coworking Space

If you don’t feel your home office is right for a shoot, why not rent a meeting room or coworking space? Just make sure that the décor aligns with your brand image headshot. You can even incorporate a few props if you want to add a personal touch. If possible, choose a space that has other areas you can use, such as a lounge with visually appealing furniture.

Photography Studio

A photography studio is still a great location for a personal branding shoot. It offers a very professional setting and you get to take advantage of all of my equipment. If you do want to change things up, bring in your own props and even furniture. Bet of all, there is no added cost to shooting in studio (at least not in mine). Whereas there can be additional costs for off-site locations. I do charge an off-site setup & tear down fee for alternate indoor locations if lighting and backdrops are needed. If there is no lighting or backdrop required, then there’s no additional cost for off-site headshots.

Home, Apartment or BnB

There are so many beautiful apartments and guest houses that can be used for your professional headshot session. If you know someone who has a great apartment or you’ve seen a nice location on Airbnb, this can be a good option for your shoot. It’s also ideal if you would prefer a more private setting for your photo session. If you’re profession is in the real estate industry, a nice home is one of the perfect locations for your professional headshot.

Cafes and Restaurants

If you would prefer an atmosphere with a bit of a vibe, why not arrange a shoot at a coffee shop, café or restaurant? Unless you make prior arrangements though, you might need to work around other patrons. Either way, be sure to speak to the owner of the establishment first before booking your headshot.

Get Outside

If your personal brand is more adventurous, an outdoor location could be ideal. Whether this is by the seaside, in a park or somewhere more mountainous, there is no rule that says you can’t take personal branding headshot photos at an outdoor location. Plus, the backdrop opportunities are endless.

As you can see, there are multiple options, over and above a studio, that you can use as a location for your personal branding shoot.

please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Learn more about my headshots here: https://www.donevansphotography.com/headshots

Feel free to reach out to me: Contact

Insta: @donevansphotography