Professional Head Shots: How to prepare!

First lets define what a professional head shot is! It’s a close-up portrait of the head and shoulders that focuses attention on the face. People assume it to mean a 3/4 or full length shot that they are going to use for business marketing too. A lot of us need great head shots to make a statement about who we are and what we do. Consider an actor who wants to land a role in a movie, or a model that wishes to star in the next big fashion craze or the athlete that represents his team – Professionals need head shots to market their image and help sell their brand or business.  No business owner or professional wants to be portrayed in a negative manner because it will carry over into their reputation. The quality and style of your head shot conveys how you conduct business.

 

So, what is it that makes a great head shot?

A good headshot should:

  • – Be taken by a professional in a studio or on location in a controlled environment at the right time of the day

  • – Depict a relaxed, natural and comfortable you

  • – Communicate your style and personality

  • – Clearly define the purpose or need you have for the image

How do you prepare for a professional head shot?

In the week prior to your photo shoot, consider taking extra care of yourself. Think about the style of shoot you want and communicate that clearly with your photographer.

Skin

The largest and most visible organ you have needs to look its best. Make healthy choices. Avoid the sun so you don’t come in looking like a lobster after a day of going for “sun kissed”. Drink plenty of water, this will make your skin hydrated to fill in lines and give you a healthy glow. Eat healthy and most importantly, GET YOUR SLEEP!

Hair

Don’t cut or dye your hair right before the shoot. It can look too vibrant and unnatural on camera. Colored hair looks more natural after 1-2 weeks worth of shampooing. A new hair cut looks its best about a week after it’s cut.

Teeth

If you want to whiten your teeth before your session, start as early as possible and use a safe whitening method. Also, you can have your teeth whitened with your dentist.

Beards

The best rule of thumb for facial hair is to commit to the look -it’s either a beard, mustache, or nothing at all. If  you’re going for clean shaven, treat yourself to a good shave that morning. If you have a beard or mustache, trim it neatly.

Nails

Treat yourself to a manicure or neatly trim your nails (yes fella’s this applies to you too!). If you choose to polish, a neutral/skin tone or clear coat won’t distract from your face. Many women enjoy french tips and designs, so……if you and your girlfriends had a spa day and you’re a rainbow girl, just be conscious of how it matches your wardrobe for the photo shoot.

Makeup

This is a big one, and we definitely recommend it. If you hire a make up artist be sure to discuss exactly what you want and clearly define your style. I wouldn’t recommend going completely bomb shell if you rarely ever wear make up. This won’t be who your client sees everyday and it’s best to stay natural to you. If you are doing your make up yourself, don’t wear it heavy. A close head shot may show clumps of mascara or heavy foundation. Think of accentuating your features in a subtle manner.

Clothing

Choose the exact clothing and accessories to wear the day before. Make sure they are clean and pressed ready for your shoot and that they fit you appropriately. I find it helpful when clients bring options, you don’t have to limit yourself to one item. Choose wisely as you don’t want to be able to tell what decade the photo came from. I typically recommend nothing with bold, distracting patterns or colors because it takes the emphasis away from you. Safe color choices include dark solids and lighter soft shades. Avoid white unless you have a great tan or it’s under something (such as a jacket, cardigan, or sweater). V-necks accentuate the neckline and are great for men and women (just watch that cleavage ladies, keep that classic beauty).

Accessories

Rule of thumb, ties look best when their tone is between the suit and the shirt. Stay away from really reflective, shiny silk ties only because it can be a distraction in-camera. As far as jewelry goes, something small, classic and also not reflective. You don’t necessarily want a client viewing your head shot only to notice your jewelry before noticing your face.

Don’t Rush

We don’t want having your head shot to be “just one more thing” you have to do. Know or GPS the location of your shoot and allow yourself plenty of time to get there. Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes to spend at the studio before your shoot. A comfortable pace will help minimize stress and bring out your best.

Communicate

You should feel that your photographer cares about you, so ask questions! We will take the time to answer and put you at ease. This is your shoot after all, we are here to support you. Look up and make eye contact with the camera. It eases camera shyness and promotes a genuine expression. As professional photographers we are good at detailing your vision. We’ll do our best to get the shots you want, but we can’t read your mind. Be honest. If you want something special or different, or if you were unhappy with a previous headshot experience, tell us. On that note, if we adjust your posture and ask you to move a certain way, we really are being that technical to give you the best image. The camera sees differently that the human eye, we’re moving you to make the camera see YOU in the most flattering way.

Lastly – stay up to date with your photos. In the digital age, things move fast and decisions are made sometimes within seconds. Make the best first impression possible!

 

e3 Studios: Architectural Photography

#Cameraliftinglife: e3 Studios

 

Founded in 2008, e3 Studios is a woman-owned business that has dazzled the Grand Strand with their style and class. Haven’t heard of them? Well, I guarantee you have seen their work with their interdisciplinary design in the local and interior architecture and interior design services. Their vision and mission are forces to be reckoned with. Not only do e3 Studios understand the technical details of building designs in relation to its space, but the reason the buildings are being built in the first place – for people. All of our business offices and spaces are for people to work in, for people to have comfort in, for people to be inspired by, and for people to be taken into tranquil settings. 

I have had the pleasure of documenting this year’s completed projects and laughing with Erin Blalock and Ashley Goheen. These two women rock e3 Studios and I love capturing their bubbly personalities and friendship, especially when Erin limits Ashley’s caffeine consumption! Some of my favorite memories include the girls lifestyle shoots. I call them my little “goofball kids” because they were just super fun, giggly and had a hard time keeping a straight face. Remember I said that architecture is in my blood? Well, it comes from my Father, a self-employed Architect for the past 40 years. Walking up to meet them, the jokes would start and they’d get me every time. I’d be teased that if my dad came to work for them, they’d double their profit just because of his accent! You know? They possibly could because even I jive with their sense of style and color theme choices. I can really relate to e3 studios, and I can see their commercial color schemes in my home. Not to mention, my assistant has begged for a few of their pieces as well – specifically their rainbow lounger and glass sculpture designs.

I am thrilled and fortunate to have met this dynamic team. Building their business on passion and dedication, these two ladies are remarkable!.
Check out their awesome new website designed by The Brandon Agency in Myrtle Beach to see tons of my commercial and lifestyle photography.

 

Carl Kerridge is a location and destination photographer based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He specializes in lifestyle, commercial, and event photography. He is passionate about the fine art and photojournalistic aspects of photography. Traveling in and out of the United States, Carl has dedicated the past 15 years to studying/experimenting with the craft, teaching educational workshops, and advocating art for a global awareness. To learn more, visit his Website, follow him on Instagram or connect with him on Facebook.

 

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#CameraLiftingLife: Photography for Careteam+

Spotlighting Healthcare Advocate, Careteam+!

Many individuals lack or have no forms of preventative healthcare services. Today, 133 million Americans suffer with chronic illnesses. These diseases demand medical attention. Included are 1.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS. Healthcare hasn’t always been as inclusive as it is today. Viruses, such as HIV, were discriminated against because we didn’t know how to cure it. The stigma around HIV clouded its hosts, the very people who needed medical help the most. It wasn’t until the Ryan White Care Act of 1994, establishments received grants to take care of these people in need. The Ryan White Care Act reminds us of the fight a mother and son won. They demanded no one be discriminated against. Ryan White and his mother wanted to educate the Nation about HIV/AIDS and have institutions that helped live with it. Read more here…

In Myrtle Beach, that aid is Careteam+. Careteam+ started as a safe haven for uninsured individuals with HIV. They provided aid to Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties. After the death of Ryan White, the perspective of HIV altered with more lenient views. The community began to accept and embrace it’s sick members. Instead of calling it a disease, we renamed it a chronic illness. Patients got better treatment and they were living normal, happy, and healthier lives. From there, Careteam+ grew to include other chronic health issues too.  Eventually, it branched out to provide primary health care for all of its patients’ families. If you would like to learn more about Careteam+, click here.

As a photographer of Myrtle Beach, I have a lot of respect for the organization. I believe they have amazing rapport and professionalism. So, when they decided to revamp their media and webpages, I was ready to create Careteam+ lifestyle photography. For their business, patients, community, and purpose – it was my pleasure to work with and help bring awareness to our local community.

Carl Kerridge is a location and destination photographer based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He specializes in lifestyle, commercial, and event photography. He is passionate about the fine art and photojournalistic aspects of photography. Traveling in and out of the United States, Carl has dedicated the past 15 years to studying/experimenting with the craft, teaching educational workshops, and advocating art for a global awareness. To learn more, visit his Website, follow him on Instagram or connect with him on Facebook.

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Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen in the Grand Strand!

Top 3 Food Photography Tips:

  1. When performing food photography for 30 different items, don’t eat breakfast
  2. On Day one, don’t get full eating too much of the first 15 items – there are still 15 to go
  3. When working with Italians, learn to say “Badabing!”

 

Z’s Amazing Kitchen is a new restaurant that just opened in North Myrtle Beach. It originated in 1960’s Boston, Massachusetts.

The past 18 years has been spent building a corporate restaurant into a national chain. Paul Zito and his staff pride themselves on being, “fast-casual dining with unique culinary fusion, an open, authentic atmosphere and fresh, simple ingredients.” Joey Mead, culinary director, is the inspiration in the kitchen, fusing flavors for their customers. He crafts dish options for meat-lovers, vegans, vegetarians, and gluten free preferences so that everyone is welcomed! For all of you who’s mouthes are watering and tummies are growling, yes, they do cater and you can order to-go! 

However, this is only one aspect of the new restaurant’s mentality. The Founder and his crew take great care in how their products are handled before, during and after you’re served. They support environmentally friendly businesses through Fuel Good.  After cooking, they convert their frying oil into bio-diesel for their vending trucks. 

There’s nothing like good food, great people, and a fun atmosphere. Paul Zito and his crew are an amazing group of professionals. Everyday they enjoy heartfelt laughs and follow their passions. When Paul wanted professional images for their food photography, I knew that exceeding expectations was woven into their conduct. As we were framing their prints, I remember working together to get everything just right (in just the right amount of time). I truly respect collaborating with entrepreneurs, and I root for them all the way. With their Grand Opening this past Monday, I am ecstatic for Z’s Amazing Kitchen!  Congratulations on achieving success in your new business venture! Not to mention…now I can sample all of that delicious menu. As Paul would say, “Badabing, Baby!”

To see more of Carl Kerridge’s work please visit our Website or Facebook page

 

Z's Amazing Kitchen's Blue Cheese Balsamic Steak Salad

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Blue Cheese Balsamic Steak Salad

Z's Amazing Kitchen Shrimp Not So Poy Boy

Z’s Amazing Kitchen Shrimp Not So Poy Boy

Z's Amazing Kitchen Shrimp Alla Zito

Z’s Amazing Kitchen Shrimp Alla Zito

carl-kerridge-photography, food-photography, ultimate steak and pimento cheese , zs-amazing-kitchen

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Ultimate Steak and Pimento Cheese

carl-kerridge-photography, food-photography, twisted-cuban-panini, zs-amazing-kitchen

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Twisted Cuban Panini

Z's Amazing Kitchen's Vegetable Fried Rice

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Vegetable Fried Rice

Z's Amazing Kitchen's Seared Tuna Salad

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Seared Tuna Salad

Z's Amazing Kitchen's Soba Noodles

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Soba Noodles

Z's Amazing Kitchen's Pimento BLT

Food Photography: Z’s Amazing Kitchen’s Pimento BLT