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!

 

Southern Bride and Rosewood Manor

Who doesn’t love a southern bride and how she plans her wedding?!

southern bride poses with her 9 bridesmaids in the upstairs parlor at Rosewood Manor in Marion, South Carolina

Alison kept traditions in more than one way and they were nothing short of elegant. One of the most thoughtful was the memory of Alison’s mother sewn into her dress. She took her mother’s wedding dress, and had a section monogramed so that she could have it with her as she walked down the aisle. Just beautiful.

Southern bride has a cut out of her mother's wedding dress sewn into her own wedding dress is mother's rememberance

southern bride enjoys the moment as two of her bridesmaids button up her wedding dress

Picking a venue in the heart of old South Carolina, Rosewood Manor hosted a grandeur atmosphere for the Scruggs and their guests. Dr. Gary and his staff go above and beyond to create unforgettable memories at their plantation home, it was simply exquisite.
an interior shot of the downstairs parlor at Rosewood Manor, decorated with a beautiful christmas tree and decorations

A view of the sitting room at Rosewood Manor, decorated with priceless antiques and christmas decorations.

A view of the living room at Rosewood Manor with beautiful interor designs of antiques and art

A lovely setting in the Rosewood Manor's dining room, crafted with hues of blue and trimmed with frosted christmas decorations

To add to the authenticity of the occasion, Alison and Jamie were wed in Marion’s First Presbyterian Church. It is a classic establishment with warm hues that dance against wood shutters. Not to mention an impressive organ sits behind the alter, overlooking each ceremony that enters its doors. Jamie’s father conducted the ceremony and he choked before pronouncing the couple as husband and wife. With a laugh the couple kissed and began their new chapter together.

The groom and his groomsmen pose in front of the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, South Carolina

This southern bride stands at the alter with her groom while a large pipe organ framing the background at the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, South Carolina

This southern bride marries her beau in front of friends and family at the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, South Carolina

A 1977 burnt-orange corvette sat outside the church, ready to take them back to Rosewood Manor to celebrate with family and friends. The Vistas Band performed in fantastic blues-brothers-style and performed pieces that had everyone giggling. Who could forget the duet with the little flower girl? It was a great celebration to ring in the holidays.

This southern bride kisses her husband in front of an orange 1977 corvette at the First Presbyterian Church in Marion, South Carolina

The Rosewood Manor is captured at night while stars twinkle and the wedding party dances under a canopy of lights.

southern bride and her groom dance under a disco light at the wedding reception

The Vistas sing a duet with the grooms daughter at the wedding reception

 

Once there, the crowd partied until the cold encouraged everyone to retire and go inside for a night cap. But before Jack Frost could have his say and as every southern bride does know, the night could only end with a sweet tribute to Sweet Home Alabama.

southern bride, groom, and daughter sing a tribute to sweet home alabama at the wedding reception at Rosewood Manor

Destination Wedding Photographer

What don’t I love about being a destination wedding photographer?

Their really is only one thing about being a destination wedding photographer that I don’t love – hauling lots of equipment through airports and hoping it arrives safely. But the rewards pay that off from the minute I check in.

There are plenty of reasons for couples to consider destination weddings: A mini vacation, family resorts and maybe beaches or mountains that you don’t live close to. Not only that, they can mean more exciting wedding pictures for the bride and groom! Who wouldn’t want that?

As a veteran photographer, I’m going to be honest and confess that I am guilty of shooting at designated spots that I know all wedding parties will love. I call them my “frequent flyer zones”. They are beautiful spots, have great available light and they always work! However, after 15+ years in this business, I can tell you from personal experience that I value new and inspiring locations that offer exciting challenges. Being a destination wedding photographer and traveling to a new location offers an opportunity to break out of the box, open your eyes to a fresh terrain, and tempt the visual senses. If you are one of our wedding couples planning your destination wedding, you have challenged us to work with this blank canvas and make it awesome. It’s thrilling and of course we accept!

One of the best things about being  a destination wedding photographer is that when we get home, there’s a sense of newness to everything around us. Those frequent flyer zones? Well, all of the sudden we have a new set of eyes for those too. We find ourselves seeing everything “for the first time” again. Experiencing the magic of your wedding day makes its impact on us. We are able to serve you more dynamic and incredibly creative memories just because we’ve restored our mind, body and spirit. It drives the heart of every destination wedding photographer to guarantee you a successful wedding with photojournalistic and fine art images.

As water is the essence of the body and wisdom the essence of mind, then travel is the essence of spirit. To book your destination wedding with us please contact us via email – [email protected] – and we can make the travel arrangements!

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Digity Media: Music & Photography Rock Myrtle Beach

Digity Media: 1000 T-shirts, 1000 Memories, Definitely over 1000 Pictures

Who hasn’t heard of the KZQ, WAVE 104.1, STAR 92.1, and Hot Talk 99.5? That’s Digity Media. We hear them while we go to work, pick up our kids, and meet up with friends. I first met all of the radio hosts over the summer, at their meet and greet session in North Myrtle Beach. What better way to connect with the community than welcome listeners to meet them with cash giveaways, souvenir t-shirts, and awesome candids?

Speaking of reaching out, this morning I was reminded again how supportive Digity Media is to the locals. After the horrible flooding that swept the Grand Strand, our local radio stations starting promoting charity drives and local fund raisers for victims and survivors. Many homes and belongings were damaged as Hurricane Joaquin barreled through South Carolina, the radio hosts were motivators for all of us to get out and help one another. The more time I spend with them, the more I love being around them.

Over the summer, we explored the natural habitat of Digity Media personnel for lifestyle and business portraits. Later we ventured to our local House of Blues for more diversity. This would prep me for the upcoming tour. A headline band was coming to Myrtle Beach and Digity Media was rocking the backstage with them. 

Photographing AWOLNATION, Family of the Year, and Irontom at House of Blues wouldn’t have been possible without Digity Media and the KZQ crew. Starting with AWOLNATION’s meet and greet, the night passed by in the blink of an eye. I was thrilled to weave in and around the surf of people for every photojournalistic opportunity. That action shot is beyond addicting. In portrait photography, you want to eliminate many imperfections and present a beautiful image. In concert photography, it’s that raw imperfection that will grab you and allow you to hear the speakers explode!

I went on air last week to talk about the premiere of my ‘Refraction’ Art series on WAVE 104.1. It was comical, I loved sitting there talking with Tommy and Korby. It never felt like a radio interview, if anything I couldn’t keep from snickering into the mic. They make radio feel like home, or maybe its just because I’m English! If it hadn’t been working hours, I think we could have popped a few cans of brew too.

Thank you guys for all that you do and who you are, Cheers!

Visit my Website, follow me on Instagram, or find me on Facebook to see upcoming projects, learn more about my art series ‘Refraction’, and get involved with local businesses!

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Engagement photos- water themed session

Recent engagement photo sessions have leaned towards multiple locations and outfit changes so the couple can enjoy several settings and have tons of great images to choose from. Both Kristy and Sebie have a love of water and boats so for their engagement session we started at the lighthouse in Little River and worked our way towards ‘the point’ at Cherry Grove, with a quick stop at Vereen Gardens just across the State line in to North Carolina.

I loved this couple because they were fun, laid back, definitely had their own style and because they gave me the freedom to mix it up and be creative with both the location and styling. Not only that Kristy didn’t get too mad at me for ruining a pair of her shoes as we trudged through the marsh to get shots by the water (thanks for that!).

They also both loved vibrant and saturated colors so this entire session does not have one Black and White photo, quite possibly a first for me. Enjoy.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the end to see my choice for “best pic of the day.”

Engagement photography, Little River, SC Engagement photography, Little River, SC Engagement photography, Little River, SC Engagement photography, Little River, SC Engagement photo on waterway Engagement photo, waterway park, Shalotte, NC Beach portrait at sunset Engagement-portraits-Little-River-South-Carolina--2 Beach engagement photo session Engagement photography, Little River, SC Engagement-portraits-Little-River-South-Carolina-121 Engagement photography, Little River, SC

My favorite pic of the day used the abstract patterns in the shadows on the Lighthouse wall to make sure both her smile and that precious ring were both glowing in the suns natural light.

Fine Art Engagement Photography, Myrtle Beach, SC

I hope you enjoyed these nautical themed engagement photos, to book your session at the location of your choice call or contact us via email.

Favorite photo of the day