Not yourself and feeling old?

I am not crazy or in need of plastic surgery, well not yet anyway. I just hate getting my photo taken. I am not photogenic. My face always looks distorted and fat, hey, I have a large head, big brain and all. Whatever. Usually it’s me behind the scenes taking pictures at most events. My kids will have the memories but not many photos with me in them. What’s the big deal?

I painfully realized one day that I would have to break down and get a professional photo taken for my business after a kind gentleman simply commented on the digital photo I had on the back of a brochure. It was a digital photo from a friend’s camera and I thought it was OK. His remark was that the photo made me look, “nothing like you, old, you look so much younger in person.”

Ouch.

He did me a favor. He made me realize that I needed professional help. I needed a pro to make me look like me. Hum.

Photos are tricky. Lighting, angles, body position, they all play a role in getting a good quality photo taken. Unless you’re a supermodel and know how to pose and you weigh less than a bird, photos are about the least favorite thing for many people to want to do. They just never seem to capture the real you.

Being in a service business today, especially on the internet, it is essential to present your face to the public who you primarily communicate with by phone or email prior to scheduling an appointment to meet with them. Humans are visual creatures. If you have a professional, current, quality photo online they have at least seen you to be able to identify who you are should your services be required. It matters to the client to feel at ease upon your first meeting. It’s the perfect ice breaker and puts you both in a comfort zone.

The investment in a professional head shot is worth it. I invested a total of $80. I also have access to copyrights to use as needed for business purposes whether in printed marketing materials, multi-media, news, or on the internet. Taking digital photos of yourself for a start isn’t bad, but honestly, you’ll be much more satisfied having it professionally done. Below I’ve listed some tips on how to get the best from your experience based on my own.

7 TIPS ON PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PHOTOS

  • Get a reference from someone whose photo you like. Ask where they got it done which specific store and photographer by name. Many of these places are chains and people there matter especially who will be taking your photo.
  • Call ahead and ask what you need to do to prepare for shoot.
  • Once there talk to the photographer before beginning the shoot. They are people too and understand being uncomfortable. The photographer I had was great and honest and made me feel very comfortable, we laughed a lot. I was also brutally honest about myself and how I photograph.
  • Bring several changes of clothing (tops and jackets mostly unless doing full body) they usually offer several poses and backgrounds and you get to pick the best one.
  • Ladiesdo your full makeup at home and bring the same makeup for touch ups. The lighting may not be the same in their dressing rooms as it is in your home, it’s best to prepare your face where you feel most comfortable. Lip gloss is apparently good for some photos and I don’t wear it often but I brought it anyway.
  • Relax! The first few shots were rather uncomfortable but after a while it was easy.
  • Smile and think how great you’ll feel once you’ve got it.

    • So start looking like yourself again and stop feeling old, seeking professional help is only a photograph away!

    When Karen Otto, ASP, RESA, ASHSR, is not having her photo taken she is the owner of Home Star Staging, a full service Real Estate Staging and Consultingcompany located in Plano, Texas. With her degree in Marketing from Florida International University and extensive staging knowledge and experience, Karen knows what it takes to get your house seen and sold. While Karen doesn’t sell houses, she knows what helps houses sell. Karen is passionate about educating the real estate community and the public on the benefits of staging. Please contact her for your home staging questions or further information. Karen is available to the real estate community and media for articles, information and seminars on the home staging industry. Please contact her at Karen@homestarstaging.com or visit her on the web at http://www.homestarstaging.com