Visual Stories: Exploring the Power of Headshot Photography

In today's digital world, where first impressions are often made online, headshot photography plays a crucial role in building connections and fostering relationships.

A professional headshot can pique interest, spark curiosity, and create a sense of trust between the subject and the viewer and possible customers.

Whether it's on a company website, a social media profile, or a professional networking platform, a compelling headshot serves as a powerful tool for making meaningful connections in both personal and professional areas.

Over the last two months, I held mini headshot sessions in Clovis, NM and Lubbock, Tx and all of these people participated.

They are now ready for any business endeavor!

Capturing Professional Presence: Maximizing the Impact of Your Headshot Across Platforms

High-quality headshots can positively impact your business or job prospects by creating a strong first impression. They enhance your professional image, convey confidence, and can be crucial for networking, job applications, or promoting your personal brand online. A polished headshot can help build trust and credibility with potential clients, employers, or collaborators.

Here are 10 ways you can maximize the use of your headshots:

1. Professional Networking: Use your headshot on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to create a strong and approachable online presence.

2. Resume: Include your headshot on your resume to add a personal touch and make a memorable impression.

3. Business Cards: If you have business cards, consider adding your headshot for a more personalized and memorable touch.

4. Email Signature: Incorporate your headshot into your email signature to make your messages more personable and recognizable.

5. Social Media Profiles: Update your social media profiles with your headshot to maintain a consistent and professional online image.

6. Website or Blog: If you have a personal website or blog, use your headshot in the "About Me" section to connect with your audience.

7. Author Profiles: If you're an author, use your headshot on book covers, author profiles, or promotional materials.

8. Speaking Engagements: Include your headshot in promotional materials for speaking engagements or conferences to establish your identity.

9. Portfolio: If you're in a creative field, such as photography or design, showcase your headshot in your portfolio to add a personal touch.

10. Team Pages: If you're part of a team or organization, contribute your headshot to team pages or company profiles for a more human touch.

If you found this post helpful, spread the knowledge! Share it on your favorite social media platform and tag a friend who needs to see this.

Crafting Your Brand Story: Essential Steps for a Successful Photoshoot

A brand session typically involves capturing images that represent a brand's identity and values.

To prepare for the shoot, clients should:

1. Define Brand Identity: Clearly outline the brand's message, values, and the image they want to convey.

2. Storyboard or Shot List: Plan specific shots or scenarios that align with the brand's narrative.

3. Select Wardrobe and Props: Choose outfits and props that reflect the brand's style and story.

4. Location Scouting: Determine suitable locations that complement the brand's image.

5. Coordinate with Photographer: Communicate preferences, expectations, and any specific elements to focus on during the shoot.

During the photoshoot:

1. Setup: The photographer will set up lighting, backdrops, and ensure the overall scene aligns with the brand's aesthetic.

2. Posing and Direction: Clients may be directed for natural and authentic poses that align with the brand's personality.

3. Variety of Shots: Expect a mix of close-ups, full-body shots, and possibly candid moments to capture the essence of the brand.

4. Reviewing Shots: Periodically review images to ensure they align with the brand's vision.

5. Flexibility: Be open to improvisation and creative input from the photographer to capture unique and engaging visuals.

After the shoot:

1. Image Selection: Collaborate with the photographer to select the best images that represent the brand effectively.

2. Editing and Retouching: Depending on the agreement, the photographer may edit and retouch selected images to enhance their visual appeal.

3. Delivery: Once finalized, the edited images will be delivered to the client for use in various marketing materials.

Save this post so you can look back at it for your next brand shoot.

Choosing the Perfect Portrait Lens: A Guide to Features and Specifications for Stunning Portraiture

The best lenses for portrait photography depend on various factors, including your camera system, personal preferences, and the specific type of portraits you want to capture. Here are some popular choices that are often recommended for portrait photography and are my favorites to use with brand photoshoots.

• 50mm f/1.8 (f/1.4 or f1.2): A 50mm prime lens is a versatile choice for portraits. The wide aperture (f/1.8 or wider) allows for beautiful background blur (bokeh) and works well in low-light conditions. It's also a relatively affordable option.

• 85mm f/1.4 (or f/1.8): An 85mm lens is a classic portrait choice. The longer focal length provides a flattering perspective, compressing facial features and creating a pleasing background blur. The wide aperture is excellent for isolating subjects.

These are the two lenses I use when photographing any type of portrait.

Other popular options are:

• 24-70mm f/2.8: A zoom lens like the 24-70mm f/2.8 is versatile for various types of portraits. It offers flexibility in framing and can be used for both wider environmental portraits and closer headshots.

• 70-200mm f/2.8: This telephoto zoom lens is great for capturing portraits with a more compressed background. It's particularly useful for outdoor portraits or situations where you can't get physically close to your subject.

• 35mm f/1.8 (f1.4 or f1.2): A 35mm lens is another excellent choice for portrait photography, especially if you prefer a wider perspective or if you're shooting in confined spaces. The wider field of view allows you to tell more of a story in your portraits. It's suitable for lifestyle and candid shots where the context of the surroundings is essential.

Remember that the best lens for you depends on your shooting style, the type of portraits you want to capture, and your budget. If possible, try out different lenses to see which one suits your preferences and needs the best.

5 Benefits of A Brand Photoshoot

Brand photos are crucial as they visually communicate your brand identity, evoke emotions, and create a memorable impression. Consistent and high-quality images help establish brand recognition, build trust, and differentiate your business in a visually saturated market.

5 Benefits of A Brand Photoshoot:

1. **Professional Image:** A brand shoot helps create high-quality, professional images that convey a polished and consistent image for your brand.

2. **Brand Recognition:** Consistent visuals across your marketing materials enhance brand recognition, making it easier for customers to identify and remember your brand.

3. **Storytelling:** Through carefully curated images, a brand shoot allows you to tell a visual story about your brand, its values, and its unique identity.

4. **Social Media Engagement:** Engaging visuals from a brand shoot can significantly boost your social media presence, attracting and retaining the attention of your target audience.

5. **Versatility:** The images captured during a brand shoot can be used across various platforms and marketing materials, providing versatility in your branding efforts.

How often should you do brand photos?
2-4 times a year. New photos with each season or when launching a new service or product.

Interested in booking a brand shoot?
Message me, and let’s talk.

Picture Perfect: How Branding Photos Can Transform Your Small Business

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, small businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to stand out and connect with their target audience. One powerful tool that often gets overlooked is the impact of branding photos. Beyond just showcasing products or services, strategic and well-crafted visuals can elevate your brand, tell a compelling story, and foster a strong emotional connection with customers. In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous ways in which branding photos can benefit small businesses.

1. First Impressions Matter:

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and in the world of business, first impressions are crucial. Professional branding photos convey a sense of quality, reliability, and attention to detail. Whether on your website, social media profiles, or marketing materials, captivating visuals are the gateway to piquing interest and drawing potential customers in.

2. Building a Distinctive Brand Identity:

Consistent and thoughtfully curated branding photos contribute to the development of a strong brand identity. By maintaining a cohesive visual style across all platforms, you create a recognizable and memorable image for your business. This aids in differentiation, making your brand stand out in a crowded marketplace.

3. Telling Your Story:

People connect with stories, and your brand has a unique one to tell. Through carefully chosen visuals, you can narrate the journey of your business, its values, and the people behind it. Authentic storytelling fosters a sense of transparency and trust, forging a deeper connection with your audience.

4. Setting the Tone:

Colors, composition, and overall aesthetics in your branding photos contribute to setting the tone for your brand. Whether you aim for a vibrant and energetic feel or a more subdued and sophisticated vibe, visuals play a pivotal role in communicating the personality of your business.

5. Social Media Engagement:

In the age of social media dominance, captivating visuals are key to stopping the scroll. Well-crafted branding photos increase the likelihood of engagement, likes, and shares, expanding your reach and building a community around your brand.

6. Professionalism and Credibility:

High-quality branding photos convey a sense of professionalism and competence. They reassure potential customers that your business is serious about its offerings, inspiring confidence and credibility. This is particularly crucial for small businesses looking to establish themselves in competitive markets.

7. Versatility in Marketing:

From website banners to social media posts, print materials, and even email newsletters, branding photos are versatile assets that can be repurposed across various marketing channels. This not only saves time but ensures a consistent visual representation of your brand across different touchpoints.

To sum it all up, investing time and resources into professional branding photos is not just a luxury for large corporations but a strategic necessity for small businesses as well. By harnessing the power of visuals, you can effectively communicate your brand's personality, connect emotionally with your audience, and leave a lasting impression that sets your business apart in the competitive market. So, let your pictures speak volumes and watch as your small business blossoms into a recognizable and beloved brand.

How to use your professional product photos

Product photos can be used in a variety of ways to promote and enhance a brand. Some of these may be obvious, and you are probably already doing most of them, but there might be one idea in this list you haven’t done.

Here are some ideas for how business owners who sell products can make the most of their professional product photos:

1. E-Commerce Website:

- Use high-quality product photos on their e-commerce website to showcase their products. This is crucial for increasing sales and conversions.

2. Social Media:

- Share the photos on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to engage with their audience and drive traffic to their website.

3. Email Marketing:

- Incorporate product photos into email marketing campaigns to showcase new arrivals, promotions, and special offers to their subscribers.

4. Print Marketing:

- Use product photos in brochures, catalogs, and flyers to create eye-catching print marketing materials for distribution at trade shows, events, or in-store promotions.

5. Packaging Design:

- Incorporate product photos into product packaging to provide a clear visual representation of what customers can expect when they purchase the product.

6. Advertising Campaigns:

- Utilize product photos in online and offline advertising campaigns, including Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and banner ads.

7. Content Marketing:

- Create blog posts, articles, and other content on their website that feature product photos to educate and inform customers about their products.

8. Social Media Stories:

- Use product photos in Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, and Snapchat to provide short-lived but engaging content that promotes their products.

9. Influencer Collaborations:

- Share product photos with influencers and brand ambassadors for them to use in their content, helping to promote the products to their followers.

10. Product Packaging Inserts:

- Include printed product photos inside the product packaging as a visual representation of the product, as well as to cross-promote other products or encourage customer loyalty.

11. Product Listings on Marketplaces:

- When selling on marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, use product photos to create appealing product listings that stand out among the competition.

12. Trade Shows and Exhibitions:

- Display product photos at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events to attract potential buyers and partners.

13. Website Banners and Sliders:

- Use product photos in website banners and sliders to create a visually appealing homepage and draw attention to featured products.

14. User-Generated Content:

- Encourage customers to share their photos using the products on social media and use these user-generated photos as part of their marketing efforts, with proper permissions.

15. Packaging Inserts:

- Include printed product photos, along with promotional materials, in the product packaging to enhance the unboxing experience and encourage repeat purchases.

16. Google My Business:

- Add high-quality product photos to their Google My Business profile to improve local search visibility and attract potential customers in their area.

17. Product Comparisons:

- Create product comparison charts or guides that include product photos to help customers make informed purchase decisions.

18. Affiliate Marketing:

- Share product photos with affiliate marketers who can use them to promote the products and earn commissions on sales.

By using your product photos across these various platforms and marketing channels, you can effectively build and promote your brand, increase sales, and engage with your target audience.

Tips for Sizing Photos for Publications

When sharing photos to be published on professional blogs and magazines, it's important to send high-quality images that meet the publication's specific requirements. While these requirements can vary from one publication to another, there are some general guidelines you can follow:

1. Resolution: Photos should have a high resolution to ensure they look crisp and clear in print or on the web. A resolution of 300 dots per inch (DPI) is a common standard for print, while 72 DPI is typically used for web images.

2. Image dimensions: The actual dimensions of the image will depend on the layout of the publication. Ask the magazine or blog for their specific size requirements. For web use, images are often measured in pixels (e.g., 1200 x 800 pixels), while print images may be specified in inches (e.g., 8" x 10").

3. File format: Common image file formats for professional use include JPEG, TIFF, and PNG. JPEG is the most common format for web use, while TIFF is preferred for print due to its lossless compression and high quality. I usually save photos in JPEG when printing.

4. Color mode: For print, use the CMYK color mode, which is optimized for the four-color printing process (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black). For web use, use RGB color mode.

5. File size: The file size should be large enough to meet the publication's requirements for resolution and print quality. However, it should not be excessively large, as this can cause issues with file transfer and storage. Typically, a high-resolution image will result in a larger file size.

6. Compression and quality: When saving images in formats like JPEG, you can adjust the compression level to balance image quality and file size. Choose a high-quality setting to minimize compression artifacts, especially for print.

7. Naming conventions: Use clear and descriptive file names, including your name, a brief description of the content, and possibly the publication's name or date. This makes it easier for editors to manage and find your images.

8. Submission guidelines: Always follow the submission guidelines provided by the magazine or blog. They may have specific preferences for file formats, delivery methods, and other details.

9. Metadata and captions: Include relevant metadata and captions with your images, especially if you're submitting them to a publication. This information can help editors understand the context and content of the images.

10. Image release forms: If your photos feature recognizable individuals or private property, you may need to provide signed model or property release forms to protect the publication from legal issues.

It's crucial to communicate with the magazine or blog's editorial team and ask for their specific requirements and preferences. Different publications may have varying standards, and adhering to their guidelines will increase your chances of having your photos published in a professional manner.

6 Brand Session Pose Ideas + Outfits

Ladies, what in the world do you wear for a brand shoot and how should you pose?

Take a look at these options and scroll through the photos to see pose ideas for your next shoot.

Outfits to look for:
•dressy-a dress or slacks with blazer
•casual dressy option one-graphic tee with blazer, jeans and converse
•casual dressy option two-blouse with jacket and jeans
•blouse with jeans and heels

Don’t forget to bring props too!
Keep it simple with a laptop, coffee mug or planner.

Do you have any outfit questions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them for you.

Story Time with Cristy Cross

How did you get started in your business?

It’s always a fun story to tell, and in July, I had the opportunity to share my story.

I started my business with not know exactly how I was going to do it, but I was determined to make it happen.

One thing I forgot to mention is, a several years back, I almost gave up my photography business. It was a scary moment when we realized my business needed to make more money to pay bills and it wasn’t.

I think that scare lit a fire under me and rebooted my business and thankfully here we are 15 yrs and going strong.

Are you starting a business, interested in starting a business or have questions about what I do?

Listen to the end of the video for the Q and A part, but also feel free to leave any questions in the comments here and I’ll get back with you.

What Color Will You Wear For Your Next Photoshoot?

Planning your outfit for your next photoshoot?

I remember in my college photography classes learning about how certain colors look better on a person depending on your hair, eye and skin color.

This guide will help you think through the colors you will wear at your next photoshoot. All of these tips are of course a suggestion, but try it out and see if you agree :)

Don’t just stand there! Revive Your Boring Poses

How do you revive your boring pose ideas when photographing portraits?

Add angles with your arms and legs.

When you do this, it creates movement to your photo and brings interest from your viewers.

Look at all of those triangles!

Try these poses out on yourself for a self-portrait or grab a friend and do a photoshoot.

Remember, practice makes perfect. So, don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t work right away.

Tell me, do you think you’ll try it?

Are you more the ‘life of the party’ or ‘table for one?

Are you more the ‘life of the party’ or ‘table for one?
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I think I’m at my most productive when my favorite Spotify station is playing and I'm working by myself. It helps me stay on task, but I also love to work in a group and surround by the buzz of busy people.

This week a brand new co-working space is opening up downtown and I am so excited. A co-working space is great for people who usually work from home, but would like to have a change of scenery for their workspace. It can also be the place to work when you don’t have a home office at all.

The Firehouse Workspace has many things to offer, including a podcast studio, conference room, and photography studio among private offices to rent and open seating desks.

What are benefits of a co-working space?

-Meeting new people

-Possible collaborations to grow your business

-Office parties, which is so fun when normally you are a solo entrepreneur

-Water cooler talk :)

-Office comradery

Have you ever been interested in working in a place like this?

Brand Photography

CURRENTLY BOOKING BRAND SESSIONS
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Please hear this with magnificent passion.
⭐️I LOVE MY JOB⭐️
I can’t stress it enough.
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Every time I photograph entrepreneurs we talk about their dreams, my dreams, and then we encourage each other to keep going and taking steps towards those dreams.
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Let me help you get started on your dream. First step is writing them out.
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Write one of your dreams in the comments below. Once you put it out there, you are one step closer to reaching that dream.