In today’s competitive professional world, photography is vital for your personal brand. Many professionals are unsure about how to choose a professional photographer for business, actor, or staff headshots. Kyle Bondeson Photography has put together a list of tips and tricks to help you choose a photographer that will provide quality photos that suit your needs.

What Are the Qualities of a Good Photographer?

Photography is a form of art, and when it comes to professional headshots, it’s important art. Photography involves creativity, composition, and imagination, but there’s more to it than that. When learning how to choose a professional photographer, focus on the following three qualities:

• Creativity: At first, it may not seem like much creativity goes into taking a professional headshot, but there’s more to it than a simple point-and-shoot. Good photographers use creative lighting, backdrops, facial expressions, and poses in ways that best represent their clients’ values and missions.
• Passion: Ultimately, the one thing that sets a great photographer apart is their passion for doing what they love. The photos they take for their clients often serve as a first impression, so they have a significant impact on their clients’ futures. Look for a photographer who is passionate about delivering a quality product that propels their clients’ careers forward.
• Observation: Excellent photographers need to have a good eye for detail in order to compose the best possible photograph. Lighting, composition, storytelling, and emotion must come together on the other side of the lens, and if one of these is only slightly out of place, it can ruin a photo. Great photographers scrutinize everything and make sure that even the tiniest details are perfect.

What Skills Should a Photographer Have?

Part of learning how to choose a photographer involves understanding the skills that these individuals should possess in order to provide quality photos that tell your story. There are countless skills important for taking great photos, but when it comes to your personal brand, a few stand out from the crowd.

Lighting

Lighting can make or break a photo, and photographers should have mastery of several different lighting techniques in order to make the most of a session. Natural and artificial light are very different, and photographers must understand how to use them together to enhance the image being captured. Lighting affects the atmosphere and mood associated with your photos, as well, so it is vital that you choose a photographer who can give you the desired results.

Color Theory

Color theory is another vital skill that professional photographers should possess. Different colors elicit different emotions from different people. Primary, secondary, and tertiary colors work together in harmony to create beautiful and often emotional imagery. Color is key to creating a focal point and holding the observer’s attention.

Composition

Composition can be described as the arrangement and placement of various elements within a frame to achieve the desired effect. Although headshot composition is not as difficult as landscapes, for example, knowledge of composition techniques is still important. The rule of thirds and the creative use of negative space are both important for headshot photography.

Post-Processing Skills

Photo editing has come a long way in the last 10 years, but despite all the technology available to virtually everyone, professional photographers are trained to process images in ways that improve their visual appeal. Photographers should be proficient with several photo editing tools, such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One Pro, and others.

How Do You Know if a Photographer is Good?

When learning how to choose a professional photographer, there are two primary focus areas that can help you decide whether a particular person or company is as good as they claim to be: their portfolio and their online reviews.

Review Their Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of an individual’s past work that showcases and highlights a wide range of skills. Every professional photographer should be excited to allow you to browse their portfolio. When doing so, look for in-focus images, realistic skin color, consistency in quality, and a variety of different subjects and foregrounds.

Read Their Reviews

Reviews are the biggest indicator of whether a particular photographer is right for the job. While many photographers publish reviews and testimonials on their websites, it is always a good idea to look for third-party reviews, instead. A few complaints here and there aren’t always red flags, but if the complaints are significant, or if you see the same complaint multiple times, it may be best to choose a different photographer altogether.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Photographer?

After reviewing a photographer’s qualities, skills, portfolio, and online reviews, it is always a great idea to ask questions that apply to your specific needs. Some of the most important questions to ask include the following:

• Do you photograph in a studio or in an outside location? Many headshot photographers take pictures both inside their studios and in various outdoor locations. If you want to try a specific location, be sure to ask if that is a possibility before you book.
• What is your billing structure? Some professional photographers bill clients by session, which includes a specific number of photos. Others may bill their clients hourly. In most cases, session pricing is the better and more reasonable option.
• Does your price include retouching? The vast majority of photographers include some retouching in their base pricing, but it is not uncommon for a photographer to charge extra for going the extra mile during editing. Be sure to ask what is included – and what isn’t.
• What are your ideas for my photographs? After telling your photographer what you hope to achieve with your headshots, ask if they have ideas they can give you. If they can come up with one or two creative options fairly quickly, that’s a great sign. If not, you may want to look elsewhere.
• What happens if I am not pleased with the outcome? Last, but most certainly not least, ask the photographer about their satisfaction policy. What happens if you don’t like your photos? Can you get a refund or a partial refund?

Book a Session Today

The best professional photographers take pride in what they do, and they work hard to meet your needs and preferences. When you understand how to choose a photographer with the right skills and knowledge, you can rest assured that you will receive only the highest-quality imagery that suits your individual needs.

Kyle Bondeson Photography has more than 15 years of experience in portrait and commercial photography, and we offer several sessions and packages designed to meet your requirements. To learn more, or to schedule your session online, visit our website today.

Employee photos are an exceptional tool if you want to enhance your brand image or just show off your company to potential clients. A business photo shoot and staff headshots can provide a professional company impression. To have a great business shoot will require planning, persistence, and flexibility. And you’ll also need an experienced professional photographer. If you are wondering how you can prepare your staff for a business photo shoot, we’ve put together some tips to make the process go smoothly for you. 

Organizing a Staff Headshot Session

To begin organizing your staff headshot session and business photo shoot, you’ll want to determine your objective. You may want to discuss it with your marketing and/or public relations departments. Staff headshots are useful in a variety of settings and can be used in numerous ways to enhance your company’s professional appearance and display your unique culture and environment. Your leadership team should discuss where and how the staff headshots and business photos will be used. They can be used on a company website, sales materials, or brochures. Perhaps you are creating an “About Us” page, bios for your team members, or a bio page for staff members. No matter what the primary objective of your business photo shoot is, just make sure your leadership team is in agreement before booking a professional headshot photographer. 

Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you begin organizing a staff headshot session.

• What purpose will the staff headshot photos serve?
• What impression do we want the images to give our clients or potential clients?
• What image do we hope to portray, friendly and fun-loving or serious and trustworthy?
• Do we have a suitable background in the office or business area for a staff headshot or business photo shoot session?

Once you have answered these questions, you are ready to start discussing your ideas with a headshot photographer. They will be able to offer professional guidance and advice on the best way to create staff headshots that will align with your company’s vision and culture, whether you are a young tech startup or a mature law firm.

6 Ways to Prepare Your Staff for a Business Photo Shoot

Once you determine to have a staff photo shoot day, it’s important to get your entire team prepared. Organization and preparation will help set you and your team up for success. It will also make the process and your life easier. Additionally, it’ll make sure it all goes smoothly, and your staff can walk away having had a pleasant experience. Here are 6 ways to prepare your staff for a business photo shoot.

1. Manage The Time Effectively

Managing your time effectively will help the photo shoot run smoothly. Keep the rest of the day open by not planning any events before or after the shoot. Sometimes, a shoot will take a bit longer than planned. If you will need the photographs by a specific date, make sure to schedule the shoot several weeks earlier, so the photographer has plenty of time to edit and prepare them. You may find it best to schedule the photo shoot earlier in the day, such as an hour or so after the business day starts.

2. Create a Detailed Schedule

It’s important to create a detailed schedule for the staff photo shoot. Include some extra time in case it takes a bit longer than you planned. Make sure to factor in some time for setting up and breaking down equipment, etc. Providing a clear outline of the day and sharing it with your staff will ensure everyone is prepared. If you plan the shoot outside, make sure to have a plan B in case of inclement weather. Also, include your building manager when distributing the schedule, so they will be able to prevent conflicts during the time slot.

3. Make a List

Making a general list of the details of the day will help the photo shoot run smoothly. The list can contain information like the location(s), participants, wardrobe, etc. This helps keep everyone on the same page and helps them know where they should be and when.

4. Communicate Instructions with Staff

It may seem a bit obvious, but make sure to let your staff know when the professional photographer will be there for the business photo shoot. Letting them know in advance helps alleviate confusion. When your staff feels better prepared for the event, they will be able to relax.

5. Send Reminders

Once you establish the date and time for your business photo shoot, send out a notice to your staff well in advance. Then, you’ll want to send a couple more reminders as the date approaches. You may want to send one out a couple of weeks prior, then a week before. Make sure the reminders contain the information they will need, such as the time of the shoot, what to wear, etc.

6. Determine Appropriate Attire

Communicate with your staff about any specific wardrobe requirements you may have. If you want to achieve a conservative, corporate look, you may want the men to wear a jacket and tie; women may need to wear a dress or blouse. There are a lot of stereotypes about what to wear for a business photo shoot. Some say don’t wear patterns, layers, or stripes. But some of the older problems caused by these types of styles have gone by the wayside with the use of the modern camera. However, here are a few tips to pass on to your staff.

• If you have corporate colors, recommend staff members wear them to the photo shoot.
• Make sure clothes are clean and pressed.
• If you are wearing new clothes for the business photo shoot, make sure to try them on beforehand.
• Make sure clothes fit well. There shouldn’t be any baggy, bulky, or ill-fitting clothing worn.
• Jewelry should be simple and minimal.

Book Your Business Photo Shoot with Kyle

It’s necessary to book a business photo shoot in advance. Minimally, it should be at least 2 to 3 weeks before the date, which gives you plenty of time to plan and announce it. Put it on your personal and company calendar. Make sure to put a few extra hours for the shoot on your calendar, as it can take a bit longer than you expect.

Why Choose Kyle for Staff Headshots?

As a business, you want to make a good first impression. Staff photos are an exceptional tool that can help you show your professional side and build a quick rapport with potential clients. To ensure the photos achieve your purposes, you need to work with a professional headshot photographer like Kyle Bondeson, who has over 14 years of experience. Kyle offers competitive pricing, professionalism, and a stress-free business photo shoot. He will communicate with you each step of the way to ensure you and your staff are well-prepared and ready.

Are you ready to schedule your business photo shoot and staff headshots? Reach out to Kyle Bondeson Photography by filling out the online form. He will answer your questions and provide pricing for team and staff headshots. Contact a professional you can trust!

Real estate professionals do a lot more than help their clients buy or sell properties. They must sell their personal brand. Buyers and sellers have lots of options when choosing a real estate agent. Branding and marketing strategies can help you stand out and show clients you are your best choice. Realtors marketing without headshots are missing opportunities.

Having a professional headshot puts your best foot forward online and off. Using a headshot makes you look professional, polished, and prepared. If you are one of the realtors marketing without headshots or if you are using an outdated headshot, you are missing out on key opportunities to reach clients. 

Are Professional Headshots Important for Realtors?

Up-to-date professional headshots are essential for realtors. They demonstrate your professional image and display your personal brand. Clients are looking for realtors who exude professionalism, are on top of their game and know how to go the extra mile. When you spend the time and effort to work with a professional photographer to create a headshot, clients recognize your efforts and dedication to professionalism. 

Establishing Connections

When you show your face on your marketing efforts and on your website, you increase opportunities for connecting. The first way to connect with an audience is by drawing their attention. A well-done professional headshot does just that. Secondly, when a client sees a human face, it evokes an emotional response. According to marketing expert Neil Patel, ads and other marketing materials that include human faces outperform those that do not. Ads with faces saw a huge increase in conversions over faceless ads. Realtors advertising without headshots are missing out on conversions and, ultimately, on ROI.

Strong Branding Development

When you use a professional realtor headshot in your branding efforts, it elicits an emotional connection with your target audience. Headshots help humanize your brand. While it draws positive attention to your logo, it demonstrates there is more to you than a logo; you’re a person. This adds authenticity to your business image. Humanizing your brand by using professional headshots can put you a step ahead of your competition.

Versatility in Marketing

Think of the ways you plan on reaching potential clients. You may use some traditional marketing strategies, but online marketing is where most are putting their efforts. Like most of the world, your clients spend time online. This means leveraging the marketing power of social media. Using your headshot on your website and social media platforms are sort of like putting out a “for sale” sign in front of a property. It tells observers that it is available and ready. A professional headshot can be used to enhance social media campaigns. They can be used across the platforms you choose, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and more.

Improve Content Quality

Consumers today expect high-quality content. While smartphone technology is improving, they just don’t cut it when it comes to producing high-quality headshots. A phone image taken in poor lighting, blurry, or even slightly out of focus is unprofessional. Clients will be able to tell the difference. You’ll be doing your business a disservice by using lower-quality images. Using high-quality realtor headshots on social media platforms and your website is essential for driving user engagement.

What to Do if You Don’t Have a Headshot

If you don’t have a professional headshot, or your realtor headshot is old, you’ll want to get one as soon as you can. Realtors marketing without headshots are not getting all they can from their marketing campaigns. To start your search for a professional headshot photographer, you’ll want to consider several qualities. Here are some of the qualities that make a pro stand out from the rest.

Reliability

When you are considering photographers, reliability is one factor that should stand out. They should answer emails or phone calls in a timely manner. A headshot photographer should be proactive when it comes to sharing information with you. You should not have to hunt them down or wait too long for answers to your questions. 

Professional Portfolio

Check out some of the photographer’s previous work, especially headshots. Their portfolio offers you a good idea of the type of quality they produce. Take a look at their online portfolio, check out their social media, and their website for examples of their work. Take a look at the lighting, expressions, and how the pictures are presented.

Turnaround Time

Along with professionalism and availability, organization and timeliness are essential qualities to look for in a headshot photographer. There are far too many stories of photographers who take the shots, then disappear for weeks or months without delivering the product. A professional will be able to give you a time frame for delivery. 

Are you ready to leverage your marketing power with a professional headshot? You don’t want to trust just anyone with your headshot; you want the best. Contact Kyle Bondeson Photography to get a high-quality realtor headshot. Book a session with an experienced headshot photographer you can trust!

What is a Headshot? Defined

There are many terms in the photography business, and it may seem a bit confusing at first. One such term is ‘headshot,’ which instantly conjures an image in your mind, but is it the right one? No matter what you think a headshot is right now, we’re going to explore them in greater detail. We’ll also explain the difference between headshots and marketing portraits, so you’ll know the difference between the two services. So let’s read on, shall we? 

Is a Headshot Just Your Head?   

Technically, no. However, the bottom of a headshot usually starts around mid-chest and goes upward. Other things that all headshots incorporate include a heads-on approach, along with the subject being obviously aware of the camera. In fact, they should be looking directly into the lens. 

Differences Between Headshots and Marketing Portraits 

As far as headshots and marketing portraits go, ‘differences’ may be a strong word to use. Rather, a headshot is a portrait that’s just cropped tightly. The two serve different purposes, though. 

Here’s why you’d want to book one over the other:

• Headshots serve to put a face to a name. In today’s online world, people want to see who they’re interacting with. Therefore, a quality headshot is an immediate and impactful way to show yourself in a professional manner. 
• Marketing portraits are a little more abstract; they serve the same purpose but they allow you to tell your story a little better than a simple head and shoulder shot does. Being photographed in a specific environment, whether it’s your office, a restaurant, etc., allows for a greater sense of your business.

Qualities of a Professional Headshot  

A professional headshot should instantly convey that you know what you’re doing. Their entire point is to make you seem friendly, trustworthy, and competent. This is much more important than you may realize, especially in today’s internet-based society. 

Considering the fact that people will make their initial impression of you in about 1/10 of a second, you want their first glance to be a good one. More often than not, their initial impression will be formed upon looking at a picture of you online. So, you need to make sure it’s a good one! 

For instance, what if you’re using your headshot on LinkedIn to help you look for a new job? Hiring managers will get a feel for who you are almost instantaneously, and this could push your resume to the top of the pile or into the garbage bin. While there’s nothing fair about this process, it’s simply the way people are wired. By the seventh second, their entire first impression of you will be formed, and you won’t usually get a second chance to change their mind. 

People are almost always dressed to impress in their headshots. There is some room for creativity, depending on your industry, but the general rule of thumb is that you should dress for whatever job you’d like to have. This typically means business wear. However, if you’re not comfortable in the outfit you wear, it may show through in the image. Therefore, you might wish to find something nice looking but also comfortable. 

In a professional headshot, look for the following: 

• Includes your face and shoulders 
• Wear neutral clothing 
• Make sure you can see catch-lights in your eyes

Is a Selfie a Headshot? 

Even the very best selfies cannot compete with a professional headshot. That’s because they’re not taken in the right environment, nor do they have the feeling of being professionally done. Surprisingly, though, many people choose to use a selfie instead of getting a headshot. This is most likely because going to a studio takes time and costs money. But if you consider again that your headshot will provide a first impression of you, it becomes much more worthwhile to have a professional photographer take your picture. 

You may see some articles that discuss how to take a good enough-looking selfie to pass as your headshot. During the beginning stages of Covid, this was pretty much all you could do. But if you examine the guidelines behind getting a good selfie, you’ll see that it’s much more complicated than you think. 

You’ll need to hit each of the following points to even have a chance at getting a good headshot. 

• Do a self-study through photography
• Choose a good backdrop 
• Pick the right outfit
• Make sure your camera or phone is on the right settings 
• Use a tripod
• Pay attention to lighting 
• The right pose
• You may edit the photo, as long as you don’t over-edit it 

As you can see, this is a lot to keep in mind. That’s why most people reach out to a skilled photographer instead. 

The Takeaways

To summarize, your headshot should include your head and shoulders. You should also look directly into the camera and be as friendly as possible. It’s highly important that you don’t use a busy background. Instead, choose something neutral such as white or gray. 

Your photographer can help you pose, and they’ll also help you relax. Both of these are crucial elements that go a long way toward creating a good headshot. They can also help you get past the initial first impression and leave people happy to get to know you. Remember: although selfies work for informal social media, they’re not what you’ll want to use for your headshot. Turn to a professional photographer instead. 

Kyle Bondeson has nearly 15 years of experience as a photographer. He specializes in taking headshots and portraits of people in the Chicago area. Find out more about how Kyle can make you look your best by visiting KyleBondeson.com.

You know that old saying “first impressions make the best impressions”? Well, it’s true. Research has shown that it takes people about .10 seconds to judge you based on their very first encounter with you. Furthermore, research also suggests that those first impressions are very difficult to change down the road. So what people see first is what sticks in their mind, and that includes judgments on whether or not you’re a reliable business partner, someone they can trust to buy a product from, an individual they want to hire, etc.

With all that in mind, professional Chicago headshots are vitally important to get across the exact message you want people to receive when they look at your headshots. Maybe it’s important that you look relaxed, because a position requires a congenial people person. Or the position you’re applying for with your headshot might require someone who literally looks the part of a suited and booted professional. 

7 Reasons to Get a Professional Headshot

Whether it’s a corporate headshot, an acting headshot, or a modeling headshot, it’s vital that you seek out a professional to take your headshots in Chicago. Why? Because you might take nice pictures, but a professional photographer is trained to take photographs that will truly set you ahead of everyone else in a headshot slush pile. How?

1. Regardless of the business you’re in, your headshot is a window into your brand. Could be your company brand. Could be your personal brand. Yes, that word, “brand,” is key. You see it in stores and you hear about it in statistics—people have favorite brands and they buy them above all others because they’ve come to trust them.
   Companies spend billions of dollars protecting their brand, because once it’s damaged—once possible new customers form negative first impressions, for instance—those clients (and that money) are lost for good. You should operate on the same principle: your Chicago headshots convey your brand. A professional photographer will you make it count when a person takes that first look in your direction
2. If you’re already established in your industry, then a professional headshot is a way to reinforce who you are, what you stand for, what you bring to the table. If you’re new to the industry, on the other hand, a headshot can show all the possibilities you have to offer—enthusiasm, energy, creativity, dedication. Yes, those things can all be conveyed (or not!) in a headshot taken by a professional.
3. A professional photographer is specifically trained to listen to the message you want to convey, and then will work specifically toward that end using lighting, composition, backgrounds, editing, etc. Yeah, you might have a buddy who takes nice pictures, but can you trust that person with your entire professional career? Because that’s what could be riding on these headshots, mark our words! Don’t take a chance. Professional photographers know their business—you. They’ve spent years learning the skills of their trade. They’ll guide you through the full process to ensure you get the very best results.
4. Ever heard someone say “the face of a company”? That’s literal. It’s why, whether it’s a CEO or a celebrity, successful individuals consistently cultivate a certain personal brand, a certain business ethos, a certain look that people come to associate them with, which allows them to stand out.
   It’s not about your degree or your wealth. Whatever your business, it’s about whether your headshot shows that you are worthy of people’s trust.
   A simple example is if a viral photo leaks of a restaurant that has failed a health inspection. Pictures of hair in food, a filthy kitchen—that’s enough to end a restaurant right then and there, for good. Your headshot is a window into how you do business—in a way that impresses, or in a way that doesn’t. A professional photographer will make sure people walk away getting the right idea when they see your headshot.
5. How much time do you spend on social media? Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn … all these platforms are places your future business partners, customers, and/or future employers will regularly be visiting. Make those visits count by using a professional headshot on all your social media pages, to ensure, again, that your brand is consistently polished, trustworthy, and always sends the right message.
6. Professional photographers can help you decide the type of headshot you need. Styles will vary if you’re going into an artistic profession, such as modeling or acting, or a corporate profession, which requires a polished business look. The photographer can also advise you on the best outfits, accessories, etc. to wear. Definitely schedule a short consult with your photographer pre-photo shoot, to ask him or her any questions. A photographer’s job is to guide you.
7. Pro-tips: plan your outfits before your photo shoot. Don’t wait until the day before! If you’re getting your hair cut, do it a couple weeks in advance, so you have a chance to get used to the new style. And hire a makeup professional. It’s worth it, trust us. These professionals will work together with a professional photographer to deliver the best results.

In the end, it all comes down to what we started with: the first thing people see is what they’re going to remember. So when someone looks at your headshot, whether it’s on social media, in an application packet, or as you hand the photograph across a desk at an interview, make sure that headshot says exactly what you want it to. 

It’s tough becoming a successful professional in this world, regardless of industry, so use every tool at your disposal. A professional headshot is one such tool and it can make or break your business prospects, right out of the gate. Don’t miss the opportunity to instantly sell yourself by presenting the very best possible image. Hire a professional photographer. You won’t regret it and you’ll reap the benefits in years to come.

I’m a Chicago-based professional headshot photographer with years of photography experience. Please review my Chicago Headshots Photography section for information, and samples of my work, and book your professional headshot session in Chicago today.