By Gretje Ferguson


Whether you are starting a new business or sprucing up your existing enterprise, you will find yourself fielding requests for a headshot. A good headshot is a business essential. It gives you a leg up when it comes to publicity, a professional web presence, or a potential speaking contract. A strong business portrait personalizes your business. People see who you are and are more likely to want to work with you.

In contrast, an unflattering, badly posed or technically inferior headshot can work against you. The subconscious questions that may come up are: Does this person take herself seriously? Is she a consummate professional? Will she give my account the attention it deserves?

Your headshot should showcase you as an accomplished yet accessible professional. Depending on your business, you may want to show a softer side, a no-nonsense attitude, good listening skills, compassion, or a combination of these. And you want to look your best!

It's important to choose a seasoned photographer who will be proficient in lighting, composition, and posing, and who will work with you to understand the nuances of your business and the message you want to send. Here are some questions you might want to ask before booking:

·How long will the photo shoot last?

·Will I have an opportunity to be photographed with a variety of expressions?

How do you elicit different moods?

·How many images will be taken?

·How many do I get to keep?

·How are the proofs presented? As digital files? As contact sheets? As prints?

·Will I have the opportunity to have a clothing change for a different look?

·Are the images available in print, as a digital file, or both?

·Will my chosen images be retouched?

·Will I have unlimited use of the images, or will I need to pay more for additional usage?

·Is there a makeup artist or hair stylist available at the studio?

·What is your policy in case I don't like any of the photographs?

Once you have made your appointment, there is still some preparation to do for your session! Here are a few pointers:

1. If you are having your hair cut, do so several days before the shoot so it will have time to settle down.

2. If you wear a suit, be sure the jacket or blouse fits well. This is critical! The camera blatantly shows if seams are straining, or if your shoulders are swimming in extra material. Choose a solid color that is somewhat darker than your natural skin tone. Tweeds or patterns are distracting, and may cause a moiré pattern in a digital file. Come to the session with your clothes clean and pressed.

3. Consider booking a few sessions with an image consultant prior to your photo session. You can get great advice that can have a positive impact on the photo session and your general appearance.

4. Have your makeup professionally done for the shoot, or wear a little more makeup than you normally would. Photographic lighting can wash out your features.

5. During the shoot, imagine you are greeting a favorite client as he or she walks through the door. This exercise keeps you from worrying about how you look and brings out your warmth and accessibility.

Your headshot is part of your brand. Be sure it is sending a message compatible with your professionalism.

January 22, 2009

Lori will be live on the radio.

We are all watching our finances very closely these days. Everyone is cutting back on spending including clothing and accessories. Lori Johnson of Your Best Image, Personal Image Development will share practical tips to help you make economical wardrobe decisions.

Breaking the Glass Slipper is a radio show dedicated to helping women attain true financial freedom. Co-hosts Stacey Shipman and Kathleen Burns Kingsbury provide a fun, safe and interactive forum providing information on a variety of topics related to women, money, stress, managing finances, living well on a budget and much more. The show airs live on Internet Radio on Thursday mornings. You can listen live or to archives by visiting www. breakingtheglassslipper.com.

Thursday January 22, 8:00 am to 8:30 am.

Listener Call in # - (347) 838-9429

January 23, 24

Business Headshot Special.

You've always meant to have a professional headshot done, and now's your chance. You will enjoy a relaxing experience in the comfort of Gretje Ferguson's home studio. Professional stylist Lori Johnson will dramatically enhance your portrait with her wardrobe suggestions and makeup application. All at our special two day only promotion pricing.

When:
Friday 23 and Saturday 24, January
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Makeup and photos will take approximately 45 minutes.

Where:
Gretje Ferguson's home studio
6 Deep Dene Way
Dedham, MA 02062
See Gretje's website
(www.gfergphoto.com) for directions.

Fee:
$300.00 includes makeup application, photo shoot, online web gallery, one high-resolution retouched file for unlimited use.

Visa, MasterCard or check accepted.

Non-refundable payment must be received before January 16 to secure your photo session. Space is limited, call early.

Register:
To schedule your appointment time, call Gretje 781.461.9202 or email her at gretje@gfergphoto.com.

Please arrive wearing the outfit you will be photographed in and your hair styled the way you like it. Full makeup and light hair touch-up will be provided.

For questions about what to wear, hair, and makeup application contact Lori 866.286.5405 or email her at lori@yourbestimagepid.com

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