OMG - What have I done? I don’t belong IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA ! 

Why did I book my own photo shoot?  In Paris?

Have you ever dreamed feeling like a model, feeling great about a photograph of yourself but let that voice in your head talk you out of it?

This is my journey experiencing the same emotions and thoughts you have when thinking about having your picture taken - the insecurities, the objections. All the reasons NOT to do it.

Today:  They're here! My folio box of photos is here!

Part 1: Explored if I am worth it. Just me, not the girls. Not to mention the $$$.  Find the full post HERE

Part 2: Wait! WEIGHT! Who doesn't consider this when they are about to be photographed?  Find the full post HERE.

Part 3: Wait! I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR! Even though I have a closet full of things, do I really want to wear any of these? Find the full post HERE.

Part 4: The Photo Shoot: What it’s like to feel like a model for a day. Who thought it was a good idea to be photographed at dawn?! But it was at the Eiffel Tower… Find the full post HERE

Part 5: It’s reveal day. Time for me to actually see the photographs that we created. Time for me to choose my favorites. Find the full post HERE.

The hard part was over (for me) actually seeing how I look in my photos. I knew I was going to love the epic images with the Eiffel Tower and thank goodness I liked, even loved, many of the others. 

I had brought 3 wardrobe pieces that I have in my collection for my clients to dress up in - my big ole tulle skirt paired with a lace shirt as well as an “Infinity dress” (Do you know about these? Check out my description at the end.) in a burgundy, my branding color. (I always advise my clients to bring something– anything- clothing or accessories- in their colors to create some cohesiveness with their branding photos and their marketing – website, social media, collateral pieces, etc). I also brought a strapless deep purple hombre gown (which we didn’t end up using) that had been donated from a friend’s closet for the studio wardrobe collection. 

Wondering what would make me look long and lean for another branding photo look, I purchased a black romper (I grew up calling it a jumpsuit) and a purple patterned dress (very out of character for me and a “wear with caution” in the Style Guide I provide my clients at our consultations). Truth be told, it’s my least favorite look, so I still say proceed with caution if choosing patterns for your photo shoot.

So, I was anxiously (in a good way) waiting for my folio box to get here. I love the folio box. For me, it’s a safe place to store my photos and it’s more useful than an album, because it looks nice on a bookshelf and I can swap out what photos I feel like displaying either in a frame on the wall or on an easel. 

Originally, I thought I was just going to have them in the studio because after all “what am I going to do with all these photos of myself?” But now that I have them I am going to put the 16x20 that came with my package outside my closet in my bedroom, put another with my collection of photos of my girls and 1 or 2 in my office . And of course, the box will be in the studio so you can have a look!

Anyway, I know you all have been asking when you can see the photos, so….

Be honest, did you read anything or just skip to here?

I have already changed the headshot that is on the magazine that I give to potential clients that come in for a studio tour/consult as well as added the epic Eiffel Tower in there. Now that I have had the public reveal, you can get a better look as they are sprinkled throughout my social media.

What are my feelings now that I have the photos in my hands?

1. Funny, but my first thought was that they are too small. I know, right? I was like everyone who talks to me about getting a photo shoot during my initial conversation with Ashleigh, my photographer. “Oh, an 8x10 matted print will be plenty big enough. How big do I need a photo of me?” But now, looking at the 16x20, I feel like it’s just approaching an appropriate size. 

2. Confidence. I think that like most of us, I can sense when I feel like I look good. And like most of us I put that out of my head, because we are taught that it is not good to spend time absorbed in our own virtues and that outer looks are superficial. But we really want to know how other people see us. And we look for validation both ways, positive and negative. I have a new confidence in the way I feel I am perceived and now, how I carry myself. What we put out, we get back. If we don’t allow ourselves to appreciate ourselves, how can we expect others to treat us well? (Preach, girl! Can you tell I have been doing a lot of self-value work lately?)

3. Repeat. (Different than do over). I need to do this with my girls. I need to have photos of the 3 of us. And they need to have photos of the 3 of us. And of themselves. They need to discover this appreciation of themselves that I now have of myself, waaaaaay before they reach my age, so they can confidently go out, make a difference in whatever way is right for them and live their lives and make choices for them, not for “should” or avoid things out of fear.

4. Grateful. Grateful that I have grown so much in the last few years that I could even do this for myself. Grateful that I have the resources to do this. Grateful that I have the encouragement of my husband, children (and tribe) who want me to keep growing and learning. We think that we are not important enough to be in photos WITH our kids and certainly not FOR our kids, but even if they don’t say it, these photos are valuable to them.

Luckily, I have one that says it.

So tell me, what do you think. Which photos do you like? Did you like the series? It is so rare for me to be this vulnerable even with my trusted few, let alone in public.

 (1) OMG do you know about infinity dresses? They are one piece, made up of a circular skirt, available in long or short lengths, with 2 long, very long, pieces of fabric attached that serve as the bodice, so you can create dozens of looks from. And they are only $35! And they take up so little room in a suitcase and don’t wrinkle! So I have one in black and one in cream for the studio in addition to the burgundy, but I am looking for an excuse to get the forest green and navy blue. (Anyone want to help a girl out and volunteer to wear one of these in a portrait?)

It's about shining from the inside...

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 xoxo

brenPhotography is honored by your referral of family and friends. 

Thank you.

Can a headshot be a portrait? Can a portrait be a headshot? There is often confusion. And before I settled in as a professional photographer, I shared the same confusion, so I get it.

See if this helps:

A Headshot is a type of portrait – a very specialized portrait – captured in a controlled environment, such as a studio, with the subject staring at the lens of the camera, creating a connection with the viewer.

These images are best used as profile photos, website “About Me” photos, speaker sheets and other type of press related materials.

Notice, there are 2 important characteristics when viewing these images and these are very important details.

• They are very “clean”. They have a uniform background, solid colored clothing, subtle makeup and jewelry.

• The crop is very tight and centered around the head and face, with little room for the rest of the body.

Your profile photo is your virtual handshake, it’s your unofficial introduction to potential clients, so it is vital to make a great impression. Make sure they can look you in the eye so they can get a sense of who you are.

It is so much harder to make that connection if the image is a wider shot, where your face is difficult to see in that small profile picture space, or if you are wearing distracting clothing, accessories and lots of makeup.

Portraits, on the other hand have looser guidelines and restrictions.

These are where you can let yourself go and really show your personality. These are great for everything else related to your image content needs – social posts, sales vehicles, your newsletter, blog, sponsorship signage, book covers and other marketing materials.

Wear outfits that underscore your brand. Head to toe framing. Looking away from the camera. Actions such as walking, talking, in conversation, at your computer. All great ways to show who you are.

So now it gets confusing again. YES portraits can be used as a headshot, BUT you

• Must crop it tightly to your face.

• Must be looking at the camera.

• Distractions must be kept to a minimum.

Make sense?

If you have any questions, I am happy to talk image content (and most other things…) so go ahead and give me a call at 215.208.5803 or send me an email HERE and we can chat more.

It's about shining from the inside...

Want more great tips? Subscribe to this blog, Studio 122 using the button on the right. Be the 1^st to know about special events and offers!

Subscribe to our newsletter HERE.

 xoxo

brenPhotography is honored by your referral of family and friends. 

Thank you.

OMG - What have I done? I don’t belong IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA ! 

Why did I book my own photo shoot?  In Paris?

Have you ever dreamed feeling like a model, feeling great about a photograph of yourself but let that voice in your head talk you out of it?

This is my journey experiencing the same emotions and thoughts you have when thinking about having your picture taken - the insecurities, the objections. All the reasons NOT to do it.

Today:  The Reveal (I get to see the photos) (eeek!)

Part 1: Explored if I am worth it. Just me, not the girls. Not to mention the $$$.  Find the full post HERE

Part 2: Wait! WEIGHT! Who doesn't consider this when they are about to be photographed?  Find the full post HERE.

Part 3: Wait! I DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO WEAR! Even though I have a closet full of things, do I really want to wear any of these? Find the full post HERE.

Part 4: The Photo Shoot: What it’s like to feel like a model for a day. Who thought it was a good idea to be photographed at dawn?! But it was at the Eiffel Tower… Find the full post HERE

It’s reveal day. Time for me to actually see the photographs that we created. Time for me to choose my favorites.

For me, this is more nerve wracking than the photo session. At least during the photo shoot I can imagine how great I look. Now I face the truth.

What if I don’t like what I see? What about all the mental work I have done on self acceptance, self love, self forgiveness. Will this create a downward spiral?

I can’t even pick out eyeglasses for myself because that is too much mirror time.

So- I had a crutch. Older daughter to the emotional rescue. We planned the reveal around 3 schedules, no wonder it took so long to happen….

Since Ashleigh is in California, we had to do the reveal via zoom, not in person. As a photographer, I love being in the same room as my client for the reveal because (selfishly) it is like Christmas morning for me. I get to watch my client unwrap herself and I get to feel the energy when she re-discovers herself and her beauty.

Fingers crossed….

Ashleigh opens with a video of the day starting with me getting my makeup done. OK, give yourself grace, it is before dawn and you are without makeup, it’s about the transformation….

Then, as we move on to the photos from the rest of the locations I am starting to relax. Happy with the photos on the Trocadero in front of the Eiffel Tower – in the dancing stills and video I look like I am having fun. Because I had no mirror the whole time (I was making outfit changes in the car) I didn’t really know how I looked, I was depending on Ashleigh (photographer), Cheryl (hair & makeup) and my daughter. As we progressed I was thrilled with the 30 or so photos that I saw of me. Even some of the closer up ones.

But this was a 2 minute video, what will I see when we start going over them one by one. You know, the time when we go right to the parts we don’t like and then nit-pick ourselves to death.

Surprise! I ended up with 20 photos that I love and will be proud to use both personally and for branding. They are a little skewed toward the epic Eiffel Tower photos, and I love the composition and the different looks, but I did get a balance between all the locations and outfits (even the dress that I wasn’t sure I was going to like). And I was surprised at how many of the closer up ones I liked.

Discoveries:

1. When I saw photos of myself side by side, I learned why I usually dislike photos of myself. I could compare all my angles and I figured out what, to me, is my best side. We are not models by profession, and once I got past age 12, I stopped spending a lot of time examining myself in the mirror, so how could I possibly know the best way for me to look in snapshots?

2. Trust the team. I had to trust everyone around me to make sure that I was looking good, especially because there was no mirror. I didn’t have the resources to edit myself, or double check what they were doing or telling me. And after all, I hired Ashleigh because I liked her portfolio.

3. Put a lot of thought into what to wear. Not only because I had to pack outfits for a foreign destination, but because if my outfits didn’t fit well, or flatter me- well Ashleigh can only do so much with posing & lighting. Bulky, ill- fitting clothes won’t do me any favors. As I was waiting for the reveal, in retrospect, I was wishing I had brought a jacket for the jumpsuit, a scarf for the dress (what was I thinking getting so many photos with bare arms?)

4. Be open to a new view of myself. So much of this was me pushing my comfort zone, it was interesting to see how others saw me. And there are a few things in these photos that are driving me a little nutty, but I am going to leave them and try to embrace and respect a new view of myself (externally as well as internally).

NEXT: The prints. Funny, now I am excited to receive my 20 printed photos (about 4 weeks) in a folio box with a canvas cover with the epic Eiffel Tower photo on the front.

And I’m planning where I am going to be scattering them around the house and studio. One is definitely going outside my closet.

Next up- the unveiling!

PHOTO CREDIT- My daughter who thought to capture screen shots of the reveal. She has captured moments of this whole adventure. (Thank heavens for the millennials who always think to capture EVERYTHING!)

It's about shining from the inside...

Want more great tips? Subscribe to this blog, Studio 122 using the button on the right. Be the 1^st to know about special events and offers!

Subscribe to our newsletter HERE.

 xoxo

brenPhotography is honored by your referral of family and friends. 

Thank you.

I bet you’ve been told that you need a professional photographer to make photos that will resonate with your followers?

Q: Do you really need a professional photographer to make photos that will resonate with your followers?

 Normally, I say you do, but….

 A: Sometimes all you need is your phone and a strategy.  Not every photo that you post needs to be created by a professional who has tons of equipment worth an untold sum of money.

It's always a great idea to post photos of your day to day activities especially 1 to 1 meetings to give prospective clients a feeling of what it is like to work directly with you.

Well, you could always just grab your phone and hold the camera out with your arm, or use one of those terribly intrusive selfie sticks (sorry if you love yours), but then it’s just another selfie. How can you capture yourself in action in order to paint a picture for a potential client that would allow them to picture themselves working with you?  Especially if you need to have your hands in the image, and therefore not available to work the camera…

If you have no one around who can take a photo for you, it’s a great time to use the 10 second timer on your phone.

Here’s how:

First pick a spot in the room where there is good lighting – facing the light coming through a window is best, avoid the flash if you can. Then set up your shot.

Next, set up your camera making sure you fit everything into the shot that you need - don’t forget to leave room for yourself! Lay the phone the long way (landscape) on the ground, on a desktop, on some books in front camera mode (so you can see what you are shooting) and lean it against something (a book, water bottle, you don’t need a fancy tripod) so that it is fully upright and parallel to you. 

            Open the camera app on your phone

            Tap on the camera icon

            Tap on the clock icon in the camera 

            Choose between the 3-second or 10-second timer

Tap the shutter release and wait for the countdown to finish (your iPhone camera's flash will blink as the timer counts down) before the photo is taken. This should allow you time to get yourself in the picture or stabilize your phone to avoid shaky images.

There you go! Not only does this give a potential client a glimpse od what a session with you looks like, but it also give you a solid piece of image content that can complement a story that shows your knowledge and expertise.

So how about it? How can you create some interesting selfie portraits for your business?

Post your “timed selfies” in the comments here or on my page- let’s see what you can do!

It's about shining from the inside...

Want more great tips? Subscribe to this blog, Studio 122 using the button on the right. Be the 1^st to know about special events and offers!

Subscribe to our newsletter HERE.

 xoxo

brenPhotography is honored by your referral of family and friends. 

Thank you.

Name:  Veronica "Niki" Fielding

Business:  Digital Brand Expressions (DBE) https://digitalbrandexpressions.com/team/

Business: Owlthena https://owlthena.com

Veronica (Niki) Fielding founded Digital Brand Expressions (DBE) in 2001. She’s been helping pioneer digital frontiers since the territory first opened. DBE is comprised of award-winning, results generating, search engine and social media marketing experts who work synergistically with each other, our clients, and their other agency partners to bring Omotenashi to life.

Niki is also founder of Owlthena an expert listening service for business owners. Its premise is based on a new approach using the emerging science of attentive listening.

What inspired you to start your business?I started Digital Brand Expressions because I saw an opportunity to get into the digital marketing space and it was new and there was lots of pioneering to be done. 18 years later, DBE is recognized as a performance agency for search engine and social media marketing, sought after by brands for which those channels are real business drivers. 

Now, in addition to growing DBE, I’m launching a second business, Owlthena, the expert listening service for business owners. This category-creating service will provide business owners a conduit to clarity^smwhen they find themselves stuck in a pattern of circular thinking.

What do you like most about what you do?For both businesses, I love that feeling of knowing with absolute certainty that what we do truly helps others. DBE does it through competitive advantage performance marketing; Owlthena does it through 1:1 attention clear thinking encouragement for business owners.

What is your definition of success?For me, success is a day-to-day measure. Am I achieving the strategy level goals by achieving the tactical-level ones? Am I taking care of myself? Am I actively helping others? Am I feeling the joy that comes from purposefulness? If yes, I’m successful.

What advice would you give to an inspiring entrepreneur or student?  Build a network and use it! Don’t be shy about asking for help, for introductions. Ask others what you can do for them. When you first start out, most likely you’ll be asking for more than you give—if you do it right, eventually there will be balance, and perhaps over time you’ll get so good at it that you’ll be giving much more than you ask for--and that’s a wonderful place to be!

Essential business philosophy.Lead with kindness, adjust accordingly. 

What is the biggest business lesson you’ve learned?Ask for help to get what you need and the universe will ask you to reciprocate when your help is needed by others.

Why is community involvement important to you and how do you support the local community?I actively mentor young men and women who seek my career advice by making myself available to them to answer questions and offer tips, and I have the not-for-profits that I sponsor financially, including The Trenton Area Soup Kitchen on a local basis, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on a national basis, and Charity Water on a global basis to help me give back in the ways that work best for my life.

FUN FACTS:

Morning ritual: Coffee; check my peeps on Facebook; read 2-3 business articles on something new, innovative, or controversial; take a walk; meditate for 10 minutes; hit the shower; and then listen to podcasts about matters of the soul and mind for my 30-minute drive to the office.

Next vacation: Aruba. I hear it’s a guarantee from a wonderful weather standpoint. I need some of that!

What is something that people don’t know about you?  Though I rarely talk about spirituality, I am very interested in the energy in and around us and fascinated by all that is in this world that we cannot see and are just beginning to realize is just as real.

Favorite place in your house & why: hands down it’s in “my chair” in front of the fireplace in our family room, sitting opposite my guy while we have our morning coffee and chat about whatever comes to mind.

If you were stranded on an island what 3 things would you have to have with you?A French bulldog, a horse, and an umbrella.

If you could invite anyone living or dead to dinner who would you invite & why?Oscar Wilde. I admire his quick wittedness and word play. So clever!

Do you know someone you think is a Brilliant Woman: Tell us about her in the comments. We're always looking for someone to highlight!

It's about shining from the inside...

Want more great tips? Subscribe to this blog, Studio 122 using the button on the right. Be the 1^st to know about special events and offers!

Subscribe to our newsletter HERE.

brenPhotography is honored by your referral of family and friends. 

Thank you.