Sarita Cannon, a Bay Area opera singer, who has graced the stages and ear’s in productions such as “Take the Aria Train” among others, contacted me in need of updating her head shots. We headed over to the Legion of Honor and decided the white flowing pillars and Grecian feel would be perfect for the style of head shots she was wanting. During the photo shoot I suggested we take some photo’s of her singing – to help really encompass her talent and to showcase a couple of action shots. In order for them to look authentic she would have to sing, even if it was quietly. Much to my delight, she began singing an Italian song acapella – her voice vibrantly and subtly filled the halls. People stopped in their tracks to ease-drop on the private concert. I had goosebumps while I stood there trying not to let my jaw hit the floor while I shot.
Listening to her sing was such a treat and left me feeling inspired. I mean, I can carry a tone but if Sarita and I had a karaoke battle, she would make me sound like William Hung (no offense Billy – home girl can wail).
Get inspired for your next head shot session and check out Sarita.
Everyone needs head shots – even the people who sit in their corner offices in a sky rise with a 360 view of San Francisco. These days every business has a website – it’s the number one tool in creating a successful business – and potential customers want too see who you are, they want to feel like they’re becoming acquainted with another human being, not just some computer screen that has content blaring at them.
Another bonus of having a head shot on hand is for media opportunities, published written/virtual/syndicated opportunities, and possible business leads. Depending on your marketing/PR plan you may have an unanticipated media request to profile you or your business – they’ll ALWAYS, and I do mean always ask for a head shot. Finding a photographer with a short deadline and turnaround can be unnerving and in some cases not possible. The worst case scenario is you’ll end up with a crappy head shot that a colleague took with their iPhone, and lets face it – when it’s your time to shine you want to look your best!
I can attest to this personally! A couple of months ago I was profiled in the Wall Street Journal, as an emerging entrepreneur in the mist of a recession after being laid off, the editor asked me for a head shot – he needed it by EOD. I didn’t have any – especially being a photographer I’m always behind the lens – not in front. Additionally, the WSJ is on the East Coast so I was in even more of time crunch to produce a professional and flattering (of course you want to look your best for the WSJ) head shot. Having but a couple of hours and no assistant or even a friend to help I forged ahead and took my own self-portrait head shots. I was happy enough with the images and sent them over after nearly a heart attack of producing one.
Working with media inquiries is a delicate matter – when they contact you, you need to be on point and have their requested material readily available. If not, you could possibly miss a grandiose opportunity to get coverage on your business.
UBS Financial in San Francisco understands the benefits of having executive head shots of every team member. Their company deals with millions and millions (maybe even BILLIONS?!) of other people’s money. They want to ensure prospective clients, current clients and anyone who comes across their website is able to see who’s taking care of their investments. It’s their way of building trust and becoming accountable for their services.
Enough of my jabbering on the importance of executive head shots – without further delay, here are the executive head shots of UBS Financial:
I had the privilege of being a guest on Robin Hardy’s radio show on Monday, June 15th. Hardy is a Business Building Expert and chats with various Entrepreneurs & Business Owners. I was joined by two other entrepreneurs, Jean Newco and Sandra Robinson (yup, the same Sandra Robinson from Day’s of Our Lives).
Here’s the synopsis of our discussion:
“We will be exploring the challenges & obstacles of starting or re-inventing a business and how each person overcame the challenges & obstacles. It is the right time to start your dream business or re-invent what you have been doing, why aren’t you moving forward? What is keeping you stuck? How can we help you launch the business of your dreams? What are your challenges, obstacles or fears…” – RobinHardy.net
Listen to our discussion and feel free to respond with questions/comments!
An exclusive with Fox Business News on how Tarah Photography is an emerging and successful photographer – even during an economic slump. Check out the video below!
Tarah is featured in The Wall Street Journal as being named as an up and coming entrepreneur for her photography talent in the Small Business Section. Many thanks to those of you who have sent her successful wishes and accolades. Check out the article below:
Working with babies and children can be challenging, exciting and fun. Some children are shy, camera hogs and everything in-between. Here are a couple of tips on how to shoot children to pull the best out of them:
1. When looking for candid shots – don’t invade their space. Use a long focus lens to keep distance between you. The child will be unaware your photographing them and will feel uninhibited.
2. Kids can be stubborn and willful – if you’re looking for a smile and you’re getting blank faces, catch them off guard by singing a tone or making a strange face – the element of surprise is on your side.
3. Lastly, always shoot children in a place they’re most comfortable - home, grandparents house etc. They’ll be more willing to work with you since you’re on their turf.
And always have fun!!!!!!
I had the pleasure of working with the privately owned pre-school in Fremont CA, Genius Kids and Baby Genius to shoot portraits of the adorable children / babies for their advertising / school brochures. See the cuties below!
I worked with an amazing high schooler from the east bay who is aspiring to be a fitness and/or model. I think he looks like a fresh Zack Efron ready to steal the spot light!
For those of you who may be aspiring models and want to know what you need to do get your face out there – here are a couple of tips to get you started:
1. Get your portrait taken! Typically, modeling agencies want to see about four different looks, so when booking your shoot try to work in as many different settings, clothing changes etc. And always, ALWAYS be sure to have at ONE strong head shot.
2. Call the agencies in your city or look online to find out when they have open calls as well as the requirements to submit your photos. A couple of San Francisco’s top agencies are Look Talent, Stars Agency,Ford Models- I also recommend contacting casting agencies to help build your modeling resume, check out Blackwell Files.
3. Lucky for aspiring models most agencies are accepting potential model portraits online, which makes it more cost effective for you! If not, print out either a 8×10 head shot or composite card (also referred to as a zed card) to mail/present to the agency.
4. If you’re one of the lucky ones who get called in for an in-person meet - remember to get all the information prior to going. Even if you submitted your portraits online you may need to print and bring them with you!
With that said – check out Patrick, a rising star!
Gone are the days of high schoolers posing in parks with their letterman jackets and big cheesy grins. Teenagers who are coming into their own want their senior portraits to reflect their individualism as well as their artistic nature – they are the trend makers after all.
Two stunning seniors had their senior portraits taken but with a vogue-like interpretation. Check out a couple of their portraits:
I had the pleasure of photographing fitness model / personal fitness trainer Bianca Buresh. She recently was the featured sports model for TRX. Check out her amazing body and stunning smile from our shoot.
