To get those crisp new headshots, you’re going to want to look your best. For those of us that aren’t Beyonce and don’t naturally “wake up like this,” that means we might need a bit of help in that department. However, everyday makeup and makeup for a photo shoot are two different things, and although they are similar there are some differences you might want to think about. For this article, I got input from Theresa Burden, a wonderful makeup artist based in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area.

My number one recommendation is…

Hire a professional. Seriously. Hiring a reputable makeup artist is a great option if it’s in your budget. They know what they’re doing, you won’t have to buy extra product that you may not normally use, and you’re more likely to get the most out of your headshot session. There are many factors that produce a fantastic headshot. A photographer that knows what they’re doing is great, but if you walk into a session feeling like your makeup isn’t up to snuff, I guarantee your lack of confidence will show in the finished product. But that’s not the only reason. “Professional Makeup artists use makeup specifically designed for professional photographs,” says Theresa, “A well-educated artist will know how and what to use on different skin tones, types, and conditions. Men need makeup too! In the makeup world, it’s called “grooming”. You won’t even know you have anything on. Grooming is designed to take away shine and even out skin tones.”

Hiring a pro isn’t in the cards? Read on!

Of course, sometimes hiring a pro isn’t feasible. While it’s not the best option, here are some tips for you if you decide to go it alone in the makeup department.

Take care of your skin

Although nobody’s face is perfect, we should strive to take care of our faces as much as we can. Having a clean, healthy face makes your job easier when applying makeup, and it makes the photographer’s job easier when retouching. There’s a little secret for you: EVERYONE needs a little help in the retouching department. I don’t care if you’re Gal Gadot or Jason Mamoa, everyone needs some love. Says Theresa, “Don’t skimp on good skincare. Healthy glowing skin always looks best in photos. If you have questions about your skincare routine contact me or your local esthetician.”

Starting at the foundation

“For foundation, less is more. For most people, you will have some areas that need more coverage than other areas. Know where to lightly apply,” says Theresa. “For discoloration, such as under the eyes, you will want to color correct rather than using a lighter color. Lighter colors will gray out the area.” I’d also add that you should lean more towards matte finishes as opposed to going for shine. You will come across as sweaty which is a nightmare to retouch. Now is not the time for that dewy look.

Those eyes…

The eyes are windows to the…well you know the rest. But, for headshots, the eyes should be the first thing that grabs the viewer, so you want to make sure that they give a good impression without going overboard. Clumpy eyelashes and too-deep shadows give an impression you might not want. To put your best foot forward in the eye department, “No harsh lines. You can do black eyeliner but just make sure it is soft. You can soften any eyeliner with eyeshadow or just use eyeshadow as an eyeliner. Matte or velvet shadows are usually best for headshots. Use eye primer to ensure smooth and long-wearing application,” says Theresa.

Lips and beyond

“Use your natural lip color as your guide for lip and cheeks. A satin or velvet lip is great for headshots. Velvet means slightly less matte than matte. For bronzing, look at the more tan portions of your body. That is what your bronzer color should be. Apply very lightly to places on your face where the sun hits you. (Forehead, sides of the face, nose). Don’t overdo it and blend well,” Theresa says, “No HD powders! Long story short, they are meant for video, not photography. Detailing cream/light gel cream and a comb or toothbrush can help with fly aways. Don’t overdo it!”

Probably the most important thought to keep in your head is one that applies to the rest of headshot photography: Your headshot should look like you on a really, really good day. If you find yourself looking like you’re ready for a night out…on Halloween…then maybe you’ve overdone it a bit. Subtlety is key here, so don’t go overboard!

I think Theresa sums it up best here, “Overall, keep it natural. This isn’t time to show off the makeup. It is for showing you off!”

Got your makeup situation all figured out? Then maybe it’s time to book your session!

The post Makeup Tips for Headshots From a Makeup Artist appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.

Be Confident In Your Image

However, the quality of that image isn’t just important to your clients. It affects your confidence in your business as well! Think of it: You’ve had a successful meeting with a prospective client. You’ve pitched them on your product or service and they are loving it! You know that this sale is in the bag. At the end of the meeting, hands are shaken and goodbyes are given. That’s when it happens.

“Oh, mind if I have a business card or two?”

Your swagger melts away as you remember that the headshot on your cards is from 10 years ago and prominently features a jacked up haircut, bad lighting, and looks like an ad from Glamour Shots. “Um…sure…just…uh…hold on a sec…excuse the old picture. Been meaning to update my cards.” You both laugh. Were they laughing with you or at you? Are you about to get your card passed around parties as a joke? Did he just snort?? You look for the closest rock to crawl under.

Don’t Be Cheap With Your Image

You’ve worked hard on your products, services, and your pitches. Your suit is sharp and you are manicured to perfection! So, why are you walking around with a horrible headshot? In business, confidence is everything. If yours is shaken because your image doesn’t line up with the real you, what does that say about you to prospective clients? Whether it’s your headshot or images of your product or service, you owe it to yourself to have high-quality images made that show you in the best light. I take pride in helping businesses put their best foot forward with their marketing, however, I can’t help if you won’t make that investment in yourself.

Trust me: take time out from your busy schedule and get this done. Pay a professional. Don’t get your cousin Saul with the really good phone camera to do it. Like anything else in your business, it’s an investment in you. Think of it in terms of return on investment. If you go cheap, but you end up losing out on work because someone else has a more polished PR package, then did you really save any money? Quite the contrary. Due to your frugality, you lost money. Conversely, if you pay more for your image, but you end up securing work, the photos will pay for themselves many times over.

Hence, don’t be cheap when it comes to the most important part of your business: you!

Thank you to the following for their help in creating these images:

Amy Simon

Ford’s Fluent n’ food catering

Joint Venture Jewelry

Tonic Bar and Social Club

The post Your Headshot and Product Photography Isn’t Just Important to Your Clients appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.

You got your wish! For so long now you’ve been dying for a camera so you can finally start taking quality pictures of your own family. Your elation turns to fear as you realize you have no earthly idea how to use this new piece of memory making magic! As a photographer, although I’d love for you to hire me for your family pictures or life-changing events, you don’t need to hire a pro for ALL of your photos. For your day in and day out shots, all you need is a little guidance. With that in mind, here are 5 tips for using that new camera to take your family pictures!

1. Ditch the Auto

Ok, this needs to be said. Get off of auto mode. Pronto! The only way you’re going to learn to really use a real camera is to stop letting it think for you. If you want something that thinks for you, just use your phone! There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using your phone for snapshots. But, when you want to start taking some pictures that have a prayer of ending up on your wall, roll up your sleeves and start thinking for yourself! Flip that dial to M and keep moving!

2. Sell the Kit Lens

You were so stoked that the camera you got came with a lens! Get rid of it. Most kit lenses just aren’t very good for getting you that creamy, shallow depth of field that you’re after. There are plenty of cheap options for getting some great imagery. I would start with a “Nifty Fifty.” That’s photographer speak for a 50mm f/1.8 lens. You can buy them new for $200 or less for most brands. Here’s a Nikon option. Here’s a Canon option. A 50mm lens is also great for getting familiar with the camera as it functions similarly to how our eyes do.

3. Speed Up That Shutter

Nothing causes blurry, out of focus photos quicker than a shutter speed that’s too slow. Use what’s called the “Reciprocal Rule.” Your shutter speed should be AT LEAST as fast as your focal length. So, if you have a 50mm lens, you should be shooting no slower than 1/50th of a second. I would say, though, to be safe double it! So if you have a 50mm, shoot no slower than 1/100th of a second. When you’re just starting out, your hands may not be steady yet. Shooting at slower speeds may introduce motion blur, ruining otherwise amazing family pictures.

4. Put the Sun Behind Your Subject

There are plenty of ways to light your subject, but direct sunlight, while nice to admire when you’re walking around town, can be harsh for family pictures. Until you learn to deal with direct sun in other ways, it’s safer to place the sun behind your subject or shoot closer to sunrise or sunset. That way, the harshest light will be highlighting your subject from behind while the softer light is on your subject’s face. Careful not to shoot directly into the sun. Not only can it hurt your eyes, but it can also introduce flare into your photos, lowering contrast and messing up your photo.

5. Stop Down a Touch!

Just because your lens’s aperture can open up all the way to 1.8 doesn’t necessarily mean you should shoot there. All lenses are at their worst “wide open.” If you “stop down” a bit, ie. close your aperture, your image quality will get dramatically better. So, rather than shooting at 1.8, try 2.2. It’s a small change but can affect your overall image quality in big ways. Your image will be sharper with more contrast in no time. Also, when shooting family pictures you’re frequently shooting in small groups. Stopping down can help get more of your group in focus.

If you’d like to learn more steps to dramatically boost your fledgling photography skills, why not check out my workshop in Wake Forest, NC, on September 8?

If you like this content and would like to see more of it, please let me know!

By clicking the product links, I may receive a small percentage of sales.

The post Family Pictures – 5 Tips for Using That New Camera appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.

I’ve been shooting headshots for well over a decade, and if there’s one thing I’ve never heard it’s, “I love to have my headshots taken!” We are all human, and that means we all have our insecurities. Double chins, bald spots, yellowing teeth with a pimple or two (they always seem to come out the morning of the shoot, don’t they?) are normal and shouldn’t take away from your experience in a good headshot session. Your photographer is, hopefully, well trained to bring out the best in you while putting you at ease. That said, here are some tips you can take into a session yourself to make your headshot shoot go that much smoother!

1. Bring Music

Nothing soothes the savage beast like some tunes, and the same can be said for the nervous headshots client. Listening to music that you enjoy can calm your nerves or help you pep up if it’s an early morning session. Furthermore, it may be a nice talking point between you and your photographer. A simple conversation goes a long way towards establishing rapport. Ask your photographer if they have a way to play music, or bring your own portable speaker (I use this one), or just play it on your phone. Trust me, if it helps bring out the best in you, your photographer won’t mind.

2. Communicate Your Worries

Your photographer wants to get the best out of you. Everyone has their little insecurities, but you may have a part of yourself that you truly hate or just don’t want to see in the photo. The photographer could be happily snapping away, shooting that feature in all its glory, and no matter how good you look in the photo, all you will ever see is that feature. By telling your photographer up front that you are uncomfortable, you enable the photographer to take steps to minimize those features you’re nervous about, creating images that you will love. Be honest and open.

3. Headshots and Partying All Night Don’t Mix

Nothing ruins a headshot shoot quicker than a hangover. Many times the only availability you have to shoot is on the weekend, and the temptation to tie one on the night before your shoot can be intense. Don’t do it! You won’t feel like your best self. You’ll have bloodshot eyes. Bright lights and a hangover don’t mix, so if your photographer is using flashes you will be in for a hurtin’! You’ve paid someone good money to make you look good. On that note, even if you’re nervous I wouldn’t drink before the shoot, either. Have you ever been the sober person at a party? Awkward isn’t it? That’s how your photographer will feel. Awkward does not create good headshots.

4. Avoid Accessories That Steal Your Thunder

I know, I know, a little bling never hurt, right?? Well, in a headshot, the rule of thumb is to never steal focus from the face. The purpose of getting a headshot is to have a PR piece for yourself that sells YOU. If your earrings are the first thing your client notices, the headshot has failed. They have connected with your diamonds before you. That’s why you should avoid loud colors, fun patterns, or intense makeup. These things distract your client from making that connection. Tone it down.

5. Be Authentic in Your Headshots

Don’t walk into a shoot trying to look like Beyonce or Tom Cruise or (insert good-looking celebrity here). It comes off as false. Your clients will sense it and not trust you. You want to be true to yourself and not a second-rate knockoff. Remember that at some point your clients will probably meet you. I guarantee that if you don’t look a thing like your headshot your clients will notice. Have you ever seen someone using a headshot from 20 years ago? It doesn’t inspire confidence when you know the person you are hiring is trying to pass themselves off as 20 years younger. Embrace YOU. Your headshot should look like you on your best day ever!

6. Your Two Best Friends: An Iron and a Lint Roller

Don’t show up to the shoot with your clothes looking like they’re fresh out of the dryer! Minor retouching is pretty standard for most photographers. However, a shirt or blouse that is incredibly wrinkled can be a nightmare to correct after the shoot. Iron or steam your clothes so they’re ready for the shoot. The same goes for lint. If you have some furry friends, try to be hands-off with them leading up to your session. Else you could look like a Yeti before you get started. I always carry a lint roller with me on shoots, but some photographers may not. Be proactive and bring one, just in case.

I hope these tips help you when you’re stepping into your headshots session! If you have any questions about headshots or are looking to schedule your own session, feel free to contact me HERE!

The post Headshots – 6 Quick Tips For a Smooth Session! appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.

Whenever you pick up and move a small business, you risk the chance of losing clients. As a photographer, one of my favorite and most reliable clients is US Figure Skating. I’ve been working with them for years and was anxious that I wouldn’t be able to shoot for them once I moved to North Carolina. So, imagine my relief when I got an email from Troy, their Editor in Chief, saying they’d love to have me back!

Next month, I’ll be leaving on a jet plane to Colorado Springs to shoot their annual Champs Camp event. It will be my fifth year shooting magazine covers for them! Over the last few years I’ve had the opportunity to shoot portraits of rising stars and icons in the sport, including Ashley Wagner, Gracie Gold, Maia and Alex Shibutani, Adam Rippon, Jason Brown, Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and many, many more.

My point in all this is to express thanks. I’m so thankful that a small organization like US Figure Skating continually has me back to work with them, year after year, even going so far as incurring the expense of flying me in from across the country! It’s such an honor to be able to photograph these athletes who represent our country with so much talent. I can’t wait to see what we create this year.

Also, retaining this wonderful relationship gives me even more optimism about the fantastic new clients I’ll be meeting here in Raleigh, NC! There’s so much talent in this town to discover. Here’s to creating fantastic new work in my new home.

The post US Figure Skating, Here I come! appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.

I love it when a great team comes together! And this team came together for some vintage inspired bridal portraits.

I had the pleasure of working with some really awesome vendors and artists on a styled shoot in Durham, NC a week ago. Together, we created a bridal vibe that is at once unique and vintage, but without pretension. Please take a moment to check out the vendors I worked with on this shoot, as they worked their tails off to make it happen!

Of course, I’d be remiss in if I didn’t talk about the cameras and film used to create these looks. The film portraits were created on a Mamiya RZ67 medium format film camera with Kodak Portra 400 and a Shen Hao 4×5 with both Ilford HP5 Plus and Kodak Portra 400.

Raleigh Durham Wedding Vendors

Makeup Styling: Theresa Burden

Venue: Durham Fruit

Florals: Blissful Celebrations, LLC

Attire: Fifi’s of Durham

Jewelry: Styled by Markie

Hair: Christy Callaghan

Are you interested in creating a unique look for your bridal portraits? Contact me to chat about some of your ideas and see if we can make it happen.

The post Vintage Inspired Bridal Portraits – Raleigh Durham Wedding Photographer appeared first on Hans Rosemond Photography.