Todd Taulman Photography

Time For a Professional Headshot

2017-03-22T18:35:00.001-07:00

With the world’s ever more digital presence, a professional headshot I not just nice to have, it is a necessity. Investing in a professional headshot is an investment in yourself, which is an investment your personal brand. Think about how many places your headshot will go. It will have far reaching implications in today’s social media, digital landscape.

To truly invest in yourself and your brand, you need a professional headshot. A professional photographer can help make you look your best. Proper posing, proper background and proper lighting can all add up to creating your personal brand.

Professional photographers can advise on clothes and color for you. My personal recommendation is based upon on what your career is. Be cognizant your normal career work environment and choose clothing appropriate. If you are a doctor or a nurse, wear your lab coat. If you are a river rafting guide, then you should wear what you might wear when guiding your clients. Business people should wear business attire, suits and ties for me and proper business attire for women. In general, solids are much better than overly busy patterns. For men, crisp white shirts and a nice pop of color with the tie are perfect. Talk with your photographer and come up with a plan for your outfit.

You may still be wondering why? Or maybe how often should I update my headshot?

My recommendation is every 18 months, 24 months at the latest. We all are getting older so we constantly look different. Have you ever seen a headshot of someone and then met them in person? Was it obvious they had their photo from years ago? A current headshot gives your viewer a true representation of who you are.

Getting a good headshot can also help people you met briefly a reminder of who you are or who they are. It can be a visual trigger, making it easier to say yes to connect on a social network.

A good headshot portrays your personality, can make you more approachable or shows your seriousness. Yours should portray who you are. Smile or serious, the choice is yours and should show how you want others to look at you.

A proper headshot shows your professionalism. This may make it easier for you to gain new clients, new contacts, and investors or make a good first impression when looking for that new job on LinkedIn.

Speaking of LinkedIn, what is the first thing people see when they look at your profile? Your photo!

A good headshot can help you stand out from the crowd. This is a key in today’s world.

Find a photographer you are comfortable with and work with your photographer to create the best headshot for you. Then, schedule the proper amount of time to have your headshot taken. I know from experience, if you are rushed, your photographer will feel rushed. I personally would like to spend about an hour just in the photography side with each and every person, especially if I have just met that person. I want to be able to connect to whomever I am photographing. A new client should get more of my time, so I can connect with him or her. When my client is comfortable with me and I am comfortable with the client that is when I can get the true personality into the headshot. Time is often an issue, but investing that time will be well worth it in the long run.

You don’t need to be a top executive anymore. Everyone professional needs one. I encourage you to find a professional photographer to help you create yours. Please let me know if I can help you create yours.

Brand Awareness and Marketing with Photography in the Digital Age

2014-10-06T14:05:00.003-07:00

Today, I commented on the Oakland Raiders twitter feed about David Carr practicing. Nothing unusual about a QB getting ready for the next game. What I did, is blast the Raiders for the photo they used. See below.

My statement was about the photo itself and the poor quality of the image. This has nothing to do with the fans, believe me, I heard a lot from the Raider fans. They are as passionate about their team as anyone. For that I give those fans much respect. Those same passionate fans deserve better than this crappy cell phone photo. I know the Raiders have a team photographer. So why would the Raiders not use their team photographer for this tweet. They said "We endeavor to provide immediate updates from the field and inform fans of newsworthy moments."

Makes sense, and I agree with them completely on this matter. However, if the news is this important, wouldn't it be in the best interest of the Raiders, the NFL and their fans to get the best possible image of this newsworthy event? I think so.

In this day and age of instant information, high speed networks and the ability of photographers to transmit images quickly, it should not be a problem to take the 10 or 15 minutes necessary to get a much better quality image out. Quicker does not always mean better, in fact, it rarely does.

The Raiders and the NFL should know better, after all it is their product. Brand awareness is key in the digital age. Even with an NFL team.

So take the necessary time to get it right.

Devaluation of Photography

2014-06-24T11:56:00.001-07:00

Have you ever heard the phrase: "It's just a photo"?
I do...all the time. It's just a part of the devaluation of photography and photographers. Now that cameras are everywhere, it's an epidemic of poor images filtering into the mainstream consciousness. Where images that are "good enough" are used in place of hiring the trained professionals to create the proper images.
I must send out two or three quotes a week and I always hear the same thing. "Why is it so much? It's just a photo."
As a commercial photographer it is not "just a photograph". It is the key to my clients brand and image. Good photography can separate brands in an ever more knowledgeable consumer base. The proper photograph has the power to make a brand or a product. The top companies in the world seem to understand and they hire the best photographers(or animators) to make their product/brand stand apart. That is not to say everyone has their budget, but with a little research and a little knowledge even a small company can increase their brand awareness with better photography.
Look at it this way, if Uncle Jim is willing to take a photo of your Wine Bottle in his basement with some lights he purchased at his local Menard's and using his Rebel for $100.
Then, your local professional photographer is willing to photograph that same Wine Bottle in a studio setting, make a proper clipping path, correct lighting, and high quality Canon 1DX for $200.
Which would you rather have?

I can remember years ago, when I was photographing weddings, I could command a nice day rate for proper wedding photos. Now, not that I want to shoot weddings, I could not even get half of what I use to. This is all do to : "I have a friend who can take photos." or "My uncle has a nice camera."
I really feel for professional wedding photographers, brutal business these days. I actually had someone who told me she would just have all her friends take photos on their iPhone.
Really, your wedding and you are going to have iPhone photos...ok, good luck with that.

New Digital Creation

2012-12-12T17:41:00.002-08:00

I haven't been doing a whole lot of my own personal photography lately. I did however find some time to create a new digital piece. This came about as I was reading a sports story and for some reason this came to mind. I do have some photography ideas I am working on, but not likely to start on them until next year. fortunately, that's only a month or so away. Until then, just chillin.

Maternity Special

2012-11-30T13:21:00.003-08:00

Book your maternity session for January or February 2013 and get your image creation fee for only $20.13 and savings of $204.87. All sessions must be completed by February 28, 2013. Valid effective dates of this program are November 30, 2012 through February 14, 2013. No other discounts apply, offer limited to one per person or family. Session will be in studio only sessions, on location sessions will require an additional travel fee. Sessions are available on a 1st come 1st serve basis, and available dates are limited. Please email me if you have questions: todd@toddtaulman.com

Comfy Casual

2011-05-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

I was able to shoot a long awaited set today, with a local girl; Christy Mack. Started off a bit rough for her, as her car lost a tire on the way over. But like a true pro, she stuck it out and we were able to complete the shoot as scheduled. Here is a sample from the shoot.
Rarely with me, do I find that the images turn out exactly as I had thought of them in my head, but I do think that these today were right on to my original idea. So a big thanks to Christy for sticking it out and making the shoot a complete success.

Ah Hockey......

2011-04-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

I was able to photograph one of my favorites sports on April 9th down in Florida...hockey. This was the 1st time I had the chance to photograph a hockey game. I love this sport, the speed, the power and the athletes today are just very impressive. I am looking forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's one of my shots from the game. I will post more on my website this coming weekend.
Todd Taulman Photography Portfolio

2011-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite musicians new album came out today. Awesome sound. Check it out. I highly recommend all of his music. Looking forward to seeing a new show this summer with Bob..always a good time.

Slight Delay

2011-03-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

Sadly there was a slight delay in a session I was scheduled to shoot today. Just a little hiccup, nothing major. It did give me a change to test a new portrait style. I will get my casual style shot in the next few weeks.

Keep an eye out for it.

Good News

2011-02-27T07:12:00.000-08:00

Got some good news. I was able to get a new computer this weekend, my last one died recently, so it is good to get off my laptop. Plus, this new computer was able to restore my iPod, sweet....

Plus, I was able to get a model and MUA booked for a new shoot on March 12. A beauty/fashion shoot, something pretty and fluffy. Trying to alter my style of imagery just a bit and stay updated with current looks. I think this will be a nice step in that direction.

Still on track to shoot Queen of Hearts in April, as long as we can get some leaves on the trees, I certainly don't want bare trees...yuck.

Well more news later.

Upcoming Beauty / Fashion Project

2011-02-21T16:53:00.000-08:00

While I wait to get my Queen of Hearts project completed. I have decided to go ahead and do a beauty/fashion set. This will be an in-studio project and will only last a couple hours, but it should be a nice addition to my changing style of work. I will be sure to post an image when I shoot this one.

Queen of Hearts - UPDATE

2011-02-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I have cast the model for my Queen of Hearts project. I believe she will be perfect. Now I just need for the weather to turn to spring. I will be needing green leaves and grass. I really am looking forward to this one. It is gonna be great!

Queen of Hearts

2011-01-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

I just got the dress I ordered for my Queen of Hearts project. I love it. So now, I am starting the casting call for the model. I am looking for a model who can wear a dress size 2 to 6, not sure how this one will exactly fit, so any model interested, will have to come in for a fitting. But I am looking forward to any model interested in this assignment. More info can be found on my website Todd Taulman Photography
I will see if can get a picture of the dress posted soon. Now, I just need the model and nice spring weather....

Merry New Year!

2011-01-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Had to borrow a line from one of my favorite movies for my title...I sincerely hope everyone had a great holiday season. With the new year now upon us, it is time I got back to work on some new projects. My first casting for the new year will be Queen of Hearts. I think I mentioned this in my last post, but I am getting very close to having the wardrobe purchased, next will be finding the right model. I have asked two models, but have not yet heard from either one yet, but with the holidays, they could just be slow in responding. Hopefully I will wrap up casting the model soon. I am looking to shoot in late April, maybe early May, but really depends on weather. I do want the trees to have leaves on them. I am very excited by this project and it really has been consuming most of my thoughts for planned shoots for the past month or so. I may try to squeeze in one, maybe two fine art nude sessions before I shoot this one, but I will be happy when I get it cast and lined up.
Later this spring, I will start looking for some new glamour models who wish to be submitted to some magazines. I really want to try my hand at getting a couple publications in this genre this year, but I certainly need the right models. If you are a model and want to come shoot with me for publication submission, please email me: todd@toddtaulman.com Please put Magazine Model in the subject line. I am looking for glamour models, so you should expect that there will be nudity in this style and if you are not comfortable with that concept, please do not contact me about this. You must be at least 18 and any travel expenses are your own responsibility.
Well, enough for now, back to the Bowl Games......

Project Delays and New Projects....

2010-12-01T19:46:00.000-08:00

So, I was working towards getting some projects shot, but have been having a terrible time getting the models I want, with the look I want, for the price I can afford..isn't that always the case..No worries though, I am patient, I will get these done. I also decided on a new project for next spring called "Queen of Hearts". I was going to do this entirely in the studio this winter, but recently switched the plan to do the majority of the work outdoors on location. I am really excited by the concept I have in mind, and it will be PG rated, I think my mother will be happy about that....not to mention my wife.
Anyway, this time off from serious shooting for my personal work has given me time to work on some technical skills in Photoshop that I always wanted to learn and to start the learning of Premiere, After Effects and Mocha. I always wanted to do movies, so now I am learning that process as well.
I will be heading to Cincinnati on 12-5-10 to photograph the Saints at Bengals, so that will be fun, haven't shot a Pro Football game in a couple years. I always enjoy that, but it is looking to be cold and snowy...yuck. Drop by my website sometime next week, and I will get photos from the game posted.

Zenfolio

2010-11-16T18:22:00.000-08:00

As you may know, I have been using Zenfolio hosting service for organizing and presenting my photos online. You can view my site at http://toddtaulman.zenfolio.com/

I think Zenfolio is a great service, and I wanted to recommend that you open an account as well.

Some of the features Zenfolio offers are:
• Unlimited storage for your photos
• Elegant pages with a variety of layouts and designs including creating your own completely custom designs that you can edit without any knowledge of coding
• Beautiful presentation of your photos
• A very easy to use and intuitive interface
• Full screen Slideshows with music (50 free songs are included)
• Ability to link to many image sizes and share your photos on Facebook and Twitter directly from your account. This way, you can upload photos only once and share them any way you like.

You can use my referral code VZQ-NFH-CDF during sign up to save 10% off your own subscription. Once subscribed, you'll get your own code, and if you get enough referrals, you may never need to pay for the service again.

Zenfolio offers a free Trial account for two weeks so you can see if you like it. I really think you should give it a try.

http://www.zenfolio.com

New Work On It's Way.

2010-10-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I have really done anything of personal artistic merit, but that is about to change. I am currently working on no less than 4 different projects. I have begun casting models, looking for the props and doing some back-end work. I am really excited by some of the ideas I have and believe the finished pieces will be a whole new direction in my work.
Some of the new pieces in production are:
Sculptor's Creation
Hands of Life
Avenging Angel
Money Man

I am also working towards starting a new side business of Bridal Portraits.

Stay tuned for some of the new pieces.

Big News....

2010-07-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the Big News: For the rest of the year, I am offering in studio maternity sessions for a booking fee of only $25. That is a savings of $200 off the normal price. This is a great deal for anyone about to have a baby and would love to have some family heirloom photos from this amazing time. Please check out some of my maternity photos at my website: http://toddtaulman.zenfolio.com/maternity

Seriously, this is a great deal. There is no catch on the booking fee, and no additional charges for the in studio booking fee.
If you want a professional makeup artist, that can be arranged, but that is an additional fee.

Sessions at a location of your choosing will be billed at the regular rate, sorry.
For complete details, or to book your maternity session, please send me an Email me at todd@toddtaulman.com

My Shoot with Emily

2010-03-16T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally started getting back to shooting. This past weekend I worked with the very lovely Emily from out Ohio way. She made the trek over to do some fashion/glamour work with me. I saw this photo for the TV show "Caprica" (I think it airs on SyFy) and I loved it. So I wanted to create my own image. Emily liked the idea so we finally got together and did the shoot. Here is my image based on the "Caprica" shot. Emily stuck around for a few hours and we were able to shoot a few more looks. I also have to give a big shout out to the make-up artist - Rachel (http://makeupbyrachel.com). To see more of the shoot with Emily, drop by my portfolio drop site: http://toddtaulman.zenfolio.com/
Well, got some more ideas in my head...got to get back to work...

'Bout time to get back to work

2009-12-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

I have pretty much been on hiatus, doing commercial work for the past 4 months. I will probably take off a couple more months before I get back to shooting some new model work. Been a nice break. This isn't to say I haven't been working on ideas, revisiting some old ideas, and working on some new techniques...I have. Believe me, there is a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into just about everything I shoot. With that said, I do have a list of a few ideas, and will publish those her 1st. These are the ones I want to get completed this year, don't know if I will, but I hope to.

Here they are, in no particular order (some are just working titles):

"Alice"
"Path to Righteousness"
"Jesus of Suburbia"
"Pan and His Satyr"

More details will follow, including model calls..so stay tuned.

Also, I plan to shoot more bridal portraits this year, ideas have been welling up inside my head...got a few leads on new brides, so this may work out really well. I will need a makeup artist and hairstylist for these..hint, hint.

Live Music.....

2009-09-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today, one of my favorite musicians, Bob Schneider, released a new album. If you have never heard of Bob Schneider, you need to head over to his website: Bob Schneider and check out his stuff. Bob is from Austin, TX and I have enjoyed his music for years. He was gracious enough to allow me to photograph him during one of his concerts here in Indy a few years ago. Here's a pic from that show. This got me to thinking about how much I love doing concert photography. I think I may branch out and see if I can make some more connections and photograph some more shows. If you wanna see more of my concert photos check out my portfolio of concert photos here Live Concert Photography by Todd Taulman

I will have to upload a few more from Bob's show and some of the others I have done over the years. Now, who wants me to come photograph their show. I do have a few requests of those that I would love to photograph in concert, here is my list (in no particular order):

Green Day
Hall & Oates
Bryan Adams
Crowded House or Neil Finn or both
Weezer
Duran Duran
U2
Chris Isaak
Chickenfoot
Harry Connick, Jr.
Counting Crows
Cheryl Crow
Dave Matthews Band
Bon Jovi
Eric Clapton
Five for Fighting
The Fray
Gavin Rossdale
Gavin Degraw
Gomez
Howie Day
Billy Joel
Elton John
John Mayer
John Mellencamp
Lenny Kravitz
Madonna
Maroon 5
Nickelback
Old 97's
The Outfield
Rick Springfield ( gotta be right in the front, I always get stuck 8 rows deep)
AM
Spoon

If you have connections or happen to be one of these artists, hit me up...I will work for access...

Get Bob's new album here: Lovely Creatures

Giving away free Bridal Portraits

2009-09-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

I am expanding my Bridal Portrait business. To do this, I want to update and improve my selection of bridal portraits. I am therefore looking for brides who would like to be featured in my photos. If you are a recent bride or a bride to be and would be interested in posing in your wedding dress, please visit my website. As compensation, I will provide your session at no cost, hair and makeup included and one framed 8x10 print. Bridal portraits sessions normally start at $225 before hair and makeup costs.

To qualify, you must sign a full model release, provide the wedding dress, shoes and flowers. You must also be available on weekends for the photo session. All sessions will take place at my home studio on the east side of Indianapolis. If you are outside of Indianapolis, you are welcome to apply, but you will be responsible for all travel costs. You are welcome to bring along anyone to the session you wish, but please limit this to one person. Sessions typically last around two hours, not including hair and makeup time. I will also need to see at least two photos of you, one of your face and one full length.

www.toddtaulman.com

Look for the Bridal Portraits link at the top.

Been traveling....

2009-06-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted anything. Sorry for the delay. I have been traveling quite a bit, and I just haven't had time to do much of my own work. Not that I am complaining, quite the opposite. In the past few weeks I have been to Mexico, Florida and Ohio( 4 or 5 times). It's all good. I did manage to squeeze in a shoot a couple weeks ago, covering a new style of beauty shot I was interested in trying. I like how this turned out. I need to do a few tweeks, but overall, I am very happy with the look this creates. I will try to be more active here going forward, as it seems most of my travels are done until September, though this is very subject to change at a moments notice.

Mexico

2009-04-26T02:12:00.000-07:00

I am off to Mexico today for a week long assignment. I will try to get at least one post in while I am there.
Gonna be nice to get some sun.

Sport Portraits

2009-04-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

So, I have been working on some new sports inspired portraits. Take a look and let me know what you think.