Clients become friends.   . . . . friends you can ask for help.   Here’s some photos from my friend Aaron’s headshot session.   When my partner Denise had a job interview approaching with RIM, she wanted an inside scoop on how to prepare (she’s smart that way).    I called on Aaron, who has done his share of interviews, looking for the right people for his team at RIM.   . . . .  could Denise ask some questions?  . . . get some interview tips and advice?

He gladly offered tips and advice  . . . . and then some.   A few days after their 1st conversation, Aaron was on the phone again, this time running a mock phone interview for her.    Real help.  Practical advice.  Good information.   .  .  .  .  and a good chunk of his time, freely given, at the drop of a hat.
That didn’t lead to the RIM position.   . . . . but it prepared her well for that RIM interview  . . . .  which prepared her well for another interview . . . .  more on that below!

When Denise’s position as a hardware engineer (designing circuit boards for industrial automation networks) ended several months ago, we were worried.   Our friends, Julie and Bruce were there, the moment they heard about it.   Offering help and advice.   Access to a professional network.  Helping her focus on positive, practical, effective steps.   Instead of fear.    I saw that same level of thoughtful initiative, when I 1st opened my portrait studio and Julie said, “we want to be your first clients.”    Here’s my favourite from that 1st session as a pro:

There is something special about helping someone with these important parts of our lives.   Our livelihood,   our health,  our family.   I’m not naming everyone who has helped here.    ….. just saying,  cheers to you, my friends, your help and support means a great deal to me.

. . . . and where all this is leading . . . .   my engineer will be designing again – software and circuits – this time with locomotives and the train industry.  Congratulations Denise!!   It sounds like a great position and a really cool company with a great attitude.
Here she is without an engineer’s cap (where will I find one of those?):

]]> http://studiojphotography.ca/portraits/clients-and-friends/feed/ 1 http://studiojphotography.ca/headshots/singer-songwriter-michael-kelly-cavan/ http://studiojphotography.ca/headshots/singer-songwriter-michael-kelly-cavan/#comments Sat, 17 Apr 2010 21:09:19 +0000 Jay http://studiojphotography.ca/?p=1237

Had great fun doing promo photos with Michael.   He’s just totally relaxed and being himself, which is genuine, funny and down to earth.   Two things really stand out to me about him.  First, his performing persona is not flashy;  it’s real.   Like you’re just having an inviting, personable conversation with him around the kitchen table.

.. and second, he has this collaborative, sharing, supporting others kind of attitude and philosophy.  He’s interested in the development and success of other musicians and artists.

A group of young friends were hanging out on the dock on Silver Lake and shared their space with us.  It was a beautiful night at sunset.   . . . and I was shooting portraits of Michael as he played a private concert for us on the lake.   What a great experience and memory.

Michael’s website:   michaelkellycavan.com

I had a fun afternoon session with Cathie and her headshots convey the same character I experienced in person:   lively, professional, friendly and fun.    A big thank you to Michael, who is a total natural at lighting key grip and stylist duties.   I really enjoyed hanging out with you two!

I was photographing Katherine for her symphony headshot.    She was completely open to the approach of  showing something of herself that is central to her work.    . . . . while not so traditional, I find this so much more compelling and interesting to see!  Being happy doing this;  enjoying it;  the sense of warmth and depth that is my strongest impression of her.

It takes extra time – and some connection – and a running  conversation, for you to feel easy being yourself.  It is totally worth it.

Out in the woods, in the snow.   …. shooting dust cover and promotional portraits with local Author, Erin Bow.  In 6 months, her novel, Plain Kate, will be released and on bookshelves.  I’m expecting to greatly enjoy it .  Erin’s imagination and creativity spill out in conversation too.  There’s a lively interest and amusement in her sense of humour.  Maybe you’ll see a book review here.

Colleen is friendly and easy to chat with.  I can tell she’s just being herself.

What is the opposite of being stiff? posing?  posturing?     ……  the opposite is being real; being yourself.  What happens when you show your character and personality in your professional headshots?

…. People see someone they can relate to.  That doesn’t take away from your expertise and professionalism.

Be a triple threat:

Be an expert – be great at what you do

Be reliable – do what you say

Be real – be your own fine, personable self.

Actor headshot sessions can be focused on one particular look and mood, when the intended use is geared for a planned audition.    Usually,  sessions are aimed at producing one main headshot for most casting calls and auditions  … and then some supporting headshots, showing some variation.  These secondary headshots are perfect for your casting workbook, where casting directors, directors and agencies can have a 2nd, 3rd, and 4th look at you.

In both types of sessions, my favourites (and usually my actors’ favourites too) convey some of their own personality.  We’re often playing at multiple locations and real environments –> getting out of the photo studio, so an actor can get into character in places that add to the real feel of that personality.

There was no warm – up.   After we sat down and talked a few minutes, I picked up my camera – and  Summer was already relaxed and focused and interacting without a hint of self-consciousness.   I didn’t get to drop my jaw in admiration as I was busy catching up with her!  We had a definite vibe we were going for (accomplished!), so I don’t get to show you the range this girl can take on at the drop of a hat!

OK, just one to hint at what I’m talking about:

It was great fun working with you Summer!

Jill is so lively and she has this incredible, infectious positive attitude  but she is not a winter person.

…..  so she immediately ran with the suggestion of some headshots in the snow.  Pushing beyond her comfort zone is something she has discovered pays off over and over again -  against one’s 1st snap judgement.

I guess they’re alright.  …. hahahaha!   I love them!

When the weather warms up, we’ll be making some dramatic fitness images before she leaves for a habitat home building stint in Costa Rica this May (yay Jill!).

Here’s a quick slideshow of her headshot session:

I was out doing winter portraits last week with a fun, laid back family (which I’ll blog this weekend).   ….. and my introduction to them came from a professional headshot session.  I’m reaching back to just before the Perimeter Institute demolished it’s gazing pool (so glad we used it!!).

Sarah conveys sharp and professional in a way you can still personally relate to.  Within minutes of our 1st meeting, we fell into easy conversation like I had known her for months.

Coming up later this week:   the family portraits.