Reagan at 11

I try to have a session with my kids around their birthday each year to capture them at their current age. I am so overdue with both kids but we got Reagan in this week:) She suggested it to me....I think waking up on summer mornings & watching Americas Next Top Model inspired her.

 Of course I am biased but I can't believe what a beautiful young lady she had become....This past year was a big transition into the tweens for her. I was so awkward at this age but she is already so poised & elegant.....a bit clumsy with those long legs but poised none the less:)

She makes me proud everyday with her kind, soft loving spirit......I love her with all of my heart!!!!!

A few things about her at 11
Favorite Movie        Hunger Games
Favorite Song          We are young by Fun
Favorite Celebrity    Josh Hutcherson
Favorite TV show   Dogs 101 & House Hunters international
Favorite Activities   Horse back riding, Reading, Volleyball

 Today she says she want to be and actor/model when she grows up :)

 

St Leonard Wellness Center

I am so proud to have been a part of this project! A few months ago I spent a couple of days photographing the new wellness center at St Leonard Senior Living Comunity. The architects have submitted the photos for a national design award. I love when I get to see my work in print:)

Meg & Alli

Mount Adams Senior session

Had so much fun running around the hip & cool streets of Mount Adams. These twins are just gorgeous inside & out!

Headshots & Personal Branding

What does your headshot say about you?

You only have one chance to make a first impression. In person, a first impression will be made in 3-5 seconds. With Facebook, Linkedin your website & blog your profile photo is also a first impression. And you can’t fake it.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve had quite a few branding and headshot sessions. I started really thinking about these sessions and want to share some things for you to consider if you’re contemplating options for ensuring you’re personal brand is making a great first impression.

Things to consider for your headshot:

1. Does the headshot accurately represent who you are? The headshot of today is fresh, casual and accessible. It should be a verified stamp of approval of your personal brand. Whether we like it or not, and as conveyed in this Newsweek article, we are judged on our appearance.

2. It should be a natural pose making you approachable and professional at the same time. Take your time until you feel comfortable and that your being yourself in front of the camera. A natural smile and a casual pose always make great digital personal brands.

3. Always hire a professional photographer. We like taking photos with our mobile devices, and those are likely to be casual and natural but the quality of a professional portrait can not be faked. I know I’m biased, but it’s a small investment to make in yourself and how you’re representing “you” to the public.

4. Your photo should be updated every 3-5 years, or if there’s a physical change in your appearance, i.e. change hair color from blonde to dark brown. A current headshot conveys relevance and how important investing in “you” is. Staying current on trends, personally and professionally is important and something professional photographers understand and share with customers.

Remember: If you’re going to judge a book by its cover, make the cover something professional yet memorable.

Here are some recent shots I did of Carol Lang LMT of Rock & Roll hands. She offers on site professional massage therapy to bands and preforming artists. I think we did a great job of conveying her as approachable with a rock & roll edge. Including a model & the massage table will also give her website a visual description of what she offers. You can reach her at rocknrollhands@gmail.com

After Dark Cincinnati

I attend as many photography education events as I can every year. It keeps me fresh & current. This year I thought I'd try something new. After Dark is photography education like no other. The concept is unlike anything else I have attended. It was like ADD learning for me:) From pricing, SEO & retouching to new lighting & posing concepts. We shot bridal, seniors, fashion, kids & boudoir. I loved it!! I didnt shoot a lot as I tried to watch & learn & not be distracted by my old habits:) Here are a few images I snapped during the week.


I fell in love with this light!!!




Fashion lighting with Chuck Arlund...



Joel Grimes lighting seniors



Some bridal with Lindsay Adler



Hot sexy light with Chuck

Happy 2011

I am not very good at this. I am a live in the moment kind of person. Deal with what comes at you, you know? But I do know the value in setting goals. I am trying to write a list of them for the coming year. Most are professional, a few personal. I have lots of optimism for 2011 and now lots of plans:) I hope your 2011 is filled with happiness & blessings.

The Cigar Factory

While in New Orleans we found the Cigar Factory. Open to the street on warm days, comfortable tables & chairs admist Torcedores quietly rolling away. They were kind enough to let me photograph them and I fell in love with the texture & warm feel of the place. Piles of moist leaves and filler tobacco being pressed all around. I just hope I did it justice.