Why Not to Use a Selfie as Your Headshot – from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Why Not to Use a Selfie as Your Headshot – from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer 

Don’t let the title of this blog fool you. I’m not about to embark on a blanket anti-selfie rant or make dramatic claims about the “death of photography”. Selfies can be fun, casual, and offer an avenue for self-expression. For better or worse, they’re part of our modern culture.

Nevertheless, I do believe there’s a time and place for selfies…and that place isn’t your professional headshot. Here are a few reasons why:

and, I just love my wonderful friends for sharing their selfies for this post! You guys rock!!

The Quality Factor

When it comes to photo quality, our smartphones have come a long, long way. But, their pixel prowess shouldn’t be overestimated: selfies do not scale well for platforms that matter, such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and corporate websites. What makes for a sleek and shiny Instagram photo can also make for a grainy, blurry and out-of-focus LinkedIn headshot.  

The Background Factor

The selfies I see in my line of work, and in general, often include random backgrounds. Backgrounds can be distracting and may not fit what is conventional or traditional for headshots. While images taken from the front seat of your car, your road bike or an outdoor brewery are great for Facebook or Snapchat, they don’t exactly project gravitas. There are more appropriate options – some of which I expand on here.

The Professionalism Factor

Simply put, selfies are divisive. They engender both positive and negative reactions from people, especially when factoring in generational, cultural, and demographic differences. For every potential client that views your headshot selfie as chic, glamourous, and daring, another thinks it indicates you’re self-involved, lazy, and cheap. We’re not at the point where the selfie is universally beloved and accepted, so why push it? Ultimately, you want your talent and reputation to speak for itself, as opposed to a photo style that invites snap judgments.

Look at these great photos of fun times. Just not great for your headshot!!

My clients get professional headshots because they want to attract the professional clientele they deserve and desire. If you’re reading this blog, I imagine that’s a goal you identify with. Do yourself a favor, keep it classy, and say “no” to the selfie headshot. I promise you’ll find other place for that killer shot with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

How Long Does a Headshot Take? - from a Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

How Long Does a Headshot Take? - from a Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Often when I start working with a new corporate headshot client their first question is, "How long will all this take?"  My first answer, which I'm well aware is not exactly what they're looking for is, "It depends." Because it really does! Whether we're shooting on location or against a background, wardrobe, hair and make up choices -- all these things can alter the timeline for headshots. 

While most clients are focused on the end product -- their shiny new headshot -- every photo actually has three stages: prep, shoot, and post. 

PREP
Prep for a shoot is mainly consultation. The location, the look and feel of the image, clothing, hair and make up, and budget are all things we'll discuss in detail in preparation for your shoot. Consultation can take a long long time because you may not know exactly what you want. We'll spend time sending inspiration images back and forth until a mood is reached and then we aim to shoot something in that realm. Of course, we never copy a photograph exactly: there's no creativity in that, and it's just plain old plagiarism! 

SHOOT
Once all the prep work is complete, it's time for our shoot! The shoot is executing our ideas from prep with a few alternatives. We'll also be choosing the final images while on set, so we can be sure I leave with exactly the shots you wanted to get out of the shoot. Depending on number of final images desired, the actual shoot can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

The shoot starts with me setting up all the lights, getting them exactly how they should be, doing test shots, and then doing more test shots.  Once you arrive, more tweaking needs to be done because you may be a different height than the assistant who is standing in, or wearing a different outfit that looks different on camera. Once we're set and I start shooting, you're being carefully watched by the assistant behind the camera or at the monitor station to make sure everything is perfect that no hair is out of place, the collar and buttons are all perfect and that you don't get too hot (read: shiny) under the lights. 

POST
Though arguably the least glamorous part of the process, a considerable amount of time is spent in post production importing images, cataloging, keywording, color correcting, and then doing actual work on the individual photos. There is no such thing as batch when it comes to a portrait!

I look at each photo individually and assess what needs to be done to make it look it’s best. I then process the photo and send it out for your approval before providing you with the final -- fantastic! -- images. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

The Case Against Stock Photography for your company: GUEST POST - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

The Case Against Stock Photography for your company: GUEST POST - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer 

Stock photos permeate our web experience today. Websites, PDF downloads, and all those marketing one-pagers are filled to the brim with the classic business man, woman on a conference call, and generic product shots. And while there's no question they have a role to play, when it's time to tell your story, don't settle for someone else's photos. 

toronto-corporate-event-photographer

Consider this the next time you're thinking about zooming over to iStock instead of ringing a local photographer:

• Stock photos don't showcase your product. Generic by nature, you'll be relying on the viewer to fill in real details with their imagination.

• Stock photography can't capture the exact emotion you're looking to convey. A photo will always illicit an emotional response from viewers - but with your own photography, you're in control of that feeling.

• Stock photo sites come with limits on size and usage. This is especially important for any marketing or sales materials - and is something you can stipulate up front when you work directly with a photographer.

• Using stock photography means searching and sifting through hundreds or thousands of options. Not only is this time consuming and potentially frustrating, when you work with a photographer you end up with photos you would not have thought of, often with fantastic results.

Ultimately it comes down to control. Stock photos have their place, but you cede ownership of vital creative parts of the process to keyword searches of vast, generic collections of photos. Opting for a photographer for your next project means you can focus on the message and the emotion you want to convey, and you control the outcome. 

This is a guest post by my editor, Nikkole Couture, a corporate communications pro who works for Nasdaq.  You’ll also find this posted on her LinkedIn and Medium pages. 

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

Chloe Veltman of KQED - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Chloe Veltman of KQED - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

People who joke about the death of radio probably haven't met Chloe Veltmen, a Senior Arts Editor at KQED, where she is helping to develop the major public media organization's cross-patform arts coverage. She also happens to be one of the most wonderful people I've had the chance to shoot, with a huge heart of gold and who was a true pleasure to photograph. 

Like many of my clients, Chloe was really nervous at first but quickly warmed up as we went through the preparation for her shoot. When discussing the shoot in advance, she asked to be photographed in a natural setting, as it reflected her personality. I love suggestions like this and really ran with it, choosing a spot in front of a lake in Golden Gate Park for our location so she would have natural light on her from all sides. 

We also spent a lot of time talking about wardrobe and makeup. Again, Chloe wanted to keep this very low key, just as the setting, and originally did not want to be wearing any makeup or have anything special done to her hair. Here we had to strike a compromise, as "the natural look" does not always look so natural on camera. Instead, we used a little powder to keep shine down and some lip balm -- these are usually the bare minimum to look good on camera. Some clients want to rush through these panning steps, but finding the perfect location and the perfect outfit for that setting are incredibly important and can have a huge impact on the photos we take. 

In the end our compromise worked! The results were stunning, with Chloe looking natural, confident, and amazing. She's able to use photos from our shoot on LinkedIn, her own site, and for promo everywhere. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a San Francisco Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

Corporate Conference Photography On Location with Verizon Ventures - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Corporate Conference Photography On Location with Verizon Ventures - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

While a lot of being a photographer is time spent in the studio or editing photos, once and a while I get to hit the road! I love going to conferences to shoot because of the energy and constantly changing settings. One minute I'll be in a panel discussion snapping shots of amazing speakers, and the next I'm out on the conference floor capturing photos of hundreds of delegates. 

But every conference is different. It could be a panel, could be single presenters, or it could be a summit -- and there are so many ways to cover it. And often it will come down to the setting. Most often these types of events are held in hotel meeting rooms, so I’m usually capturing the energy of the participants in a fairly neutral setting. Occasionally conferences are off the beaten path — more of a retreat, often at a stunning resort — and there my challenge is to capture both the amazing setting and the passion of the folks who participate. 

Cameras may have come a long way these days, but your average conference may not have lighting that's ideal for photography, and simply a presenter standing in front an illuminated screen doesn't really the capture the sprit and the energy of their presentation. The best photos in these settings come from rooms that are bright, with white table cloths. And should you have the chance to present at a conference please take it from me: use darker slides rather than white backgrounds and you will be much happier with the photos!

When shooting conferences I am very unobtrusive and often will use a camera silencer so attendees won't even hear the click of the shutter as I capture the experience of the conference. I cover every angle - wide, tight, medium, individuals, and groups - to make sure I can capture all the important and unique moments from the event.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a San Francisco Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

Tip of the Week: Be More Than Prepared for a Corporate Headshot Shoot - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Tip of the Week: Be More Than Prepared for a Corporate Headshot Shoot - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

The deposit check was in, the assistants booked, and the shots were planned. But the client still hadn't asked for final numbers and seemed pretty content to just “wing it” the next day at our shoot. 

Some photographers here in Toronto might find this a bit nail-biting — but for me, I see it as a great opportunity to really WOW the client. Simply by being more than prepared. 

A super relaxed approach is fine — but the details, the planning, they still need to be there so everyone can be relaxed on the day. To make sure I was more than ready for this shoot, I prepped a full treatment that included, shot list, call sheet, example photos, full detailed estimate and terms and conditions.

I made sure to include examples of poses and lighting for reference, a shot list, and even a rough timing for the number of photos I knew the client was looking to come out with. This meant I could arrive on the day of the shoot and know exactly how long it would take, but still give the client the level of flexibility I knew they needed to get the best photos done. 

Being more than prepared also means being specific. And that means talking to your client. What’s the final use of the photos? Will you need more horizontal than vertical layouts? Will these be running in a carousel on your homepage or blown up to hang in the office? It’s super important to understand the use and the audience with you prepare a detailed treatment. 

Bottom line: always aim to wow the heck out of your client so they know that you know what you’re doing. Above all, you want to inspire confidence in them that you’ve got all your bases covered and you can do what they need.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

---

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Robert Brunner of ammunition - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer

Robert Brunner of ammunition - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

I feel incredibly lucky and proud to be a photographer, especially when it enables me to work with amazing people like Robert Brunner, founder and partner at Ammunition. I was excited to work with him on a shoot for SOMA Magazine, and we were both thrilled with the photos that resulted. 

We caught up the weekend before the shoot to chat about locations and ideas for the photos. On our call, he mentioned had a room that had lots of windows and was all white. Since his products -- like Dr Dre Beats Headphones -- are all bright, fun colours, I thought this would be perfect to make the shots really pop. To add to the contrast, I also asked Robert, who is blonde, to wear all white. We did shots around the office but really focused on that white room, and those were the photos that really popped.

I like to shoot using opposite colors on the color wheel as a focus. For example, orange and blue really stand out, and make a huge visual impact, when used together. Using white as our backdrop in this case made the yummy-as-candy colours of the products we were shooting really come to life. 

For someone with such a packed schedule, Robert was super nice and really accommodating to let me have so much time to shoot with him. In the end, he was really proud of what we created together and was excited to start showcasing the photos. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

Why Your Employees Need Better Headshots: GUEST Post - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Why Your Employees Need Better Headshots: GUEST Post - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

What’s the difference between a decent LinkedIn profile and a great one? Since it’s LinkedIn measuring it I’m willing to bet it’s actually related to some algorithm around how many recommendations you’ve got multiplied by your use of optimized keywords, but until I can prove otherwise I’m going to say it comes down to the quality of the photo you use in your profile. 

I’ve only used two photos in the eight years I’ve been on LinkedIn and both were only barely passable as anything resembling “professional”. With my library consisting of a tightly cropped band photo and a post-salon selfie, I’ll be the first to tell you that a good headshot is something I’ve needed for a long time. While I’ll probably wait for the next time my friend Liz is in town, this is something you can fix for your employees right away.

Think about it like this: 

• LinkedIn is the new business card. Most companies still provide their employees with printed business cards, and usually at considerable expense. It’s considered a must-do for employee morale, and helps workers feels like they belong. But in a world where you’re more likely to share your LinkedIn profile than you are to hand out a business card, a good headshot becomes absolutely critical. Providing an opportunity for your team to get a great headshots will have the same positive impact on morale as shelling out for another 5000 business cards.

• Your employees are your brand. They’re your greatest ambassadors, and helping them present your company and its culture to the world in a consistent way goes further than a fleet of the most talented marketers ever could. Investing in a shoot for your employees to get their headshots done helps consistency to the face of your brand in the marketplace.

Start with an idea of your budget and any overriding themes or looks you want to have and your photographer will take it from there, providing a complete estimate for time and cost, ideas for bringing your brand to life, and tips for your employees to get the most of out the shoot. 

While many companies today have decided to simply leave headshots up to the individual employee, I personally believe this is a missed opportunity to improve morale and build a brand that we see some forward thinking companies, particularly in Technology, really starting to embrace.

This is a guest post by my editor, Nikkole Couture, a corporate communications pro who works for Nasdaq.  You’ll also find this posted on her LinkedIn and Medium pages. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

 

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

Choosing The Best Corporate Headshot Backgrounds - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Choosing The Best Corporate Headshot Backgrounds - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Well, let's face it, dear Readers: none of us is getting any younger! As much as we all might like it to be so -- it's just not happening! So let's just stop using white backgrounds! They are harsh and unflattering, and are probably the most aggressive lighting you can choose for a photo. When we have a photo of ourselves, we want it to be the best possible version of ourselves. But by choosing a white background, you're opting for one of the toughest settings for even the youngest and most attractive among us to look good. Seriously, only babies look good with a white background! 

Light gray is the new black! These days I'm recommending all my clients at least consider a light gray background instead of the harsh old standard white. Light gray is softer and far more flattering, as well as looking more dimensional. On its own it serves as a much less hard and unforgiving background than white. There are no limits on using light gray as a background either, since the subject still stands out from the background. This means that if desired the subject could even be cut out from the background and placed in another (though I don't recommend this treatment - instead, I typically prefer to shoot on location. Like Hawaii! Hint, hint!). 

Early in the planning process, after we determine the location for the shoot, we'll talk in detail about backgrounds. I do recommend mixing it up a bit during the shoot -- a couple different backgrounds, maybe a couple different wardrobe choices -- to keep the energy and interest level up in your photos. But when thinking about background colors be wary of opting for white -- unless you happen to be a bright red pair of headphones, it's unlikely this setting is going to be flattering! Instead, I'll recommend light gray, as this will mean less harsh lighting and I know you'll be much happier with the headshots we take!

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Alexia Tsotsis of TechCrunch - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Alexia Tsotsis of TechCrunch - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

I'll be honest, when I first started shooting corporate headshots, I wasn't sure I'd actually enjoy it! I have friends and family who work for companies of all sizes, but let's face it -- I started my own business for a reason! I was worried when I started doing corporate photography that it would be, well, boring. 

Fortunately, living and working as a photographer in San Francisco means that the companies I do corporate shoots for are anything but boring! From Anki Drive to the designer of Beats headphones, I've been pleasantly surprised and frankly amazed at the depth of creativity in this city.  So you can imagine my excitement at the chance to do a shoot with Alexia Tsotsis, co-editor of Tech Crunch, the weblog dedicated to, in their words: "obsessively profiling and reviewing new Internet products and companies."

My first impression of Alexia was that she was young to be at the helm of such a widely-read and respected publication, but she was so warm and open, and completely invested in making sure we got the shots we needed, that I soon understood just how she came to be where she was.

Our shoot was for a piece in SOMA magazine, and Alexia was really open to being photographed for as long as we needed to make sure we got enough photos for the article. This was just after Tech Crunch's annual Crunchies Awards (and they had just been mentioned on the show Silicon Valley) so Alexia was very excited to chat about this! Finding something my client is really excited about helps me keep them more at ease during our shoot, and that definitely helped us get the fantastic photos we did with Alexia. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Corporate Conference Photography: GE VENTURES - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Corporate Conference Photography: GE VENTURES - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

One of my favourite parts of my job is getting out to shoot on location. And I especially love when on location shoots stretch over a few days across a conference type event, because I can really capture the flow of emotions and experiences everyone attending shared. 

This past winter I had the chance to shoot for GE VENTURES all-hands conference in Phoenix with their employees from all over the country. It was hot on the heels of a brutal winter storm, though, so unfortunately the three day event had to be compressed into just two jam-packed days. 

Day One featured keynotes, and breakout sessions at the Waldorf Astoria during the day, followed by Hummer rides through the desert that night with a cook out and line dancing! The country and western theme of the evening fit the setting and gave everyone the chance to let their hair down. 

Day Two was filled to the brim with meetings, with an awards ceremony in the evening for GE VENTURES in a gorgeous 1920s themed room. The decorations throughout were amazing - Katie Bertelsen did an incredible job showing off her event planning skills. Throughout I was there, quietly snapping away in the background, creating a photographic record of the event. 

It was exciting to be a part of this event, even if only in the background. I got to feel the excitement of the employees who attended as they connected with one another and interacted with the program that had been put together for them. For me as the photographer, the best part is being able to capture all those special moments and provide everyone who attended with the memories for those exciting two days.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google+ page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Tip of the Week: Staying in Shape - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

As the weather gets warmer and runners like me get excited to lace up for another marathon season, I'm reminded of just how important physical fitness really is. But you don't have to run marathons to benefit from staying in shape. Small things, like going out for a walk or going to bed earlier, can have a huge impact on your health, your outlook, and your life. 

Being a photographer is a really physical job. Lifting, carrying, climbing, and crawling are all part of a day's work for me. To do my job well, I try to eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest.  Of course there are days when that doesn’t happen — I’m human! — but I try to see every day as a new chance to get on track (and make up for that dessert yesterday). 

But staying in shape goes beyond just being good at your job. Getting away from the tools that trap us in everyday life - the phone, the computer, the desk - even just for a walk can help you get much needed time for yourself, reduce stress, and get centred. 

Here are some of the ways I incorporate healthy activities into my daily routine:

• Make several smaller trips (on foot!) to the market instead of one big trip in the car

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator at the office

• Or take the stairs instead of the escalator at the mall

• Choose a parking spot waaay the heck away from the entrance to the shop

• Spontaneous dance party in the living room!

Adding even just one or two healthy activities into your regular routine can help you get on the way to a healthier lifestyle. No matter what your job, staying in shape and being healthy can help you be a better, happier, and less stressed version of yourself.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google+ page.

If would like to book a lookbook or lifestyle fashion photography photo shoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

How to get the best headshot: environmental, location, or studio? - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

How to get the best headshot: environmental, location, or studio? - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

I know what you're thinking: A headshot is a headshot, right? Wrong! Where you capture that headshot is a crucial element in the final look and feel of the photos. When creating headshots for a corporate client or pitching a new set of corporate headshots, there are three types of settings to choose from: 

Environmental

An "environmental" shoot is usually shot indoors in the subject matter's own environment. It could be a their office, it could be in a warehouse, a bakery, a kitchen, etc. -- wherever they spend their time. The idea here is that the subject will be at ease in their environment (and with being the subject of the photograph!). When shooting these types of headshots, the subject can either be engaged with the camera or it can be more photojournalistic (ie, capturing them in the moment or action).  When I shoot environmental I tend to shoot both versions and let the client pick what they like as the final photo. 

We don’t always get to see what all the in between photos are but I shoot them because many times a client will also like the alternative image that can be used on the company website, for example. Environmental shoots can be great for these types of natural "in between" photos that really capture the spirit of the subject matter. 

On Location

A shoot "on location" is when the client goes to a location that is not their own. They could be in a  park, or they go to a monument, or they are somewhere they like and want it to represent them -- but ultimately the location is not their own. This is what separates an environmental shoot from an on location shoot. 

For example, an on location shoot could even be the subject with the downtown of their city blurry in the background blurry. This style of photo is frequently used when people want to give the feel of their offices being in a city or downtown. Images shot on location are mostly used for website content, though sometimes can be suitable for corporate headshots as well. 

In a Studio

Lastly, and perhaps most versatile, shooting in a studio will provide you with a truly "multi purpose" photo. Headshots done in a studio can be used on the company website, can represent you and your company, but can also be used for speaking engagements when a neutral white or light grey background is all that is needed. 

Determining which type of shoot is best will depend on the type of headshots needed and where those photos will be posted. When planning a shoot, I usually lay out these options very early in the process so that we can get our location picked out first and work on ideas and themes from there. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Boris Sofman of ANKI - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Boris Sofman of ANKI - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

These days I'm doing a lot of corporate photography and lots of corporate headshots shoots. And while you might think that makes my job less interesting, it's done exactly the opposite. I'm constantly amazed by the unique and exciting companies that thrive here in San Francisco. Each time I accept a new corporate gig I expect something, well, corporate -- dudes in suits, stuffy boardrooms, maybe a spreadsheet or two -- and each time I am blown away by the creativity, originality, and drive that thrives here in this city. 

This was certainly true when I worked with Boris Sofman of Anki, whose Anki Drive and more recently Anki Overdrive systems seek to make physical toys as adaptable (and challenging!) as video games. If you're not familiar with Anki I strongly recommend you check them out - Anki Drive is basically like a slot car racing game that uses artificial intelligence so that the cars actually learn how to beat one another on the track. Super neat!

Co-founder and CEO of Anki, Boris was a super nice guy who was really excited about having his photo taken. This was a nice treat, as some of the executives I work with are a bit uncomfortable in front of the camera. It's always great to shoot for someone who is really jazzed to be having their photo taken. 

Before the shoot, we decided that we would take Boris' photos with his team, but with a focus on the track and the cars. The shoot was for a spot on the Index Ventures Newsroom site, so it was important to keep the emphasis on the product as well as them behind it. The photos turned out great - Boris and his team look very natural, and keeping the focus on the cars (and the fun!) fit well with the article and with the company's spirit. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Matt Mullenweg of Wordpress - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Matt Mullenweg of Wordpress - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

I figured once I started doing corporate shoots for start ups and innovators around San Francisco that I might just get to meet a famous CEO (or two). But I also figured it would take years of shooting for really obscure little companies before my chance came. So imagine my shock and excitement when I recently confirmed a shoot with Matt Mullenweg, the developer behind the free and open source web software WordPress. WordPress!  The open source blogging tool that powers more than 20% of websites around the Web today and I was going to get to shoot for their Lead Developer! 

As excited as I was, I was quickly brought down to earth as I started prepping for the shoot. Matt is a really busy guy -- not like the kind of "busy" friends cite when they would just prefer to stay home and binge on Netflix, but really, actually, truly busy.  So busy, in fact, that I did not get the chance to speak with him ahead of the shoot. Instead, I worked with his representative prior to the shoot to provide guidance on wardrobe, and get feedback on location and the plan for the shoot. 

Our shoot was for some photos to accompany a piece in SOMA magazine, and it was actually really helpful to have the writer for the article there as well, so I had a feel for the questions and setting of the text that would surround my photos. Once the writer was done interviewing Matt, I was able to photograph him in several locations around the office. We really wanted to showcase him and his office, and so we used props like his computer with the WordPress logo on it, to show who he was contextually within the photograph. 

The results were fantastic -- the office looked amazing and the shots of Matt came out wonderfully natural, relaxed and yet very confident. For being a tough shoot to plan for such a busy guy, we were incredibly pleased with the photos we got. 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

How to Look Best for Your Corporate Headshots - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

How to Look Best for Your Corporate Headshots - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

So it’s Tuesday morning and you’re running out the door, trying to make the bus, and it hits you just as you settle into your seat: headshots today. You glance down and realize the rumpled shirt you opted not to iron this morning is about to be immortalized on your LinkedIn page for years to come. 

Shoot! The shoot is today!

Avoid this kind of sweaty terror — and rumply outcome — with just a bit of preparation: 

• Set a reminder in your calendar that will go off the evening before the shoot. This will make sure you don’t just remember your shoot’s tomorrow, but that you have time to prepare.

• Get some rest! Nothing will help you look your best more than a good night’s sleep, and you won’t be happy with the amount of Photoshop needed to erase a hangover.

• Clean and simple will give you the best results. This isn’t the day to try a crazy new hairdo or to get in touch with your Goth side. Opt for tidy hair, simple makeup, and a plain (clean!) shirt and you’ll be much happier with the resulting photos.

• Practice makes perfect - even for photos. Sounds weird right? But no matter how many selfies you posted to Facebook last week, it’s worth a bit of mirror time before your headshots to make sure you’re happy with the expressions about to be photographed.

Lastly, before the big day, I usually recommend you do a bit of spying. Seriously! This is the fun part —spend a bit of time checking out LinkedIn profiles of professionals you admire and others in your field. This will give you a sense for what’s out there, and help make sure if everyone in your industry is wearing suits, you don’t show up for your shoot without a blazer and tie. 

Professional headshots can give you a serious leg up in your career, whether you’re just starting out, deep in the job search, or just looking to build your network.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a San Francisco Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Headshots on Location: Picture Day for Grown Ups - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Headshots on Location: Picture Day for Grown Ups - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Probably one of my favourite types of shoots is going on location to do headshots. When I was based in San Francisco, I was usually headed to really cool offices with incredible corporate cultures — places like SparkPR and Ammunition. But I’m not locked to San Francisco — I travel to my client’s offices and often will attend conferences for corporate shoots. This makes sure the shoot is on their time, which for busy executives at hot start ups is usually at a bit of a premium. 

Wherever we shoot, though, I can’t help but feel like I’m running some kind of crazy Picture Day for grown ups. Especially when young, ambitious folks in their button downs and khakis are lined up out of the conference room door.

I think what separates a corporate shoot from the (often scary!) memory of picture day as a kid is the preparation that goes in, of course, and the wild variety of personalities and different corporate cultures that come out as I go from company to company. 

I still remember shooting with Derek Gillaspy of SmartRecruiters, former VP with Findly. Our shoot started with two shots, but then we added a creative third shot of him showing how he did his job on a white board. We used clear glass and he sketched out his plans — the photos that resulted were so different, and yet so honest. I couldn’t have planned for such a great result. 

More than anything though, I like helping people put their best foot forward. Maybe it’s a promotion at their company, or a new job in a new field. I like thinking that the photo on their LinkedIn page can play a role in helping people look their best for their careers. And that’s really what I love most about Picture Day.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

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Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Danny Rimer of Index Ventures - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Danny Rimer of Index Ventures - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Danny Rimer of Index Ventures - from a top san francisco corporate headshot photographer

Shooting corporate headshots for hot start ups here in San Francisco is always fun and challenging, with a seemingly endless supply of exciting, innovative young professionals who've devoted their careers to changing how we interact, connect, and do business today. These shoots are not without their challenges, however, as often the folks who run these companies are incredibly busy. The same is certainly true for the venture capitalists who find these young start ups and help bring their vision to life.  

This was definitely the case with Danny Rimer, who in addition to being a partner at Index Ventures, is also on the boards of more than 10 start ups! So a pretty busy guy! And one who, like many clients I work with, hated having his photo taken.  While impossibly busy and not jazzed about being photographed might seem like insurmountable obstacles, I really enjoyed the challenge of getting some great, natural shots of Danny. 

We did an environmental style portrait where he was meant to look like we has engaged in conversation. This, combined with some silly jokes courtesy of yours truly, helped Danny feel comfortable in front of the camera and make sure we got natural-looking shots. This shoot did not come without it’s technical difficulties, however! The power outlets in the room we chose to shoot in did not work, so we had to do some on-the-fly problem solving to get things up and running better than before we had arrived. Fast thinking under high stress is something I excel at so the issue was resolved in moments.

In the end, some problem solving and corny jokes did the trick and we were still able to create some amazing photos for Danny. 
 

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Corporate Headshot photoshoot with me, contact me today.

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Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Derek Gillaspy: Has a Photograph Ever Inspired You? Corporate Headshot Photography

Derek Gillaspy: Has a Photograph Ever Inspired You? Corporate Headshot Photography

I still remember shooting with Derek Gillaspy of SmartRecruiters, former VP with Findly. Our shoot started with two shots, but then we added a creative third shot of him showing how he did his job on a white board. We used clear glass and he sketched out his plans — the photos that resulted were different, honest, genuine.

Derek’s shoot was such a great experience, I asked him to share some of his tips for making your next corporate shoot as good as it can be — he thought a few things were really important: 

1. Get instant feedback and choose photos while you are still in the outfit and can correct/fix

2. Incorporate yourself somehow

3. Do one fun, out of the box shot that you create in the moment

“We did all 3, and for professional spots like LinkedIn - I use the more professional looking headshot with the office in the background,” Derek says, “But many other places, I use the photo of me drawing on a see-through glass wall.  That is my true, authentic self.  I don't exist to relay marketing messages to clients, I seek mutual education live and on the whiteboard together.  That's how we find solutions that add value.”

As inspired as I was by that shoot, I thought I would ask Derek if a photograph has ever inspired him. Here’s what he had to say: 

For Copyright reasons, here is a link to the photo.

In 1973, the world saw a super horse race among mortals.  Secretariat set the record at the Kentucky Derby, and the time still stands today forty-two years later.  Technology, drugs, trainers, and equipment have all progressed, but no horse is a match for the horse from '73.  He went on the win the triple crown, the last horse to do so.  

This inspires me because even with the parity that is created with technology, shared easy to access knowledge (the internet), how you boil all of that up with a mixture of attitude and determination can still set people miles apart from one another.  This photo inspires me to reach for heights that great.  It is signed by the jockey that rode him.

Let a photograph inspire you today and see where it can take you.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a Toronto Headshot photo shoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/

 

Reaching Your Fitness Goals - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Reaching Your Fitness Goals - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer

Evan Sanders is a pretty amazing guy. His day job is with an industrial design company, but he is the creator and author of The Better Man Project, a website dedicated to inspiring both himself and those that follow it.

In Early January of this year Evan approached me to photograph him at a pinnacle day in his fitness training. Evan had been training for months sculpting his body to get the exact physique he desired. He knew that January 31, 2015 was a special day for him. This was the day where he would be at peak fitness and would be the most optimal day for him to be photographed. As a running coach I can honestly say how proud I am of him for getting to his goal day, and getting to it naturally without the assistance of drugs. His final week he had to do a dry out period where he drank gallons and gallons of water, and then had to drastically reduce it to almost none so that his muscles were as defined as they could be. He even brought a special pre photoshoot drink and resistance ropes with him so that every muscle was looking their best.

Evan and I planned out the look and feel of his shoot together, deciding on photos that we thought would best represent his vision of himself and how he wanted to project himself. We chose clothing that fit the location and he even brought an American Flag with him. I was pretty excited to see that surprise as I had always wanted to do a shoot with an American Flag and was stoked to be able to do a shoot that was really appropriate to show his pride in his accomplishments.

Take a look at the highlights from this shoot below. Congratulations Evan!! What an amazing accomplishment.

If you like this post please consider following my blog as well as my google page.

If would like to book a San Francisco Lifestyle Fashion and Sports Fitness Fashion photo shoot with me, contact me today.

Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer 

https://www.lizcaruana.com/