Atlanta Professional Headshot Photographer
While I am on the Covenant House Georgia campus multiple times each year, it’s normally for documentary coverage. It’s been about three years since I’ve photographed the senior and junior leadership team at Covenant House Georgia. Articles were being written about leadership. Journalists were asking for updated headshots. The leadership team changed a bit. So it was time to bring a full set-up of lights and reflectors as an Atlanta professional headshot photographer to capture these lovely people again.
Who Likes Being Photographed?
I am used to my headshot clients not being exactly thrilled to be photographed. The majority of my people feel like stepping in front of the camera is worse than going to the dentist. I get it. It’s a vulnerable place to stand, especially in front of a stranger. I know how that feels. Consequently, I seek to establish connection and trust through conversation before I step behind my camera and begin making photographs. I want people to feel comfortable. For clients to have a good experience. And to erase past poor experiences.
Who Wants to Give Up Their Youth?
Many people don’t want to show their change in age. I understand that. We’re not all thrilled with grey hairs or accumulating lines on faces around eyes or foreheads. Nor are folks excited to show they may have gained a few pounds. Or they love the younger version of themselves in the currently posted headshot on LinkedIn and social media.
How Important Is Credibility To You?
But here’s the thing. A credibility issue arises when clients, colleagues, vendors, or other folks see your headshot online and then meet you in person only to find a much different looking person. Not everything about aging is bad. We gain more experience and knowledge. Which is the part that I feel matters much more than grey hairs or smile lines around my eyes.
Integrity Is Important, Right?
I’ve worked hard since opening my business in 2012 to improve my skills. At everything. Using my cameras. Adding in lighting and reflectors. Talking to people and putting them at ease. Helping folks pose without looking uncomfortable or unnatural. Earning natural smiles and expressions. Learning what makes each person self conscious and then working around that to show them in the best way possible. Like I’m protecting my best friend and making sure we don’t have any extra chins or half shut eyes. Retouching that adds a bit of kindness while still maintaining integrity is also in the mix. My end goal is to create images that establish trust and credibility for my clients. I want my clients to be proud to use the headshots I work with them to create.
Atlanta Professional Headshot Photographer
I love hearing my clients say, “That was easier than I expected!” Or, “This went fast!” Frequently, I hear comments like, “This is so much better than the last time I had headshots made!” All of which make me happy. All of the tens of thousands of hours I have spent for decades in corporate America, volunteering, and running my own photography business…my primary motivator is to help make things easier for other people. To lighten the load. Create the good surprises and positive experiences.
Contact Kelley for Professional Headshots
You can start a conversation here if you’re interested in professionally updating your headshot and online presence. I would love to help create a new image you’re proud to professionally represent yourself!