As a photographer who prides myself on capturing the unique personality of every subject I photograph, I’ve loved this trend and I’ve made a name for myself in Virginia as the go-to corporate photographer for that reason.

Last June, I was approached by the senior manager of brand photography and videography for Ferguson,

It’s a new year with new goals. It’s time to update your LinkedIn profile or at least make sure it checks these boxes.

You only get about 3 seconds to make a first impression on LinkedIn. Your profile image will be the very first thing your potential client or employer looks at.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that humans process images 60,000X faster than text?

Be sure you’re telling the story you want which is consistent with your personal brand and putting your best foot forward.

Your profile image should position you as the professional and the authority figure you are.

Remember when you started dating as a teenager? It was all exciting and new, and probably fun. If you’re coming out of a relationship or have been widowed and are thinking about starting to date again, it can feel like the polar opposite. It’s scarier than exciting for most people.

I jumped back into the dating pool after my divorce and I was definitely more scared than excited. The difference this time around was that I was doing it online, which is a whole new ballgame, and it felt like a game I had once known but had forgotten all the rules too! I was amazed at what people could find out about me with a simple Google search, and I was determined to make sure that my dating profile was an accurate representation of who I was and what I was looking for.

While I’m definitely not an expert on online dating rules, I can share some tips on creating dating images that you’ll be proud of.

With the help of the right photographer, you can catch the attention of more casting directors and agents. In fact, visuals can often make or break your chances of landing your dream audition, which is why it’s essential to get your headshots right.

Here are some tips that will help:

#1 Stick with a basic background

Let’s talk about your headshots.

I know, this probably isn’t one of your favorite topics, because having your picture taken probably isn’t in your top 10 (or even 25) list of things you love to do.

The hard truth is, though, if your current photos are more than two years old, they’re out of date and need to be updated (especially if you are a professional of any kind).

Whether you’re thinking about taking headshots for the first time or you want to refresh your current photos there are some common myths about headshots I’d like to debunk so you can book your next photoshoot with confidence and peace of mind.

Very few people in this world actually enjoy having their pictures taken. The minute a camera is aimed at us, we tend to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable. I’ve even had a handful of professionals tell me they used to skip school on picture days! That can relegate “Update my executive headshot” to the very bottom of your “to-do” list (right below having a root canal or paying a late fee on your credit card bill for a mistake your bank made) headshot.

I get it! I’m an award-winning professional photographer and I feel the same way about having my picture taken. Since I specialize in executive headshots, part of my goal is to make even the most nervous client feel comfortable, confident, and as relaxed as possible. Most of my sessions even actually end up being fun for my clients.

Here’s how I accomplish this:

Nowadays, having an intentional personal brand is more important than ever.

But does that mean that everyone needs to work hard at building their personal brand? How do you know if scheduling a personal brand photoshoot is right for you and your business? Here are five great questions to help you find out.

Every quarter in Richmond, Virginia, and nationwide, I get to work with amazing leaders and companies throughout our country to help their brands to shine. I do this with my photography practice. Of all the ways I could serve my clients, I focus on creating branded portraits for executives and entrepreneurs.

Visuals are an integral part of making a lasting first impression online. When potential clients, business partners, or employers want to put a face to your resume, what would they see?

A professional headshot session is a sound business investment for a number of reasons, but only if you use it to your advantage.

Here are the mistakes you should avoid.

As a professional headshot photographer, I know from experience that you can have the best photographer money can buy, but if you don’t look relatable, comfortable, and engaging in your photos, they’re not going to have the effect you’re hoping for.

I’m sure you know that being relaxed before and during a headshot photo session makes it easier for your personality and professionalism to shine through. The question is, how do you get to a relaxed, comfortable state while doing an activity that most people avoid and dread? Great question! Here are some ideas I share with my clients that have made a huge difference in how their final photos turn out.

Most of us probably have more about ourselves that we’d like to change than things we truly love. For example, lots of people don’t like their smiles. It’s not something they dwell on, but it becomes an issue when it’s time to get a headshot or have their picture taken with their loved ones. For someone who hates their smile, being told to smile or having someone shout, “Say cheese!” instantly creates tension and elicits something more akin to a grimace than an actual, genuine smile.

I was recently working in Richmond, VA, doing what I love to do best (capturing the perfect branding photos for corporations and entrepreneurs)! I noticed that lots of the clients with whom I was working didn’t like their smile. This could have adversely affected their shoot if we hadn’t identified and handled it before they stepped in front of the camera.

So, I thought I would share my favorite tips for feeling comfortable during your next photoshoot.

I love photographing my amazing clients who are game-changers in their categories. One of the reasons my clients are superstars is that they’re always looking to create more value for their audiences. That’s why I wanted to write this article on creating irresistible services to attract new clients.

Every week from my photography studio in Richmond, Virginia, I get to work with amazing leaders and companies throughout Central Virginia to help their brands to shine. I do this with my photography practice. Of all the ways I could serve my clients, I focus on creating branded portraits for executives and entrepreneurs.

As a professional branding photographer, I work with CEOs, high profile realtors, public figures and amazing entrepreneurs all over Central Virginia. So it’s not uncommon for me to see my clients’ names and images in news articles. But it’s always a thrill to see my clients get the recognition they deserve.

Learn about how to make your personal branding session a best practice that gets your images working hard for you!

I love my work because I get to connect with people who have a passion for making an impact. I work with amazing entrepreneurs, coaches, authors and leaders in Richmond and all over who get up every day to help others to do more, be more and have more.

Hi you! I’m not a “fan” of New Year’s resolutions. But I AM a fan of New Year intentions. Being intentional means being focused. Being intentional means being on purpose.

I wanted to share from my heart something that everyone who strives to do and be more in life experiences: "Gremlin thoughts." Gremlin thoughts are those thoughts that tell us: We can't do it. We aren't worthy.

Learn five breakthrough insights from female CEOs of leading non-profit organizations.