I’ll be honest, I laughed.  When I mentioned to a friend that I was going to photograph a couple of plumbers for Garvin’s, the response I got was “don’t get any crack in the photos.”  Kind of a lame joke, but it did make me laugh a bit.  No crack.  Just smiles from two of their friendly guys. :)

It’s Monday – let’s do something corporate to celebrate :) Here are a few of the headshots taken of Larry and Shara of Roundhouse Advisors, Inc this afternoon.

Larry could barely stand up after we took this first shot – he’s knees were not happy with me.  I asked in advance if it would be hard on his legs to squat like that, but Larry took it more as a challenge than a question and just did it.  Regardless, I think it was well worth the effort, but I guess only Larry can be the judge of that one :)

Happy Monday!

Maybe you can’t keep your eyes open for photos.  Or you always have red eye and look washed out.  Perhaps you have a cheesy “camera smile” that comes out of nowhere when you see a camera.  For whatever reason, you’ve decided you are not photogenic.  Terribly, horribly, irreparably un-photogenic.  You should just never have your photo taken again because you’ll always look horrible.  Wrong!

If you think you aren’t photogenic, you simply haven’t worked with the right photographer.  Or maybe you haven’t worked with a photographer at all.  People judge themselves as not photogenic because photos their friends take of them at parties never turn out well.  Of course not!  Direct flash, red eye, poor timing, too many cocktails…it’s a perfect storm of ickiness.

The best photos of people arise from natural moments when they aren’t posing for the camera, aren’t making their characteristic photo face – aren’t over-thinking it.  That’s why documentary photography is the best way to get great photos of everyone.  I’ve had many clients who think they don’t look good in photos, or don’t like having pictures taken.  Once they’ve taken photos with me, they’re usually singing a different tune.

So what’s the secret?  There’s a few.  Professional equipment is one, alongside professional training (it helps to know how that fancy camera works, after all :) )  » Continue reading “Being photogenic is a myth. Really.”

I had a number of corporate headshot appointments this week, and decided just to roll them into one blog post to keep it simple.  It’s so important to have your photo on your business website.  It builds an instant connection between you and your client, and makes you identifiable.  I think having a portrait also makes you seem more friendly, but maybe that’s just me.  Whatever the reason, I’m glad these four people now have new images for their websites and social media tools -and that they thought of me to take them!

As of July 15, 2010, this will be the new deposit policy for Tracy Carolyn Photography.

Portraits A $50 deposit is due when you book your session date.  This deposit will be applied to your session fee, and is non-refundable.  It is transferrable, however, should you need to reschedule your appointment.  The remaining balance is due the day of your session.

Weddings and Events A deposit of 30% is due with a signed contract to reserve your date.  This deposit is non-refundable.  The remaining balance is due two weeks prior to the event.

Boudoir Marathons A $50 deposit is required to book your time slot on a marathon day.  Any hair and makeup fees will be due upfront, since I pay the stylist in advance.  This deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Thanks for wading through the boring business stuff.  Since everything is better with a photo, here’s an engagement favorite :)