SHILOH PLACE GROUNDBREAKING | WHY HIRE FOR NON PROFITS
Hiring professional photography for a nonprofit event can really elevate the impact of the event in several ways:
High-Quality Imagery: Professional photographers have the right equipment and skills to capture high-quality images that can be used for marketing materials, social media, and future campaigns. Amateur photos often lack the necessary sharpness, lighting, and composition to make a lasting impression.
Brand Consistency: Nonprofits often have specific visual guidelines to maintain a consistent brand image. A professional photographer understands how to align their work with these standards, making sure the photos reflect the organization’s values, mission, and overall aesthetic.
Capturing Key Moments: Professionals know how to anticipate and capture important moments that may be easily overlooked by an untrained eye—like candid interactions, speeches, or subtle details that highlight the essence of the event. These photos help tell the story of the event effectively.
Enhanced Storytelling: Nonprofit events often have a deeper emotional connection with their audiences. A professional photographer knows how to capture those powerful moments that convey the mission and impact of the organization, helping tell a compelling story to donors, volunteers, and supporters.
Social Media & PR: High-quality photos can be used across various media platforms—websites, social media, newsletters, and press releases. Good visuals are more likely to be shared and can increase engagement, boosting the nonprofit’s visibility and reach.
Time-Saving: A professional photographer can focus on the job at hand while you and your team can focus on the event itself. You won’t need to worry about taking good pictures while managing everything else.
Documenting Impact: Nonprofits often need images for grant proposals, reports, or promotional materials. Having professionally taken photos ensures that the moments that highlight the nonprofit’s work can be used effectively for future fundraising and advocacy.
In short, hiring a professional photographer ensures that the event’s story is told in the best way possible, helping to raise awareness, build relationships, and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
Does your nonprofit have any upcoming events that could benefit from this?
3 Tips for Working with a Therapist | Approachability + Professionalism
We had the best time at this session working for the Nourished Should Center for Healing!! Working with talented and kind people never gets old to me and then you add food!? When Cherie reached out last fall, I was honored. I hadn’t ever thought a food therapist but after chatting, I realized a lot of our thoughts and opinions about food, comes from our childhood and lifestyle. This was opening for sure!!
Here are a few tips:
Think beyond your face. Include the tools you use every day—journals, affirmation cards, food journals, or even books that inspire your work. These elements give your audience a deeper understanding of how you support them.
Some of the most powerful photos come from authentic interactions—walking through your space, journaling, or sitting in quiet reflection. Capture your personality in motion and moments of genuine emotion. Let your audience see the calm confidence you bring into every session.
A branding session with a food therapist is about creating imagery that reflects trust, safety, and transformation. Whether you're launching a new website or refreshing your social media, these photos should communicate who you are before you even say a word.
4. Highlight the soft details: plants, books, comfortable chairs, warm lighting, and even a mug of tea. These details give your audience a sense of the calm and safety they’ll feel when working with you.
Like any session, authenticity trumps all!! SO grab some poses and props that make sense and start photographing these talented and lovely people! Therapists are often great people!!
4 Tips for Photographing on a Construction Site | GLOBIWAFERS PLANT | SHERMAN TX
Capturing high-quality photographs at a construction site requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are a few essential tips to help you achieve the best results:
1. Prioritize Safety First
Before anything else, wear proper PPE (hard hat, vest, boots) and be aware of site rules. Stay out of restricted zones unless cleared, and keep an eye on heavy machinery and workers at all times. The project manager directed me each step.
✅ Pro tip: Talk to the site manager ahead of time to understand hazards and get clearance for specific areas. This didn’t directly apply to me as I was in their care every step.
2. Shoot with Flash whenever Possible
If possible, plan for terrible available light— the correct off camera flash lighting adds warmth, depth, and drama to the metal, concrete, and dust of a construction site.
🌅 Creating the correct light looks amazing bouncing off steel beams and scaffolding—less harsh shadows too!
3. Pay Attention to Composition
Each photo should have a clear subject. Ensure that the primary focus, whether it's a specific structure, piece of equipment, or worker, is prominently featured. Be mindful of the background to avoid distractions and aim for a balanced composition that draws attention to the subject.
4. Last but not Least, BE ready to direct.
People who work anywhere but photography will be thankful for direction and specifics. If something is in the way, please move it. If you see what would be best, do it!
BEHIND THE SCENES | When I was walking around, I wanted to snap a few of the the amazing people welding, and servicing the building. The space was impressive and the workers were as well!
Sherman TX | GlobiTech GlobiWafers Plant | FALL 2024. INSTAGRAM POST INSTAGRAM POST #2
How To Series #6 | Create a Media Badge
MEDIA BADGES + TRAVEL | Let’s talk about it. traveling with gear can be a hassle, but with a media badge it’s doable. Here’s a few reasons why I finally did a DIY media badge and how you can too!
PROS for media badge:
Less Cost overall. There are weight restrictions and this helps you either get your bag checked for free (not much longer through SWA) or at the regular rate which is huge. They can charge you a lot for weight, which I don’t blame them!
You can add your own credentials - your logo, your name, your business.
It’s accepted everywhere. The legacy airlines all respect the federal rules which is great!
CONS for media bagde:
You have to have it on you, or so I have. One time I forget the badge and she accepted the digital version so who knows.
That’s about it. There are no other cons:)
Here is your link to create your own badge! I edited the file in Adobe Photoshop and printed through a site I cannot find once I tried, agh! But there are a few to choose from!
Also, the man that just sat next to me in the terminal has on too much cologne so that’s an issue. If I pass out, you’ll know why:)
BACK OF DIY MEDIA BADGE
PHOTOGRAPHER MEDIA BADGES | TRAVEL FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
How To Series #5 | Change your Iphone Contact Poster + Profile
Here we go! You’ve got this brand new shiny headshot and now it’s time to load it in all the places. I’m here to help!
LinkedIn is the perfect space for a new headshot, so let’s get it updated now! You might enjoy that photo from wedding or a date, it’s great to make sure your presence is professional on this platform. Save your fun photos for Instagram or Facebook.
Now it’s time to upload your new photo to Instagram, especially branding photos. Use them all over Insta, as your cover photo for reels.
Colored Backgrounds Options for Headshots | Did You Know Series
COLOR | did you know you can choose the backdrop color? Yep, you can with me👏.
Here are some trends I’m loving right now for professional headshots 🤝
1️⃣ monochrome - that’s right, blue on blue, pink on pink, orange on orange, or shades of them 💌.
2️⃣ complimentary - colors across the color wheel like green/red, blue/orange for those who are willing to be bold 👏
3️⃣ eyes - pairing the backdrop with the client eye color is a W usually 📈
4️⃣ flattering - what color looks best with the client?
Playing with color is just fun and can make the photo stand out in the BEST way!
What are some ways you are integrating color in your headshots or photo sessions?
Would you like to see how I achieve these drops? ‼️
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Mckinney headshot photographer
Dfw Headshots
#modernheadshots
#mckinneyheadshots
How To Series #4 | Upload to Social Media Platform
Here we go! You’ve got this brand new shiny headshot and now it’s time to load it in all the places. I’m here to help!
LinkedIn is the perfect space for a new headshot, so let’s get it uploaded to LinkedIn! You might enjoy that photo from wedding or a date, it’s great to make sure your presence is professional on this platform by updating profile picture. Save your fun photos for Instagram or Facebook.
Now it’s time to upload your new photo to Instagram, especially branding photos. Use them all over Insta, as your cover photo for reels.
Why Cohesive Headshots for Your Team Matters
Here’s the deal, first impressions often happen online. Whether it’s on your company website, LinkedIn profiles, or marketing materials, the way your team is visually represented speaks volumes about your brand. One key factor in building a strong, professional image is maintaining consistency in corporate headshots across your team. Be sure to see the tips at the bottom and of course, hire me!
Consistency Matters for a few Reasons
1. Establishes Brand Identity
Consistent headshots create a cohesive and polished look that reinforces your brand’s identity. When potential clients or partners visit your website, they see a unified team that reflects your company’s professionalism and values.
2. Enhances Professionalism
Uniform lighting, backgrounds, and styling ensure that every team member appears equally professional. This avoids distractions caused by varied styles, making your team look well-organized and put together.
3. Builds Trust and Credibility
People are naturally drawn to consistency. A well-coordinated visual presentation fosters trust and credibility, signaling that your business pays attention to detail and values professionalism.
4. Creates a Sense of Unity
Having a standardized look in team headshots promotes a sense of unity and belonging within your organization. It visually communicates that everyone is part of the same team, reinforcing company culture.
5. Improves Marketing & Online Presence
From website bios to press releases and LinkedIn profiles, having consistent headshots makes your team look well-branded and put together. It also helps with brand recall, ensuring that your company stands out.
Tips for Achieving Consistent Headshots
Use the Same Photographer: A single professional photographer ensures uniformity in style, lighting, and quality.
Set Clear Guidelines: Establish standards for backgrounds, attire, poses, and expressions.
Schedule Regular Updates: As your team grows or members change, ensure new hires get the same style of headshots.
Consider a Corporate Photoshoot Day: Booking a dedicated session for the entire team helps maintain consistency and keeps the process efficient.
Investing in professional and consistent corporate headshots is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your company’s image. At EM Corporate, I specialize in helping businesses achieve a unified, professional look for their teams. Contact us today to schedule a session and showcase your team at its best.
How To Series #3 | Resize Your Headshot in Canva
When you’re in a pinch or your photographer cannot be reached, it’s great to know how resize headshot in Canva easily!
Large or Small, sizing matters for headshot integrations. It’s SO frustrating when you go to finally upload your headshot and it states it’s too small or too big. There are times you’ll need to resize photos for LinkedIn.
Different platforms will require different sizing needs. Some are smaller than you can imagine and it requires a certain requirement.
How To Series #2 | Uploading your Custom Email Signature
Email signatures are a must for us in the digital age! Adding your headshot to email signature is key.
Here are a few reasons why:
help your team know who you are
show your clients your face before meeting
help build trust from the start
Follow these steps to upload your new custom email signature with photo.
If you are needing a custom template for professional email branding, feel free to look at the previous blog post with template links!
Reach out if you need any other help! I’m here to help you get that exceptional headshot everywhere!
How To Series #1 | Create Your Custom Email Signature
Email Signatures | How would you rate your email signature currently?
Maybe you don’t even have one?
Email signatures are a must for us in the digital age!
If yours is absent or doesn't include your headshot, it's time to upgrade!!
I created two templates for y'all to customize and use.
Here are your quick steps:
Click this template link to create yours.
Create a free Canva account, it's super useful friendly.
***Click the "Use Template for New Design Option OR Make a copy of the template by clicking the double + sign at the top of design. (see above)
Customize your copy - any color, fonts,, then download using the share button. Currently the design is sized at 400x200px. Resize there if you need.
UPDATE | I recommend download as a jpg at 100% for Gmail integration.
Upload your new fabulous email signature. Every platform varies, but usually it’s under Settings Wheel Icon
For google It’s near the bottom of that
Be sure to add any clickable links to the bottom.
WORTH IT OR TRASH IT? | Why Hire Me for Your CONFERENCE HEADSHOTS
CONFERENCE HEADSHOTS
Let’s talk about it. Here’s the deal, not all headshots are equal. I have MANY people tell me they do not like their current photo, or worse, they NEVER used the one taken at a recent conference or work event.
Let’s get into it….
TOP 5 REASONS WHY For NOT GREAT HEADSHOT EXPERIENCE
Here are the reasons clients have told me they won’t use them.
Not Prepared: The attendee was unaware headshots were being offered, but wanted to give it a go. Their hair color is uneven, their complexion isn’t as smooth, makeup isn’t finished, and most importantly, they are not rested or hydrated.
Lack of Photographer Experience: As the saying goes, you usually get what you pay for, so sometimes photographers are unsure how to handle the average person, or someone who is uncertain altogether. Knowing how to set someone at ease takes time to learn.
Inaccurate Skin Tone: A person’s skin tone must be accurately represented. This can be a diffcitul thing to learn, but is a MUST. If it is inaccurate, the attendee won’t feel confident pushing to upload the headshot.
Lack of Quality Setup: Not all light is equal. Attendees often do not know what color the backdrop will be and plan the wrong or same color for their wardrobe.
Unsettled - Attendees can feel unsettled for many reasons. Anxiety about photos is often the reason why.
No need to fear, I’m here to help!!
5 SOLUTIONS For EXCEPTIONAL HEADSHOT EXPERIENCE
Preparation: Event planners MUST communicate headshots are being offered AND I recommend showing the photographer’s samples that will represent what the attendee will experience & receive.
Experience: Select a Photographer who can create the best photos possible. Review their full portfolio, looking at all types of headshots to make the best choice.
Social Media: Review to ensure the photographer has a quality setup to see the options they offer & if that person would be a great fit for your project.
Skin Tones: Find a photographer who works with a range of skin tones. All skin tones have ranges of yellows/blues/oranges/greens and so on. Authentic skin tones are important for a quality representation.
From the Start: Your photographer can offer you solutions to help your attendees settle before the event. Happy to chat with you about what I offer to ensure this result!
Reach out today to see if I would be a great fit of your project or goals in 2025! Whether you’re event is in the Dallas TX area or beyond, reach out to see how I can be of help!
TIE OR NO TIE? That is the Question
Tie or No Tie? This question is asked often in the studio & it’s a big deal! Here are a few considerations for this concern:
Start with your Authentic Preference
As with anything wardrobe piece, women in power heels for instance, some feel better and more confident in them. Is that true of you in a tie?
Do you like the way you look in a tie? Remember the Men’s Wearhouse tag line, “Your going to like the way you look, I guarantee it?” That sums it up.
Next is your Industry
For Wealth Advisors, Surgeons, Law and now I’m learning Pilots, ties are more common. That doesn’t mean some do not. I had a surgeon in and he opted for no tie.
Does your industry have those margins? If you are unsure, then I suggest asking your superior. If you are the superior, I suggest taking both options.
No Tie Headshot Rules
For a no tie look, I suggest a jacket that fits (Always), and first button secured option and one with it open. Remember that headsets are a tighter crop and while the secured button may not be viewed, it can appear more together for the overall look.f
It’s SUPER important yoru collar is fixed and strong, and equitable. I’m actually pretty passionate about collars and their presence in a photo. It’s KEY
TIE HEADSHOT RULES
Consider Eye Color: If you want to step into a color in your headshot, for tie or the backdrop, offer up that as an option. Especially if you have blue or hazel eyes, wow!
Leave your 80’s tie at home: With the strong graphics and lines, it’s best to choose something more modern, clean simple lines or patterns.
Bring options: With anything, bring a few options and let the professional pare a few. If you have a spouse that is talented with this, that is useful as well.
Overall, It’s vital to make the decision best for you, truly. If it doubt, take photos of both!
I leave you with a few of tie and no tie options for your review!!
4 IDEAS TO THE BEST MBA HEADSHOTS | DFW HEADSHOTS
Working with the fabulous folks at Texas Tech MBA Dallas Location is always a good time. This cohort was full of talented, kind, and just enjoyable professionals ready to level up their education! What a bright future each of them has!
Preparing for your MBA headshot is important, as this photo often serves as your professional image across various platforms. Here are four ideas to ensure you look your best:
1. Select the Best Outfit for you
Business Attire: Opt for a well-fitted suit or professional outfit that reflects your future career aspirations. Solid colors like navy, black, or shades of gray work well, avoiding overly bright or busy patterns.
Grooming: Pay attention to grooming, ensuring your hair is neat and facial hair is well-trimmed. Be aware of nose hairs!
2. Select a Suitable Backdrop
Neutral Background: A plain, neutral background (like white, light gray, or soft blue) keeps the focus on you. Avoid busy or distracting backdrops. If you have to take it outside, use even shade and solid looking backdrops.
3. Express Confidence and Approachability
Posture and Pose: Stand with good posture. A subtle smile can project confidence and approachability. Practice a few different poses in front of a mirror to find the most flattering angle.
Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera for a more engaging and professional appearance.
4. Hire a Professional Photographer
Hire a Photographer: A professional photographer can help you with lighting, angles, and editing to create a polished, high-quality image. It’s literally my job!
These steps will help ensure your MBA headshot reflects the professional image you want to convey.
Best of luck in your next steps as you future your career one day at a time!
3 Reasons Hiring a Professional Photographer for your Conference + Upgrades| DFW Conferences
Working with a professional photographer for your event should make your life easier and here’s a few reasons why:
Professionals arrive early and ready to evaluate your event in regards to any changes or needs.
A collection of images to use immediately for social…yes that is an option!
Collateral that you are proud to share without be distracted from your in person goals.
It adds a layer of care for your team as providing quality photos matters to them.
For conferences and events, it’s important to have images to use for future events as well! Managing those expectations is valuable to those attending for the first time.
They might be wondering what is the vibe? What does the space look like? How can I be prepared for this event?
Conference / Event Add On’s: What are valuable add on’s to consider?
Pop Vox VIdeos or Man on the Street Interviews: They are great to showcase your attendees’ experience, interview your leadership, recap the event, and more!
Step & Repeat: A stand alone space for your attendees to have photos taken! Once your team is dressed up, take their photo!
Headshot Booth: Of course! When your team is in the same space, taking new headshots is a great idea! Be sure to clarify color of backdrop, cropping needs & any other specs for your integrations.
Team or Division Photos: Again, once everyone is there, do these!
Whole Group Photos: The entire team in one photo, what a lovely idea! I’ve done these for groups of 40 to 300+. They’re pretty impressive and show your strengths!
Consider these options for your next event, & be sure to give me a holler so we can set you up for success!