St. Louis Photographer » A Journal by Holly McCaig

We’re bringing back the headshot day! I’ve had some requests for it and it gives everyone the chance to update their profile images.

Headshots aren’t just for actors anymore! They are for anyone that wants to portray a professional appearance. Think about it. You work really hard to have the best marketing pieces and photos of your products. Simply having a snapshot using your cell phone doesn’t fit the same level of quality. It’s important that who receives your product, sees you. We relate to the person when we can see a human face.

Often times, we’re asked for a headshot for press releases, marketing events, websites or even articles. We have to get them to the person, fast! And, in the new age of social media, you just can’t go without one. Have one ready to go at a moments notice. Headshots should reflect who you are and what your business does. Gone are the days of stiff poses and suits & ties. Depending on your industry, you can have a professional headshot and be yourself.

Typically, headshots can range from $125 to $400. So, I believe it’s important to work with professionals and make it more affordable. A few times a year, I run this event in the studio. And, for just $40, you can obtain not one, but two digital image files to use for your business needs. These are high resolution image files accompanied with a print release document.

New head shots from Holly not only allows me to be current in my promotional materials, but Holly’s eye for details and creativity ensured that my head shots set me above all of the stereotypical head shots used by business professionals.

Susan Iskiwitch, Digital Media Consultant susanisk.com

What to Wear

• First and foremost – be you! But, even then, there are some rules to make that fun and still flattering and professional.
• Colors – Consider something modern, fresh, and solid colors when choosing colors. With that said, neutral colors are always  a good fall-back. Your company branding may be important to you. But, rather than wearing “logo” clothing, considering wearing complimentary colors to your branding instead. Wear items that provide some contrast to your skin tones.
• Wear long-sleeves if possible. They are more slimming on arms!
• Make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free.
• Bring a few shirt/jacket changes with you, when in doubt.
• Clothing should fit…make sure it’s not too tight, nor too loose!
• V-necks are generally flattering for most people, unless you are a male with a long slim neck. In which case, collared shirts work best.
• Women should stick to small hoop or simple stud earrings.
• Women should bring the correct bra colors for the wardrobe. (please remember to wear a flesh-toned bra under white garments!)
• Don’t wear a turtle neck.
• Avoid blouses with padded shoulders.

I needed some new headshots to help me make my internet presence more uniform across many websites and social media platforms.  Holly was very quick, professional, and produced outstanding results.

Scott Roberts, Web Developer scottrobertsweb.com

Our next event is February 16th – to learn more and to R.S.V.P. complete the contact form. If you have questions, just leave a note in the message area and I’ll return your email promptly. Makeup by Elisabeth will be on hand for makeup touchups if you need them for just $5.00.

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Samantha is one of my ‘11 Senior Elite Models for next year. She’s very gifted in the singing department. She’s dedicated to make her life-long goals come true as a performer on Broadway. Needless to say, when she hired me to do some headshots for her, I couldn’t resist taking her over to the new brick wall and have a little fun – feels so comedy club-ish!

Need a new mug for your profile? Wanna look hawt on Facebook? Maybe your Twitter needs a new look?

December 7th, from noon until 7 p.m. CST at our studio located in Manchester, Missouri, you can get a new headshot for just $45. Normal headshot rates start at $99. This allows you to come in for a quick five to ten minutes, snap a couple quick images and then choose which proof you want as a digital file. Yep, that’s a high resolution image that you can do whatever you want with (except anything in poor taste, of course).

To sign, up, please visit the special contract page. We’ll contact you after we receive your form and invoice you – directions will be provided after we get your payment!

We’re growing our high school senior, portrait photography business and have a bazillion plans and ideas in the works. But, it all starts with our new model rep program. We’re promoting the current junior class, now, so they can take advantage of an early senior session in the spring. Then, they get the entire summer to show off their images to their friends. Our reps earn print credits and are all entered into a grand prize. The top referrer (that must refer at least eight senior bookings to us) will win a $250 Visa Gift card, an iPod and so much more. We’ve been meeting our applicants in person and conducting a headshot session with them over the past few weekends. Now, we have them here, for you to see! Friends and family, you can vote! To vote, visit www.hollymccaigseniors.com. Then, enter the main website to view their images in the portfolio. They are full-sized so you get a better view. Next, at the top of the site, on the menu, click on “Model Search Contest Voting” to cast your vote! Voting ends Friday at 2 p.m. CST. One vote per computer! I’d be honored to have any one of these amazing kids as our reps!

Don’t forget, you can follow us on Facebook and on Twitter for updates.

I love when a client is creative. Nikki is! Nikki is amazing coach and has a great vision. She asked if I could do her headshots for her after we did her family’s mini session last weekend. Of course! And, I LOVE that she let me use the damask backdrop! It’s perfect for what she is wearing.