As soon as I spoke with owner Laura Readyoff on the phone, I knew we would hit it off. She is the warm and thoughtful founder of The Music Loft, a music school in Herndon and Ashburn, Virginia. On the day of the headshots at The Music Loft, I saw she has built a local community business with an amazing group of over twenty talented musicians who were so fun to photograph.
Headshots can be classic and rich. We chose a background that would not detract at all from the subjects, but used specific subtle lighting so that dark clothes or hair would not merge into one with the background. Although musician headshots may be serious and a little more edgy, I knew we were trying to convey the friendliness and warmth of these music teachers. And they really were so fun to work with. The whole group seemed like a big family. So we were able to remain beautifully formal and friendly at the same time.
When you mention headshots, does your staff say “I love getting my picture taken”? Most likely not. But I want to change that line. After they get their picture taken, I want them to say “I actually liked getting my picture taken…and I love my picture.” My staff and I work hard not only to keep the flow of the headshots moving quickly and smoothly, but ensuring we treat each person as a valuable and worthy individual.
I loved photographing the musicians’ headshots at the Music Loft because I could experiment with some of the instrument images for variety. I turned off one or more of my lights to create more shadow to convey a more moody feeling, or cropped in more closely than I would for a standard headshot.
I provide my staff with masks, disinfecting cleaner, and sanitizer. When I photograph headshots, I photograph from over 10 feet away. I give verbal guidance on smoothing and straightening out hair and clothes.
The Music Loft was, like many businesses, forced into the world of virtual learning due to coronavirus. They not only pivoted quickly, but successfully, and now are pursuing that avenue of teaching on a permanent basis, in addition to in-person lessons. Laura decided to revamp her website and invest in high quality headshots. She clearly communicated with her staff regarding clothing formality level.
Not only that, she added my fabulous and fun makeup and hair touchup artist, Meredith Ehler. Meredith offers every staff member her finishing touch to get camera ready, using makeup that is formulated for photographic lighting.
I also provide on-site viewing so that each employee can have a say in their headshot. As soon as each staff member gets their photos taken, my assistant helps them view their images on a laptop and choose their favorite.
For The Music Loft, the business is their staff. And they want to convey how warm, friendly, and talented they are. I’m so grateful I got to meet these musicians and take their photos and show our community this amazing group of people!
Is your business looking to update your website or improve the quality of your staff images? See pricing and more information on corporate headshots.
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