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Been Working R-overtime Lately

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Virginia Land Rover Defender 110 For Sale

Explor’n

The official vehicle of Jonathan Heisler Photography makes its debut in Virginia.

Lately, I've just been trying to find stuff to photograph and work to, well, work on. The Corona Virus epidemic has decimated the event photography industry, just like other industries. While in Roanoke, Virginia I’ve been updating my website, puppy raising our future service dog Ruby, and planning for the return of business post-Corona Virus. I’ve also been working on my 1992 Land Rover Defender 110 pictured here. This is the truck’s first time venturing around these parts. It's been a blast!

How to survive the Corona Virus as a photographer

March was supposed to be a great month. As any New York photographer will tell you, New York City is the best in the Spring. As the weather gets warmer the photography business gets going. It’s full speed ahead until Thanksgiving. Warm weather = more photography jobs. Heck, it was supposed to be the best season yet! I had projected it to be the best month yet and I had the jobs booked to prove it. I had several full day conferences to photograph, a wedding, several corporate headshot days with all new clients, and more.

7 Steps to the Perfect LinkedIn Profile Photo

For most LinkedIn represents their only professional online presence  Whether you like it or not your LinkedIn profile photo is your first impression. Your photo will either get you the first hello or it'll leave you in the dark. Therefore, it's important your headshot and LinkedIn profile picture best represent you, your business, and your level of professional experience.

As a photographer working with a wide array of clients, I'd like to share 7 elements of the perfect headshot photo and LinkedIn Profile photo.

1.    Hire a Professional.

Don't characterize your image potential with a selfie. You are WAY beyond that. And no a candid profile photo from your cousins wedding or last weekend's Yankees game either. It will not do. Professionalism and individual value is formed by the investment you are willing to invest in yourself. 

2.    Arrive with an open mind

We will create options in our photos. I'll photograph everything under the sun for you. We're not in a rush and we're not going to get the perfect shot right away. Both you and I need to get comfortable. There's a method to photographing from a technical perspective where I develop your settings over time and together we develop the story of a good portrait. Honestly, if I don't make you look good, I don't look good, and then, I'm not a very good photographer.

3.    Look straight into the camera, relax, and laugh!

A successful business profile photo says a lot and it also says what you're thinking about. Connect with the camera by making direct eye contact. Don't think about your facial expression, think about having fun!

4.    Dress for the job you want.

Show your personal style and represent who you are. Remember to look clean (shave, brush your hair, iron your shirt, and have your jacket pressed so it holds form), and bring a tie.

Photographers Guide to LinkedIn profile pictures headshots

5.    Location.

Look at my portrait photo portfolio and consider who you are, what you do and the location that best tells your story. This environment will provide your audience additional clues about yourself. This is why getting out of a studio and away from the traditional portrait background photo (high school photos) is so important!

6.    Have fun and breath.

The best part of my job is working with and getting to know all different people. Hiring this photographer is 50% photography and 50% a first date. While the camera captures the moment - we are creating confidence, comfort, and character. I'm learning how you look your best and seeing how you feel your best. I'll show you the photos as we shoot and give you pointers. Don't worry about blemishes or your greying hair, I'm pretty good at photoshop.

7.    Strike a (different) pose and one more pose. 1-2-3!

I will guide you through different poses and positions as we shoot. Throughout the session we'll review the photos and we'll make adjustments as we go. I want to hear what you think and more of what you want. Open jacket, close jacket, hand in pocket, cross your arms, stand up, walk towards me...