My core focus when capturing professional headshots and editorial portraits is to create images you are proud of. Being photographed is awkward and it’s outside of most people’s comfort zones. I strongly believe if I can help you feel good when having your photos taken, you’ll look pretty dang good too!
Finding a headshot photographer can be tough and becoming comfortable in front of the camera can be even tougher. When photographing headshots (or “portraits”, call it what you want) I keep it casual, relaxed, and open. Meaning, there’s no awkward posing and no uncomfortable moments of silence with a big camera pointing at you. When taking your photo I like to ask you questions about yourself, and what it is you like to do. If you think about the fun and happy things, you’ll relax and forget your being photographed. If you feel good, you’re guaranteed to look good.
I told myself “no pressure” when photographing headshots of Northwell Health’s official photographer, Lee Weissman. I’ve known Lee for several years now, going back to my days as a university photographer for Hofstra University. In addition to his healthcare work, Lee also photographs sports for Newsday and several other outlets. He’s a jack of all trades.
Today’s assignment was for a longtime client and my alma-mater, Binghamton University. The assignment was to capture fellow alum Seth around his office at the Major League Baseball (MLB) in Manhattan, NY. My goal was to highlight his place of work and his journey to becoming one of the top most successful IT Networking specialist in NYC in to his photos. The images created are to be used alongside a written article, which will be published online and in print, on his personal LinkedIn photo, and elsewhere.
Relax - That’s easier said than done. However, I always “chat it up” with my subject and get to know them. This casual environmental allows the subject to almost forget they are being photographed. Being photographed becomes secondary.
Location, Location, Location - The standard flat background is great. However, it does not show off, nor highlight, your individuality. Find a location you know and where you feel comfortable. A photographer’s studio is most likely not that location.
Dress like you normal would, plus some. - If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you look good. Wear something comfortable because it will make you comfortable, and it’ll show in your photos.
The image was used as seen in the layout above.
The “Best NYC Headshot Photographer” is what I would Google if I was looking for a new headshot photo. Jonathan Heisler Photography NYC is becoming one of the go to headshot photographers in New York City. Our headshots or “portrait photos” are not just the standard photo against a backdrop. My style headshot photo captures environment and tells the larger story of who you and what you do.
Many of portrait photos are often candid moments in between laughter and conversation. A good portrait photographer, not matter in NYC or elsewhere, will take you becoming comfortable in front of the camera is the hardest part of capturing a good headshot.
When I met Patrick, the Head Manager of Turf at the Engineers Country Club, I asked him to show me his favorite spots on the course. In his headshot photos I wanted to capture what makes the course, the grounds, and it’s facilities unique. So, we took two golf carts out and drove around for a bit. As we drove, Patrick proved to be super informative and passionate about his role at the Roslyn Harbor, NY country club and about Long Island’s unique geography.
“From the top of the 15th hole you can see the NYC skyline faintly in the distance. At night when it’s clearer the whole city looks amazing from up here”, he explained. Patrick also told me just how unique Long Island’s North Shore golf courses are in comparison to the rest of the country. Long Island courses naturally feature dramatic hills, terrific soil conditions, and shady tall trees. In comparison, when building a golf course elsewhere hills have to be made, trees have to be planted, and soil has to be developed.
So, how did the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America find this Long Island photographer? I’m certainly no expert of “country club club turf management”. The answer is simple, S.E.O. I’ve been working on pushing relevant and geotagged content to blogs and pages on my website.
Client: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
Location: Engineers Country Club
