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!
New York City portraits should incorporate NYC. What makes New York, New York is the energy and colors of the city, and it’s people. When photographing Kevin’s headshots photos I wanted color and I wanted to capture movement. This series of headshots around Bryant Park in midtown Manhattan was succesful in capturing Kevin’s personality, his healthcare profession, and his home of NYC!
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.
Having spent the entire last year of grad school online, Kayla wanted a graduation photoshoot that would show offer her accomplishment and school spirit!
Kayla and I worked around her busy school schedule and New York City’s unpredictable spring showers to plan a grad photo shoot at the beautiful campus of her soon-to-be alma mater, Columbia University. Kayla loved how her photos came out evening leaving us a review: “I am truly happy with how my graduation photos, thanks for helping me capture this moment!”
Jonathan Heisler Photography can help you to plan a grad photo session that celebrates you and your accomplishment. We’ll help you pick a day, time, and location that works for you. All you need to bring is an outfit change, a family member or friend, and your smile!
Congratulations Kayla!
Photographer: Trent Campbell
