Get That Professional Photo Taken

For ten years I have been producing podcasts and webinars and during that entire time I am constantly asking my guests to send me a photo of themselves that I can include with the publicity of the release.  People listening to the podcast like to know what the guest looks like, and those planning to attend a webinar event will respond to the photo included.

Most photos I receive are perfectly fine, but many are not of a high quality.  If you are a professional, you need to have a good photograph of yourself.  I know that many are uncomfortable getting their picture taken, but I consider this a PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENT.

I know many professional photographers and most will set up a short photo shoot for a couple hundred dollars, perhaps less.  Just consider this a business expense.  You have purchased clothing to wear at concerts, professional meetings, or even important rehearsals.  Now spend a few dollars to have a good photograph.

If you have a website that includes your picture, the quality of this photo directly reflects on your professionalism and attention to detail.  I’ve received many great professional photos, many terrific photos that were taken more casually, and a slew of truly terrible shots.  Your picture should be current and flattering.

You can relax about the photo shoot also.  A good photographer will put you at ease, make it fun, and find a way to capture your personality in a way you will love.  We all want to put our best face forward to the world, and having a professional with a great eye is your best chance of looking great.  You wouldn’t ask just anyone to do a sectional with your trumpets or clean your teeth.  Treat this the same way.

The photo attached to this blog post is my Facebook profile picture.  It was taken by Lee Vandergrift, a professional photographer.  The lighting is flattering and it shows you who I am.  This particular shot was taken one day as he was setting up to do a shoot with someone else and just needed a test subject to test his lighting.  I look a bit scruffy but the professional lighting, high calibre camera, and the eye of the photographer helped make it a pretty good shot.

You might also check out the picture on this page.  This was taken by a professional photographer that was at a band clinic rehearsal.  An action shot of you teaching is also a very valuable image to have available.  See if a school has an experienced photographer that could take a few pictures like this one while you’re working with their group.

You deserve to always be seen as the professional you are.  Ask your friends who took THEIR professional photos, and then schedule the photo shoot today.  Smile!

Tim Hinton
April 9, 2021

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