Head-Shots Don't Have to be Stuffy

It's a new world out there! As business and social media collide the days of stuffy, stodgy, predictable business head-shots are out. Your first impression should be warm, friendly and approachable.

I wish they had a different name - "head shot" is so... aggressive! 

Your personality should shine through in an appropriate and business like manner without looking fashioned and out of touch. 

 

From press releases to LinkedIn portfolios, websites and even your Facebook page - put your best face and personality out there! How may of us a guilty of "face judging"? Doesn't the way someone presents them self affect your willingness to do business with them?

What is your head shot saying about you? If it's time for an update or "re-do", get in touch!

A Sunset Mini :: San Antonio Teen Portraits

It rained today. I was so afraid that this session would have to be canceled - and the thought made me so sad! Instead, the skies were a perfect hazy, diffused, backdrop and the sun powered through for some amazing light.

More will be posted on Facebook! Be sure to LIKE ARG's page! 

The Sewells | San Antonio Family Photographer

There are few things better than photographing a friend - and few higher compliments than having a friend trust you enough to photograph their family! I had a blast with you guys and I can't wait to make it an annual tradition! xx

Wardrobe Inspiration | San Antonio Photographer

I'm so excited about this "cool-snap" we've had the last few days! We can finally indulge in some cool weather fashion without a) looking ridiculous or b) overheating. Here are three of my current favorite looks - remember that layers (as long as they aren't too bulky) photograph beautifully!

Momma T & Bebe J | San Antonio Maternity Photographer

Tiffany and her sweet family were so fun to work with and were a perfect example of how dad and big brother can really add personality to the session. Tiffany's friend Rachel hosted a shower for her today and surprised her with some prints from the session - which is why I had to (painfully) wait to share!

Preparing for A Session | San Antonio Portrait Photographer

Beth, at Home Stories A to Z, recently had some family portraits taken and wrote a fabulous article on preparing for the session. Read about her process and tips here.

Have a great weekend!

What to Wear | San Antonio Portrait Photographer

Fall is a hard transition time in Texas. It's hard to appreciate the subtleties of the season when the weather still says "summer". Embrace the color palates but not the long sleeves or sweaters to maintain the "feel" of fall without feeling too hot!

These are examples of Mother/Daughter ensembles. The principles applied in these outfits can be easily applied to a whole family or siblings. Go for coordinating but not matchy matchy.

I particularly like this set. Everyone coordinating but some individuality and personal style is maintained. For our weather I might switch our little brother's long sleeves for a cute polo or collared short sleeve shirt and Dad's long sleeves with a button down with sleeves rolled up.

I know the rose color doesn't scream "fall" but I think that the colors would just be divine against the deep, warm autumn colors that nature provides.

Love Birds | San Antonio Engagement Portraits

These two high school sweethearts are wonderful together. The sweet moments that we captured are truly those - sweet moments between spots and chatting. I can't wait to meet up for Bridals!! (And these two were troopers in the gross, muggy, San Antonio morning!)

Three Month Old Baby C | San Antonio Children's Photographer

This precious girl is so ready to sit and crawl! She was trying so hard to make it happen during our session. She didn't want anything to do with my vision - it was all her! :)

Baby A | San Antonio Newborn Photographer

There is seriously nothing sweeter than a new baby! Baby A was a little frowny but just as precious as could be.

"like it" contest {finalists}

Thank you to everyone for entering and participating in the contest!

The three pictures that had the most "likes" on Facebook are:

I was so blown away by the participation in the contest that I wanted to add two more pictures into the running. These two pictures were picked by a mom and son who sat next to me at breakfast at a Hilton Garden Inn in Houston on Saturday morning. (Yes... seriously. I showed them the pictures on an ipad and just asked them to pick their two favorites. You do what you have to do!)

Here are the two "wild card" entries:

Elicia (facebook & website)and Kate (facebook & website) will be picking the winner out of these submissions and the winner will be announced at the end of this week. Thanks, again, for all of your support! xx!

I am beyond thankful for the love and support I have received so far! Thanks for showing me the love with your "likes" on Facebook! To celebrate breaking 100 "likers" I'd love to giveaway a session to one of you to show my appreciation.

Here's what you do to enter:

1.  Email me your favorite picture that you've taken. Only requirement? That your picture have a face in it! One per family, please.

2. All photos submitted will be posted in an album on the arg photographs facebook page.

3.  Voting will begin on July 18. The three pictures with the most "likes" on July 22 will be posted on this blog on July 25 with two pictures that will be picked as "favorite's" by a non-photographer/non-entrant/not me.**

4.  A panel of professional photographers will pick a winner from the five finalists. The winner will be announced on July 29.

Notes:
Pictures will not be tagged or name you in any way so that things stay fair-ish.
Visitors to the arg page will vote on their favorite by clicking "like" on the picture they wish to vote for. Visitors who are new to the page will have to "like" the page before they can "like" a picture.
Comments on the photographs or album will not count as votes. "Likes" on the album will not count.
The winning entry will win a session in the greater San Antonio area. I'm willing to travel to Austin, as well.
*Bonus: Entrants who do not win will receive a $50 credit towards a 2011 portrait session fee if the session is booked by the end of the contest.
** I'm so excited by the number of entrants that I made an executive decision to open it up to five pictures! Thanks for entering, everyone!

Get your entries in as soon as possible and start collecting votes!

Turning One | San Antonio Children's Portrait Photographer

The Rose girls are two of the most precious little ones I know and I'm thankful their mom and dad are such awesome friends! Happy first birthday girls! {After all, turning one is a pretty big deal.}