Tips For Authors Getting Headshots

Author headshots

How you display yourself online is crucial. Professional headshots from Erica J Mitchell are a great way to communicate your style and personality.

Your first impression in telling that tale is your headshot! Everyone professional needs a headshot, and everyone deserves one that conveys individuality and highlights who they are.

Headshots in Studio
Headshots for Therapists

What Are Author Headshots?

Author headshots are professional photographs used to promote the writer of a non-fiction or fictional novel. Marketing and communications use the author’s headshot for book signings and online publications and promotions. Most commonly, they are used for the “about the author” on the book itself.

Author headshots can also be used on business cards, personal blogs or websites or press releases.

A strong author headshot evokes professionalism, warmth and personality and context to the mind behind the words.

Why is it Important to Have a Great Author Headshot?

A great headshot is an effective way to help people identify you and you work as a writer. 

There are many reasons why having a good author headshot is important:

  • Create a Strong First Impression. When people are looking you up via your website or social media, your author headshot can help establish a great first impression. Whether it’s potential publishers or readers, business partners or employers, people want to know who they’re engaging with. The book itself, an About Us page or LinkedIn profile is often the first place they look and your headshot can deliver
  • Build Trust. Publisher and reader relationships come first. With strong author headshots featuring a professionally dressed and welcoming writer, you can build and strengthen trust with your most valued relationships. It builds a connection and humanizes you to those looking at your picture. Remember, most people relate with a person, not a company
  • Reinforce Values. What message does your writing business want to convey about what is important? By connecting your face to your name, you want to be sure you are delivering the core values and messages
  • Commitment to Quality. A selfie or cropped photo of a family vacation is not a professional author headshot. You want photos to reflect the professionalism, poise and commitment to excellence you aspire to every day to come across in your headshots

Headshots for Therapists
Studio Headshot

What Do I Wear for a Corporate Headshot?

Wardrobe matters greatly. In most professions, men will wear a suit in a dark color, with muted patters and solid ties. Women should consider a professional suit or office wear, again without bold or busy patterns and avoid short sleeves.

Photographer Erica J Mitchell has extensive experience developing corporate headshots and offers individual and group rates.

To learn more and see examples of her corporate headshot clients, contact her today.

What Makes a Good Author Headshot?

A good author headshot should consist of the following:

1. A background, either within your favorite setting or, based on the design, a colored backdrop

2. The right look, whether it’s your hair, makeup, accessories, or eyeglasses, can help convey the message you seek. Also consider your smile. You want it to be natural and unforced

3. Good posture, because body language says so much. Stand or sit comfortably but not too stiffly. Work with your professional photographer to try different types of profile positions to find one that works

Studio Headshot

How Much Do Author Headshots Cost?

Professional author headshots start at $300, depending on factors like location and number of photos needed. Contact us for group pricing.

All packages include
  Session time
  Studio rental
  Number of high resolution fully edited photos delivered to you in an easy online gallery

Pricing is based on the amount of time used to photograph in a session, which determines how many images you will have to view and select from in the proof gallery. The amount of final retouched photos received in the package. You will receive final high-resolution retouched images in multiple crops and file formats for easy use.

To book a session, a 50% deposit is required. Payments can be made through Square, Paypal or check.

Visit Pricing and Book Now

Professional Headshots in Portland

Professional
Headshots in Portland

How you display yourself online is crucial. Professional headshots from Erica J Mitchell are a great way to communicate your style and personality.

Your first impression in telling that tale is your headshot! Everyone professional needs a headshot, and everyone deserves one that conveys individuality and highlights who they are.

Headshots for Therapists

What Are Professional Headshots Important?

Have you ever met someone who you immediately felt comfortable with and saw as an expert? Most people form their “first impressions” of others in less than a few seconds. These early impressions have a big influence on who they hire, buy from, and listen to. And in today’s digital world, most first impressions occur online. LinkedIn is used by hiring managers to screen job applicants. Employees’ web profiles are checked by potential clients to discover if they are trustworthy. The company’s About Us page is where investors and donors may learn more about the company’s executives. Making a solid first impression with these people requires a stunning professional headshot, which has a significant impact on how people form their first impression of you and sets you apart from the competition.
Headshots for Therapists
Outdoor Portland Headshot

What Makes a Professional Headshots?

Professional headshots are portraits that someone will use on a variety of places, both online and offline. Many professionals will use their portrait on websites, business cards, press releases, and social media profiles. The term “headshot” simply refers to a portrait snapshot that focuses on the upper torso and face. Professional headshots are used to inspire others that you are trustworthy, friendly, and capable. A professional photographer may use the background or environment, your pose, the clothing you’re wearing, and overall lighting in a variety of ways to help you visually portray those things.
Paul Buck Portland Doctor Headshot

What are the best backdrops for professional headshots?

We’ll work with you to decide on the best backdrop to relay the sentiment you’re looking for. We offer outdoors, on location and studio backdrops for your headshot.

Sometimes a neutral backdrop in white, gray, or black is best for professional services like law and finance.

If you work in the creative industries, non-profits, or tech, sometimes a more colorful studio backdrop or an outdoor session will liven up your professional headshots.

In-office sessions are a great way to give a viewer a peek inside your company. These photographs usually have a little more personality about them and help people see more into your professional culture.

Having a variety of professional headshots is great to keep this fresh and you utilize your headshots across platforms, especially if you’re a top executive, entrepreneur, or thought leader. To compliment your studio headshots, having some outdoor or in-office headshots will definitely add more variation and allow people to see many sides of you.

How Much Do Professional Headshots Cost?

Professional headshots start at $300, depending on factors like location and number of photos needed. 1. The amount of time used to photograph in a session, which determines how many images you willl have to view and select from in the proof gallery. 2. The amount of final retouched photos received in the package. What you receive Final high-resolution retouched images in multiple crops and file formats for easy use.

To book a session, a 50% deposit is required. Call or email for scheduling. Payments can be made through Square, Paypal or check.

For use of the indoor natural light studio there is $60 minimum at cost fee.

If you need headshots for your employees, contact us for pricing packages.

Studio strobe lighting may be used in poor lighting conditions as a way to mimic the natural lighting or any other desired style upon request may include additional costs.

Studio Headshot
Studio Headshot

Interested in Working Together?

Headshots for Real Estate Agents

Headshots For Realtors

Even though it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, in the case of your online presence, that first impression could be worth thousands of dollars in commissions.

Capture and relay the passion, personality, and professionalism of who you are and what you and your business do. Let’s make some pictures.

Outdoor Portland Real Estate Agent Headshot

What Are Real Estate Agent Headshots?

Real estate agents need a professional headshot to help them stand out in the competitive real estate marketplace. Your headshot is often the first time a potential client will see you. A professional, polished portrait that portrays who you are and what you stand for.

Zillow is a website that buyers use to research properties. Clients utilize LinkedIn to study real estate agents before listing their homes. Sellers find information about agents through social media platforms. And on each platform, your clients will expect to see a great professional real estate headshot.

Your headshot should be shown prominently everywhere you have a presence online. Your professional photographs should be used to brand all of your social media outlets, bios, and business cards to ensure consistency.

Nicole Portland Real Estate Agent Headshot
Christine Portland Real Estate Agent Headshot
Heather Outdoor Portland Real Estate Headshot

Why You Need A Professional Real Estate Headshot?

You’re probably well aware that realtors are in the business of building and maintaining relationships. Showing your face through a professional portrait is the most effective technique to sell for relationships on the internet. Realtor headshots are essential for anyone who wants to stand out and be considered by today’s house hunters.

First impressions of real estate agents are made in the blink of an eye. Studies have shown that your clients form an initial image of your likability, trustworthiness, and competency within one tenth of a second.

Even though it is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, in the case of your online presence, that first impression could be worth thousands of dollars in commissions.

Your headshots and photographs are important. Despite the fact that you’ve probably seen a real estate headshot that made you squirm, the professional photographers at Erica J Mitchell Photography are here to make you shine!

Jill Pereria Portland Real Estate Agent Headshot
Jenny Joseph Portland Real Estate Agent Headshot

What to Expect During Your Real Estate Headshot Session

In the same way that you would show up to an important client meeting, you should arrive for your picture shoot refreshed, relaxed, and ready to smile.

Our photographers will guide from beginning to end and coach you through your poses, provide outfit ideas, and to show you how to make the most of every minute of your real estate headshot session.

After the shoot, we’ll select the best images from our session. They will be professionally retouched and enhanced to make sure you look your best. Then deliver stunning headshots perfect for your real estate marketing materials and online profiles.

Real Estate Agent Headshot
Headshots for Real Estate Agents

How Much Do Agent Headshots Cost?

Professional agent headshot pricing starts at $325, depending on factors like location and number of photos needed.

Agent Headshot Pricing is based on
1. The amount of time used to photograph in a session, which determines how many images you’ll have to view in the proof gallery.
2. The amount of final retouched photos received in the package.

All packages include
  Studio rental
  Number of selected photos
  Your high resolution fully edited photos delivered to you in an easy online gallery

To book a session, a 50% deposit is required. Fill out our form visiting Book Now or email for scheduling. Payments can be made through Square or Paypal.

If you need headshots for your employees instead of a Personal Brand Headshot contact us for pricing packages.

Hair and make up as a service is not included, however, it is highly recommended depending on the desired presentation. View How to Prepare for a Headshot Session in our FAQ.

In poor lighting conditions, studio strobe lighting may be used as a way to mimic the natural lighting or any other desired style upon request for an additional costs.

Interested in Working Together?

New Work for Author and Coach Rachel

Studio Headshot
For Rachel’s headshot session we used the Natural Light Studio with the pale pink backdrop and “living room” set up styling to update her headshots and website.

Large south facing window lights were utilized as the main light source with bounce cards to add light and flags, as they are commonly known, to block light. The result is diffused light that illuminates the space in a soft flattering glow.

Studio Headshot
Studio Headshot
Studio Headshot

Rachel has a Master of Divinity degree and is a Certified Professional Coach. Rachel serves as an executive leader in the healthcare sector. Expertise from more than 20 years of experience with meditation is woven into her work. She writes about leadership and wellbeing. Contributing writer, Fisher College of Business Lead Read Today. Author of Bringing Faith to Work, 2012 and Unzenable, 2020.” –From Rachel Reflects

Interested in Working Together?

New Work for Portland’s Housing Development Center

Urban Headshot

Headshots for the Team

On location office individual and team photos for Portland’s Housing Development Center, a non-profit consulting group located in Portland, Oregon.

For this on location session we used the urban environment of the client’s office space as the backdrop and used the available light coming through the buildings and street as the main source of light.

In addition to bounce and flag cards we manipulated the light with the positioning of the subjects. The closer the subject to the shadow line of the light source the greater the diffused light that impacts the skin. By placing the subject next to a building with the winter light direction we were able to achieve a reduction of light to the top of the head and add dimension to the face with shadows.

HDC is a nonprofit consulting group that works with mission-driven organizations to create and sustain affordable homes and human-service facilities.

“Affordable homes and facilities designed, developed, and sustainably resourced to meet the needs of diverse communities.”

Interested in Working Together?

Top 3 Digital File Sizes for Photos (Updated! 2024 Edition)

Say hello to large web, print, and  Website sized file formats.

Choosing the right file size of your digital photos can make all the difference when it comes to for example printing business cards or something as paramount as your website SEO.

Learn why it is important to know your digital file format sizes.

Studio Headshot for Erica

Welcome to the world of digital photo files.

A lot has changed since we went from traditional film photography using sensitive light paper to make our photographic prints to digital pixels.

As business owners in the digital age we are lucky enough to have the speed and convenience of digital photography. We can make photographs, see them instantly and print them faster than ever before.

But do we know what digital file sizes we need and how to use them? 

Let’s explore the most commonly used digital files sizes for platforms:

  1. Large Web
  2. Print
  3. Website Sized
File Formats

1. Large Web

What is a Large Web file size?
Large Web files are the smallest file formats of the three most commonly used by professionals.

When would I need to use Large Web file sizes?
The most used file format file size is Large Web for its versatility. It can be uploaded to most social media platforms, email profile icons and websites. The Large Web file size is also great for improving your search engine optimization, also known as SEO. Too large of file sizes can bog down your visitors load time and steer Google away from reading your website.

Why do I need a Large Web file size?
Having specific file sizes for quick and easy use will help you successfully upload your content with confidence. Large Web will be one of the most used file sizes you will work with and rely on for your visibility.

2. Print

What is a Print file size?
Print files are considered larger file sizes due to how many pixels per inch it contains. Pixels per inch, known commonly as PPI, measures the resolution of digital display and Print file sizes rely on as many pixels per inch to have the best printing quality. Low quality printing will look fuzzy or hazing. Printing a Large Web file for example can have that blurred look because it does not have the amount of pixels needed for a high quality print image.

When would I need to use Print file sizes?
The best time to use Print file sizes is when you are making printed materials such as business cards, posters, brochures, booklets, books or postcards.

Why do I need a Print file size?
You may never need to print your headshot or branding material but in case you do, having the Print file size is great. You can easily upload the correct formatted file and know that your printed material will be high quality.

3. Website Size

What is a Website Size file size?
Website Size files are the smallest file size of the three file formats in terms of how much space they need. They take a the least amount of energy and space on web website platforms and create virtually no lag time as an email attachment.

When would I need to use Website Size file sizes?
Having multiple file formats can be really helpful especially if you are hiring a social media promotional agency, graphic designers or website designers to manage your presentation. Website sized photo files are best used on your website to create a fast website upload for your viewers on all devices. Using appropriate sized photo files will also improve your SEO.

Why do I need a Website Size file size?
The Website Size file allows you or your digital media team to easily use the image file for social media, website updates, blog posts, newletters and more..

Have more questions?

Contact us if you have any questions about file formats or sizing of your photographs. We’d be happy to provide more information about how to use your digital photos! For other questions visit our FAQ.

Interested in Working Together?

LinkedIn Profile Photos for Job Seekers

Two Headshots for Linkedin

What Are LinkedIn Headshots?

A LinkedIn headshot is commonly used for company websites, business cards, press releases, and of course, LinkedIn profiles. While the title “LinkedIn” would lead you to believe that these headshot photographs are just utilized on that particular platform, the truth is that they are frequently used on a range of professional networks.

As LinkedIn is often becoming the first impression a potential employer or client gets, you’ll want to appear professional, competent, and approachable in your LinkedIn headshot.

A beautiful LinkedIn headshot by a well renowned headshot photographer is an excellent first step in developing a fantastic personal brand that will help you get employed faster, increase your sales opportunities, or attract investors. In the virtual world, your headshot establishes your credibility.

Professional photographers are the best option to get a great LinkedIn headshot, and those are the ones you should use. So schedule a session with the professional headshot photographer at Erica J Mitchell Photography today and let’s get your LinkedIn profile looking great!

Curtis Portland LinkedIn Headshot - Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Denise Gaskin Portland LinkedIn Headshot

What Is the Importance of LinkedIn Headshots?

You’ve probably met someone who you quickly liked or despised. What about you?

Maybe you knew why you felt that way about them, maybe you didn’t, but the majority of individuals are capable of forming “first impressions” of other people in as little as 1/8th of a second.

Those first impressions can have a significant impact on who they hire, who they buy from, and who they otherwise pay attention to.

It’s your professional image on the line, so get a great LinkedIn photo taken by a professional photographer.

Hiring managers use LinkedIn to screen applications before making a decision. Potential clients utilize LinkedIn to study vendors before making a purchasing decision. Investors utilize LinkedIn to discover more about the CEOs of the companies they are interested in.

A decent LinkedIn headshot is essential for generating a positive first impression with these people – and can have a significant impact on your professional life as a result.

Good Linkedin headshots assist in establishing your profession and distinguishing yourself from your peers. You’ve worked hard to get your qualifications and build your professional reputation; now it’s time for your LinkedIn and professional profiles to do the same!

Kevin Portland LinkedIn Headshot
Katie Portland LinkedIn Headshot

What To Expect From A LinkedIn Headshot Session?

We’ll help you decide on a background and a style for your photoshoot. Depending on how you’re wanting to present yourself, you may opt for an outdoor, in-studio, or on-location session. Our photographers will happily walk you through the benefits of each.

Upon selecting your images from our session, we will enhance them to make sure you look your best and then deliver stunning headshots perfect for your LinkedIn profile photos. Full-color and black-and-white photos that have been optimized to function seamlessly with LinkedIn and other social media sites.

How Much Do Corporate Headshots Cost?

Professional corporate headshots start at $300, depending on factors like location and number of photos needed.

You will receive one final high-resolution retouched images in multiple crops and file formats for easy use.

To book a session, a 50% deposit is required. Call or email for scheduling. Payments can be made through Square, Paypal or check.

If you need headshots for your employees, contact us for pricing packages.

Studio strobe lighting may be used in poor lighting conditions as a way to mimic the natural lighting or any other desired style upon request may include additional costs.

Interested in Working Together?

3 Reasons To Update Your Headshot

How Often Should I Update my Headshot?

A headshot is a professional, high quality image that becomes a keystone of your personal brand. It is used to present you and your essence to the world in a wide variety of business applications, such as your website, your Facebook profile image, or your LinkedIn profile.

New headshots allow you to connect with your audience and show yourself as you look in the present moment. For many professionals, staying current is paramount and a new image is a way to promote yourself, market your services, and maintain an up-to-date brand.

How often you update depends on the use of your headshot, but chances are you will want to update it more often than you expect. New photos can keep prospects interested and connected to you, especially on social media and LinkedIn.

THE ROAD HOME: ACUPUNCTURE & CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE WITH ANGIE JACKSON, LAC

The following circumstances may indicate it’s time for an update: 

1. New Look

Your look may have changed a great deal since your last headshot. A change in hairstyle is always a good time to update your photos, so people know what to expect when they meet you in person. And if your fashion has been updated — you might be changing your personal brand or adopting a new wardrobe — it’s a good time to update your image.

2. New Career

Your career, work place, or client base may have shifted and a new image can be a great way to mark a shift in circumstances. 

3. Shift in lifestyle

You may be experiencing a time where you feel at your personal best; this is the best time to get your newest image! That fresh energy will be conveyed in your updated photo.

Timing for Updating Your HEadshot

Ultimately, any change is a good time to refresh your headshot, but, as a rule of thumb, every 6-12 months is a good amount of time for most situations. After all, we all change a lot in a year and it’s good to get new energy around your image, especially in professional circumstances.

If you are getting headshots for a company or organization you may want to consider updating the images every couple of years to keep a fresh image.

As a note:

Being up-to-date is not enough. You need a high quality headshot to really present yourself in the best light. A professional photographer takes into consideration many technical concerns like the quality of light, the pose, and the use of a high quality camera with a pro lens. Don’t settle when it comes to creating an image that will present you at your best.

Look at the work of the photographer you are interested in and make sure their headshots capture people in a natural, relaxed way. An image that doesn’t detract from the individual and shows the individual in their best light is a good sign that the photographer has the skill required to capture you well. 

Below are some headshots I have taken at various locations and for a variety of professionals, from therapists to coaches to corporate employees. 

Interested in Working Together?

Like what you see? Contact Erica for Indoor and Outdoor Headshot Sessions starting at $300.00. 

Let’s get you an updated image that will keep your personal brand fresh and engaging.

Where is the Natural Light Studio?

The Natural Light Headshot Studio

The light and bright natural light studio located in NW Portland.

INSIDE THE Studio

You’ll see large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space. You can choose from a handful of background colors as options for your portrait.

With a few light modifiers, a couple poses and you are all set with a new headshot.

Additional Studio Backdrop Options

In addition to the classic white and cream, “Office and Livingroom” set up, moveable wall colored backdrops are now available in pale pink and gray green.

Background Color Options: Classic White, Tan, Cream, Pale Pink and Gray Green
Background Set Ups: Office Set, Livingroom Set

Why Choose the Natural Light Studio for your Headshot?

You comfort is paramount for a photo shoot, especially if you are taking a headshot. Working around cold weather or rain can distract from a relaxed image. A temperature-controlled environment allows you to bring your best to the shoot.

One benefit of working indoors is that it’s easy to change outfits and try different looks. When you want to try this, be sure to check with the photographer and make sure your scheduled time can accommodate outfit changes.

Our natural light photo studio has an area to hang up your clothes, dress, and do touch ups, so it’s very easy to try a different shirt or check your makeup.

If you’re worried that a photo will look too plain in a studio environment, think again. The job of a headshot or portrait is to capture your energy and personality with a high quality professional image.

The focus of the viewer will be entirely on you and how you come across in the photo. Background elements can contribute to the feeling of an image, but often aren’t required to get the desired effect. However, if you want some environmental elements, our natural light studio has both an office and living room setup that can be added to your image to give it a bit more ambience.

While the weather and ease of working are great reasons to schedule time in a natural light studio, the light itself is a boon, as well. Some studios specialize in strobe light photography, which can be wonderful when done well. However, much strobe photography can make a headshot look staged or cookie-cutter, something you don’t want in a headshot.

We work only in natural light where the soft and even lighting from our studio windows accentuates your personality and allows you to simply show up and be yourself.

Outside photos are very often taken in environments where there are other people around. Even in controlled, quiet locations there is the need to work around the elements and the environment to get a great shot. In the studio, the focus is entirely on you and getting a great photo.

Want to see the great results we can get from natural light studio photography?

The photographs below were made using the studio with large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space. The result is even, soft lighting that makes each person shine.

Other options are On Location Headshots In Portland with choices that include office spaces, work spaces or brand specific indoor spaces or Outdoor Headshot sessions allow for multiple background options and offer a variety of textures.

SCHEDULE A PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE TODAY
ericajmitchell@gmail.com | (831) 402-3895

A Guide for Headshot Sessions in the Fall 2021

Natural Light Indoor Headshot

Indoor Headshots in Fall Weather

So what do you do when it’s raining or, even worse, snowing the day of your headshot photography session? It might be obvious, but Fall weather is not always conducive to an enjoyable or quality photo shoot. 

This presents challenges in booking an outdoor on location headshot.

Our solution is the light and bright natural light studio located in NW Portland. With a few light modifiers and a couple of poses you are all set with a new headshot.

Here are six reasons that you would opt for an natural light studio session versus braving the elements during a season when rain can be the norm:

Headshots in Studio

1. Weather

Inclement weather doesn’t prevent you from having your photos taken outdoors, but it does often lead to the need to schedule according to the forecast — and the weather doesn’t always live up to expectations.

It can sometimes require pushing a shoot out to a less desirable time or demand a spontaneous reschedule when the weather happens to be accommodating.

A studio session is predictable and can be easily scheduled.

2. Comfort

You comfort is paramount for a photo shoot, especially if you are taking a headshot.

Working around cold weather or rain can distract from a relaxed image.

A temperature-controlled environment allows you to bring your best to the shoot.

3. Change Outfits

One benefit of working indoors is that it’s easy to change outfits and try different looks.

When you want to try this, be sure to check with the photographer and make sure your scheduled time can accommodate outfit changes.

Our natural light photo studio has an area to hang up your clothes, dress, and do touch ups, so it’s very easy to try a different shirt or check your makeup.

4. Environment

If you’re worried that a photo will look too plain in a studio environment, think again. The job of a headshot or portrait is to capture your energy and personality with a high quality professional image.

The focus of the viewer will be entirely on you and how you come across in the photo. Background elements can contribute to the feeling of an image, but often aren’t required to get the desired effect.

However, if you want some environmental elements, our natural light studio has both an office and living room setup that can be added to your image to give it a bit more ambience.

5. Light Quality

While the weather and ease of working are great reasons to schedule time in a natural light studio, the light itself is a boon, as well. Some studios specialize in strobe light photography, which can be wonderful when done well. However, much strobe photography can make a headshot look staged or cookie-cutter, something you don’t want in a headshot.

We work only in natural light where the soft and even lighting from our studio windows accentuates your personality and allows you to simply show up and be yourself.

6. Privacy

Outside photos are very often taken in environments where there are other people around. Even in controlled, quiet locations there is the need to work around the elements and the environment to get a great shot.

In the studio, the focus is entirely on you and getting a great photo.

Headshot in Studio

Want to see the great results we can get from natural light studio photography?

The photographs below were made using the studio with large windows to allow the south facing light to illuminate the space.

The result is even, soft lighting that makes each person shine.

Interested in Working Together?

Contact Erica for Indoor Headshot Sessions starting at $300.00.
Let’s get you an image you will be proud to show the world.