New Work for Jenni Leasia Design

by | Nov 1, 2021 | Blog, Client Work, Company Teams, Headshot

Headshots for the Team

On location office individual and team photos for Jenni Leasia Design, an interior design firm located in NW Portland, Oregon.

For this on location session we used the client’s large windows as our light source. In addition to bounce and flag cards we manipulated the light with the positioning of the subjects. The closer the subject to the light source the greater the light that impacts the skin. By placing the team mid way in the room we were able to get balanced light.

For the individual sessions we used left and right side light coming from the windows. By turning the subjects we were able to achieve unique lighting for each spot.

“We design high end kitchens, master suites and complete interiors for your forever home. It’s the study that calms your mind and sparks creativity; the perfectly laid-out kitchen that makes cooking a joy; the living room that inspires cozy conversations and beautiful gatherings. Our designs nurture you, and enrich every celebration and daily routine at home.”

Interior Designers

Interested in Working Together?

BOOK NOW

How to Choose the Best Photos for your Website

by | Oct 29, 2021 | Blog, Branding, Photography Tips

The top 5 types of website images

Choosing photos for your website that will give a visual impact on the first click. We will cover the top 5 types of images most businesses use on their website.

1. Professional Headshot

The goal of a professional or personal business headshot session is to develop an image that projects confidence, intelligence, and approachability. Having a high quality photograph of you will create an immediate connection for your clients and customers.

See more examples of Professional Headshots.

2. Image banner

An image banner can set off the tone of your website because it usually is the first time the viewer will see.

When choosing an image banner consider:

  • orientation
  • size and image quality
  • focus
  • style

Orientation will be important depending on if the image was created horizontal or vertical. Tip: A horizontal image will be easier to crop into an image banner.

Size and the quality of the image will be key in getting a clear photo without being too big or too small. If the banner is too small you could see pixelation or the image won’t be big enough to expand the width needed for the banner. If the image is too big you could risk SEO ranking by slowing down your site. Tip: Find out the exact pixel dimensions before uploading your banner.

Focus is about where you want the viewer to look. I like to have a soft focus for by banner images to allow the subject matter to stand out. It also helps if I have text over the image. Tip: Know where you want to put your text and allow for out of focus subject matter to land there.

Style is all about the brand. Choosing an image that represents your business and hooks the viewer to want to see more. Tip: Use your brand colors or objects to reflect in your image banner.

3. Images of what you offer

Images of what you offer can greatly impact the view when they visit your website. It tells us what you do and what you sell. 

Whether you service people as a specialist in your field or selling a product, there is a way to photographically tell your story to grab the attention of your ideal clients.

Tip: Create custom photography of your brand to show your customers and clients who you are and what you are doing. They will resonate and become familiar with the work you do. Ultimately, we want our images to sell your work when you aren’t showcasing it in person. Photograph on location using natural light or in studio to create the desired look. 

4. Images that Tell a Story

Women with Moxie Networking in Portland Oregon
Women with Moxie Networking in Portland Oregon

Emotional impact can go a long way for your website. Stories last.

Telling a story of who you are, what you do, an achievement, a client story, an informational blog post about your work or the story of your brand will convey more of what your business is about than a body of text. 

“A brand story is a cohesive narrative that encompasses the facts and feelings that are created by your brand. Unlike traditional advertising, which is about showing and telling about your brand, a story must inspire an emotional reaction.” What’s a Brand Story by EchoStories

5. What it looks like to work with you

Showing what you do or the behind the scenes of working with you will provide insights to your potentional clients or customers.  Using images of what you do on your website generates an overall familiarity to what the customers can expect in working with you. Even if you are online only, there is a way to show your skills. Tip: Think of all the ways in which you intereact with a client and build those scenes out to be photographed. Think of it as a mini-documentary.

Interested in Working Together?

Let’s answer these photographically and then share your story with your audience on your website and social media platforms to generate higher connectivity of your business.

BOOK NOW

What’s Your Brand Story? Featuring Women with Moxie Campaign

by | Oct 25, 2021 | Blog, Client Branding, Photography Tips

Photography images in this post by Erica J Mitchell Photographer for a Women with Moxie video event campaign.

Your Brand Story

At its core, business photography is telling a story without words and when paired with a marketing message it adds depth to your brand. Whether you service people as a specialist in your field or selling a product, there is a way to photographically tell your story to grab the attention of your ideal clients.

Your brand has an origin story, a target market and a goal.

For a service example, you created a consulting firm to provide professional guidance, support and tips for women in leadership positions seeking help to become more efficient and better at their roles. You would have a professional headshot and portraits of you in your working environment and images of you working with your clients. You want to show who you are, what you do, where you do it and how it works.

For a product example, you created the best luxury flashlight for outdoor activities and you want to sell your flashlights to an outdoor company or directly to customers seeking a high quality product. You would have professional photographs of your flashlight for your shop as well as in the field. You would show in photographs the solution you are solving for the outdoor industry. 

What Images Do I Need?

The images captured for most business branding photography needs are product presentation, client interaction, interiors and exteriors, object details, working process, creative spaces, and lifestyle photography along with environmental portraits of the business owners or employees.

Who are you? 
Business Portrait

What do you offer? 
Service or Product Feature

What does it look like?
Finished Product

How do you do it? 
Development and Production

Why is it important? 
Lifestyle, Community and Culture

Where are you?
Storefront, On-location, Online

What happened? 
Event Coverage

Women with Moxie Networking in Portland Oregon

What’s Next?

Time to share your brand story images!

You’ll receive web and print file formats for quick and easy use to get your brand seen. Update your profile photo, your website and start posting your new images on your social media platforms to generate higher visibility of your business in the marketplace.

Being Published?
Use Your Photography in Printed or Online Articles

Need Photography for Your Website?
Be Visual and Professional Online

Elevate your Digital or Print Presentations, Business Cards and Brochures

Use Your Photography in Social Media Platforms to Market to your Fans

Have Personalized Photography when you are Networking In Person

Want to see more Brand Photography?

View Branding Gallery

Interested in Working Together?

Let’s answer these photographically and then share your story with your audience on your website and social media platforms to generate higher connectivity of your business.

Our goals are to create custom photography of your brand to show your customers and clients who you are and what you are doing. They will resonate and become familiar with the work you do. Ultimately, we want our images to sell your work when you aren’t showcasing it in person.

We photograph on location using natural light or in studio to create the desired look.

Let your posting, advertisement or marketing message stand out with well balanced, high quality, artistic photographs that will attract your ideal clients and customers.

BOOK NOW

What Are On Location Photography Sessions? Featuring Charla Ray Interior Design

by | Oct 21, 2021 | Client Branding, Client Work, FAQ, Headshot

“Over the last several years, we have developed a reputation for helping our clients fall in love with their homes through an intimate and intuitive design process. Put simply, our clients are our muses. We skirt traditional style distinctions to create spaces that are genre-bending, sophisticated, and tailored.” – Charla Ray

You’ll find us talking about outdoor, on location and studio as the three types of locations we book headshot sessions in.

We’ve covered outdoor photography in our Top 3 Challenges and Benefits for Photographing Outdoors our page Outdoor and On Location sessions, and you can find more information and photos about the studio by visiting The Natural Light Studio.

Ok. So what are on location photography sessions?

ANSWER

Sessions labeled “On Location” are chosen space that are usually a client’s office space, work space, creative space or another type of indoor space that utilities window light as the main light source.

In some cases due to low light conditions, strobe lights with modifiers are brought in to mimic natural light.

Headshots for Interior Designers

On Location photography Session for Charla Ray.

About Charla Ray’s Home Office Shoot

For Charla’s session we photographed her home office in SW Portland. Charla is an interior designer and BFA graduate from the Art Institute of Portland.

Charla was looking for a new headshot for her website and social media (Instagram) as well as an image she could sent to a magazine editor.

We used two B1 strobes with a medium box modifier in her office and kitchen spaces to provide the same type of light we use in our studio headshots.

Headshots for Interior Designers
Headshots for Interior Designers

To learn about locations for headshot sessions view our two types of sessions spaces Outdoor and On Location Sessions or The Natural Light Studio for more.

View Headshot Pricing

Natural Light Photography
Session Environments

Interior On Location Indoor

On Location

Outdoor Headshot

Outdoor

Natural Light Indoor for Headshot

Studio

Top 3 Challenges and Benefits for Photographing Outdoors

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Headshot, Photography Tips

Working outside has its challenges and benefits. Let’s talk about why you would choose to have your headshots done outside instead of inside at The Natural Light Studio.

1. The first challenge and benefit is the weather. 

Unlike working inside a temperature controlled studio, an outdoor photography session has to work with the weather. Sometimes that means in the winter months rescheduling for that clear day, warmer or cooler temperatures. However the benefit of the weather is it can give us a beautiful natural setting for our backgrounds.

2. The second challenge and benefit is light.

Working outside requires a bit of timing when it comes to the sunlight we all enjoy. Believe it or not but the best days to photograph are those cloudy days. Ideally this gives us softer sunlight with low contrast that compliments our skin so well. We also have to think about what time to photograph which is different for each area. The best time to photograph is 1-2 hours before sunset. Here in Portland the sunsets are around 8:30pm in the summer and 4:00pm in the winter. Keep this in mind when choosing which season to book your session.

One trick most photographers use outdoors are light modifiers to bounce in light or create shadow. Visit Using the Sky as Your Light Source.

3. The third challenge and benefit is location.

In some cases a location will be obstructed by construction, traffic, or unknown factors.

In others, being outdoors gives us a fantastic space to play around with backgrounds and other elements that can enhance our headshots.

Outside locations provide a space to move around and supportive natural elements we can include in our headshot sessions to amplify our personality, profession and brand.

Outdoor Portland Headshot
Outdoor Portland Headshot

Josie’s Session at Cathedral Park in Portland, Oregon

For Josie’s session we photographed at Cathedral Park (Map) in North Portland’s St. Johns District. It’s a wonderful park that has an overhead bridge connecting HWY 30 to St. Johns and N. Lombard Street.

The iconic gothic bridge seems like a prototype to the well known art deco style Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco but in fact, they were created by two different bridge designers.

The designer for the St. John’s bridge perched above Cathedral Park was David B. Steinman who is quoted saying, “If you asked me which of the bridges I love best, I believe I would say the St. Johns Bridge. I put more of myself into that bridge than any other bridge.”

He created a cathedral-like base to the bridge which can be seen from the most east point creating the cathedral view. It also houses several large parks that that make up Cathedral Park with paths that lead to the river front which is where our adventure began. 

To learn about locations for headshot sessions view our two types of sessions spaces Outdoor and On Location Sessions or The Natural Light Studio for more.

Headshot Pricing

About Erica J Mitchell’s Headshot Photography

by | May 27, 2021 | Blog

About Erica J Mitchell’s Natural Light Photography Style

Erica photographs in a natural light studio or on location using available light to create a soft environmental look for each of her clients. Classic photographic techniques that utilize the sun are used onsite to enhance the light quality.

When and Where to Shoot

For outdoor and on location sessions the best time to photograph is in the late afternoon when the sun is low in the sky, early mornings are an option also. With the time of year in mind, the best shooting time is 1-2 hours before sunset, depending on the length of your session. If large window light is available on location early booking times are possible.

Outdoor and On Location Headshot Examples

For natural light indoor studio sessions, midday to an hour before sunset works best. Morning and early afternoon times can work well also.

In Studio Natural Light Headshot Examples

After the Session

A proof gallery is emailed for you to review and choose your selections.

Each image ordered outside the images in the package are $55 each, retouching, formatting for print and web use and copyright included.

Once selections are made they get professional retouching and then are prepared for delivery. This can take 3-7 business days depending on quantity and scheduling.

Delivery Details

Each photograph is retouched and then formatted in file formats for print and web and delivered through Dropbox for easy and quick use and you will receive multiple crops as options for your photograph.

Schedule Your Session

Okay! Now let’s schedule your session!

To book a session, a 50% deposit is required. Contact Erica by email at ericajmitchell@gmail.com or by phone at (831) 402-3895 to learn more.

Have a question? Visit our FAQ.

Natural Light Studio Examples

Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot

Using the Sky as Your Light Source

by | Apr 23, 2021 | Blog, Headshot, Photography Tips

Springtime Portraits for the Portland Housing Development Center

Group photos for the NW HDC using the sky as the light source and bounce and flag cards as modifiers to get the desired look.

STEP ONE – SCOUT LOCATION

We started by scouting the area at the shooting time which was just after 10am. The sun is high in the sky during this time of year with the angle of the sun.

Believe it or not, but the best weather conditions are cloudy days. The clouds create the desired diffused lighting ideal for outdoor naturally lit photographs.

USING LIGHT MODIFERS

We placed each subject in the shadows of a large building about 4 stories high. The building created a barrier between us and the sun but allowed for us to use the bright sky to bounce back on the subject.

Another great option we used was the flag card, a large black form core board held just to the left or right of the subject to create shadows to help define the shape of the subjects face.

 

To learn about group headshot sessions view our Group Headshots Gallery and Services for more.

 

“Affordable homes and facilities designed, developed, and sustainably resourced to meet the needs of diverse communities.” Learn more at their website https://www.hdc-nw.org/

How to Prepare for a Headshot Session

by | Mar 31, 2021 | FAQ, Photography Tips

Alright!

You’ve booked your new headshots session.

Now it’s time to think about how to prepare.

First, I recommend getting a good night sleep before your shoot.

Get hydrated and allow for plenty of time to get ready. 

If your clothes need it, a quick ironing goes a long way for your headshot.

You’ll also want to pick out an outfit or two! Think comfort, and think layers. 

If you are not used to a makeup and hair routine, consider giving yourself a few minutes to apply foundation and a quick style.

Once we are on set I’ll take it from there, I’ll guide you through some simple poses, postures and techniques that can get us ready for your new headshot.

Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot

Portrait of a client at The Natural Light Studio.

A few tips on getting ready for your professional headshot session

Whats should I wear? focus on your clothes that you love to wear, that you feel comfortable in, and that align with your professional style or brand colors.

When picking outfits, think layers! Feel free to bring an additional jacket, scarf or cardigan, and/or bring another top. I personally prefer black long sleeve tops layered with a denim short sleeve button up. For outdoor sessions, it’s suggested if needed to wear a tank top for easy changing. Don’t forget to iron your clothes!

What colors should I wear? Solid neutral colors translate the strongest in photography. Bright colors can work great, however, I suggest avoiding tops are bright red or bright green when shooting outdoors. In the studio these colors don’t reflect as much and can be very complimentary. Most popular colors are black jackets with solid colored tops in blue and white.

Textures such as linen, silk, sweaters, or knits work great. When working with patterns, choose a design that is smaller in print. Large dots or stripes can distract from your headshot. But with that being said, don’t be afraid to bring your favorite patterned top just in case!

When choosing tops, focus on complimentary neck lines. For example, I prefer a black V-neck line with a washed out denim jacket. I like the contrast between the top and jacket and the texture of the denim. Other clients will have a round neckline blouse in auburn with a black blazer.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you are using a professional hair and makeup stylist or if you are doing it on your own. For minimal makeup a few things to think about: I’ve found that foundation and mascara are the most important when being photographed. For outdoor sessions when styling hair consider a setting spray or style for possible windy conditions.

A client getting ready for a headshot session.

One of my amazing assistants and clients on location for a headshot session.

During your Session

We will use a posing stool for easy sitting shots and standing poses for natural movement.

Most shots are portraits only, above the waist unless requested.

I may have an assistant with me to use modifiers to control light.

For outdoor sessions, it is highly recommended to wear walking shoes.

Be ready to relax and have some fun 🙂

Common Headshot Outfits

Click on image to enlarge.

Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Headshots for Interior Designers
Residency and Fellowship Headshot
Cadeo Group Company Headshots
Cadeo Group Company Headshots
Realtor Headshot Portland
Indoor On Location Headshots in Portland Oregon
Lawyer Attorney at Law Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Headshots in Studio
Company Group Team Headshots in Portland Oregon Photographer Corporate
Realtor Headshots
Company Group Team Headshots in Portland Oregon Photographer Corporate
Company Group Team Headshots in Portland Oregon Photographer Corporate
ERAS® Medical Residency application photo requirement headshot examples
Cadeo Group Company Headshots
Natural Light Indoor Headshot

QUESTIONS?

Let me know if you have any questions, I’d be happy to help provide any additional support for you to prepare! If you haven’t booked your session yet, hop over to Book Now to submit your form.

It’s raining. Now what? Use the Natural Light Studio for Business Headshots

by | Feb 19, 2021 | Blog, FAQ

Solutions for Outdoor Photography Headshot Sessions

So what do you do when it’s raining or even worse snowing the day of your headshot photography session?

When it rains, it pours right? Well, in Portland, Oregon it does. And this year even snow. 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, a couple poses and you are all set with a new headshot.

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

Natural Light Studio Examples

Headshots for Therapists
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot
Natural Light Indoor Headshot

Interested in an outdoor or on location photography session?

Learn More

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

BOOK NOW

What Images Do I Need For My Business?

by | Jan 26, 2021 | Blog, FAQ

Portraits of Practioner Liisa photographed on location at the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Tanner Springs Park in downtown Portland Oregon. View Portraits

How Does It Work?

Photography is a tool to tell a story without words that adds depth to your marketing message. Businesses use photography specifically to build a brand and to use as a way to reach their customers.

My goal is to create photography to show the viewer your product or service. Your images show them where you are and what you are doing, they then resonate and become familiar with the work. Ultimately, we want our images to sell our work when we aren’t showcasing it in person.

There is a way to photographically tell your story to grab the attention of your ideal clients. Let us look at how.

Rhythm on the Rails Johnnie Mazzacco by Erica J Mitchell Photographer

Published editorial images of Rhythm on the Rails writing retreat with Johnnie Mazzacco. A Rhythm on the Rails participant enjoying the expansive river views via Business Class. View full post

First, what images do I need for my business?

Photography can be a creative new way to grow your business, attract and stay competitive in the marketplace. Let’s take a look at your story and answer these photographically to be able to share your business with your target audience.

Who are you?
What do you do?
What do you offer?
How do you do it?
Why is it important?
What does it look like?

Women with Moxie Networking in Portland Oregon

Marketing photography for the networking business Women with Moxie during their 2018 promo video. View Women with Moxie’s promo images

What’s Your Story?

Business Portrait – Who are you?
You’re a consultant and expert in your field, find a location you love, and outfit your feel amazing in and show off that smile. This image is the most important because it tells your viewers who you are. If there is only one image you need, it’s this one. The traditional headshot can be a portrait that you use in all your advertising and social media needs.

Service or Product Feature – What do you offer?
What you sell needs to be seen. If you sell the most amazing chocolates or the best website customer service, your product and your service can be photographed. For example, if you create websites, details of your brand or working style can be a source of understanding for your clients. We want to know how you work. If you sell chocolates, of course we want to see what we are getting, yum!

Development and Production – How do you do it?
Sometimes how we do our work is the highlight. If we are creating one of a kind hard wood pieces by hand, the tools we use can bring in interested buyers.

Lifestyle and Culture – Why is it important?
Perhaps your mission is the driving force behind your images. You take a stand for women’s health and wellness. Focusing on images that empower women can inspire a connection and bring you opportunities to make a difference.

Storefront, On-location – What does it look like?
The classic brick and mortar. If you have a fantastic spot nestled in the neighborhood or on the corner in the city, we want to know where you are. Your place in the community can be a source of connection and can make it easier to reach you.

Event Coverage – What happened?
One of my favorite types of images for a business are the events the business hosts or participates in. Events are a place for connection to community members, a space for bringing like minded people together or a place to celebrate. Event photography is a way to spread your brand and reach your community.

Kathy Stanley Portrait Photography by Erica J Mitchell

Artist and education Kathy Stanely walks in Laurelhurst Park, a favorite spot of hers, for her portrait and branding session to add to her collection of images to promote her upcoming art projects and classes. View her session images

Time To Share Your Story

Being Published?
Use Your Photography in Printed or Online Articles

Need Photography for Your Website?
Be Visual and Professional Online

Want to hand out that amazing card?
Elevate your Digital or Print Presentations, Business Cards and Brochures

Need to make a post to your channels?
Use Your Photography in Social Media Platforms to Market to your Fans

Meeting new clients or have business networking opportunities?
Have Personalized Photography when you are Networking In person 

Inspiring Women's Conference in Portland, Oregon

Inspiring Woman Leaders was an annual conference held in Portland, Oregon whose goals were to promote women in leadership positions, as well as those who lead women. View their event

Interested in Working Together?

Let’s answer these photographically and then share your story with your audience on your website and social media platforms to generate higher connectivity of your business.

BOOK NOW