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.
“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
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.
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
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.
Newberg, Oregon USA – Willamette Valley – Oregon Wine Country – 21 miles SW of Portland
From the website “Growing up the farm, founder Christian and his brothers, cousins, and neighbors loved to play a nighttime tag game they called Wolves & People. Then there’s the fact that ancient Romans called hops humulus lupulus, or the “wolf among weeds,” and that Oregon’s first non-native settlers gathered very nearby in 1843 for a series of “wolf meetings” and soon formed the provisional state of Oregon. Most important, Wolves & People is a brewery celebrating the pursuit of wildness itself, in ingredients, flavors, and creativity.”
Editorial content for Portland Monthly Magazine
https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2016/07/in-the-heart-of-wine-country-this-newberg-brewery-crafts-hyperlocal-wild-ales
Wine and paint at Vine Gogh Artist Bar. What a blast!
ABOUT
Portland’s original guided artist bar for the non-artist! Opened in 2011 by local artists, we offer step-by-step painting classes on canvas. But wait, there’s more… the painting classes are set to great music, AND we serve liquid encouragement via a variety of wines, beer, and hard cider to get you in the “creative mood”. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. There’s no need to be a Michelangelo; this is art for the non-artist! Classes are posted on our calendar and are open to the public. Each class is approximately 2.5 hours start to finish. Date nights, private parties and children’s classes are also available at Vine Gogh! (Text from Vine Gogh Artist Bar Website)
I photographed the Center for Animal Law Studies Department at Lewis & Clark this past week. Documenting people and organizations that consciously strive for sustainable practices between all beings and business aligns with my sustainable philosophies. I attended two classes, followed a couple students and even made a portrait of their work-place companion.
I connected with Kathy Hessler, a Professor of the Center for Animal Law Studies whom I met at the Friends of Family Farmers InFARMation Event, September 2013 InFARMation and began to collaborate on visually presenting the Animal Law Department. I had a great time learning and engaging with such passionate individuals!
Center for Animal Law Studies Educating the Next Generation of Animal Law Attorneys
About
The Center for Animal Law Studies (CALS), in collaboration with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, is the home to the Animal Law Program and animal law projects and activities of Lewis & Clark Law School. We work to ensure the interests of animals are considered in the legal realm and provide the best education to the next generation of animal law attorneys.
Center for Animal Law Studies is located in Wood Hall on the Law Campus.
Email | cals@lclark.edu
