Conveying who you are
That's what a portrait is all about, right? Showing up in your marketing EXACTLY how you want to be perceived and giving people a reason to know, like, and trust you. It may sound like a tall order to fill, but with the right wardrobe, props, styling, background, and lighting (and the right photographer too ; ) it can 100% be achieved.
Take Ricky, for example. We shot lots at his session; a giant variety. I was very purposeful with background and lighting to support the specific look I was going for in each of these. Details like this really matter when it comes to communicating the message you're wanting to blast out there. Something I always do a deep-dive with clients before the camera ever comes out.
For funzies, take a peak and see if you can guess what he does for a living, based on each individual portrait.... the answer at the end!
Stay at Home Dad
This image shows Ricky with his kiddos, Maggie and Oakley.
WARDROBE CHOICE: simple, neutral and classic
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I wanted to keep it dark to create contrast with their lighter clothes and Oakley's blonde hair
POSE: I coached Ricky to recline and 'look exhausted' as one who chases after little kids is basically alllll the time.
Baseball Coach
This image shows Ricky with a baseball clove and hat.
WARDROBE/PROP CHOICE: simple and obvious
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I wanted to keep it dark to create contrast with his hat
POSE: He forgot to bring a baseball along so I told him to pretend he was rolling an invisible one in his glove
Security Guard
WARDROBE CHOICE: dark shirt with a V neck, which in hindsight, mirrors the bottom of his cross tat (that was a happy accident!)
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I wanted to keep it dark and moody
LIGHTING CHOICE: dramatic and high contrast to give him a mysterious edge
POSE: Arms crossed and shot at a lower angle to indicate authority
Freelancer
WARDROBE CHOICE: classic and timeless
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I wanted a simple background so the focus is on his expression
LIGHTING CHOICE: shot with natural light to give it a casual vibe
EXPRESSION: Ricky has naturally curly hair and normally slicks it back. I was messing with it when that forehead curl popped out. I kinda liked it so I left it there and asked him to twirl his mustache and look surprised. lol
Financial Planner
a traditional portrait - one that all parents love to have
WARDROBE CHOICE: business casual seperates
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I felt a darker backdrop would be most masculine
LIGHTING CHOICE: shot with natural light - Rembrandt is my fav
POSE: Shoulders are dead-on to the camera, displaying dominance and masculinity
Personal Trainer
WARDROBE CHOICE: gotta show the abs and bicep
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I felt a darker backdrop would be most masculine
LIGHTING CHOICE: dramatic to show muscle definition
POSE/EXPRESSION: to show that his body is a temple
App Developer
a more modern portrait that's playful and curious
WARDROBE CHOICE: business casual
BACKGROUND CHOICE: I wanted a lighter background to create contrast and I felt it to be more modern
POSE/EXPRESSION: to give a shade of mystery by covering his lower face and I asked him to rock back and forth as if he was about to leap - to show movement and playfulness (but also a little sexy curiosity)
Any guesses as to what Ricky actually does for a living?
Trick Question! heheh
These days, Ricky wears 3 of these 'hats'... He is a security guard at a public school and spends his Summers coaching baseball and staying home with his kids!
