RELAX! It can actually be fun!

Curious about what to expect when visiting Stacy for a headshot? Here's how one camera-shy client described the experience.

When I decided to launch my own business, there was one task I dreaded the most and postponed the longest: My headshot.

Sure, I had to have a headshot — it’s critical for anyone doing business these days. But I fear having my photo taken the way some people fear spiders, cilantro, or doing math without a calculator. So, I needed to find a photographer I could trust to help me look my best: polished, professional and without that strained expression I always wear when someone points a camera at me. 

When the time came that I could procrastinate no longer, a business contact told me about Stacy Kaat. “You’ll love her,” she said. I braced myself and decided to give Stacy a call.

I’m glad I did. From our first conversation to the moment we were reviewing final images in her studio, Stacy put me...

THE MAGIC YOU DON’T SEE

Why the photo shoot is only part of the job

A rule of thumb in the photography business is that 30% of each assignment is the actual photo shoot. That means if I take an hour in the studio to shoot head shots with you, I’m spending about two and a half hours on all the other tasks necessary to deliver your final photos.

A common response when I share this is, “Huh? What in the world would take that much time?” If you’ve never been a professional photographer, you’d have no way to know.

The first thing to remember is that my job is to deliver photos that will represent you or your business brand in a professional, polished and appealing way. The images you purchase will be used to make an impression, and they’ll probably be used many times, in many ways, for many years. So, there’s more at stake than texting a quick vacation photo to your Mom. More steps to take, too.

Let me explain what happens before and after...

In 6 Seconds People form and Opinion about YOU!

It takes less than six seconds to form an opinion about you based on your appearance alone. That should scare you! When you meet someone, whether online or in person, an immediate judgement is made. Do you look warm and friendly, like someone others want to engage with? Or do you look unapproachable?

Six seconds can make or break your opportunity to connect!

In-person you make eye contact, shake hands, and say a friendly "hello." People can decide if they want to engage in conversation based on the feeling you gave them.

Online, you have a similar opportunity to connect using your headshot. When people see it, they make an immediate judgement about who you are. What does your headshot say about you? Is it engaging or does it have a deer-in-the-headlights look? Does it say a confident "hello" or does it show disinterest?

If you turn people off with a bad headshot, chances are they will not check out your profile and you've lost an...