JOHANNESBURG PERSONAL BRANDING PHOTOGRAPHY
As a Johannesburg personal branding photographer, I have captured striking and authentic client portraits since 2005.
Difference between headshots and portraits
A headshot is a head-and-shoulder photo to show what you look like.
On the other hand, personal branding portraits are less formal and more enlightening - they should tell a story of who you are. It can be a head and shoulders, from the waist up or show the complete figure.
Whereas headshots are pretty straightforward, a portrait allows for artistic license, i.e. the use of dramatic light or props that could be used to tell a story about yourself.
Do you value quality portrait photography?
Style
Choose a photographer whose style resonates with you.
My style is clean, authentic, and timeless.
Is your current personal branding portrait outdated?
Price
Whichever photographer you choose, you're going to spend money.
Like any quality product or service, good photography is expensive because it is costly to create quality images.
If you are dissatisfied, you may not have the budget or time to do a re-shoot with another photographer.
I charge a session plus an image fee - you buy the photos you love.
It is less expensive to get it right the first time.
Quality
Explore a photographer's portfolio and look for consistency in their work.
Amateur portfolios have a couple of accidentally good images from many sessions.
Do you want to risk that there may be only one or two good images from your session?
Experience
Years of experience may not equate to quality.
I've been a portrait photographer since 2005 and have an international Master's in portrait photography, one of only two in Africa, from The Portrait Masters.
My standards are high - let me capture a world-class photo of you.
Photographer
I will be your photographer - never outsourced.
If I can't take your photos, I will reschedule your session.
First Impressions Count
I will dispel your anxiety and make you look:
- approachable
- authentic
- authoritative
- comfortable
- competent
- friendly
- honest
- interesting
- natural
- professional
- relaxed
Your portraits are captured in the privacy of my studio.
Clients
You are my typical client if you have fallen in love with my portfolio and are a:
- professional
- businessperson
- corporate
- actor
- accountant
- advocate
- artist
- attorney
- author
- banker
- doctor
- educator
- engineer
- Executive
- journalist
- lawyer
- physician
- politician
- realtor
- reporter
- speaker
- athlete
- sportswomen
- student
- surgeon
- teacher
- therapist
- veterinarian
- writer
Posing
I pay close attention to the seven posing rules
- chin
- shoulders
- hands
- hourglass
- body language
- asymmetry
- connection
It is not your job to know how to pose; it is mine to guide and direct you throughout.
Detail
I pay closer attention to small details like where your hair falls, straight ties, and removing fluff.
Did these finer details ruin your previous portrait?
Retouching
Do you look like yourself in your current photo?
Less is more.
I focus on a natural look.
I'd be a millionaire if I could earn a buck for every kilogram I've shaved off in final edits.
Cropping
I like to shoot a more flexible three-quarter image - a 4:6 ratio- which gives cropping flexibility.
Having options is practical.
Wardrobe
Your wardrobe should be appropriate - you must look the part.
Plan your wardrobe well in advance - nothing worse than forgetting an essential item.
General Wardrobe Suggestions
- Solid colours are safe, practical and timeless.
- A fresh white or checked collared buttoned shirt and a black, charcoal or dark navy suit work well on dark and light backgrounds.
- Dark colours are slimming.
- Collared shirts should not be loose or tight.
- Layering gives interest, and flowing chiffon blouses hit the mark for women.
- Prints and florals can work.
- If you don't want your arms to show, cover them.
- If anything needs dry cleaning or ironing, take care of it.
- For online dating portraits, bring what you wear on a first date.
- Smartwatches are not timeless.
- Keep jewellery to a minimum.
- If you usually wear glasses, your headshot and portrait should show you wearing them. Anti-reflective lens coatings are best.
- If you are still unsure, bring everything. I'll help you select.
- You can do as many wardrobe changes as you like - time permitting.
- Don't wear your outfit to your session - bring them on hangers - to avoid wrinkles.
Did you wear the wrong outfit last time? It is all in the planning.
Hair
If your visit to the hairdresser is due, go a week before the shoot.
This way, you will have time to get used to it, and the cut will grow slightly.
Hands and Nails
If you colour your nails, choose a neutral or clear tone.
So often overlooked, ensure your hands are moisturised and your nails trimmed.
Makeup
I can arrange professional makeup for an additional fee; however, your going-on-a-date makeup and hair will work.
I recommend natural makeup over complete makeovers.
Applications
I produce eye-catching portraits for annual reports, marketing material, online dating, personal branding, presentations, social media platforms, and Z-cards for acting and modelling applications.
Online Platforms
In today's business world, much of our networking is online.
Your portraits will be prepared for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat, WhatsApp, YouTube and Tinder.
As I mentioned, having options makes sense - this is an investment in yourself.
How To Book Me
1. SCHEDULING
Plan your photo session two to three weeks in advance. I would happily work with you if this timing doesn't work.
2. CONSULTATION
All sessions include a telephonic consultation. We will discuss wardrobe, posing ideas and lighting styles. I will ask you to send me images of what you like to form a picture of your vision.
3. SESSION
Even if it is your first time in front of the camera, and you don't know how to pose, I will direct and guide you - that is my superpower.
My goal is to ensure you look connected and relaxed.
After your shoot, we will go through your images.
I will guide and help select the very best.
You purchase the photos you love.
What you buy is entirely up to you.