Dating Headshots

I must start with a disclaimer - that in fact I have never personally used an online dating service because I am and have been married most of my adult life. However, many clients that have been photographed by us, in fact have had superb results with online dating sites. In addition, I would have certainly online dating sites if they would have been available back in the day. I am a shy person and that leaves very few options to meet dating prospects. Unfortunately for very busy or just shyer people that limits venues to meet people is at work with co-workers, bosses or clients. The workplace is not a normally accepted place to have personal relationships. I know that with busy lives of the dating adult community there are very few other venues to meet that person of your dreams. So online relationship and dating websites do work and are here to stay!

So, you have decided to try an online dating site or try and correct your last disastrous effort. What should you do? I will cover the photographic aspect which to me is one of the most if not the most important part of your "online profile." Your profile photos should show you extremely positively but also honestly. Don't put something online taken 10 years ago and expect your potential "dates" to trust you after meeting you. You also don't want a "my space" self portrait taken with your cell phone either as this will most likely make you look bad to terrible and will severely limit responses to your profile.

Your primary profile photo should be a great reflection of you and your personality. The viewer will only take a few seconds to decide whether to hang around and learn more about you or head on down the Internet highway. You do want to include other photos in your profile including various different professionally taken poses utilizing several backgrounds, wardrobes and lighting. The main profile is a professional headshot and attached to your profile are other headshots, an arm pose (3/4 body) and even a full length or two. We are selling all of you, not just those beautiful eyes of yours. The eyes are the doorway to you soul as well as the door to your online dating profile. You also may want to include a few candid's taken from family gatherings or at the park etc, these extras are just lagniappe (a little something extra) as they say in Louisiana.

Talk you your photographer before the session to determine exactly what what you want to portray. Then together you will be able yo get the results you desire.

Some dos and don'ts:

• Don't wear loud or wild clothing. Stick to what you like and you look good in.
• Don't try and make all your poses sexy, that can come later if you like.
• Don't be too conservative. (More than business suits).
• Don't have your photos over re-touched, (we can make you look 20 years younger, remember to be honest).
• Don't change hair length or style just for the photo session.
• Do smile. A pleasant and an inviting expression.
• Do provide a variety in clothing, expressions, lighting, backgrounds etc.
• Do provide recent photos.
• Do have your makeup for the session applied professionally if applicable.
• Do have a consultation with your photographer at least several days before the photo session.

Finally, I know online dating or relationship web sites work! I have personally seen a lot more successes than not. If you are currently using an online dating resource and have not found Mr. or Ms. Right, don't give up. Follow the tips above, keep your photos current,and be patient. We have one very wonderful attractive female client who has not found Mr. Right yet. Well Mr. Right has to have an income equal or higher (a lot) of hers, must have similar interests, like to dance and oh by the aw, they have to be 6'1" to 6'4" tall and be height/weight proportional. That cuts out about 99.5% or higher of the potential respondents out. So if you are like her, be patient because in today's world, if they are out there they will be found.

What to wear in Your Headshots

What to wear is the most asked question regarding a headshot photo session. The simple answer is something that looks great on you!

Now seriously, solid colors are generally much better than prints. Stripes even small ones will detract from face or the main point of the headshot. After all the headshot is to sell you or the subject. If you want to sell a blouse or jacket than a more commercial setting is in order where the lighting and background is more important.

Try and choose a color that is complimentary to your particular skin color or skin type. Your top should not be the same shade and color as the background but should compliment it.

For men a professional headshot is pretty simple, a white shirt, tie and black or navy blazer is a great standby. This selection will make the wearer to be autocratic and in charge. Perhaps that is not what you want to convey then a solid color shirt should convey approachability and trust. If a tie is worn then the color should be complimentary to your skin tone.

Most people are cool colors but a list is provided below that was taken from Wikipedia.

Carole Jackson, Color Me Beautiful (1980)

Winter:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Very white", "White with delicate pink tone", "Beige (no cheek color, may be sallow)", "Gray-beige or brown", "Rosy beige", "Olive", "Black" (blue undertone)", "Black (sallow)". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 47.

Many African Americans and Asians fall into this category.

Winters should wear colors that are sharp, stark and clear. White, black, navy blue, red and shocking pink all go well with winter complexions. For lighter colors, wear icy tones rather than pastels. Avoid subdued tones like beige, orange and gold. ehow

Summer:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Pale beige with delicate pink cheeks", "Pale beige with no cheek color (even sallow)", "Rosy beige", "Very pink", "Gray-brown", "Rosy brown". Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 49.

Summers should choose pastels and soft neutrals with rose and blue undertones. Lavender, plum, rose-brown and soft blue suit summers well while black and orange do not.

Spring:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Creamy ivory", "Ivory with pale golden freckles", "Peach", "Peach/pink (may have pink/purple knuckles)", "Golden beige", "Rosy cheeks (may blush easily)", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 53.

Springs can wear warm colors like camel, peach, golden yellow and golden brown. Avoid dark, dull colors.

Autumn:

Dominant skin tones (an individual's skin may include more than one): "Ivory", "Ivory with freckles (usually redhead)", "Peach", "Peach with freckles (usually golden blonde, brown)", "Golden beige (no cheek color, needs blush)", "dark beige, coppery", "Golden brown." Carole Jackson, Color me Beautiful, p. 51.

Autumns should select colors with golden undertones, like camel, beige, orange, gold and dark brown. Avoid colors with blue tones, like navy.

We will always provide a consultation to all clients who wish to use our services. http:houston-tx-headshots.com

What is a Pro hedashot

While there are several different types of headshots, the intent of the headshot is similar and that is to portray the subject to the viewer in an honest but in away that will entice the viewer to examine the subject just a little more. To actors their headshot is their business card and the casting director or decision maker will make a decision to pursue the client in less than a second. Perhaps a professional headshot of a realty specialist or lawyer would get more than two seconds of thought by the potential client. So a well done headshot is essential for almost all professions.

Normally a headshot is a image or photograph that the subject's face is the primary focus of the image. In most cases the image is cropped displaying the head, face and some of the shoulders. There are times when a "headshot" will be cropped to the arms or even lower but a full length photo would only be utilized in a full portfolio.

There are two basic types of headshots, business and theatrical. Most people are in need of a business headshot in which a smiling or at least a pleasant expression is used. A theatrical headshot is normally used to show a dramatic expression and pose that captures a character and/or mood. Theatrical headshots are normally used for actors trying out for a particular role or production.

I can be reached at http://clickphotog.com

tom@clickphotog.com