About taking good headshots for business people
A photographer named Alfred Eisenstadt once said, “I like to photograph people before they know what their beautiful side is.”
Today this doesn’t exist. Everyone knows which side is their most beautiful and have perfected the selfie photograph, moving hands slightly above the face to avoid distortion and sending out into the digital universe.
Yet even with the desensitization of our modern age many business professionals still feel nervous about standing in front of a photographer’s lens. However, they surrender begrudgingly because they know that everyone needs good profile picture for websites, social media and dating sites. A picture that represents a beautiful quality and compliments by showing us at our best.
Usually, when I schedule photoshoots with business professionals there is limited time and the calendars are crowded. When the secretary asks how long I need for the headshot session, I answer half an hour to which she offers a satisfied but skeptical response. (In reality, I’m finished shooting in less time.)
Once I arrive to the office of the subject and set-up they take him/her out of a meeting. I have 10 minutes to unfreeze them and create a relaxed atmosphere that will gain me their cooperation. The conversation generally starts with a few minutes of “I don’t look good in pictures”, “My face is crooked” or, “I have one small eye” etc… All this, is due to the awkwardness of the subject to stand in front of me while I watch them with intense, focused eyes. Every manager or CEO feels very exposed. I stand in front of them and the camera does not hide anything.
This is where the photojournalism experience I have accumulated for 25 years comes in handy. When I enter the subject’s office I take notice of the artwork hanging on the walls or photos on the desk to get a general impression and understanding of what they like. I start by asking questions about their interests and at this time I recognize their most flattering side and direct the lighting accordingly [because it is all a matter of angle and lighting].
By this time the subject starts to soften and smile. Once I show them a couple photographs I usually get responses like, “I’ve never been photographed that way.” and then I confirm that success with a few more pictures followed by a thank you and good-bye. The subjects are shocked when the headshot session ends so quickly and smoothly. Both a beautiful picture and a very short time that doesn’t take more than 20 minutes. (30 if they like to select their favorite image immediately after shooting) I leave my clients happy so I am too!
Another part of my service is painless plastic surgery, that is image therapy via photo retouching. I always say, if a model is allowed then I’m allowed too. Basic retouches include: cleaning stray hairs, brightening eyes & teeth, removing blemishes, and softening wrinkles.
Tip of the Day: How to discover your most photogenic side
You will be surprised to discover that our faces are not symmetrical. To see which side of your face is the most flattering and therefore the side you will want to present closest to the camera when being photographed, stand in front of the mirror and photograph yourself once with your face tilted to the right side and once with your face tilted to the left side. The results will speak for themselves.
You are invited to view my site https://hawaiiheadshotphotos.com/
“Photographer Ronen was all-around professional yet easygoing in my recent headshot session with Hawaii Headshot Photos. Throughout the 90-minute session he gave me the opportunity to work with several different outfits and backgrounds, which I much appreciated. He is patient and supportive to what a client needs, and this very personalized approach gave me many great photos to choose from for various different needs. I highly recommend him and his studio.”
Dr. Kirstin Pauka — Professor of Theatre, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
February 3, 2017
“I enjoyed working with Hawaii Headshot Photos.com My photographer Ronen is an excellent professional. He listens to your needs and really spends time with you to make those best shots. He’s done photoshoots of my listings (I’m a realtor) and my headshot. Now I’m back for an updated headshot and family photoshoot. Ronen makes himself available upon request and very easy to communicate. I’m sure I’ll be back for more photoshoots. Thank you Caspi Media! ” Lyuba Naiditch, RA Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties 1
Lyuba Naiditch, RA
February 3, 2017
I know and worked with Ronen Caspi for quite a long time. He is professional, knows his trade and very creative. Ron goes out of his way to make the experience fun and easy going and he is very considerate to the client needs. I am planning to keep using his services in the future and I highly recommend him”
Gideon Naiditch IPR-Hawaii
February 3, 2017
"I had a very good experience working with ronen of Hawaii Headshot Photos.com. Their home studio was very comfortable and professional.
Working with their photographer Ronen was easy and pleasant and I could tell he really knows his stuff. Of course the product is what matters most and that was excellent!
I used several of the photos for my website and will be happy to be back when I need more.
I’ll be recommending Hawaii Headshot Photos.com to my colleagues in the music and entertainment community.
Thank you Hawaii Heashots!"
Brian von Ahsen
VonAwesome Productions
Brian von Ahsen
February 3, 2017
“Hawaii Headshot Photos was a very pleasant experience. Everything was highly professional and I felt very comfortable being photographed. The studio is a home studio, however it is setup like a photography studio. Ronen and Erica are really nice people and easy to work with. I am very pleased on how great the pictures turned out. ”
Randall Yokota, Honolulu based SAG Actor
Randall Yokota, Honolulu based SAG Actor
February 3, 2017
Ronen is the MASTER of Headshots. All of my life it has been difficult for me to give a genuine smile when prompted for a photo, and his skill at explaining just how to come out of my shell and shine my authentic self in a headshot has created a magnetic magnificent marketing tool from which I continue to gain profits. His downtown studio is easily accessible which allowed me to pop in between appointments for a quick, polished, professional photo shoot. Thank you Ronen!!
Dawn Alba Noble
August 15, 2017
Thank you Ronen, I really appreciate how quickly you took care of me. I will definitely recommend you to others.
Ted Slocum RA
August 15, 2017
Hi Ronen,
Thank you so much. I really like it.
I like both pictures,
Thanks again. I definitely will recommend you.
Nicky
Nicky Piskorski
Honolulu,Oahu
April 20, 2018
Once again it was time to update my head shoot ...
I've known and followed Ronen's work for many years.
Obviously (for me) to choice was clear.
Experience, talent, kean eye and understanding of lighting a makes
his photos unique and stand out above the rest.
Sure enough, almost effortlessly (on my part), I had enough images to select from.
I got to admit though, choosing wasn't easy.... almost all pictures were good!
Hanan Katz Layout Etc, Inc
Owner layout-etc.com
August 14, 2018
Hi Ronen and Erica
Thank you very much for the quick turnaround and the photo turned out great. It was very nice to meet you both and it was definitely fun to reminisce about the UP, it's such a small world! I'll definitely recommend you guys to my friends and colleagues who need photos.
Thank you again,
Jordan
Jordan Bosque
December 10, 2019
