Wendy Houser Blomseth

PROFESSIONAL PORTRAITS OUTSIDE

2011-08-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

Our longtime client, Gloria made a lot of changes in her life including a new business with a new brand and ultimately will be publishing a book - all which required new professional portraits.

We talked about her intention for her photos, what image she wanted to convey and where she wanted to be photographed. She strongly felt her new image should be captured in her beautiful backyard so we planned out the clothing, the background and how she would be photographed.

BUSINESS PORTRAIT FOR MEN

2011-08-19T07:22:00.000-05:00

Men have many wardrobe choices for their business portraits. While some men still need to be photographed in a traditional suit and tie others prefer a more casual look.

Because Dave's brand includes picture of him in a jungle explorer look, we even created photos of him looking somewhat like an Indiana Jones type for his business coaching clients who were going to experience "taking your business to the edge."

COLOR OR BLACK & WHITE PORTRAITS

2011-08-09T07:13:00.001-05:00

It's fun to experiment with color portraits versus black & white portraits. Our client, Kris and I brainstormed on her previous portraits which a friend had created of her in black & white. While we both love black & white portraits we looked at her logo, her website, her brand image and her preferred color scheme and decided the best route was color image with a strong black presence in her clothing.

She loves the results and have posted them in print and online.

HOMAGE TO POLAROID TRANSFERS

2011-07-09T12:16:00.000-05:00

Homage to Polaroid Transfers because I so loved the creative process and results of using Polaroid films. Many photographers still mourn the loss of that unpredictable process and photographic art work.

Thanks to photographic software we can play around and experiment until we create a close facsimile. But I still miss the surprises that would be created that could never be planned.

COULD BE ANYWHERE

2011-07-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

COULD BE ANYWHERE - I love photos that have a universal look and feel.

Where do you think this photo was created?

Did you guess Stockholm? Stockholm, Wisconsin?

WAITING FOR YOU

2011-07-03T09:08:00.002-05:00

WAITING FOR YOU is how this picture calls to me.
On a rare, picture perfect day in Northern Minnesota you can lay on your hammock and read a book.

Always close by, for me, is one of my cameras in the event I want to create a portrait of the moment, the environment, Mother Nature, etc. This was one of those moments.

SELF PORTRAIT IN MYLAR

2011-07-02T12:04:00.001-05:00

Self Portraits in Mylar reflective surfaces are full of surprise distortions. Shown here I'm holding a camera and shooting into the mylar board - just for the fun of it.

REFLECTIONS

2011-07-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

REFLECTIONS can be a really fun way to play and experiment with your subject, light, color and composition.

Can you see the edge of the mylar reflective surface that was created by my husband, Karl Blomseth. He wanted to use it for a series of self portraits and kindly shared it with me and our visiting photography friends, Judy & Allen. We each took turns playing with the reflective surface.

CONTEMPORARY BUSINESSWOMAN'S PORTRAIT

2011-06-28T18:53:00.001-05:00

Contemporary Businesswoman's Photographic style keeps changing as fashion dictates. But Erin did an excellent job of looking natural with her makeup and yet contemporary with her hair and clothing.

Classic looks have a much longer shelflife than the latest trendy outfit from one of the big box stores.

Experiment with your hair, makeup and clothing until you are satisfied with a portrait that will look fresh for 3 - 5 years unless you love to have a new photo every year.

BUSINESS CASUAL FOR MEN

2011-06-22T09:48:00.002-05:00

Business Casual is Great if that is YOUR style.
We photographed Ashish in several different clothing options and styles: formal with tie and informal standing and sitting. He is such a fun, outgoing and dynamic guy that we all agreed that we loved him in the casual business blue shirt. It was just so him.
In the event that he needs/wants the business blazer look, we've got it in his "image bank." For now, he's picture perfect and ready to use this photo for his marketing materials.

WAITING FOR LUPINES

2011-06-20T23:04:00.001-05:00

WAITING FOR LUPINES

All spring and early summer I wait for the days until the lupines are in full bloom. I cannot get enough of their wild purple blooms and their odd, long skinny shapes that blow in the wind

Fantasy Fishing

2011-06-18T23:01:00.001-05:00

FANTASY FISHING
On close inspection of this fantasy-like scene you'd find two chairs set up for fishing with a pole, basket and far into the distance a fantasy fish.
It's always fun to fantasize and create a magical place in the woods.

THE SIGHT AND SMELL OF PEONIES

2011-06-17T23:18:00.002-05:00

2011-06-11T22:46:00.002-05:00

UPCYCLED ART
We've all heard of Recycling and Recycled Art but I discovered UpCycled Art while visiting in Florida in March. Take old items that can be recycled or given away and "upscale" them to whatever degree you can.
Then voila' you've got UpCycled Art.

SUNNY SUNDAY BRUNCH IN JUNE

2011-06-07T23:17:00.002-05:00

GARDEN SPACE

2011-06-06T23:15:00.000-05:00

2011-05-19T22:40:00.001-05:00

PHOTO SESSION at Mpls St Paul Business Journal
I really wasn't expecting a surprise photo session today at the Business Journal. But fortunately I was freshly coiffured and camera ready. Thanks Nancy Kuehn, photographer for the fun photos.

2011-05-18T22:32:00.013-05:00

photo from Blackberry phone

FIRST EXPO

Quite a change to go from being a solo entrepreneur photographing professionals exhibiting at tradeshows and events. Now I'm part of a team of sales and marketing representatives bringing in new business development for the Mpls. St. Paul Business Journal. Shown here at UpSwing Expo trade table.

photo taken from Blackberry phone

CHANGES IN LIFE

2011-05-18T21:52:00.001-05:00

Changes in Life can be like dropping a big stone in a small lake - the effects ripple on and on and on.

I've taken on a new challenge recently as a new business development sales representative which I enjoy as it taps into my personal passion for branding and promoting individuals and businesses. The Mpls St Paul Business Journal offers a great business newspaper and I'm happy to be part of the team.

My business photography endeavors will still be a treasure for me and I hope to service my long-time, loyal clients whenever we can make it work for both of our schedules.

Outside of work I find, more than ever, I'm passionate about fine art photography, art history, visual artmaking, online photo book productions and greeting card creation, being a cat owner, occasional wine drinker, outdoors walker, reader via books and Kindle. Living with my husband, Karl Blomseth in south Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Taking a new, broader focus to this blog as it will serve as a communication vehicle to share my ever-evolving personal photographic series, client photo commission and life experiences.

When you visit the archives you'll get a good flavor for the type of commissioned business photography and event photos that we love to create.

Enjoy!

ART MIMICS ART

2011-04-29T23:05:00.004-05:00

Art Dates 4 Creatives friend Jill Nicholson mimics both the painting and the floral art during the group outing at the Mpls. Institute of Arts.

SELF PORTRAIT AT THE MPLS INSTITUTE OF ARTS

2011-04-28T23:14:00.001-05:00

Self Portrait at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts trip to see the Art in Bloom show.

After taking so many photos of our group as well as photos of the floral arrangements it seemed appropriate to find a quiet corner of the MIA, find a good level countertop and experiment with the timer on this new camera.

THREE ARTISTS AT ART IN BLOOM

2011-04-28T22:50:00.005-05:00

Art Dates 4 Creatives FB group had a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to view and photograph the annual spring Art In Bloom show.

UPDATE for ART DATES 4 CREATIVES

2011-04-08T22:58:00.000-05:00

Lots of fun things happening this April and May for Art Dates 4 Creatives. Who wants to join us?

BE GENUINE AND WHO YOU REALLY ARE

2011-03-17T23:42:00.012-05:00

Be Genuine and Who You Really Are even if others want you to look like and act like everyone else.

I truly admire Deb P. who said that a potential business associate was recommending that she change her look and her style so she looked like everyone else and she chose not to. We talked about the pros and cons of fitting in and looking like everyone else and I'm glad she remained strong and said she didn't want to look like everyone else.

It's not always easy but be true to yourself. Be a rebel if you wish.

IN CELEBRATION

2011-03-13T11:37:00.013-05:00

In Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day I pulled out the almost 100 year old antique vase that was my grandmother's.

It really felt appropriate to use this vase as my symbol of the day since generations of hard working women had filled this vase with flowers. One might imagine their spirit and their strength still within the chamber.

PROF'L PORTRAITS MAKE A BIG IMPACT

2011-03-09T23:34:00.003-06:00

New Professional Photos make a big impact according to our client, Elissa Schoessler. Her previous photo was admittedly very amateurist and she feared it was having a negative impact on her business.

Fortunately, she saved our business card until she was ready for her new photos. Then together we created new pictures that she proudly displays in all her marketing materials.

Welcome

2011-02-26T16:01:00.000-06:00

Screen Capture of Facebook Video

What a day I've had today! Actually it started at midnight last night when I created and posted my first Facebook video. woot hoot! It's a "Welcome to Art Dates 4 Creatives," a group I started in November 2010.

My intro to the group states:

"2011 is my year to DO WHAT I LOVE and LOVE WHAT I DO !

I LOVE going out on Artist's Dates but get hung up in workaholic mode. My intention is to unite my favorite creative types (aka YOU) for future artistic collaborations, visits to art galleries, art play dates, etc. If I organize it, I'll be sure to attend and I will love our time together. Right now there are no rules other than NO SPAM and I hope to keep them to a minimum. It's intentionally NOT going to be over-structured other than you may find me choosing several Thursday's at my favorite art house, the Mpls. Institute of Arts. Open to suggestions for future outings, collaborations and hands-on, get messy, art making parties. Post here or contact me privately.

Yours in light and love, Wendy"

The video was a reminder to participants not to post SPAM or sell products. Even though the group is not even 90 days old, I had already had two close encounters of the SPAM kind. Hoping I don't have to post reminders too often.

ART DATES 4 CREATIVES

2011-02-25T22:46:00.000-06:00

Created a new Facebook group: Art Dates 4 Creatives.

I LOVE going out on Artist's Dates but get hung up in a workaholic mode. My intention is to unite my favorite creative types for future artistic collaborations, visits to art galleries, art play dates, etc. If I organize it, I'll be sure to attend and I will love our time together. Right now there are no rules other than NO SPAM and I hope to keep them to a minimum. It's intentionally NOT going to be over-structured other than you may find me choosing several Thursday's at my favorite art house, the Mpls. Institute of Arts. Open to suggestions for future outings, collaborations and hands-on, get messy, art making parties. Post here or contact me privately.

Yours in light and love,
Wendy

GENUINE TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS

2011-02-03T23:29:00.004-06:00

Genuine Team of Business Professionals from Cost Seg Associates wanted new photos for their web design. Sometimes pairing up two successful professionals can be a challenges but these gentlemen were picture perfect. We created lots of possibilities and they chose this as their primary photo.

PETALS DANCING IN THE SNOW

2011-01-05T23:28:00.001-06:00

Petals Dancing in the Snow

is what I saw when I went out for a winter walk today.

BRING YOUR BRAND

2010-07-15T12:32:00.013-05:00

Bring your brand wherever you go, especially to your photographer before your next professional portrait.

I've had the honor this year to speak about "How to Strategically Use Your Photographs" and "How to Bring Out Your Best Professional Image."
Most recently it really hit me how important it is for you, before you invest the time and money in a new professional portrait, to collaborate with brand professionals to:
(1) know your inner brand and try to visualize how that brand can be externalized.
(2) be able to articulate your brands' personality
(3) create your brand image with the right colors and clothes
(4) understand how your brand changes as you and your business matures
(5) bring your brand and your personal image to a professional photographer
This investment in time and self-knowledge can truly pay off big dividends.
We recently created new portraits for Rebecca Metz of Modern Inconveniences, www.modernincon.com, a client whose brand had changed considerably since we photographed her 14 months ago. The internal difference in her brand was the difference between night and day. Last time her brand was all about her company's technical expertise so we had several portraits with her equipment in hand.
This time it was all about her brand statement to "help businesses earn six figure incomes through the systems she can teach." WOW! What a difference!
She was well-prepared, had consulted with Ditto & Co. www.ditto&co.com for an image consultation and knew the brand image she was looking to create. The word we focused on during the session was POWER and I could truly feel and see her powerful spirit when photographing her. The comments she is receiving are unanimously positive and impressed with her new brand image. see photos above.
Understanding YOUR brand is vital to the success of your business portraits for job seekers, entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies so that you convey your brands' image, personality and mission. Do your current photographs leave a positive impression about you and your brand?

Contact InBeaute Photography to discuss the potential power of your personal brand.

contact: wendy@inbeautephoto.com for assistance and referrals
www.inbeautephoto.com

Picture Your Brand

2010-04-08T00:47:00.005-05:00

Picture your brand online and in print. By that I mean, go to a photographer and collaborate with him/her so that together you make photographs that literally "picture your brand online and in print."

For an extra challenge try to create a photo that represents your inner brand. The above photo for me is a metaphorical representation of what I believe is my inner brand. No, it is not an in your face exact display of me. But if it is true that every picture is a self portrait, this is my self portrait and my brand.

As described by personal branding coach, Malcolm Levene in his post titled "Personal Branding From the Inside Out", he states your inner brand is "your attitude, values, your behaviours, self esteem and your level of confidence. It also represents the different ways you communicate without words." http://bit.ly/9dFN8z

I invite you to visualize your personal brand and share it online and in print.

If I can help you in any way, contact wendy@inbeautephoto.com

www.inbeautephoto.com

I Feel Your Pain !

2010-03-04T16:52:00.020-06:00

How does the photographer feel about having her picture taken? Well, friends, I FEEL YOUR PAIN !

For the last eighteen months, I had been using the same primary "brand" portrait that I was very fond of, so like most people I was not in a hurry to get a new photo. Just like everyone else, I hadn't gotten any younger in the last eighteen months. And in total honesty,
(1) I had gained weight and was dreading how puffy I was going to look, plus,
(2) I was concerned how tired I was going to look

So in other words, like many other people, I was procrastinating. But the deadline to submit my photos to Caroline Melberg, our website designer at Small Business Mavericks www.smallbusinessmavericks.com/, was fast approaching if I was going to accomplish our goal of an InBeaute Photography website, blog and business card makeover..... look for completion May 1st.

Eventually, I got all my ducks in a row with:
(1) a new hair coloring (thanks to Julie at http://hairs2yousalon.com/ near Rosedale)
Ask me or Alice Barry at www.entertainingtheidea.com/ how I responded to a Facebook post from Alice and qualified for a free hair coloring.
(2) shopping for new eyeglasses (thanks to Dawn Stebbing at www.daybreakdiscovery.com/ who helped create my new look)
(3) new colorful blazers at Coldwater Creek (again thanks to Dawn Stebbing)

and on the day of the scheduled session,
(4) had my makeup and hair done (thanks to Brook Landers at www.526salon.qwestoffice.net/ on Selby Avenue, seven-nine minutes by car from the studio, woo hoo).

My talented husband, a true artist and photojournalistic style photographer, was given the challenge to photograph me ... preferably the same way I photograph my clients.

Well, together, we accomplished the impossible. I have too many good pictures to choose from and my only complaint is how fast a linen blazer wrinkles, which I didn't anticipate in advance.

So friends, I truly FEEL YOUR PAIN.

My one lesson is - - use the valuable resources around you.

YES, have a trusted friend or someone help make decisions like shopping for eyeglasses and clothes
YES, spend the extra dollars and have someone do your hair and makeup (remember beauty schools and stylists in training can give you a huge discount)
YES, trust your photographer that they have only your best interests at heart. They truly, madly, deeply want you to look your best.
YES, ask your photographer to do a little gentle photo retouching so you look "refreshed in a professional way," to quote Mary Lower of www.sterlingcrossgroup.com/ .

So the photo-related pain is over for now and I am not going to wait eighteen months for the next picture. See a few of the sample photos that are in my Favorites folder. In the meantime, anything I can do to help assist you through this process or pass on my countless image related providers, please do not hesitate to ask me.

+ + + add on SPECIAL OFFER JUST CREATED FOR YOU

Let's keep this momentum going forward with this special offer. 20% off your business portrait session if booked March 8th - March 18th and session completed by March 31st. (advance deposit holds your appointment).

If desired, we'll help coordinate your hair and/or makeup at Five Two Six salon just minutes away.

contact: wendy@inbeautephoto.com today to talk about your photography needs and ideas.
www.inbeautephoto.com

"Who Is Capturing Your Moments?'

2010-02-26T20:58:00.004-06:00

Are you remembering to have YOUR special moments documented in a photograph?
Do you run away from the camera? Or, are you always taking the picture rather than
being in the picture yourself?

It happens to many of us because we're so generously giving of our time and talent to be
sure other people's special moments are captured and we become invisible.

Don't let that happen to you! Even when you're on assignment to document an event,
look for other people with cameras to take your picture. Your presence is important and deserves to be memorialized.

Pictured above is Ms. Karen Kodzik of Cultivating Careers, with the world famous, Harvey Mackay. They were at the Barnes & Noble, downtown Mpls., for the book signing of Mackay's book ""Use Your Head to Get Your Foot In The Door: Job Search Secrets No One Else Will Tell You."

I was happy to be there to photograph Mackay's friends, family and numerous fans. Some of them are clients of InBeaute Photography so it was especially memorable for all.

If we can help you document your special moments contact:
www.inbeaute.com
wendy@inbeaute.com

What's In Your (Image) Bank Account?

2010-02-21T23:53:00.016-06:00

What was your most recent investment in time and money for personal branding photos?
Was it a successful investment for you? I hope so.
Were you offered the option of both in-studio and on-location portraits?
How many portraits did you purchase at the time of the session?
What's happening now to the pictures you didn't purchase?
And, finally, if you need still another image do you have a choice of photos waiting for you?

Did you know that a good, full service photographer can assist you with your portrait investment in ways somewhat comparable to a banker who services your financial investments?

They can create your own Photo Image Bank Account and assist you with the creation, duplication, storage and output of your portraits when and where you need them. Isn't that similar to depositing, maintaining and withdrawing your funds when you need them?

The photo layout above is an example of the Photo Image Bank Account for InBeaute client, Jill Konrath, author, speaker and sales expert at www.sellingtobigcompanies.com . Jill has invested in more than a dozen photos for her personal branding needs and we assist her in the selection of the portraits when and where they are needed.

What's in your Image Bank Account?

contact: www.inbeautephoto.com
wendy@inbeautephoto.com for assistance.

One Picture Is Not Enough

2010-02-08T13:02:00.011-06:00

After a headshot portrait session we often hear from clients asking "How do I decide which photos I should order?" Answer is ... well, it depends if:

(1) you are relying on one, single portrait when you really need three-four images with different story telling qualities as well as different facial expressions and body language to breakdown the fear factor and let your prospects know you?
(2) you are going to post these pictures online to your social media networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
(3) you will be adding your photo to your printed business card and promotional materials
(4) these photos will be used for a job search
(5) one or more of the pictures will be shared between family and friends.

In today's image hungry environment one picture is rarely enough.

It is to your advantage to have a variety of storytelling photos online so within four - five clicks your prospect has been introduced to you formally, informally, with an appropriate prop or tool and with a heartfelt expression or body language. This series of layered photos will accomplish your first priority - establish a feeling of trust, honesty and transparency as well as diminish the fear factor that your prospect is experiencing before they have met you.

One picture of you is never enough. We find most of our clients today order four - seven pictures to better market themselves and their businesses.

We are happy to help you with your portrait selections so that the pictures you choose will help you convey the right image personally and professionally.

contact: wendy@inbeaute.com for more information
visit our online portfolio at www.inbeaute.com

I Want To Celebrate Your Victories

2010-01-25T20:47:00.001-06:00

Thank You Minnesota Vikings!
I loved celebrating the wins of this season's football games.

And, thanks to social media networkers who posted their comments and shared their emotions on Facebook and Twitter, I had a blast. I felt I was part of a team of online cheerleaders that were celebrating our team's victories.

But this morning I got up and thought, Ugghh, What's up now to celebrate? What's going to happen to all that positive energy, laughter, rah rah rah, Go Team Go? I don't want it to end and why should it?

I thought of my networking friends both online and offline. Hey, they're great people. They have their successes, too. I can invite them to share their wins with me and I'll celebrate their victories. So I made a Facebook post this morning and have seen the thumbs up from some of my online friends, especially Mister Social Networker, himself, Mike Rathbun of Freedom Cleaning Services, http://bit.ly/3s8lKm . Mike posted his support on Facebook and his blog article titled: " Who can you cheer for? Let me know on my blog!" http://fb.me/4HHR1AH

Now I invite you to share your successes online and offline with your friends. Give us a chance to be cheerleaders on your team. Please share personally with me because I want to celebrate your victories. Go Team Go ! Yeah, YOU !

Contact me at wendy@inbeaute.com

Job Seekers Now Need Headshots

2010-01-15T17:22:00.000-06:00

New research in advance of my radio interview titled "Are You Camera Ready? How To Take The Perfect Headshot" with Tai Goodwin the MakeOver Coach.

It was perfect timing to receive the notice of Tory Johnson of ABC News' tv interview with client/author Jill Konrath, sharing tips from her new book "Get Back To Work Faster." http://bit.ly/5944fW . (I recommend listening to Konrath's interview whether or not you're currently looking for a new position.) Not a job seeker myself, even though she said we're all job seekers from now on with the current economy, it was news to me that job seekers need a "visual C.V." (aka resume) which includes a high quality professional headshot on a LinkedIn profile because "you're no one if you don't have a LinkedIn account." Konrath also recommended job seekers use the online services of www.emurse.com, www.jigsaw.com and www.zoominfo.com for their job search.

After I listened to the interview twice, I went to www.emurse.com site and loved their blog post "Business Cards: Your Super Charged Mini-Resume," by Barbara Safani, http://bit.ly/64WS0x Now job seekers are advised to create their own mini-resume on a customized business card. Excellent tips 1 - 6 gives step-by-step instructions especially No. 6:

" Tip 6. Add A Picture" to your card explaining "Business cards are all about building relationships and offering a keepsake of you that the recipient can hold on to. By adding a picture, you create a visual connection between you and the holder of the card and this visual connection will be reignited each time they glance at the card."

We find that more and more, professionals of every industry are encouraged to secure high quality professional headshots to promote their talents, abilities, businesses, books, e-products, etc. Let us know if we can help you get ready for your business portraits, whether we are the photographer or not. contact: wendy@inbeautephoto.com and visit our website:

www.inbeautephoto.com

WORDS: got to love 'em

2010-01-13T13:35:00.000-06:00

I love words: saying them, writing them, reading them, photographing words.

Yesterday I was at a Bloggers Retreat held at a facility that is usually rented by creative scrapbookers. It has an impressive counter full of all the supplies a scrapbooker could ever want. I was not there to scrapbook but nonetheless, I opened every drawer, looked at the stamp pads and read all the word stamps sitting right there in front of me - tempting me.

Impulsively I felt a strong prompting to grab a stamp and make a temporary tattoo on the outside of my right wrist. So I grabbed the purple ink pad and the one stamp that said two words: "SO VERY."

From that moment forward I looked for opportunities to flash my "SO VERY" tattoo in front of the faces of my blogger friends and tell them that this blogging exercise was going to be SO VERY effortless and easy! (I just love a powerful, positive affirmation, don't you?)

BTW, thanks Nancy for sharing your stamp. It also inspired me to create a photo of the stamp which will make it live long after I've washed the purple ink off my wrist.

Are You Camera Ready? Tips for Taking Your Best Headshot, Part Four

2010-01-12T17:54:00.000-06:00

(1) Day of the Session: Bring two – three different changes of upper body clothing to your session; one considered business formal and a second shirt, tie, sweater or blouse as an alternative to experiment with colors. Discuss available background options so your color palette works with your design team. Be sure you receive the time, variety and level of service that you expect. Most quality photographers will allow you to see the pictures immediately after the session so retakes can be immediately photographed if necessary. You should be given the option to either order immediately or review your portraits for 48 hours before you make your final decisions.

(2) Purchase Decisions: Purchased portraits can be delivered to you in various forms: in print, as high or low digital image files and produced onto photo products such as canvas enlargements, photo bags, photo books, photo cups, etc. Make several copies of the digital images and store them on two different hard drives or better yet, two different computers and even better, two different storage hard drives.

(3) What To Do with Purchased Photos: Think about what pictures you need in print, which pictures would be a series of storytelling images about you, your business, your products, your services, etc., what works on the web and the image you want to convey on social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Meetups and the myriad special interest groups online.

(4) Standard Shelf Life of Business Portraits: The real estate industry really understands the importance of high quality business portraits and their best experts recommend fresh new portraits at least every two years; more often if you had a major change in your personal self, your website, your brand image and your company color scheme.

(5) Consistent Image: We recommend you create an inventory of images from which you can choose for your business portrait display. Select one “best image” that is consistently seen on your LinkedIn profile, your main website picture, your email signature photo and your printed business card picture. Other, second – seventh best portraits can be layered throughout all your materials to create a visual story of you, your business and your personality. And remember, change is good; create new photos that are an expression of your career advancement, leadership development and life opportunities as your life changes and improves. If you believe in the “laws of attraction” you may find that your best portraits attract your best life opportunities, all of which need to be photographed.

see business portrait portfolio at www.inbeautephoto.com

Are You Camera Ready? Tips for Taking Your Best Headshot, Part Three

2010-01-12T17:37:00.000-06:00

(1) Choosing Your Photographer: Ask your contacts for the name of an experienced photographer. Search the internet. Look in the yellow pages. If you are part of a trade organization, they may be able to refer photographers they have used before. Thoroughly check out samples shown on websites and look for consistency, quality, subjects photographed and style. There is an endless number of people with cameras who create pictures that are “good enough” if that is the quality level desired. And there is another large population of people for whom pictures are simply a great reason to play with photo retouching software ending with subjects that look overly airbrushed, illustrated and cartoonish.

(2) Retouching Expectations: Yes, photo retouching is expected in almost every picture today but only to the degree that you still are recognizable as the same person. Some industries such as professional coaches request absolutely no retouching because they feel they need to appear 100% genuine, trustworthy and authentic and retouching would negatively impact that image. Lawmakers in Britain and France are trying to get marketers to acknowledge the amount of retouching done in advertising photography with disclaimers rating the amount of retouching done. Deception is lurking in so many areas that you don't want your photo to be deceiving your clients. Consequently, be sure and look at lots of photo samples so you receive the style that you need for your business portraits.

(3) Expected Price Range: As stated above there is no shortage of people with cameras so the prices range from an average low of $300.00 to a high of $1,000's in eastern/western U.S. coasts. In the midwestern U.S. the price range narrows to $200.00 - $700.00 for a high quality, full time, full service professional photographer who specializes in business portraits.

see photo sample portfolio at www.inbeautephoto.com

continued on next blog, see Part Four

Are You Camera Ready? Tips for Taking Your Best Headshot, Part Two

2010-01-12T17:25:00.000-06:00

(1) Take It From The Top: You want to look your best, so pay extra attention to your grooming before your portrait session. If you need a fresh haircut, have it done a few days ahead. You are responsible for your hair. If your skin is oily, shiny or perspires heavily, you should dust it lightly with cosmetic powder. This goes for men, too. Men: you may want to shave an hour before your appointment to avoid the “five o’clock shadow” look. If you wear a beard or mustache, they should be neatly trimmed. If you normally wear eyeglasses they should be part of your portrait. However, we recommend you ask your optometrist to loan you a frame with no lenses for your portrait.

(2) Make up services: You may choose to hire a professional makeup artist to come to your portrait session or a second option is to make an appointment at either a department store cosmetic counter or a M.A.C. Makeup store at half the cost. You just have to allow for extra time prior to your portrait session. Lastly, while photographers cannot duplicate all their expert services, when budget is an issue, we have asked clients to (1) put on their own makeup as usual with one extra layer of foundation all over the face and down into the neckline area if visible and (2) put on your blush as usual but bring your blush-on and lipstick with you to the studio for final application. Men should know that your face may be powdered to minimize facial shine.

(3) Jewelry: Jewelry styles change from small and stylish to large and chunky. But generally when you are having a portrait made we recommend that necklaces be worn short, along the neckline of the blouse. Pins can be attractive but need to be fairly large to show up in the picture. Earrings need to separate from your hair and as told to me by image consultant, Sandy Dumont, big post-style silver or gold earrings look best if you wish a formal, powerful image. In fact, she advises executive women wear post style earrings when meeting with executive men as they find the dangling earrings extremely distracting.

(4) Look Your Best: Do not wear old outdated garments, hair or accessories suggest that your skills are also dated. Choose clothing that flatters your face. Mid-range neutral solid colors are best for close-up headshots for both men and women. To be blunt, bright whites will give the impression of an additional ten pounds to your frame; plaids and patterns can appear to add on five pounds. You want to draw attention to your face and use your clothing as a frame. Simple, classic styles will not look dated as styles change. Watch out for fabrics that wrinkle badly. A good fit is important for your suit and shirt/blouse. The camera will show if your clothing is either too tight or drapes poorly on your body. If you have an afternoon portrait session, you may want to consider bringing a fresh shirt to wear. If you choose not to wear a suit or jacket, remember that some whites or light pastel shirts tend to look washed out and draw attention away from your face. A better choice for business casual is a jacket with an open shirt or sweater.

(5) Casual or Dressy: No matter the size of your body, you can look and feel professional by selecting quality clothing and accessories that compliment your best features. Some may say there is a double standard in professional attire for men and women. Experts suggest that men who dress in more formal, boardroom attire create the appearance of a highly credible expert. Conversely, women look more professional and credible in high fashion styles that are distinctive and well tailored. Strive for classy, not flashy. Do not diminish your image by dressing too casual or too feminine. It is better to error on the side of dressing your best so that you convey your best image than appearing too casual and having potential contacts dismiss you even before your important contact has been made.

see photo sample portfolio at www.inbeautephoto.com

continued on next blog, see Part Three

Are You Camera Ready? Tips for Taking Your Best Headshot, Part One

2010-01-12T16:53:00.000-06:00

(1) Previsualize: To get yourself camera ready, pre-visualize the end result before you even take the first picture. Ask where are these pictures going to be displayed, i.e. in print, on your website, on social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook. If you are working with a website or graphic designer ask what color scheme and backgrounds they recommend for your customized needs. Spend time looking at what your competition is displaying. Determine what you can do to look as good or even better. Look at portraits of celebrities and people you admire to decide what you like about their photos. Review magazines such as O, Esquire, Men's Health and a variety of business publications to see how others are dressed and posed in their pictures.

(2) Seek Help if Needed: If you need help to transition from where you are now to where you want your image to be, attend an image enhancement workshop or hire a professional image consultant, personal shopper or presentation expert. They are experts in helping people improve their images to get the best jobs and best clients.

(3) Be Open to Expert Advice: Sandy Dumont, (www.theimagearchitect.com) image consultant with 30 years experience states that “color does make a difference. Earth tones such as brown, tan, camel and beige are ideal for counselors, psychotherapists and academics. If your audience is high powered, navy blue and gray exude authority. Your credibility, confidence and business are all likely to increase.” She and I agree that people should avoid busy patterns that draws attention away from your face.

see photo sample portfolio at www.inbeautephoto.com

continued in next blog, Part Two

Camera Equipment Readiness Before 100 New Pictures

2009-12-20T20:17:00.000-06:00

Like the scouts say "Be Prepared" and that is also true with being prepared for photography.

Here are tips on how to get your camera ready for creating hundreds of new photos:

CAMERA EQUIPMENT READINESS BEFORE NEW PHOTOS:

1) Make a checklist of the equipment you want to remember to bring with you

2) Purchase camera cleaning supplies and gently clean all your equipment.

3) Check your supply of image storage cards. Store them in clean, sealed cases.

for more information / full article see: http://bit.ly/c7SaQ

Prepping Your Computer Before You Load 100 Pictures

2009-12-20T20:06:00.000-06:00

Here are tips on how to get ready for creating and managing hundreds of new photos during the holidays or any photo intensive type event:

PREP YOUR PC COMPUTER (adjust for MAC):

1) relocate as many photos as possible off your laptops/computers and onto your backup storage hard drives.

2) perform a Disk Scan via freeware. Helps locate hundreds of hidden pics stored while making books, cards & movies and holding in the Recycle bin. Move them or archive/trash them.

3) free up major hard drive space by removing old software programs you haven't used or plan to use in the future.

for more information / full article go to: http://bit.ly/VKdqx

The Networked Boomer Woman: Hear Us Roar from BrandChannel

2009-12-19T14:46:00.000-06:00

How much do I love the ezine http://www.brandchannel/

Yes, I do. If you follow my blog you'll see me add links from my favorite sources and this is on my top ten list.

Today's article is right up my alley. "The Networked Boomer Woman: Hear Us Roar."

" ... baby boomer women have no intention of quietly going into old age. This is a market that's only beginning to come into its own in terms of spending power. The general consensus from many studies is that the collective spending power of boomers tops $2 trillion a year, but will keep expanding, in large part due to the tendency to this generation to put off retirement."

Here's the link to the full article www.brandchannel.com/features_effect.asp

No. 10 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-19T00:18:00.000-06:00

No. 10 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic image should visually support your bottom line activities.

We recommend you review your strategic marketing plan to assess how your images can support your plan. Determine what your company is and how to convey that visually with images. Identify the products or services that your company provides and display the appropriate photo. Identify your target buyers and end users and create photos that mirrior their looks, value and social structure.

No. 9 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-19T00:07:00.000-06:00

No. 9 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic image should work to build a solid foundation upon which you and your target audience can do business.

There are structures that are iconic and create a huge sense of security and trust. If these types of icons are genuine and representational of your business, consider adding these elements into your photographic image.

Your posture, pose and environment can add to your storytelling about you and yours business. These can create feelings of comfort and a sense of commonality.

No. 8 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-18T23:25:00.000-06:00

No. 8 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic image needs to grab the viewers attention long enough to create an attraction to you which can result over time in an attraction to your company and its mission, values and belief.

We recently worked with a website design company who fired their old photographic images and collaborated with InBeaute Photography to create new ones. Now as they display their new images they are being overwhelmed with positive comments ranging from “Yes! That’s the person I want to do business with,” to “Wow! What a difference the new photo makes to your image.” Now their photos are working for them 24/7 and building relationships with people even before the first email, conversation or face-to-face contact.

No. 7 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-18T23:17:00.000-06:00

No. 7 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic image can provide easy identification so you are recognizable during face-to-face encounters.

Recently, we've been to many networking events and it has been delightful to enter a room and immediately recognize several faces that we've been enjoying in photos via email signatures, blogs, newsletters, LinkedIn profiles and Facebook Fan Pages. It instantly removes those awkward moments wondering who everyone is, what they're all about and will I be standing alone in the corner not knowing anyone.

When your photos are fresh, current and look like you, you offer a great service to those around you because it helps them recognize you much faster.

No. 6 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-18T22:59:00.000-06:00

No. 6 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic image should generate positive energy and big smiles with every correspondence that you send.

As communication technology continues to improve you have more variety and frequency with which to display your images. Four similar but slightly different pieces come immediately to mind: blogs, newsletters, email signatures and email letterhead banners. Together they can create frequent vehicles to stay in contact with your clients and create front of mind presence so you are thought of whenever they are asked to refer someone with your talents.

While some may be tempted to use the same one image over and over research results suggest caution if one single photo is used repeatedly as it will be largely ignored by the viewed and eventually can irritate the viewer.

There needs to be a balance between consistency and variety of imagery and we advise you discuss this with your visual brand manager.

No. 5 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

2009-12-18T22:49:00.000-06:00

No. 5 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important

Your photographic images should cause a reaction that is positive both physically and emotionally by viewers.

Research has shown that when measuring study participants visual attention on website pages, the first time a participant viewed a product selection page, the majority of them looked at the area where there were photos, whereas the majority did not look at the text only areas.

Photos of faces do attract visual attention and the more warm, engaging, friendly and trustworthy the better.

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No. 4 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important

2009-12-18T22:22:00.000-06:00

No. 4 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important

Your photographic image should reinforce trust and credibility by showing you with your business, associates, clients, audiences &/or products.

A major challenge in today's marketplace is a persistent lack of consumer trust. Information access, identity theft and e-commerce fraud are just a few examples of common fears and threats. You need to find ways to present yourselves as trustworthy and professional in your website and marketing materials. Professional speakers are encouraged to show yourselves in action in front of a typical audience in a visually appealling venue.

Research studies on the effect of photographs of people on an e-commerce site found that a photograph significantly increased the perceived trustworthiness of the site. Further studies demonstrated that photos of authors can increase the credibility of articles in online magazines.

No. 3 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important

2009-12-18T22:12:00.000-06:00

No.3 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important

Your photographic image needs to convey your unique, genuine personality.

Have you ever been to a networking event where you hear over and over again that "our company is unique" or they think their "service is unique."

At the end of the day I cannot remember one unique person from another especially if they have traditional, boring, not unique business cards that do not display their portrait on their card.

The one truly unique feature we have is our personality and our physical characteristics. When you are the brand, it's all about you. Your photo really needs to show you at your best and reflect something unique about your personality that differentiates you from your competition.

listened to five-six different people talk about their products and services

No. 2 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important:

2009-12-18T22:04:00.000-06:00

No. 2 Reason Your Photographic Image is Important
You want your photographic image to mirror your best clients.
Imagine that you are about to give a presentation to your most high priced client. What is he/she wearing?

The finest custom cut business suit.
Suit off the shelf
Business casual attire
Blue jeans, tshirt, baseball cap
Shorts, tshirt and flipflops

You need to decide who is your target market, where they shop, how they look and mirror your best client so they feel comfortable with you before you ever have that first conversation.

No. 1 Reason Your Photographic Image Is Important:

2009-12-18T21:38:00.001-06:00

We are often asked, "how important is my photographic image to me and my business?"

In today's extremely competitive environment it is one of the most extraordinarily important components for you and your brand.

Your photographs have to literally work for you 24/7 or, just like a poor performing employee, they should be fired and replaced.

Top Ten Reasons Your Photographic Image is Important:

Number One: your photographs should be building relationships in every medium they are displayed from LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, websites, blogs, email signatures, in print and in all advertising media.

We are living and working in a 24/7 world where at any moment your next best client may be visiting your website, your blog, your twitter account, etc. By displaying a series of storytelling photographs, you can presell your clients and help them previsualize what you'd be like to work with.

2009-12-18T21:05:00.000-06:00

Attention Minnesota visual artists. The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP), Minneapolis Institute of Arts extend an invitation to all artists to participate in the once-every-ten-years "Foot In The Door" exhibition.

This is an awesome exhibit that gives everyone the opportunity to display an original piece that measures twelve inches square. I participated ten years ago and it was an incredible experience with thousands of people seeing the work.

Visit website for the application and more information. http://bit.ly/41vM0I

Mashable readers name Top Twitter Photo Services

2009-12-18T20:59:00.000-06:00

http://mashable.com/2009/11/12/top-twitter-photo-services/

Mashable readers have a weekly poll and I thought this would be of benefit to all of us photographers who want to know the best photo sharing services.

How many of these are you using?

Forbes magazine names "Thirty Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter"

2009-12-18T20:44:00.000-06:00

http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/24/twitter-forbeswoman-views-forbes-woman-entrepreneurs-natalie-macneil.html

Forbes magazine names "Thirty Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter"

excellent group of women to peruse and determine which ones you want to learn from and follow on Twitter.

I joined most, but not all of them. Check it out.

Barry & Ellen's Wedding

2009-12-18T20:10:00.000-06:00

Love to photograph couples that are truly in love. It is a joy and a pleasure to feel their love

and create pictures that reflect their feelings for each other. Congratulations Barry & Ellen for their 12/12/2009 wedding at Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden.

Multi Dimensional Personality

2009-12-18T19:52:00.000-06:00

Been holding back on developing my blog because all the experts say follow these Must Do rules 1, 2, 3. Well after two years of reading about it, studying it and analyzing the best route for me, I've decided that I need to be a rule breaker.

I'm not a one dimensional person that can only talk about one thing to one group.

I want to help people with the areas that keep me alive, awake at night, researching, studying, wondering, intrigued and just plain old curious because I follow the Leo horoscope sign which makes me a curious cat.

Yes I am a photographer. A passionate photographer who loves to photograph people but also all the beauty that mother nature has to offer. There are unlimited areas of study within the world of photography so I spend a lot of time on it. I will share personal photos as well as commissioned photography work.

My husband Karl and I have a small photo workshop business. So we love to share our knowledge, experiences and love of workshops with like minded souls.

But I have an insatiable hunger for information on social networking media, marketing, sales, small business practices, entrepreneurship, women's studies, women as CEO's, the internet, and constantly learning from subject matter experts.

We live in Minnesota in a modest home with two siamese sister cats, Sally Mann and Ruth Bernard. Photo friends will recognize that they are named after two famous photographers who are greatly admired.

So, as I said earlier, I will be a rule breaker. I envision postings on any of the above areas that are informative, educational, humorous, and hopefully worth your time.

Social Media Step By Step

2009-12-09T20:28:00.000-06:00

thanks to @Caroline Melberg and her webinar, Social Media Step by Step, @Wendy Blomseth is connecting the social media dots between Facebook, Twitter and my new blog; officially launching in 2010.