How to Prepare for Your Professional Photos & More!
INTERVIEW: SARA FOX, PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
A few weeks ago I bit the bullet and called a professional photographer. It was way past due for me to get professional head shots done – for both Pellerini and LinkedIn. I met Sara Fox at a local event and had a feeling that I would feel comfortable (more comfortable than usual) with her behind the camera.
Within the past year I’d started my own virtual marketing agency, DBP Marketing Solutions, and needed to step up my game a bit so I gave Sara a call. I explained to her what I was looking for, we agreed upon the day, time and location and I knew I couldn’t turn back.
I’d never had professional photos of myself taken before – all professional portraits were of my boys with maybe one or two of the four of us. I’d always dislike how I came out in the images – it was apparent that I wasn’t comfortable.
I arrived at the shoot location early, hair blown out, and with my painstakingly chosen outfits for the shoot. I don’t know what I was worried about all this time. Sara made me feel super comfortable, gave me her advice on which outfits to wear, and took photos of me that I love. Sara explained how to stand, to be relaxed, the real way to smile and was super patient when I nervously giggled or talked too much.
After my great experience, I wanted to share with you some great tips that Sara has graciously offered when it comes to researching photographers and what to expect for professional photo shoots. I also added in a few questions so you can get to know Sara a bit better!
What should someone look for when researching a photographer for head shots?
Clients should always ask to see a photographer’s portfolio, every photographer has a different style and the best way to ensure client happiness is by picking a photographer that best suits their idea of what they want. Even when it’s commercial photography, the whole process in editing, colors and composition is still an art so it’s like choosing between Van Gogh and Picasso.
What do you recommend the person wear?
I recommend apparel based on what the client needs the photos for. I take photos for all kinds of business professionals, from bloggers to lawyers. We usually try to stick to business professional clothing that isn’t too distracting but also shows a little bit of the client’s personality.
Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shots?
Since I also specialize in architectural photography I love to shoot indoors or outdoors but incorporating architecture. You can see in many of my portraits the use of composition to play with the lines of a building to lead the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Where was your favorite photoshoot location?
Recently I shot photos that weren’t for work at the South Florida Fair at night. I took something called long exposures of the carnival rides. A long exposure is when you leave the camera totally still on a tripod with the shutter open so it captures light for longer periods of time.
If you could choose one famous person to photograph who would it be and why?
I would love to photograph someone that loves art just as much as I do and I think that would have to be Lady Gaga. I’m sure the results would be crazy and fantastic!
What influenced you to get into photography?
I never thought of picking up photography until I started traveling around Florida to explore historic abandoned buildings that I wanted to document for fun. It was definitely an experience for a while but it was just so risky that I had to let it go. I do not recommend that as a hobby, it’s definitely way too dangerous. I ended up finding the same kind of excitement in shooting every day scenarios until it turned into my career. I also have a background in fine art painting so when I edit I feel the same artistic release as when I’m painting.
What’s your go-to camera?
I shoot with a Nikon d800 and I absolutely love it.
If someone is just getting started in photography what is the number one piece of advice you’d give them?
I would tell them to go out and adventure, and to also join photography clubs because you will meet some of the best people ever. I would also recommend getting off of a point and shoot camera and on to something that you can buy different lenses for and use in “manual” mode. Learn how to use a fully manual camera until you can handle it so well that you could do use your camera in the dark. That should always be the first step, next to properly learning how to edit.
Isn’t she great?! Sara is professional, talented and down to earth – traits I look for in a photographer! Interested in contacting Sara? Have any more questions for her? Comment below!
What beautiful photos and what an interesting interview! I love learning about how other photographers view their business because I dabble in portrait photography on the side!
Chelsie, she takes phenomenal photos – I agree!
This was very informative, def an angle you don’t really ever think about.
Thanks Dani!
These photos are absolutely gorgeous! I haven’t had any head shots done for my blog and freelance portfolio yet, but I probably should. I just hope that, when I do get around to having them done, they look this good!
Thanks Natalie! Sara is very talented as you can see 🙂
Great information! Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by Tayler!
I like her non-people work the best but the photo of the girl in the pink dress is divine. She is really good!
Heather, she is great 🙂 I love the photo at the South Florida Fair the best!
I love photography and I’m learning all the time, so this has been a wonderful post to read. Fantastic photos! I can see why you chose Sara 🙂
Thanks for stopping by Nikki-ann!
I’m glad you were able to work with a professional photographer to get those great shots! I love what Sara shares in the interview.
Thanks Beth! 🙂
Your pictures came out beautifully! You look completely natural. I hate getting my picture taken for the same reasons you mentioned. I always feel like I look awkward and uncomfortable.
Aw, thanks Lauren! I totally feel the same way 🙂
Beautiful photos thank you for sharing the beauty.
Thanks for stopping by Laurali!
I love getting my picture taken but when I have to get my head shots taken I take it very seriously. I think about my brand as an actor and what roles i am hoping to show I can portray and i share that info with the photographer
I’ve been putting off getting a headshot for my social media pages too. Maybe your doing it will motivate me to do it.
Great pictures and a really interesting read. I love the south Florida fair picture
Oh I’ve been meaning to get some professional photos so this is an excellent guide. Thank you!!
Very interesting and useful post. The pics are amazing. Sara took wonderful pics of you.
Thank you!!
Her photography is so beautiful! I love discovering new photographers
Such an interesting interview and Sara’s photos are so wonderful! It’s always good to know some tips from a professional photographer! Enjoyed reading such an amazing post! Pinned it!
so many beautiful pictures and I did have some done a few months ago and they amazing
Thanks Emma!
Great tips! I’ve got three cameras. Canon g7x for vlogging & SOME photos. My iPhones 6 plus for MOST of my photos (it just takes the easiest BEST photo with no hassle) and then I also have a Canon t5i for professional videos for my YouTube channel which I SHOULD use to take photos! xx adaatude.com
Sounds like you are all set Adaleta!
These are great tip, I need to get some professional photos soon!
She sounds like an awesome and professional photographer! I love reading interviews about photographers, you learn something new about photography each time. It’s great!
I love interviews for that same reason Elizabeth! You get tips and tricks to use on your own 🙂
I love the way she is incorporating architecture in the photos – the lines are amazing.
I hope she’s reading these comments – they are all so true! Thanks for stopping by Athena!
I love LOVE the photos!
I agree – they are awesome! Thanks for stopping by Romana!
Dana, awesome photos you featured here! And oh, this interview really gave me an idea and perspective in terms of good photography. Amazing!
Thanks Ron – I appreciate you stopping by!
Amazing photos! Whenever I see amazing photos I just think how much skill it really takes to produce works of art, whether portraits or landscapes. In this day and age I think people really underappreciate what it all entails
Thanks Diana! I’ve tried to take my camera off “automatic” and it’s too complicated for me.
What a great list of tips. Every time I’ve taken professional photographs, it is always a little nerve-racking. It is absolutely necessary to work with some one who you are comfortable with. You have great pictures and it sounds like everything worked out well.
Thank you Rosemary 🙂 BTW, I love your blog!!
This is absolutely a informative post, I’m so glad that you shared this with us
Thanks for stopping by Victoria!
Your photos came out really amazing! She sounds like a great professional photographer to work with. I didn’t do a professional shots for my website and I keep postponing it, but one day I really should.
Thank you Kati! Sara is great and very easy to work with.
really love her photos, especially the bright fair one and the plane. Great tips too!
Thanks Natasha! Yes, I love the fair one too 🙂 the colors are so cool!
What beautiful portraits, I love outdoor photos best. I’ve never been to a photo shoot for myself. I’m usually the one behind the camera. I’d love to schedule one though.
I’m usually the one on the other side of the camera too 🙂 that’s why it was so foreign for photos to be taken of myself. She did a great job though!
I have to get my photos updated soon. I will have to try these tips for my session. This was a great interview.
I’m glad you enjoyed the interview Ann! 🙂
Great info and beautiful photos!!
🙂 Sara is super talented!
omg these photos!!!! just fabulous!!!!!! such great advice!!!
Thanks Courtney!
What beautiful pictures. I love the diversity of them.
I agree Doran 🙂
Ah I bet it would be dangerous to go to the abandoned buildings. I like the light at the fair, that’s pretty great.
What amazing photos! The tip on requesting to see the portfolio I think is key!
That photo of the sky and the abandoned barn is amazing! I would love to read a couple follow up posts from her on your blog on photography. It’s becoming so popular these days since DSLR cameras are getting more accessible for everyday hobbyists. I have learned so much this past year from blogging, but I have to say, the pictures I take when on vacation (outdoors) are wayyyy better with my DSLR using manual than anything I’ve done before. I even have printed some and have them framed in the house.
maybe even like… tips on DIY family photos at home or something? I know so many of my young mom friends try to take good pics of the kids themselves?