FAQs: Headshots & Modeling 101

Last week I spoke to the woman about headshots for her daughter and she had a lot of questions, questions in which the answers to, industry people may assume to be common knowledge, but this call reminded me how things are not as well known to many perspective clients, as one may think. So I wrote this post to answer all of those FAQs.

Fashion Photography: Unique L

A nude african american model poses in Chicago

I love it when I do headshot shoots and members of the crew have great ideas that they want to try out. Make-up artist Mitch C came up with this make-up concept look and stylist Siena R chose to use this fashionable vest for the look, which she was raving about before the shoot.

Chicago Headshot Photographer: Model Kelsey S

Chicago headshot photographer

I was recently inspired by several youtube videos showcasing multiple photographer and their work. The clips sparked a desire deep within me to try out several new techniques and before I knew it, I had 9 lighting set-ups diagrammed. Here are some of the results.

Environmental Portrait: DuPont Pioneer President Paul Schickler

DuPont Pioneer President Paul Schickler poses for a portrait in Chicago, February 22, 2013. REUTERS/John Gress (UNITED STATES)

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball. You never know when its coming and you never know if it will be a good thing or a bad thing. Today, when photographing Dupont Pioneer President Paul Schickler for an environmental portrait to match an interview, I started looking around the office building where the interview would take place for a backdrop. I was in luck they had this really cool curvy retro chair in the lobby.

Chicago B&W Fashion Photography: Royce & Unique

Chicago B&W Fashion Photography by Photographer John Gress

I recently purchases a metallic lined Profoto Magnum Reflector which creates harsh shadows and brilliant highlights. For its debut shoot I decided to go with monochromatic styling against a white wall to create contrast in addition to the contrast created by the reflector.