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A guide to a headshot session with Kate McNeil Photography

1/20/2022

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​Although I'm known mainly as a baby, family and branding photographer, headshots is also an area of photography that I offer and really enjoy!  
With lots of enquiries recently for headshots I thought it may be useful to create this blog to give you some information while you consider booking a headshot, or in preparation for your upcoming headshot shoot.

​People in all walks and stages of life will need a headshot at some point - whether you're a CEO and you're literally the face of your company on the website, google searches etc - or you're starting a job hunt and need a professional image on your LinkedIn, application form, or even on your CV - whatever your reason for needing an up-to-date headshot, this is your chance to make a good first impression. 

For a successful shoot, which will give you great images to be proud of, take a look at my top tips below:
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What to expect
The headshot set up is done at my home studio, where I have several backdrops and soft-box lighting, so that we can work together to get a variety of different looks in your gallery - whether it's the darker, more corporate feel you like, or the light, bright and airy images you're after, we can work together to try and accommodate your ideas .  When you arrive we'll discuss the type of images you prefer and how I'll work with various angles and poses to get the desired look that you're after.  You may want to bring an extra tie, sweater or jacket so that we can try some different looks in the images as well.  
Once the shoot is over I will then edit the images and put them in a gallery for you to view in the comfort of your own home, select your favourites and these will then be sent over to you to download - easy!
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Outdoor or studio?
Studio sessions are done in the home studio, with backdrops and off camera lighting, which gives a very corporate, professional look.  Alternatively, you may wish to have an outdoor headshot, with soft natural light and beautiful green backgrounds - this gives a more friendly, approachable feel to the picture.  Whichever you'd prefer just let me know and we can plan accordingly.
What to wear
Colour is really important, along with pattern - or lack of!  Choose an outfit that doesn't distract the eye from your face, so little or no pattern is preferred, solid colours work well, along with colours that you know work well with your skin tone.  If you're unsure which colour(s) work well for you, take a look at this website, which has some great information.
As headshots are just that - usually from your torso upwards, it's always best to choose tops with long or 3/4 length sleeves and outfits that are well tailored to your body and not baggy or loose fitting.
What to bring
Apart from an extra tie, sweater or jacket, you'll just need to bring some styling products such as your brush/comb and lip salve/gloss (chapped or sore lips need to be avoided!) - and of course, a relaxed, confident smile!
Professional hair and make-up
If you're not very confident in styling your hair and doing your make-up to a good standard, it will always be a good idea to hire a hair and make-up artist to really make you feel amazing, and this in itself will give you confidence when having your photos taken.  It's by no means essential, but more of a personal preference.  ​Locally we have some amazing contacts, try Jo Budden or Daisy Jade
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Preparing for your shoot
Before the shoot there are several things you can do to prepare yourself for the session.
#1 Plan ahead - think about where you are going to use your headshot images and let me know the look and feel that you are after.
#2 Get your outfit ready - try this on a few days before the shoot, make sure there are no gaps in shirts/blouses, they fit well and add an accessory if you feel this compliments the look. Don't leave it until one hour before the shoot, to then find out you don't feel happy with the outfit - feeling stressed or sweaty is not conducive to a good shoot!
#3 Drink lots the days before your shoot - clear bright skin always looks great and it's amazing how drinking lots of water and eating healthily affects your skin.
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I want to book in for my own headshot - what do I need to do?
Great!  All you need to do is send me a message (just click the link below), let me know your preferred dates and times and I will respond within a few hours and book you in!

​And that's it!  Great headshot images will give you confidence and make you come across as professional, approachable and will elevate your professional image. 

​Message me! I look forward to hearing from you!
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Why you need a Mummy and Me Photo Shoot

1/18/2022

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For March and April (only) I am going to be offering Mummy and Me Photo Shoots.  This is a new shoot specifically designed for mums and their kids (from 0+), to capture precious images of whatever age and stage you're at.  You may wonder why I’m offering these shoots? Please read on...
​It’s the one thing that I always encourage with my newborn shoots, it's for mum to have pictures taken with her new little bundle.  But more often than not, mums are reluctant to get in front of the camera – they may be feeling tired, with little or no sleep the night before, not feeling themselves after recently giving birth, or just not feeling particularly beautiful that day.  But with a little coaxing I get mum in the pictures – and guess what, 100% of my clients will buy these images! They’re precious, and when baby is older and the tiredness eases a little, those mums will look back and be thankful for those images, capturing the tininess of their baby and how small and cuddly they were – not necessarily remembering the details of the previous nights lack of sleep, but actually remembering the detail of those tiny features, tiny fingers and tiny toes and how wonderful those early days were!
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​More often than not, mums will be the ones behind the camera as their little one grows up, capturing those fun trips out and recording all the ‘firsts’ that need to be documented.  But looking through the iphone the pictures will be mainly images of the little one playing, eating, laughing, running – none with mum, or if there are some they are the selfie shots, which taking a good one seems to been a mythical world that only a few know how to do (ideas on a postcard please!!)!  But you were there! You wiped those tears and cuddled those fears away, played those games and read that book a thousand times! 
​So mums, please book yourselves in for a Mummy and Me Photo Shoot – give you and your child something tangible to show your bond, your stage in life, that you were there and you loved every moment!  I would love to capture the memories that will last a lifetime, so to book your shoot in please message me today.
​If you think this would make a lovely gift for someone then Gift Vouchers can be purchased and delivered in time for Mothers Day (27th March) – just send me a message and I can sort this for you.
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Tips for making a photo shoot with children easier

1/7/2022

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They say ‘never work with children or animals’ but for me this is a part of my job that I absolutely love! It can be a stressful thing for parents if they worry about their children ‘performing’ on the day, not messing around or not pulling their cheesy camera smile!  So I’ve put together this blog to give you some hints and tips which help contribute for a fun photo shoot.
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1. Choose the right time for them
As a photographer golden hour (1-2 hours before sunset/after sunrise) is always my preference for shooting outdoors, as the light is warm and creeps through the trees to give a beautiful backlit glow.  However, this is not always suitable, especially in the middle on summer time, when this time can be between 6/7pm.  So book your session when you know your child(ren) will be at their best, so maybe after lunch when they have lots of energy or after dinner time when it will be a treat to be going outdoors instead of having bath time.  Tired children seldom want to participate if they are lacking energy, so think about nap times and feeding times.
2. Be playful and make it fun
Putting pressure on your child to behave or sit up straight will just make them feel uneasy.  I always try to get on the same level as the child, whether they are 2 or 12, finding something that appeals to them, such as something they enjoy doing, find funny or that makes them feel a little grown up will do wonders for creating that connection and getting natural smiles.  

​​I often ask parents to dance a silly dance behind me, or pretend to put something on my head – goofing around is very much part of the shoot and the more playful you are the more the children will relax and enjoy their session.
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3. Be patient
Sometimes children take a little while to feel at ease in front of the camera and not adding pressure is crucial to bringing the child around to actually wanting to have their picture taken.  Sometimes I start with the parents, or the older siblings, so the younger ones can see it’s nothing to be scared of.  By the end of the shoot I normally find the children are directing the shots and telling me what to do!  If the children need a break, that’s OK too.  I encourage parents to bring snacks, treats as bribery and definitely some water as they usually end up doing lots of running around!  So if the children need a snack break we’ll set them up with food and a drink and then I’ll do some parent shots while we wait.  Normally when the focus is diverted away from the child they are more than willing to get back involved after snack time!
4. Be prepared
Before the photo shoot I send my clients a Pre-Shoot Guide and this gives all the information in terms of what to wear, what to bring and what to expect at their shoot.  Planning your outfits and colour scheme will help you feel comfortable on the day and confident in what you are wearing.  Don’t leave it to the day of the shoot to think about this and always bring back up clothes for those unexpected moments!  Bringing a few accessories can also be fun, such as a hat, scarf or blaser – just to give some different looks to the pictures.  I don’t encourage my clients to bring change of outfits as there are usually no areas to change discreetly and also uses up precious shooting time!  Checking the weather too and dress for the temperature and season will also help.  Cold or wet children are unlikely to be happy, so just think ahead in terms of your planning.

Above all, have fun and enjoy the session!  We are capturing moments and precious memories for you to love and cherish for years to come!

For more information or to book your outdoor shoot, please click below.
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  • Home
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