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I'm constantly amazed that people at the top of their game talk about their work in an accessible way, regardless of how complicated it is in reality. They can split the technical expert and the public relations parts of their personality to suit their audience. I feel smarter after spending time with them, which is a perk of the job.
Do you read the room and tailor your approach for it?
Laura Jaramillo, Executive Director of LISC Houston
I get a lot of cool people in my studio here in Marblehead. Last week Somerville-based artist and interior designer Catherine Owens stopped by to update her headshot for her website’s about page.
We got a great headshot, of course, but we also headed into the garden for a closer to nature feel.
She brought a black top and white skirt so we could play with the black and white backdrops. The checkerboard pattern is one of my favorite signature shots.
See Catherine’s work through her website, and you can get in touch with me about your headshot by emailing info@filnenna.com or call me on 339 297 2849. Why not use the opportunity to explore the historic coastal town of Marblehead while you are here too!
I’m Fil Nenna, a portrait photographer serving Boston’s North Shore who specializes in helping small businesses like yours get more customers through quality images for your website.
Located in Marblehead I provide on-location services in Salem, Swampscott, Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Boston and beyond. I can work in any space no matter the size or lighting conditions.
Please get in touch at info@filnenna.com to find out how quick and convenient making awesome headshots can be!
Whether it's professional headshots for yourself or your small business’ staff, choosing the right portrait photographer is paramount. A skilled and experienced portrait photographer can bring out the best in yourself in images that resonate with authenticity and emotion for your audience.
Lets explore the essential factors to consider when selecting a portrait photographer.
Start your search by examining the photographer's portfolio. Look for a diverse but cohesive body of work that showcases various types of portraits, styles, and settings. Pay attention to their ability to capture genuine expressions, emotions, and personalities. Determine whether their aesthetic aligns with your vision. Some photographers excel in traditional, formal portraits, while others specialize in candid and lifestyle shots. Choose a photographer whose style resonates with your preferences.
Experience really matters in the world of portrait photography. You want someone who’s seen it all!
A seasoned photographer has honed their skills over time and can handle any and all location and lighting situations with ease. An experienced professional knows how to direct subjects to capture the most flattering angles and natural poses. Research the photographer's background, read client testimonials, and inquire about their experience in the specific type of images you are looking for.
A successful portrait session requires effective communication and a strong rapport between you and your photographer. Look for a photographer who is attentive, listens to your ideas, and understands your goals for the shoot. A good photographer will make you feel comfortable and relaxed during the session, allowing your true personality to shine through the lens. Building a connection with the photographer fosters an environment where creativity and spontaneity can thrive.
Portrait photography demands technical expertise. Pay attention to the photographer's use of lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques. Well-lit and balanced portraits ensure that the subject remains the focus without distractions. Proper composition and framing contribute to visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing results. Moreover, retouching options can enhance the final images, adding a final polish to the overall outcome.
A skilled portrait photographer possesses a creative eye and the ability to adapt to different situations. They can find unique angles and perspectives that bring out the best in their subjects. Whether shooting in a studio or on-location, a creative photographer can turn any environment into a captivating backdrop. Look for examples of their ability to adapt to diverse settings and subjects in their portfolio.
Professionalism is crucial in any service industry, including photography. A reliable portrait photographer should be punctual, responsive to inquiries, and transparent about their pricing and services. They should provide a clear contract outlining the terms of the photo session and deliver the final images within an agreed-upon timeframe. Working with a professional photographer ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Selecting the right portrait photographer is an essential step in capturing cherished memories and presenting yourself in the best light. Consider factors such as their portfolio, experience, communication skills, technical proficiency, creativity, and professionalism. Take the time to research and meet with potential photographers to find the one who best aligns with your vision and can immortalize moments in timeless and captivating portraits. By choosing a photographer who excels in their craft and understands your needs, you'll be one step closer to preserving memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
I’m Fil Nenna, the portrait photographer serving Boston’s North Shore who specializes in helping small businesses like yours get more customers through quality images for your website.
Located in Marblehead I provide on-location services in Salem, Swampscott, Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Boston and beyond. I can work in any space no matter the size or lighting conditions.
Please get in touch at info@filnenna.com to find out how quick and convenient making awesome headshots can be!
Taking stock of my recent work, I have a significant number of portraits from collaborations with local non-profits. They range from staff headshots to LinkedIn-ready profile pictures of students in their various initiatives.
I’ve met some really great people, and people who really make a difference in their neighborhood and the entire city.
Avenue (www.avenuecdc.org) build affordable homes in Houston, with education programs to help families build long term assets. I had the opportunity to capture staff headshots in their headquarters.
The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (www.lisc.org) assist community organizations in underinvested places. We made headshots for the graduates of their leadership development workshops during an ambassador reunion event.
The Christian Community Service Center (www.ccschouston.org) work to reduce the effects of poverty in the local community through emergency services, food bank and education programs. Headshots of JobNet graduates get them a head-start on building LinkedIn profiles and their resumes.
Families to freedom (www.familiestofreedom.org) serve victims of domestic abuse. The ladies in the staff headshots below literally transport people away and to safety.
Houston is a huge city with photographers probably on every block. There’s a lot of noise to sort through especially when consuming a metric ton of images through Instagram. My favorite photographers I’ve followed this year rise above not just because the pictures are awesome, but also because of their consistency and commitment to their niche. There’s no rank-order to this list.
You can spot a photo by Joanna from 100 yards because her style is so established. Classic studio portraits and family images that will age wonderfully and I’m sure they look epic when printed out large! Lots of attention to detail in the retouching too.
Magazine-quality shoots from a film-only photographer. Beautiful models in beautiful places. Black-and-whites are done properly - you can tell this isn’t someone just desaturating a color original. And it isn’t everyday you see so many great Polaroids.
As much as consistent technique is required for a good professional headshot, the key is in how he pulls emotion from the sitter. You can tell every one he shoots is having a great time. I’ve really enjoyed the behind-the-scenes Instagram stories showing the process in action.
If you thought film was old-school, imagine a time before rolls and sheets of gelatin where you have to make your own light-sensitive emulsion. I can’t imagine the technical difficulties, and commitment that goes into each squeeze of the shutter. Laura’s work is a step closer to that of traditional art in the sense that each shot is unique and impossible to reproduce.
Jenna’s fashion images span the spectrum from classic studio to full-on fantasy. I’m always looking forward to seeing what comes out of her camera next!
Wonderful studio portraits mixed in with personal adventures. There’s a confidence and a boldness that comes out in each image. The recent “Spotlight” portraits particularly caught my eye; every image made the sitter look like an absolute rock-star.
I spent an evening with Studio Sassafras owner John, along with staff (and talented vocalists) Hannah and Raychael just before Covid-19 shut down personal interactions in Houston. The four of us spent a few hours getting some of my favorite shots in recent months!
This recording studio, just off North Main Street, is a purpose built construction with a lot of interesting interior scenes, making for a variety of portrait backdrops. From red velvet stage curtains to the consoles and microphones in the control room, we took individual and group shots that brought out the character and roles of these awesome people.
This was another opportunity to shoot some classic black and white film through a Hasselblad 500cm, along with color digital files.
Find out more about these guys and the studio via Instagram: Studio Sassafras, John Ross, Hannah Jans, Raychael Winters
Portrait and Headshot Photography in Marblehead and the North Shore, MA
