7 Real-Life Tips for Getting Great Professional Photos

Dig up some of my early music career photographs, and you'll probably find me standing in an alley with my guitar - wearing a bulky jacket and black boots. Typically, a friend was taking the photo, and I just wanted to get the whole thing over with.

At some point, I consciously chose to uplevel my approach to my work. I invested in a great photographer. And - surprise! - that's when I started getting invited to do radio interviews, and being featured in major media. 



We all know that image shouldn't matter. And yet, in the professional world, and even in the arts - it does matter. A professional photo shows that you take your work seriously (yes, even if you're creative and fun-loving) - and it conveys success. Plus, the internet can connect you with so many new opportunities, it only makes sense to put yourself out there in a professional way. 



And good news! Your photo session doesn't have to be hard! From my Been-There-Done-That files, here are 7 Tips for Getting Great Professional Photos…

1 - Get Clear 


Don't hire anyone until you're clear about what you want to convey in your photo. Make a list of words to describe who you are, how you show up in the world, and what you share with your clients, customers, students, audiences, etc. ("Professional but not stiff." "Fun and funky – but in an accessible way." "Trustworthy and kind." "Successful and no-nonsense.")

Write down colors, thoughts on your surroundings, etc. Start a file of your favorite images from magazines. Share these with your photographer.


2 - Hire a Professional 


I know. I know. You can always get your friend Sheila to take a few photos of you after work one Thursday. But I encourage you to uplevel your image and go pro.


You don't have to break the bank to get a great photographer. Many top-notch wedding photographers offer great prices for mid-week sessions. Ask around or search the internet, and don't be afraid to interview several different photographers.


3 - Get Make-Up Advice 


I've worked with make-up artists who sprayed foundation on my face like spackle. And some who made my hair stand up about 11 inches from my head. You'd think I would've spoken up – but for many years, I thought everyone else knew better than me what I should look like.


And yet, I still believe in using a make-up artist!


My advice is to REQUIRE a phone conversation with her before your shoot. Email her your images from #1. Listen to her ideas and advice. You'd be surprised at how much make up you need for even a natural looking photo – but spackle is NOT necessary!


If you don't have the budget for a make-up artist, then get help from friends in the know. I've done my own make-up on many shoots - but I used all the advice from those old Seventeen Magazines I used to pore through when I was a teen!

4 - Plan your Outfits in Advance


Two weeks before your photo shoot, plan your outfits. Pick at least three. (Avoid crazy patterns on your shirts!)


If you need help in this area, I highly recommend making an appointment with a personal shopper at Nordstrom - which has fantastic customer service and highly-trained employees. Plus you're not required to purchase anything! Share your work from Step #1 with your shopper. Take your time during your appointment.


5 - Go Light on the Accessories


You don't want your photo to say, "Hi, I'm Joan. And this is my BIG GIANT PERUVIAN BEAD NECKLACE!" In other words, your accessories should complement - not overpower - your look.


6 - Bring your own Mirror to the Shoot 


Keep a mirror near you during the shoot so you can check for things like lipstick on teeth and bra straps sticking out in between shoots. Photographers aren't always good at catching these things because they're focusing on the lay-out and lighting.


7 - YOU are the most important element 


Your energy. Your light. Your radiance. These are the most important things. Before you head to the shoot, sit quietly and remember your intentions in your work and life. Connect to your center and take some deep breaths.


Then, as the photos are being shot, remember to be present in your body. Look into and through the camera lens. Act as if you're looking into the eyes of your very best friend. Don't be afraid to let loose and smile and laugh. These are often the best photos!

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Performer, songwriter, and creativity consultant Christine Kane publishes her 'LiveCreative' weekly ezine with more than 4,000 subscribers. If you want to be the artist of your life and create authentic and lasting success, you can sign up for a FRE*E subscription to LiveCreative atwww.christinekane.com.

Life as a Superhero

In the words of my fave super hero... Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: "With great power comes great responsibility." This is my gift, my curse. Who am I? I'm Spiderman. 

Today though it was Wonder woman and Aeon Flux. Why these characters? Who came up with this idea, why? Well, It was suppose to be Silk Spectre instead of Wonder woman, but really I'm glad it turned out this way. Aeon Flux is s super hero from the future. When I saw the 2005 version of the movie with Charlize Theron I realized just how few women superheroes there are. Wonder woman is who we were suppose to be, but Aeon Flux is who we are becoming. 

When wonder woman the series began in 1976 starring Linda Carter, there were no women heroines on TV, it was new, it was fresh, it was necessary. But, what was the story... Were women suppose to be superheroes? Could they ever compare to icons such as superman, batman, and spidey?

Women were just emerging into their own right, and finally tv gave the platform to do that.  The 1976 series of wonder woman began During World War II, and it depicts Diana (Linda Carter) as the princess of the amazons who rescues the major and helps him fight the war against the Nazis. After WW II, she returned to the Island, only to encounter Steve Trevor Jr., agent for IADC, thirty years later. Seeing the amazing coincidence as a sign, she returns to the Man world once more to resume her role as the greatest of the female superheroes.

As for Aeon Flux, she is a futuristic underground operative at war with the totalitarian regime governing what appears to be a perfect society. How very interesting...

It seems the past and the future always have a way of reuniting and repeating for that matter.

I had a lot of fun today, it was very introspective, the pictures were really amazing and I will be posting them here soon.

A day in the life...

There is this moment every photographer has when you look through the viewfinder and fall in love with your subject. That moment you know you are taking a special shot. My recent moment was last Saturday. My meetup group had a Stylin' Sixties shoot at the studio I use in the south loop.

I had 2 sets going and one was quite dramatic with only a single light, like a spotlight, lighting the subject. She was a new model I had never worked with before. A daughter of my make-up artist who came only because her sister backed out. At first it was just an ordinary shoot. I admit I was a bit nervous seeing her because it was her first time in front of a large group. There must of been about 13 photogs present.

When I started shooting, and saw her through my viewfinder, it was pure magic.

The light on her face was almost poetic. She looked to me like an old soul. Her face was as strong and beautiful as any you would see on the pages of Vogue.... I was totally mesmerized.

I remember reading "Annie Lieibovitz at Work" where she described a moment she had shooting an author...she had a hard time at first, until she saw something different and that made the shot. The difference was for her a vulnerability in the person, for me it was the strength. Either way, it made for an awesome revelation and a beautiful picture.

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