If you’re strapped for cash and can’t afford a professional photographer, and you need a photo because you want to promote something on Facebook or another social networking site, what’s the next best alternative?
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal offers tips from three professional photographers on how to capture the right image. Each has a Facebook page.
From Jessica Kaminski, owner of J. Kaminski Photography:
If you’re taking your own photo, “Hold the hand with the camera higher than normal so you don’t get a double chin in the photo.”
From Kristyna Wentz-Graff, staff photographer at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, who offers this tip if you’re shooting your own photo outdoors:
“Use the early-morning hours before 10 a.m. or early evening hours such as 4, 5 or 6 when the light is most flattering and there’s a beautiful glow in the sky.” The noon sun, she says, will cast shadows that give you raccoon eyes and an elongated nose.
From Janet McMillan, owner, Janet McMillan Photography:
“For me, the best photos are when you can capture something that’s not necessarily so posed, like a true moment.”
For her own photo and a casual, informal look, she used a Holga camera, a toy camera with a plastic lens that takes larger-format film.
The article also offered a great reminder for those of you who want to promote on LinkedIn but don’t want to use a personal photo. Don’t hide behind a corporate logo because the site doesn’t allow copyrighted material.
Cool tips! I like my casual Twitter photo but am thinking that I should use a more professional photo on http://www.evancarmichael.com? Would you recommend a more serious photo for “professional” sites and more relaxed, personality-full ones for Twitter, Facebook, etc? I took my Twitter photo with a camera set on timer…
My friend just took a picture of herself outside, will have to pass these tips along to her as I think she had the shadow thing going on (I PhotoShopped her a tad).
Thanks for the tips!
V-
I use a more formal studio portrait for sites like LinkedIn, which is strictly business networking, and a mmore casual, fun shot for other sites like Twitter.
I’m a big fan of using the timer on my camera. Now with digital technology, it’s easy to play around with composition and light.
Also look to see if there are any photography groups in your area. I’m in one that’s always looking for models for their events. The (unpaid) model usually receives each photographer’s best shots of them for free. It’s a great way to get some different shots of you. You don’t have to be a model…just bring a good attitude and be willing to work with the club.
Yeah I love using my digital cam to take photos and then always open those up in photoshop to get rid of double chin and wrinkles and bags under the eyes you know stuff like that. But if you cannot use photoshop then try and pull your neck back and lift up your chin so as to appear like you don’t have a double chin.