Why clients choose us: Meredith’s Story

Meredith came to us seeking an updated headshot to bring her public image into line with shifted work responsibilities. Moving into an internationally visible role – and being asked to meet and talk to people from other countries – made Meredith reevaluate the headshot she’d been using. And while that image was fine, it didn’t necessarily communicate Meredith’s professional stature and abilities as well as she might have hoped in a more high-profile role. Together, we selected a crisp and classic wardrobe, and Meredith chose our high-key modern background as the perfect one to portray the image she was hoping for. And then, it was time for her to step in front of the camera.

Deciding to update your headshot is never without trepidation, and that was true for Meredith, too. As she told us, “I’ve never considered myself photogenic and was worried about how the picture would end up looking. I wanted to make sure it was something that the people I work with could relate to and that it would reach the audience I’m trying to reach.”

Long ago, we began asking our clients what they were most concerned about after they booked an appointment with us. Over and over again, we heard sentiments similar to those Meredith expressed. Once we’d tuned into that underlying anxiety, we fine-tuned our approach to headshots to eliminate those worries as much as we possibly can. Because, when you come right down to it, “being photogenic” really amounts to feeling comfortable in front of the camera. As Meredith told us, “… you just made everything very easy and explained so well why you were having me stand or move in a certain way. You were so good at putting me at ease that I wasn’t self-conscious when you were taking the photo.”

In addition to explaining the “why” behind our approach to headshots, we also try to minimize the time a client has to spend in front of the camera. After all, it can be uncomfortable to have that lens turned on you, and we know that. Sometimes all the preparation and explanation in the world can’t completely eliminate that anxiety. Partly for that reason, we work fairly quickly on the headshot set, and we work in batches. This has two benefits. Not only do we make sure that our clients can take breaks from posing for the camera, we also get nearly immediate feedback on our progress that allows us to streamline what we’re doing. Meredith appreciated the pace and told us afterwards, “It was amazing how fast you were able to move right from me walking in and wardrobe selection, through my time in front of the camera, to a finished product that met all my needs.”

The best part, according to Meredith? “I have something I can use right away. I look like me, and yet we also hit all the goals I had for my headshot. I look approachable. I look lively. I can see my personality in the picture. I’m excited about presenting this image to clients and colleagues.”

If you’re wondering if we can make you feel this positive about your business image, we can. But don’t take our word for it. Just ask Meredith who says, “Based on what Walter has done for me and what he showed me of other work he’s done, I see that he has a breadth of ability. He can really work with a wide variety of people to get the shot that they need.”

Thank you, Meredith, for your kind words and for being such a pleasure to work with.