So, you may have noticed that I’ve been promoting a bunch of these things called “Networking and Head Shot Events” lately… And you might be wondering… “What the heck is that and why should I bother?!”
Well, I am here now to offer a bit of an explanation, so next time one comes up, you’ll be sure to not miss out!
What is it?
A Networking and Head Shot Event is a popup event with, you guessed it, networking opportunities and a professional photo shoot!
Who can attend?
These events are either hosted by a professional organization, business, leads group (like a BNI or Chamber), or by me, for professionals and entrepreneurs, alike.
Why should I come?
Let’s put it this way… if one of these things applies to you, don’t miss the event!
You want to have a professional appearance online, but your photos on LinkedIn and your website are from the last Sunday football get-together or the last Miley Cyrus concert you went to (….hmmm).
You want to grow your business (or the company you work for), and decide you really need to grow your network.
You have a head shot photo… from 10 years ago… Come on, it’s definitely time for an update!!
If your group or company is the host, take it as a sign that they think it’s a good idea for it’s members/employees to up their games and improve their reputations.
If one of these things did not apply, just think – if you decide the day after the event to go hire me (or someone else) for a private shoot, you’re going to pay a LOT more, and you won’t get any network benefits from it either.
Come on, do I really need a professional head shot???
YES! Don’t be cheap, you need to think of it as an investment in yourself and your reputation.
Contrary to what we might like to tell ourselves, our reputations ARE important. People ARE judging us. Think about it. What do you think when you are browsing Linked In and see a profile of a “CEO” (I’m making those obnoxious quotation fingers now, too) whose photo is clearly cropped from a group shot at some bar, with the creeping hands on the shoulders…
Oh… wait. Would a CEO do this? If a CEO wouldn’t do it, why should you? Just take yourself a little more seriously sometimes, ok?
Ok… But I’m not a CEO, so why do I need one?
Are you an entrepreneur? Then you need to treat yourself like a CEO, because you basically are.
Not an entrepreneur OR a CEO? Stuck in a job you hate? Or even in one you like – maybe love, but probably not? Taking this step to view yourself with a higher standard is the first step you need to take to make a change and get ahead in your career. Seriously, would you show up to a job interview wearing a party shirt and drinking a beer out of a red Solo cup? Because, that’s basically what you’re doing when you put up unprofessional photos in professional outlets.
When you say “space is limited” and “pre-registration strongly encouraged” is that really true?
Yes. While sometimes it is not required to pre-pay, it does guarantee that you will get a spot at the event. Space is definitely limited because I can only take so many photos in a given period of time. That’s just the way it is.
How many people can attend, and do you have to stay the whole time?
No, you don’t have to stay the whole time, however, the longer you stay, the more people you will meet and the more you will benefit from having attended!
As for how many people can attend… that depends on the length of the event and how much space is available at the location. If only one photography setup is at the event, we can do about 5-8 people per hour.
I hate being in front of the camera and hate photos of myself…
Do you take selfies? ….
Anyway, if you think you hate how you look in photos or the camera makes you nervous, that’s ok. It’s a normal response, and probably because you haven’t had luck with finding the right photographer for you. It is the photographer’s job to make YOU feel comfortable. If you’re not, then the photographer has not been successful and the pictures won’t be great.
The other thing is, usually preparation is what makes a successful experience. That said, if you already know that you’re not comfortable around cameras, then spend some time practicing and preparing before the shoot. Prepare by getting inspiration on Pinterest, practicing expressions in front of the mirror (or in selfies), practice your posing, find a hairstyle that is flattering, pick out an outfit that is flattering and professional – keep it simple – and mostly, just don’t think too hard.
Ok, so other than meeting people, what do I ACTUALLY do at the event and get after?
Each mini-shoot will last as long as it takes to get “THE” shot. That means, you’ll be in front of the camera for about 2 to 10 minutes, depending. If there are a lot of people, the photo shoot aspect is a lot less personalized and the lighting setup probably won’t change from person to person. If there are fewer people, each person will get a bit more special treatment – but it’s nothing like if you schedule your own private shoot with me, and we do lots of setups, compositions, backgrounds and event outfits. Think of it as pretty much “step and repeat.” That said, it is still a personal experience, in that it’s you and me and the camera, and if you’re comfortable, you’ll have a good time!
As for the end product, that will vary depending on various circumstances, and could be a web-resolution digital file in color and/or black and white, a high resoultion file in color and/or black and white, or any combination thereof. All photos selected ARE fully retouched, so don’t worry about skin imperfections or lines, etc. because those will be gone from the final images.
I’m interested in hosting an event. How does that work?
Firstly, take a second to e-mail me and we’ll work out the details.
Basically, to set up an event, we will need a location and a date… and of course people to attend. If you can work with that, we can work together.
The events require a bit of space for me to set up a portable photo studio (including a backdrop and a few light stands. Think of a double dorm room, or a small-ish board room size.
How much does it cost?
The price depends on a few factors – such as the length of the event, how many people will come, are people required to come because they are your employees or are they coming for themselves, etc. I’m happy to provide an estimate when we talk details, so don’t hesitate to e-mail me.
Now What?
Did you find this post helpful? Great! Now, if you are interested in hosting an event, please take a few seconds to contact me.
If you know someone who would be interested in hosting – whether that’s the president of your professional association, your boss, or someone else in your network, please share this information with them.
If you might want to attend an event like this, make sure to follow this blog, Like CC Photo & Media on Facebook and connect with me on LinkedIn, or sign up to receive free messages in your inbox (promise I won’t spam you or sell your info) to stay up to date and find out when the next public event will happen!
