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How An Event Headshot Booth Helps Greater Boston Vendors Pull More Qualified Leads

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Conferences and Trade shows are competitive. Every vendor is trying to earn attention, start conversations, and walk away with qualified leads. An event headshot booth helps you stand out with a premium, useful experience—one that draws the right people to your sponsor space and gives your team a comfortable opportunity to start real conversations.

When it’s done well, it also creates a clean, professional follow-up path—That’s exactly what we at Stuart Beeby Photography build for vendors and sponsors: a premium event headshot booth experience that’s easy to run and easy to follow up from.

"We hired Stuart Beeby to take photos at our corporate event and to do a Corporate Headshot Booth. The Staff Headshots were available for download immediately to our employees, and that was a super hit! Our group shots came out excellent as well!"  -- Amy Tamilio - Phavaris, Waltham MA

Why an event headshot booth draws the right attendees

Offering professional headshots at your event is a simple way to provide real value—almost everyone can use a great photo, whether it’s for LinkedIn, a website, or to update their profile.

The headshot booth naturally brings in attendees who are truly invested in the event. These are the folks who are tuned in to the speakers, connecting with exhibitors, and genuinely interested in what’s happening.

As a result, the conversations you have at the booth aren’t just casual chats—they’re meaningful interactions with people who are likely to be a strong fit for future follow-up and real opportunities.

How a headshot booth helps vendors collect opt-in contact info

An event headshot booth creates a built-in moment to engage without forcing a pitch.

While someone is getting set up (or reviewing proofs), your team has time to connect naturally and helpfully. You’re not trying to squeeze a conversation into a rushed pass-by—you’re creating a short, comfortable window where you can learn what they are interested in, what they’re responsible for, and whether there’s a real reason to follow up.

How to set up an event headshot booth so it drives your pipeline

If you want the event headshot booth to generate follow-up opportunities, the experience needs a simple, professional flow.

A few best practices:

QR code sign-up so attendees can book a slot quickly

Email/SMS delivery (“Where should we send your gallery link?”) for clean opt-in

Instant viewing and selection so attendees can choose their favorite while they are at the event

When you get this right, you walk away from the event with a list of contacts who actually want to hear from you—and a great reason to follow up that feels personal and welcomed.

What makes an event headshot booth feel premium and reflect well on your brand

A headshot booth for vendors and sponsors should be a premium experience for attendees, handled end-to-end by a professional team, with a clean process that keeps things moving.

At Stuart Beeby Photography, our event headshot booth is designed to run smoothly and deliver a boutique-level experience:

Expert Posing and Direction so people don’t look stiff or unsure

Instant Viewing, Selection, and Delivery so attendees feel confident about the image they choose

Private, Individual Proofing Galleries for professional experience 

The result is your event stands out with a polished, personal touch. Attendees leave with photos they’re proud to use, and you leave with genuine connections and a contact list built on real interest, so follow-up feels like a genuine next step.

Quick checklist: A headshot booth for vendors and sponsors is a strong fit for your event if you want:

A premium brand moment that reflects well on your company

More qualified conversations

A permission-based email contact list you can follow up with after the event

Increased attendee interaction at your booth

Frequently Asked Questions - Event Headshot Booth Boston

How much space is needed for an event headshot booth?

Approximately 12 x 6ft is optimal; however, our event headshot booth can be adapted to fit most spaces. We’re happy to work with your venue to ensure a seamless fit, whether you have a spacious conference hall or a smaller space.

How many people can you photograph per hour?

We can work at a rate of around 20 headshots per hour, but you can set your pace to allow for a short conversation, so you can learn more about what they are interested in, what they’re responsible for, and whether there’s an opportunity for follow-up. This flexibility means you get both efficiency and meaningful engagement with each attendee.

How do attendees receive their images?

We provide instant digital delivery of headshot proofs, direct to attendees’ email. Attendees can view and select their favorite images on the spot, making the process smooth and convenient for everyone.

How do you capture email/phone opt-ins?

Our custom scheduling system captures key contact information provided directly by the event attendee. This ensures all data is permission-based and securely handled, so you have everything you need for follow-up after the event.

Can the gallery/delivery be branded for our company?

Yes, we offer a white-label service where the headshot proofing gallery can be customized to reflect your company’s branding with your company’s logo. This helps reinforce your brand’s presence and gives attendees a consistent, professional experience from start to finish.

What about liability insurance?

Our studio is fully insured to work at any establishment, and we can provide insurance/liability confirmation upon request. This gives you peace of mind and ensures we meet all venue requirements for your event.

Ready to make your vendor space work harder?

If you’re looking for an event headshot booth in Greater Boston, we’ll help you build a headshot booth experience that attracts the right people and makes follow-up easy.

We’ll build a smooth, professional experience your attendees will enjoy—and your team will be proud to put your name on.

To get started, schedule a quick planning call or request a proposal using the form below, send: the event date and location, expected attendee count, and whether you want scheduled slots, walk-ups, or both

We serve Greater Boston & Massachusetts events and specialize in corporate events and professional headshots.

Are you planning a business event? We’d love to work with you.

Request a proposal using the form below:

978 261 5661

[email protected]

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Planning a Company Event? Add Event Photography and a Staff Headshot Booth

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If you’re planning a company event in Greater Boston, consider corporate event photography and a staff headshot booth to capture the day and elevate your entire team’s company headshots—without disrupting your agenda.

Company events are a big investment—time, budget, planning energy, and (most importantly) your people. Whether it’s an off-site meeting, annual kickoff, leadership summit, or team celebration, you’re already doing the hard part: getting everyone together. With all that investment, why not make your event work for you, too? Here at Stuart Beeby Photography, we can help you capture the energy, excellence, and emotion of your business event with event photography and videography and create a company headshot booth at your event location with stress-free, efficient, professional, on-brand service that reflects your company's professional standards.

When your team is together, it’s the perfect opportunity to pair event coverage with on-site company headshots—so your event works harder for you:

Professional, candid, posed, and team images that reflect your company culture and your event

Updated, consistent headshots across the team, efficiently captured with instant delivery

Content you can use immediately across LinkedIn, recruiting, internal communications, and PR

Combine corporate event photography and videography with a company headshot booth for a stress-free, efficient service that reflects your company’s culture and professional standards.

Why company events are the most efficient time to update headshots and capture content

It’s one of the simplest ways to upgrade your brand presence and deliver something valuable to your team—without adding complexity to your planning.

One day, two outcomes: authentic event coverage plus consistent, professional company headshots.

Immediate, multi-use assets: LinkedIn, recruiting, internal communications, PR and marketing .

Efficient for your team: a smooth coordinated headshot flow (with optional walk-ups).

Long-term value: one event can create months of usable content and a more current brand presence.

We build the headshot setup around your agenda—so it doesn’t disrupt sessions, speakers, or meals.

And when new hires join, you can keep the look consistent with in-studio matching headshots or periodic company headshot days aligned with your branding.

 Why partner with us

We offer corporate event photography and videography plus on-site company headshots—together or separately.

We support any venue and team size team across Greater Boston.

Coverage tailored to your goals: candid moments, posed leadership photos, “all-hands” team images, headshots booth and video.

Fast delivery via secure online gallery with licensed usage rights for immediate posting.

Same-day headshot proofing: each person receives their proofing gallery right after their session.

Efficient headshot flow: scheduling system plus flexibility for “walk-ups” during the event.

Optional professional retouching for a clean, polished, authentic look.

Why we are different

Specialized in corporate events and headshots.

Process-driven, low-disruption execution (setup, flow, delivery)

Consistent look across time: post-event matching headshots in-studio or periodic headshot days.

Local Greater Boston studio and on-location team for ongoing support.

Ready to plan your corporate event and want to learn more about event photography and a corporate headshot booth?

"10 Stars!! We were so pleased with our initial experience with Stuart that we contracted him to take photos at all of our corporate events. Our most recent event was a busy 3-day conference on the Cape with lots of moving parts, break out meetings, and events. He successfully captured the conference throughout. The thing that impresses me most (besides the quality of the pictures he produces) is that he is EVERYWHERE, but you barely notice him. He moves throughout the rooms in stealth mode, so he is never a distraction. He even utilized a drone to capture the beauty of the venue from outside. So impressed. "  -- Maureen Mackey - MPAC

If you’re organizing a company event in Greater Boston, we’re happy to help you map out the best approach—whether you need:

Corporate event photography (and videography) coverage.

A company headshot day (studio-style setup on location).

A company headshot booth.

Reach out to schedule a quick planning call, and we’ll build a smooth, professional experience your team will enjoy.

Are you planning a business event? We’d love to work with you.

Request a proposal using the form below:

"We had our corporate shots done with Stuart Beeby Photography, and we were very pleased with the results! They had to work with a large group and managed to organize appointments in advance. It was painless and very professional, and the shots turned out great! Downloading the final images was easy and secure. I highly recommend their services! Positive, Quality, Professionalism."  -- Lina Ochoa: Landvest - Boston MA

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How to have a successful Executive Headshot Day for your staff

In this article, we’ll explain our processes for an Executive Headshot Day for multiple staff members, what you’ll need to consider before booking your photographer, and how we make these types of photography projects run smoothly, to give you a professional set of photos for your company website, email signatures, and social media campaigns.

1)      Choosing Your Photographer

If you’ve managed a photography project for your company before or if this is your first time, choosing the right photographer for your specific need (in this case, Headshot Photography), is essential. Photography has many different genres and niches, so picking one with lots of experience in their niche is essential.  When it comes to Executive Headshots, involving dozens, or scores of people at your place of work, it’s important to work with a studio photographer who is well-versed in corporate etiquette and has confidence, flare, and creativity.  

Hot Tip: Set up a call or video meeting with your prospective photography studio before you book to ensure they will be a good fit for your business.

2)      Scheduling made simple for your Team

A popular choice for companies is to schedule the photographer on the same day of a quarterly or annual meeting when all executives and associates are together at the same location. These days, many companies operate an “office day”, when all staff is expected to be in the office, which is also a great day to book your headshot photographer.

So, you’ve booked your photographer but now you are faced with the daunting task of scheduling the individual sessions for every member of staff. Rather than offer a “walk-up” service, we prefer to have a list of the people we’re seeing by having staff schedule their session ahead of time. As the project lead, you could make a list of names, but a much simpler way is to take advantage of our scheduling tool.

Our scheduling system allows us to make individual time slots available for your Picture Day. We send the project lead the booking link, which can be shared with the team. They choose a time that works best for their schedule, and they’ll get a reminder when their slot time is approaching. Also, we know exactly who we’re seeing and at what time. We have found this to be the best way to keep the day running smoothly and on time for everyone!

3)      Choosing Your backdrop or Setting

A big consideration when choosing the aesthetic and setting for your staff headshots is what happens when you have a new hire. Or, what if you have someone out sick or on holiday on Picture Day!? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Before we go into more detail on that, here are some other considerations when choosing the backdrop for your staff headshots.

Our studio has a range of different backdrop options and colors, which can be set up at your place of work (provided there is room for it), which gives a more traditional look and feel for your staff headshots. I.E. A plain, neutral backdrop, such as white, grey, black etc.).

Alternatively, if you prefer a more contemporary look, we can picture your staff in a more natural, authentic, or environmental setting. If your workspace, surgery, office, factory, or lab has areas available, we can position your team in a way that represents what they do and the industry they work in. This is popular for many companies we serve.  

If you have an area outside at your location, this can also be a popular choice, but we’ll need to factor in the weather, especially in New England!

Here are examples of staff headshots with plain, studio backdrops and then environmental portraits:

All these options are worth some thought and it’s often a good idea to talk to your web designer or Heads of Marketing beforehand about how the headshots and portraits will appear on the company website.   

We raised the question of new hires and absent employees earlier. To overcome this common issue, if opting for one of our studio backdrops, you can choose to send new hires to our studio and we will easily replicate everything as if they were there on the day!

If you’re opting for the environmental/natural backdrop, we always take a picture of the setting (without a person in the picture) and then use our editing tools to switch out the studio backdrop with the same setting as everyone else.

Hot Tip:  It’s worth checking with your photographer if they have a separate space to offer these additional and essential services. We do this for many of our repeat clients.

4)      What should we wear?

5)      Onsite Photo Proofing

When working onsite with staff members, we believe it’s important that everyone has a chance to take a peek at their pictures throughout the mini-session. It’s not a full proofing session, just more of a check to make sure the staff members are happy and content with their pictures, on camera. However, cameras have a very small screen to ‘review” pictures, but we now make reviewing easy. We have the technology to live cast all pictures onto a separate, larger screen, which makes onsite, instant feedback quick and easy!

6)      Post Production and Delivering your Photos

Your company Picture Day was a great success. In the studio, we select the best photos from everyone’s session, lightly edit, crop, color correct, and upload the proofs to our proofing website. Our website is designed to make reviewing, image selections, and the final delivery of photos a simple process for our business clients.

Our proofing website allows us to subdivide each person’s proofs into separate and password-protected (if desired) albums so that staff members can only access and review their own photos.  

 Everyone will choose their favorite pose, which we can see from our side, for us to professionally retouch and subtly perfect the final choices.  We add all retouched photos to a separate album within the gallery and deliver the finished photos to the project lead, where they can be easily downloaded.

Job done!

Hot Tip: Ask your photographer how they handle this very important part of the process. And if proofing and delivery of photos is via a service like Dropbox or Google Drive etc. it will not give you or your staff a simple or positive proofing experience!

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions, we’d love to help take your company’s executive headshots to the next level.

[stuartbeeby]

What To Wear For Your Headshots

We are dedicated to capturing your unique personality and features in the most professional way possible. We know that determining what to wear is just as difficult as finding the right photographer. Even though your face is the focus of your headshots, what you wear still matters. Every detail in your headshot will contribute to your first impression, including your clothing, which is why we’ve put this guide together.

Outfit Tips

Choose the Right Colors

Choose colors that complement your hair as well as your complexion. Take color psychology into consideration. What message do you want to convey using color? Not sure which colors look best on you? Look at old photos or ask people you trust.

Make Sure It Fits You Well

Your outfit should fit you well. An oversized jacket or baggy blouse simply looks unprofessional.

Add Layers

If you want to make your headshots interesting without using patterns and big jewelry, layer your clothing instead. Just do this in moderation if you want it to have the right effect though.

Keep It Wrinkle-Free

Even though your schedule is busy, showing up to your headshot session in wrinkle-free clothing is non-negotiable.

Consider Your Niche

If you want your headshots to appeal to employers and clients in your sector, factor this into your outfit choice. If you’re a creative, find ways to add a touch of fun to your headshot outfit without it being too distracting.

A Clothing Color Guide

Here's a look at the psychology of colors. Choose the most appropriate options for your headshots:

Here are some general guidelines for how to choose the right colors for your headshots and the effect that different colors and shades can have.

Start with a Neutral or Solid Color

Basing your outfit on a neutral or solid color will ensure you don't overwhelm the frame. Think white, cream, black, or navy blue.

Contrast for Black and White

If you plan to take black and white headshots, choose contrasting colors. For example, if you're planning to wear a white shirt, opt for a black or navy blazer. Wearing a lighter shirt with an equally light jacket won't work for this style of photography.

Keep Color Combos Simple

Layering is great for adding interest to your headshots, but if you're going to do it, make sure your color combinations work well together.

Reduce Light Reflection Using Deeper Colors

If you're planning to have your headshot photo session outdoors, choose deeper colors instead of pale, light colors to avoid looking washed out due to light reflection.

Draw Attention with Bold Shades

While a bold necklace or earrings will draw attention to your face, it will place the focus on your accessories. If you want to draw more attention to your face in your headshots, wear bolder shades around your neckline.

Consider Branding

If your headshots will be used on your website and marketing material, consider your brand colors. Find small ways to work these colors into your outfit so that your photos are complementary.

What To Wear Tips For Women

Avoid Too Much Distraction

Patterns, logos, and loud accessories will all take the focus off your face, which is why it's best to stick to solid color tops and blouses and toned-down accessories. It's also best not to wear tops that are too low cut as it will have the same effect.

Make Sure it Fits You Well

Even though your headshots only focus on the upper half of your body, it's still important to make sure your top or blouse fits well as this looks the most professional.

Long Sleeves are Better

Short sleeves add skin to the edge of a headshot, and can also be distracting, which is why long sleeves are better.

Avoid Transparent Clothing

Since you will be taking photos in proper lighting, make sure that your top won't be transparent in bright light.

Choose the Right Undergarments

Whatever you decide to wear, make sure that your bra is not visible. Check for straps and any bumps that the fabric might create under your top.

What To Wear Tips For Men

Opt for Solid Colors

Solid colors are always better. Not only do they look more professional but they’re not distracting.

Think Twice About White

A white shirt is certainly professional but keep in mind that does reflect more light. If you are going to wear a white shirt, then it is better to wear something darker over it too.

Fitted is Better

Whatever you wear, make sure it fits you well. Baggy, loose clothing just looks unprofessional. This is also why it’s important to choose and try on any outfits a few days before your shoot – it gives you the chance to tailor your shirt and jacket or come up with a plan B.

Undershirts Are Not Recommended

You might wear an undershirt daily, but they do tend to show up in photos since brighter lighting is used. It’s best to skip the undershirt for your headshots.

Hairstyle Tips For Men

Choose Your Appointment Date Wisely

If you are going to cut your hair before your headshot session, don’t do it the day before. Cutting your hair a few days before ensures the lines look a bit more natural. It also gives your hair a chance to recover should something go wrong.

Shave at the Right Time

If you generally shave the hair on your head every few days, shave it a day or two before your session for the best results.

Avoid Razor Burn

While your face should look neat on the day of your session, you also want to avoid razor burn. Whether you’re shaving your face clean or simply tidying up your facial hair, use the correct shaving cream and moisturize your face afterward.

Tidy Up Ear and Nose Hair

Don’t forget to trim any nose and ear hair before your session.

BOOK YOUR SESSION

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10 Things To Know Before Hiring A Professional Headshot Photographer

If your professional headshot is more than 5 years old, looking for a new job, just landed a new position or starting your own business, you may be starting to look for a local headshot photographer or a photo studio which specializes in portrait photography. Your business profile photo on LinkedIn is often the first impression your clients and associates have of you so it’s important to make sure it reflects the best version of you.

Here are 10 things to know before hiring a Professional Headshot Photographer.

1. Give Yourself Time.

Your professional headshot should reflect the best version of you and your personality. If you try to squeeze a photo session in between meetings or just before collecting your kids from school, for example, your stress level will show in your photo! When choosing your headshot photographer, make sure they are available on a day when your schedule is less busy. That may be a weekend or after work. Even if the photo session is only 15 – 30 minutes, a lot of people will take the morning or afternoon off. The more relaxed and less rushed you feel, the better your photos will look!

2. Choosing Your Outfit.

What industry are you in? Do you provide professional services, such as financial or legal advice? Are you a realtor or a business coach? Are you a fitness instructor or a landscape gardener? Essentially, your outfit you choose for your professional profile photo should be in line with how the people and business you serve see you when they do business with you.  Think about what you typically wear when you are meeting a new client for the first time. Outfits or items to avoid in headshot photos include “loud” patterns, or strong, bright colors. Bright green and/or royal blues for example will dominate a photo. Your headshot photo should draw the viewer into your eyes. If you wear a really bright color outfit or something with big patterns, the viewer will subconsciously be drawn away from your eyes. 

3. Getting Over Photo Anxiety.

It’s true that most people align having their professional headshot taken with going to the dentist! It’s something we know we have to do but the thought of having a camera pointed at you can make a lot of people feel nervous and anxious.

To overcome this, choose an experienced portrait photographer and ideally, one who has a lot of positive reviews on Google or Yelp for example. A decent portrait photographer (as opposed to someone who has an expensive camera), will know how to put anyone at ease. It’s their job to!

But even if you’re confident in your photographer, you may still be nervous. My best tip here is to empty your mind and forget about any photos from the past. Relax and have fun. Let go of any fear and let your photographer guide you and he or she will quickly build a good report with you. You’re in the hands of an expert and they will know what to say to put you at ease, how to find your best side, and how to pose and position you in order to get the best and most flattering photos for you.

4. Is Professional Makeup A Good Idea?

My clients who opt for pre-session makeup, not only benefit from a professional eye, and look great as a result, but they also treat it like a pampering session. It really helps them to relax before their photoshoot. Guys will occasionally opt for makeup too, to help even out skin tones and hide blemishes. Remember, the more relaxed and less rushed you feel, the better your photos will look. So, although it’s not essential, I personally think it’s a good idea and will make for a more complete and fun experience.  

5. To Smile Or Not To Smile?

This is probably the biggest question I get. Your headshot photo should portray a friendly, warm and genuine look, which gives off the feeling of confidence, professionalism, and trust. These feelings come from within and will show in your eyes. So the answer is not to simply pull a smile with your mouth, but to think happy thoughts. A smile that comes from within, will show in your eyes!

The best way to do this is to really think how you would feel right now if your favorite client agreed to buy your latest gadget, signing up for that 3-year deal, or saying yes to your $10 million proposal! Whatever it is that will give you that “warm buzz” inside. It will shine through your eyes and be written on your face. That’s the “magic moment” your headshot photographer should capture.

To capture the magic moment, your photographer will need to know a little bit about you before they start clicking away. Before any photo session, I always ask a few questions including, “what are these photos going to be used for”? “What do you do for a living”? “Where have you come from today”? “Do you have family”? “Have you had photos done before”? Nothing too deep but just enough to help relax my clients and to keep the conversation going and to build rapport through the session.

6. How Should I Pose For My Headshot Photo?

Correct posing, which includes head, body, and hand positioning will make a huge difference to the outcome of your professional headshot! Your headshot photographer should provide very clear and precise instructions and guidance on how you should sit, stand, and look. You’d be amazed how different you look in a photo, with just the slightest of leans, head tilts, or head roll. It’s incredible! Remember always, that your eyes are the focus.

Everything closer to the camera will appear bigger so by leaning in toward the camera slightly, with the shoulder closest to the camera lower than the other, the result will make your eyes appear larger. On the flip If you lean away, and the shoulder closest to the camera is slightly higher, this will give the impression that your body and chin are larger than they are and your eyes smaller than they really are.

With this in mind, therefore, it’s rare that I would ask my client to stand facing straight at the camera. Generally, I like to pose people at a 45-degree angle because this will also make your body look slimmer! Ultimately, we are all unique with different body shapes, facial features, and head sizes so it isn’t a one pose fits all, kind of deal. Your headshot photographer will figure out the pose that works for you.  

7. Should I Sit Or Stand For My Photo?

It really depends on what will look best for you. If I want to introduce hands into a photo, I personally like to turn a bar chair around so that the back is facing me. I ask my clients to “straddle” the chair like a horse and then use the back of the chair as an armrest and have the person either folding their arms on the back of the chair or maybe having both elbows resting on the back and having my client gently cupping their hands or having one hand touching their chin, cheek or back of their neck. Again, this really depends on how comfortable you look on the chair. Does it look and feel natural? Everyone is different but I often use a chair or stool for different poses!

8. Is It Better To Have Indoor Or Outdoor Photos?

I get asked this a lot. Ultimately, it really depends on the look you want to represent your personal brand! If you want or need a traditional-looking corporate headshot with a plain, neutral backdrop then to have your photoshoot inside a studio makes sense. I have many clients that need a very specific look for their business profiles, for example, a plain white backdrop. But of course, the backdrop inside doesn’t need to be plain or neutral. You may want to show that you work in a downtown office block, a lab, a doctor’s office, a warehouse, or a factory! “Environmental Portraits” are very popular today because they really support personal and business brands. Outdoor portraits are also popular because they are generally more casual and relaxed looking.

9. Do I Need Photo Retouching?

The short answer in my opinion is, YES! A professionally taken photo, with correct lighting, straight out of a camera will look good. Your photographer will take that photo and lightly edit it, meaning that it will be cropped (if necessary), color corrected, and “styled” to the way your photographer likes. They will probably use Adobe Lightroom to do this. I personally have a big stock of pre-set looks and styles to choose from my Lightroom program. This first stage of “editing” will turn a “good” photo into “very good” and clients, (mostly younger people), will be very happy with the outcome of their photos after they have been lightly edited.  However, when my clients opt for the professional retouching option, this will transform their photos from “very good” to “excellent”.  Retouching involves a much higher level of photo editing and attention to detail to skin, eyes, teeth, hair, and clothing. I’ve had many requests for weight reduction too! Yes, it’s even possible to make you look, 10, 15, or 20lb lighter with some clever editing! Having said all this, subtlety is the key. An over-edited photo will stand out like a sore thumb.

10. How Much Does A Headshot Photo Session Cost?

This really depends on where you are in the world and how much local competition there is for your business. When I set my photography studio up, I wanted to deliver a great service, a great product, and at great value. I also love what I do so although I’m not the cheapest photographer, I’ve always been ok with not being the most expensive photographer in my area. As a result, I serve a lot of happy clients! Some photo studios offering the same service, running their business in the middle of a busy city will also need to charge more because they have higher running costs and higher rents! Click on the link below to receive a business headshot and personal portrait pricing.  If you’re a business and you need all your staff to update their professional headshots with a consistent look for your company website, I can travel to your place of work and offer the same type of service as I do out of my studio.  

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Gift Card

During these unprecedented, and historic times, Stuart is offering a special “Doorstep” Family Session, to give families a way to document their life during the COVID -19 crisis. Stuart will come to your yard, keeping a safe distance, and will use a long lens throughout your session!

Your 20 Minute Session includes ALL Digital JPEGs from your online gallery (Social Sharing JPEG Files - 72 DPI) .

You also have the option to order prints from your online gallery (Optional).

If you would like to document a snippet of your family life at home, you can also upgrade to record a video message, which will be edited and accompanied to music.

Please contact Stuart Beeby Photography to schedule your Doorstep Session.

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How to Look and Feel Confident infront of a Camera

As a full time, professional portrait photographer, I have taken 1000’s of portraits for business professionals, athletes, actors, musicians, models, teenagers and children.  And the most important role I play as a photographer is not about knowing how to use a camera or how to light a person correctly, (although both essential) it’s how to make the person or people having their picture taken feel relaxed and comfortable.

It's true to say that many people shy away from having their picture taken professionally and keep putting it off, often resorting to what they can capture on their smartphone. I would even go as far as to say that as many as 75% of people that visit my studio starts off by saying “I should just let you know that I hate having my picture taken”.

So why do so many of us feel uncomfortable in front of a camera or feel that we hate having our picture taken? It’s a combination of things:

1)      When we look at photos of ourselves, we often pay more attention to the things we don’t like about the way we look. Let’s be honest, we are our own worse critics. We may say to ourselves, “I don’t like the way I smile” or “I have a double chin”, “My teeth are bad”, “I don’t like my grey bits”, “I’m overweight”.  

2)      Most pictures we have of ourselves, these days are taken with a smartphone, which lack the ability to control light or be able to use the most flattering focal length for a portrait. So, although phones have quite sophisticated cameras these days, they are still huge differences in the quality of results between a smartphone camera and a $5,000 professional camera.

3)      The person taking the photo doesn’t know how to pose or direct us. This is a big deal! Even if a friend or a family member owns a nice new, shiny expensive camera, it takes years of practice and experience to know how to pose and direct someone to ensure the most flattering results. And what looks good for one person may actually be less flattering for another!  

So, to help alleviate these fears and previous experiences, I wrote this guide to provide five tried and tested easy tips for people who don't feel comfortable in front of a camera or are nervous about the whole idea.

I hope you find the guide useful.    

- Stuart Beeby 

Tip 1

Planning Your Outfit

Men:

Plain white or blue dress shirts are classic and clean looking. Solid shades of gray or navy are also good. Pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye.

Layers on men look great on camera. Another layer will bring extra dimension and visual interest to your photos. For example, blazers, vests and jackets enhance any look. Or add a v-neck sweater with a pop of color from a long-sleeved collared shirt and tie underneath.

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with layers!

Women:

When choosing colors for your outfits, I recommend selecting softer, lighter tones or more muted shades. Try to avoid ultra-bright, bold colors. The camera loves delicate shades, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, brown and white.

A single plain top with neck jewelry with subtle earrings looks great, but adding another layer over your top, enhances any business portrait.  

If you choose to add another layer, try a slightly different shade or tone rather than an exact match to the layer beneath.  

 Tip 2

Look away!

Constantly looking toward the camera and holding a pose, causes your eyes to glaze over and your smile will look forced, consequently your expression will develop into a "hard stare" after a few frames. 

To make your expression more natural, I always have my clients "look away" from camera between each shot. When prompted, I'll ask them to turn their head and eyes towards me, at which point I capture a much more natural expression. 

It works!

 Tip 3

Lean Toward the Camera

For those who would like the camera to take a few pounds off, my favorite trick is to make my subjects head larger in proportion to their body.

I achieve this by asking my subject to "lean in" towards the camera so the closest part of their body is actually their forehead. This may feel awkward  but it works, because everything further away from the lens (i.e. your body), appears smaller in the photo!

Never lean back when anyone takes your photo, if your goal is to appear a few pounds lighter. 

 Tip 4

Stool for confidence

I use this trick for the most camera-shy people and it works every single time! 

Having a small "physical barrier" between you and a camera lens, really helps boost confidence. 

I keep a high back bar stool in my studio for when I see someone having a hard time relaxing. I place my stool between us and ask them to lean on the back of the stool in a folded arm position.

Having this little barrier, instantly boosts confidence, which helps you to relax. 

 Relax and Have Fun 

To sum everything up so far...

1) Plan your outfits

2) Don't stare at the camera and look away between shots

3) Lean in towards the camera 

4) Use a stool to boost confidence 

And my last tip is to simply RELAX and HAVE FUN!  

If you relax and trust your photographer to coach you through your session, it will make all the difference in your final images. 

ENJOY the experience and just "let go". I can assure you that your investment will be so much more worthwhile.  

If you’re needing to update your professional profile images on LinkedIn or your company website or if you’re a performing artist and you need an updated acting portfolio, launching a new business or creating a new website, our photo studio is located in Metro West Boston, and we serve clients from Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Marlborough, Framingham, Acton, Concord, Lincoln, Ashland, Wellesley, Natick, Newton, Worcester, Southborough, and Boston.

[stuartbeeby]

Is Your Professional Profile Photo Damaging Your Brand?

Why Your Profile Photo Is So Important:

According to statista.com in 2019, 79% of the population in the United States had a social media profile, which equates to approximately 247 Million Social Media users in the US alone! Quite staggering, and this is a 2% increase in one year!

What we say and do on social media defines our online “personal brand”. So, it’s become increasingly important to represent our brand in the best way we can, which ultimately starts with your profile photo.  

It’s fair to say that by not having a “half-decent” or updated profile photo (less than five years), on your professional social media account, such as LinkedIn and/or Twitter, it is likely damaging your brand in some way.

This article was written to help anyone who needs to update their online professional profile photo, and for businesses, updating their website’s “About us” or “meet the team” pages with executive headshots. I hope you find it useful.

There are two options to improve or update your professional profile photo:

1) D.I.Y Mobile Phone Headshot:

The good news is that the cameras in our phones are getting better all the time, and since the introduction of “Portrait Mode”, it’s possible to get some fairly good results.

If you opt for the camera phone route for your professional headshot photo, here are some tips to get the best results possible from your phone:

1)      If your phone has a “Portrait Mode”, use it.

2)      Find a place which has even, soft light. If outdoors, the best conditions would be an overcast, cloudy day. If it’s a bright sunny day, find a shaded area and make sure that the background is the same level of light as you are situated. I.E. The background shouldn’t be flooded with direct sunlight.     

3)      Find a background that is plain, and even in color and light to the area, you are standing in, and ideally, one which is a darker tone than your skin. Otherwise, your phone camera will underexpose your face!

4)      Put as much space between you and the backdrop as possible, to prevent unwanted shadow.

5)      If taking a “Selfie”, again use the Portrait mode, then switch the self-timer to at least 3 seconds. Those 3 seconds will help you to compose your shot and your expression!  

6)      Take a few photos and I recommend enhancing your favorite with the editing software which comes with your phone. I usually increase the exposure a touch and crop the photo so that your eyes are in line with the top third of the frame.

2) Hire a Professional Photographer

Hiring a Professional for your headshot is the way to go if you’re serious about your personal brand. But how do you find a photographer near you that will give you the results you need in order to portray the best version of yourself? Headshot Photography is a niche. I recommend to not just simply hire “a photographer”, but to find one who specializes in headshot and portrait photography.  Just like Newborn / Infant Photography or Wedding Photography, a quality headshot requires someone with experience in that field.

Why choose a Specialist?

The fact is, most people, get nervous and anxious at the very thought of having a headshot photo. But this is where the interpersonal skills of a professional portrait photographer must shine.

In order to capture the true essence of someone’s character, they must have the ability to calm nerves and to help their client relax, and in a short space of time. This is probably the most important aspect of headshot and portrait photography. If someone is nervous throughout their photo session, it will show in the final photos. But a decent portrait photographer is (or should be) skilled at helping anyone and everyone overcome camera nerves and fill their client with confidence and energy. They should make it a fun experience, and not like a visit to the dentist!

Take an event photographer, for example, who is skilled at capturing and documenting events and candid moments. I’ve personally covered 100’s of events but compared to a portrait session, there is very little, if any, one-on-one interaction between an event photographer and their subjects (people). In other words, a decent event photographer may not necessarily have the added qualities and personality needed to be an excellent portrait photographer. So choose your photographer wisely.

The second most important thing to consider before hiring a photographer for a headshot is to know if the photographer has the skills and ability to work with professional lighting.

Here’s why.

Natural Light Photography:

A decent “natural light” headshot can be stunning but it requires an experienced photographer and nice, soft light conditions. For a professional using only natural light (No flash or studio strobe lights),  the key is finding an area, space or location with soft, even lighting.

But the challenge for a photographer using natural light only, is that it may not be possible to find that light when it’s needed!  I can think of dozens of situations where I have been invited by a business to take headshot photos of all their employees, and the only available room is a windowless conference room, with tungsten, overhead lighting! (I.E. Terrible lighting for a photo).

It’s for this reason that most Photographers who only use natural light, prefer to work outside. But then weather and the seasons will dictate the time and day of any photo session! Having a headshot outside in the middle of a snowstorm or torrential rain, wouldn’t be much fun for the Photographer or their client.

Professional Headshot with Studio Lighting:

A huge benefit and overwhelming advantage of having a professional headshot or portrait session in a photography studio are that every single aspect of lighting is controlled by the photographer. It doesn’t matter what time of day is, which day of the week or season it is, a studio headshot photographer can perform their craft 24 x 7. (If they really wanted to, but you get my point)

Studio lighting provides many other advantages. An accomplished studio photographer understands how to manipulate and shape light in such a way as to completely change the way a person or group of people are portrayed. For example, to create a feeling of authority, experience and importance for a CEO, Entrepreneur or an Author for example, a more “cinematic” headshot will portray a very different look and feel to a more traditional, evenly lit headshot.

Studio lighting really makes a headshot or portrait “pop”, especially when using a two, three or four light set up. Carefully placed lighting separates a person from the background of the surrounding. This means that the viewer’s eye is naturally drawn towards the person’s face.

Beyond a business headshot, lighting can also be used to create special effects, and when a situation arises for the need to get really creative, combining lighting with studio fog, for example, can provide some very dramatic results!

The Takeaway:

Ultimately, the biggest takeaway, is if you would like your professional headshot or portrait to portray your character or your business brand in the most authentic way possible way, the best option is to choose a headshot and portrait specialist. One who is professional, a good communicator, and one who can create stunning results every time, even in a poorly lit room!

Thanks for reading!

Stuart Beeby Photography

[stuartbeeby]

How to Look and Feel Confident in front of a Camera

Is your Professional Profile Image in need of an update? Do you want to avoid having a bad headshot to represent your personal brand? Do you want to look and feel confident in front of the camera? These five simple tips will help even the most camera shy people to relax and enjoy a photo session.

Have you heard the Term... "YOU are YOUR BRAND"?

If you're looking to set yourself apart from your competition or stand out from the crowd, investing in your PERSONAL BRAND is a great idea!

I work with 100's of executives, entrepreneurs, actors, artists, and athletes every year, capturing what makes them unique. I've written this FREE Guide which provides 5 Tips for natural looking Headshots.