Winners of Thumbtack’s Best of 2016 award are those with high ratings and truly stellar customer reviews. These pros demonstrate a commitment to great service and we’re proud to prominently feature their businesses on our website.

A couple of days ago, I got an email from Thumbtack.com with other pleasant news, it said: 

"Your story has been published on Thumbtack.com, where we've proudly highlighted it in the Pro Spotlight section of our website for all the world to see."  

If you want to check it out, here is the link: https://www.thumbtack.com/ca/pasadena/portfolio-photographers/#spotlight

Thumbtack.com  is an online service that connects people with skilled local professionals to get their projects done.  Let's say that you need a photographer (plumber, handyman, etc.), you fill out a short online request (free of charge) and 5 photographers in your geographical area will send you quotes. The photographer has to pay anywhere from $3 to $13 to submit the quote to you for a chance to compete with 4 other photographers for the job. 

It is a great resource for those needing to find a qualified professional and for companies looking for more clients. Another benefit is that the "potential" client can be anonymous. You don't need to give out your phone number or personal email, the communication can happen through messages on Thumbtack.

On Thumbtack, there are over 230,000 professionals in almost 1,100 unique categories.

I'm  humbled by the recognition and want to thank all my clients for their wonderful reviews.  I'm lucky to have a job that I enjoy and where I get to meet many nice people.  These awards are just "icing on the cake!"

Plan your route to the shoot, check the traffic, parking, etc.  You don't want to be late or too early.  Often, photographers have another shoot scheduled before or after you.  If you're late, you don't want to be rushed and lose those precious minutes.  Time is money, so be considerate.

Try on your outfits at home and make sure they are not wrinkled.  Take various options to the shoot.  Choose colors that compliment your skin tone and garments that flatter you.  Solid colors are preferred.  Avoid: white tops (OK with a jacket on top), logos, busy patterns or too many accessories. Your eyes and face should be the stars.  Your outfit enhances your look.  If what you're selling is your outrageous personal fashion style, then you would be an exception.  

KNOW YOUR BEST LOOKS

Some people know their angles and the expressions that look good or bad in pictures.  If you don't, take a good look in the mirror and figure it out. Also, look at pictures of yourself and see which ones you like and why.

Speaking of face, ladies, try starting out with a natural makeup look and then you can build up from there.  Practice this transformation at home so you can change your look quickly.  Remember that heavy eye makeup ages you and sometimes, less is more, particularly lower lid liner, which also closes your eyes (making them smaller).  If you need help with makeup, let your photographer know ahead of time as a makeup artist will have to be hired for you.  The cost of getting your makeup done ranges from $80-$200.  HeadshotLA.com can contact someone to do your makeup.  

Men, you usually look better without makeup, unless you're a rock star and eye liner is part of your "look".  Perhaps you'd like some photos with facial hair/stubble and then shave (if you can do it quickly).   Bring what you need for your transformations.

Ladies, consider putting your hair up for a different look.  Men, also try different hair styles, such as adding hair gel toward the end of the shoot.

GET SOME REST - There's no fixing it in post.

Beauty sleep, really works!!!  A lot of makeup cannot hide your lack of sleep when you've been out drinking 'till 3AM.  You don't want to do heavy editing of your headshot because it could look phony and be apparent.  The photo should look like you.  Actors, casting directors can usually tell when there's too much retouching and they won't be happy about you misrepresenting yourself, so you might not be invited to the audition. Even business photos shouldn't look like you, 15 years ago, right?  We will use flattering lighting and posing tips to make you look your best. The editing will enhance you in subtle ways.  

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Tell your photographer what you want to do with your photos and what look you're going after. Are there lighting styles and backgrounds that you like on our website, or have you saved inspiration shots from the internet?  Share that information prior to your shoot.  

During the shoot, listen and follow suggestions and direction.  If you have a specific idea of a look you want, tell the photographer.  Remember that your picture needs to communicate without words.  Your eyes have to tell a story, the face and body have to support that story or feeling.  If you relax and have fun interacting with the person on the other side of the camera, your pictures will reflect that and you will get outstanding results.