Clients regularly come to me and ask me what “special” thing they need to do to prepare for their professional headshots. Really, YOU are what makes your professional headshot special. You should strive to be your best self that day, but don’t try to change who you are. If you are someone who is constantly … Read more
In February, I became co-owner of The Studio Hampton Roads along with fellow photographer and friend, Samantha Fehling of Sami Roy Photography! It has been a whirlwind adventure to say the least and so amazing. The Studio provides me with a space to work and create that is my own but is also a separate … Read more
I frequently have offices contact me about providing headshots for one or two employees at a time. However, it is much more convenient to all and better for a company’s brand to have me come in and update headshots for everyone all at once. Most don’t know, but I discount per person to make this … Read more
“How often should I update my professional headshot?” is a question I get asked quite a bit. I have had clients that come to me roughly every 6 months and some that come to me for the first time having not updated their headshot for 10+ years. So, I would like to give you some … Read more
Taking a male professional headshot can seem a bit more challenging. There are less obvious poses with men, but knowing subtle ways to better the pose will help the entire session. Firstly, it is the responsibility of the photographer to communicate with the client those subtle changes they need to make for the best possible … Read more
Real estate photography isn’t something that I advertise too heavily but it is something that I enjoy doing. This particular house is a BEAUTY! An amazing property on the water, near a great local beach with all sorts of special amenities. If you’re looking for the perfect house for jet skis, boating, relaxing by the pool, … Read more
Recently, I was lucky enough to capture the incredibly special wedding of two AMAZING people! It was a fun-filled, slightly hectic day but oh so amazing. I couldn’t help but laugh as I was going through photos though… So, almost everyone plans their wedding day down to the minute. But very rarely does everything pan out … Read more
One thing I feel I have a knack for recently are last second headshots. Several clients over the last week have come to me needing headshots taken that week or even that DAY! Medical students applying for residencies, someone recently starting a new position, and speakers at conventions have been some of my recent clients … Read more
I really love when I get clients who are able to make time for a full session, especially when they have little guys! This gives me the time to get to know their family and capture who they really are in a comfortable setting. The standard posed family photos can be great, but it’s soooo … Read more
I am sure you have heard the phrase: “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” I like to take this thought a few steps further… In life or in business, it is all about who you spend your time on. I like to surround myself with happy, creative, successful people. Now, I don’t see … Read more
Choosing a doctor, whether it be general practice or a specialist, can be quite challenging. I’ve noticed in my own searches for doctors that most medical professionals have headshots that are very standard and impersonal. As a customer, this makes it difficult for me to find a doctor that I know I will be comfortable … Read more
I would like to use my blog as a platform to discuss an amazing cause brought to light by some amazing women here in Hampton Roads. Habesha Momma is a non-profit organization with the slogan: Changing Lives, Transforming Furtures. And that is exactly what they are doing in so many ways. In November of 2015, they … Read more
Why do I include engagement sessions in my wedding packages? To get to know my couples! I love love love working with fun, unique couples. The engagement session gives me the time to learn about what brought the couple together and what keeps them together. We get the time to work together before the wedding and feel … Read more
Mother’s Day is such a wonderful time to celebrate the women in our lives but it is also a great time to support those women. This Mother’s Day, I want to highlight an amazing woman who is using her beautiful talent to support her family while celebrating women. I have known Ana Padgett with Chicka … Read more
Sometimes sessions don’t go exactly how you plan them to… You spend hours picking out the perfect outfit, browsing through Pinterest for cute poses, picking up balloons, getting the dog groomed, and getting everyone ready. Then you show up to a cold, windy beach and the moment your child steps out of the car…they scrape … Read more
This was my second year photographing the Virginia Miss Amazing Pageant. To say these girls are inspiring is an understatement. I always leave the event feeling so excited and motivated. This year’s organizer, Sharon Turner, did an amazing job organizing this special event. “Miss Amazing is a nationwide program that provides opportunities for girls and women … Read more
Rhena Leland has been a close friend of mine for quite some time. She is an amazing business professional and a brilliant person. I was so thrilled to take her professional headshots recently. Of course, I had to take the opportunity to ask her some questions about her alkaline water machines. … Read more
I tend to see a lot of folks who just want a plain professional headshot. For some reason, the plain black backdrop has become the standard for professionalism in the area. I certainly don’t mind this approach, in some cases, but it takes away the opportunity to personalize your headshot. To add just a little … Read more
I have had several clients tell me, “I have my professional headshots…now what?” It’s important to realize all the different benefits professional headshots can bring to your business. You should consider the headshot expense as part of your marketing strategy. 1. Social Media Social media is probably the number one place my clients display their professional … Read more
Your professional headshot tells potential clients who you are and what you do. You want to make sure that it reflects your personality and attracts the types of clientele you are looking for. One of the most common mistakes I see with professional headshots is that they can be too uniform. People put too much effort … Read more
This function has been disabled for Leah Ariel Photography.