Emotional Intelligence vs Artificial Intelligence.

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As the founder of Headshots Matter and a corporate portrait photographer for many years, I've been thinking a lot about the benefits and concerns of artificial intelligence and how it impacts corporate and creative headshot photography.

As we navigate the era of advancing artificial intelligence, it's vital to recognize its impact on the photography industry. While AI may present new avenues for post-production and creative ideation, the unique value of emotional intelligence remains unparalleled. It is the cornerstone of creating authentic, evocative, and on-brand headshots and portraits, reassuring us of our professional worth and inspiring us to refine this personal and distinctive skill further. 

Recently, I had the honour of collaborating with a prominent government official. Her portraits needed to convey confidence, professionalism, approachability, and friendliness. This collaborative process, requiring a keen sense of emotional intelligence, underscores the unique value that only a human photographer can bring to the table, making us all the more essential in this era of advancing artificial intelligence.

While AI-generated portraits may offer convenience, they cannot replace the role of emotional intelligence in capturing the essence of a subject's brand story. As photographers, we bear the responsibility and privilege of ensuring that the images we create are visually appealing and emotionally impactful. We are the ones who shape the setting, the lighting, and the mood, decisions that mirror our unique perspective and creative control, empowering us to remain essential in this era of advancing artificial intelligence. 

In this era of advancing artificial intelligence, I am intrigued by its impact on the photography industry. Yet, it's a subject that unites us, igniting our curiosity and propelling us to explore uncharted territories. This curiosity and engagement, the lifeblood of our industry, inspire and motivate us to keep it vibrant and evolving, reminding us of the unique value we bring as photographers.

I'd love to hear your views and ideas on how artificial intelligence impacts your photography business.

Cheers, Dwayne Brown

Note: A special thanks to all of the Headshots Matter members who bring their talents and creativity to every portrait they shoot and their courage to embrace new technologies in their photography practices! 

The Team is Growing

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As our Headshots Matter community grows, so does our team. I’m very proud to welcome Barry Keegan officially as our HSM Fractional CMO! He brings 17 years of marketing and communication experience from his career spanning the private, public, and non-profit sectors. In his role, he’ll be responsible for driving growth through innovative marketing campaigns, fostering global community connections, and integrating AI strategies and tools.

Barry will also be available for one-on-one consultations with our members to help them focus on digital marketing, develop their content strategy, and get more out of LinkedIn networking.

Please send us a direct message to learn more or to schedule some one-on-one time with Barry.

Cheers, Dwayne

© Headshots matter / Meeing in Montreal with Mike Jean-Baptisite

OUTSIDERS by Sara Ghedina

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We're very proud to share a wonderful and powerful creative project called OUTSIDERS by Sara Ghedina. Sara is a Venice-based portrait photographer, who we're very grateful to have as an HSM Creative Member. Please enjoy Sara’s words and imagery below.

Cheers, Dwayne

© Sara ghedina

I started this project in the summer of 2022. I wanted to gain more experience doing portraits. I was also interested in photographing people generally marginalized or living at the fringe of society (some topics I've always been drawn to). Since I am a portrait photographer and do studio work, I wanted to create a series consistent with what I typically do. I knew I wouldn't have a photojournalistic approach, even though I have a deep appreciation for photographers who do that kind of work.

I thought about different subjects, like immigrants, for example, or caregivers who take care of elderly people (here in Italy, they are often women who come from Eastern Europe, and we tend to forget they have a family and should have a life of their own outside work, as they essentially live full time with the person they are in charge of supporting). One of the challenges was to have access to a whole group at once instead of finding single individuals and doing their portraits one at a time, which may have taken months or even years. I told my idea to some friends, and one of them got me connected with a woman who is in charge of a drug rehabilitation program in a facility not far from where I live (CEIS in Campocroce, Treviso). We met, I told her about my project, and she loved it, not only because she felt the need to show these young adults in a different light but also as something they could really enjoy doing. She told me that one of the difficult aspects of the program - among millions of others - is that you constantly need to find activities to keep them engaged and that may spark their interest because of the risk of falling back and returning "to the streets" as they put it is always very strong.

© Sara ghedina

I did my first series in August 2022. I photographed about 15-18 people and gave them three portraits each. I set up everything on location, had minimal equipment, and used a simple portable grey background and one beauty dish overhead.

I called the project OUTSIDERS because an outsider is someone who doesn't fit in, who lives on the fringe of society and is excluded from it, either by choice or by circumstances. But, more importantly, in sports language, an outsider also emerges or wins by surprise, even if they are not among the favourites. And I wanted to emphasize their willingness to win their battle and live a normal life again. With my pictures, I tried to give voice to their stories of suffering and redemption, stories that we often refuse to see because we are blinded by prejudice, have difficulty understanding them, or lack empathy.

The project was presented in late September during their traditional End of Summer Party when parents, relatives and members of the community visited the facility and offered their support. All the portraits were printed and showcased in a dedicated room, and I cannot tell you how many parents came to me with tears, thanking me for taking those pictures and giving their kids a different experience. Needless to say, I was really happy and moved myself.

© Sara ghedina

I did the same thing in November last year, with new subjects and a different light/background setup. This time, I used two lights and a larger backdrop with props like a table and apple boxes to give the poses some variety.

I may volunteer to do it again in the following months. At this point, I became friends with the woman in charge of the program, and she loved it when I took the time to do it. I would love to keep the project going and have a more extensive series that could spark more interest.

And most of all, it's been a valuable experience for me as a person, I was somewhat worried in the beginning because I was afraid I wouldn't know what to say or how to interact with these guys, but really, I had no reason to, they were really into the project and we had a lot of fun. Some women came in before being photographed and were shaking, telling me they were nervous and couldn't keep still during the session. I had them close their eyes and breathe slowly to calm down, thinking about something beautiful and relaxing, like a sunny beach on the Mediterranean or a green meadow. And that gave me the idea of photographing some of them with their eyes closed as if they were imagining a different future for themselves.

© Sara ghedina

Another challenge was that many of the guys were wearing large hoodies with giant logos and/or large sweatpants, which were not the most flattering clothes to photograph. I simply asked them to take the hoodies off and wear their t-shirt only, or, if they had tattoos (which most of them had), I asked them if they wouldn't mind taking the shirt off as well and show their ink and they were really happy to do, as in most cases their tattoos had some special meaning. Overall, it was a great experience, emotionally more than anything; I am really happy I had the opportunity to do it and inspire someone else to do the same as a way to deepen our empathy and kindness and to fight our own prejudices.

Sara Ghedina

To see more of Sara’s work, please visit her website at: www.saraghedina.com

Photography Adjacent Podcast: Embracing Humility

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We're excited to celebrate the latest achievement of one of our talented members, Tom Trevatt, as he launched his podcast, 'Photography Adjacent,' earlier this week. Dedicated to engaging with diverse creatives, including artists, writers, thinkers, activists, experts, and the occasional photographer, Tom's podcast promises to be an inspiring journey into the world of creativity.

I had the pleasure of being Tom's first guest on the show, where I had the opportunity to share my professional story and offer some behind-the-scenes inspiration to the Headshots Matter community. Seeing our members pursue their passions and take their creative careers to new heights is truly rewarding. I’d also like to compliment and recognize Barry Keegan for doing such a great job producing the podcast!

We can’t wait to see (and hear) Tom’s upcoming interviews! Oh yeah, don’t forget to subscribe on Youtube and/or where ever you listen to your podcasts!

Cheers, Dwayne Brown

Headshots of actors looking like themselves.

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We’re very pleased to welcome London-based photographer, Chris Mann as an Associate Photographer to Headshots Matter. In a very competitive market, Chris photographs actors better than just about anyone in London. His headshots may seem simple, yet they are authentic, honest and perhaps even leaning toward the vulnerable. They even capture a sense of time-fluidity in a single moment. Most importantly, casting agents love his work because he captures the real person in front of his camera.

Chris also puts the style and story of who he’s photographing before his own, which is why his actors’ headshots are so strong and effective! Great work, Chris!

To see more of Chris’ work, please take a look at his HSM gallery page.

Cheers, Dwayne

New HSM Members | Sharon Smith

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Were very excited to welcome Sharon Smith of Hippy & Bloom / Dublin, Ireland - to our Headshots Matter family! Sharon and her creative partner Bronwyn O’Brien have been capturing families in the most beautiful and authentic style and now Sharon is sharing her work capturing authentic headshots of actors and individuals for their LinkedIn profiles. To see more of Sharon’s work, please take a peek at her gallery page.

We can’t wait to share more of Sharon’s headshot photography on Instagram in the coming weeks!

Creativity Matters

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As a headshot photographer, you might find yourself experiencing slower times, where clients seem few and far between. It can be easy to fall into a negative or fearful mindset and feel discouraged during these times. However, embracing a creative and abundant mindset can help you survive and thrive during these slower periods.

Adopting a creative mindset can help you get out of a rut and develop fresh ideas. Instead of feeling stuck and uninspired, you can use this time to experiment with new techniques or explore different photography styles. Try incorporating new lighting techniques, playing with different backdrops or posing, or experimenting with post-processing techniques. By challenging yourself to think outside the box, you might discover new ways to enhance your work and attract new clients.

© Aaron Jean / Madrid, Spain

Embracing an abundance mindset can help you shift your focus from scarcity to abundance. Instead of obsessing over a lack of clients, try to focus on the abundance of opportunities. For example, during slower times, you can use this opportunity to strengthen your online presence by updating your website and social media strategies. You can also use this time to network with other professionals in your industry, participate in online communities, or even attend industry events. By shifting your focus and taking advantage of these opportunities, you can attract new clients and build stronger relationships with your existing clients.

Adopting a positive mindset can help you attract positive energy and opportunities. By focusing on what you want instead of what you lack, you can attract more of what you desire. Try practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of your business. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to keep moving forward.

A creative and abundant mindset can help you thrive as a headshot photographer during slower times. By challenging yourself to think creatively, focusing on abundance, taking advantage of opportunities, and adopting a positive outlook, you can attract new clients, build stronger relationships, and enhance your overall business.

If you have any questions and/or ideas or need emotional support during the quieter time in business, please reach out anytime via email, phone or WhatsApp.

Cheers, Dwayne Brown
Headshots Matter
dwayne@headshotsmatter.com
+1 (613) 290-5737

2023 Headshots Matter Holiday Cheer!

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It’s been another wonderful year with Headshots Matter! Our membership has grown every month, so our community has gotten richer and even more helpful. With that growth, we’ve also seen our social media accounts grow, especially our LinkedIn page, at just over 3400 followers. As we move into 2024, we’ll be upping our LinkedIn game, where there is so much potential for lead generation for each member and our overall membership. 

We’ll also continue to grow and share our peer-to-peer mentorship program with sessions from Tom Trevatt, Sean Lewthwaite, Linda Mackie, Barry Keegan and James Melia. We’ll also be creating more StudioTalk virtual sessions and interviews. 

As I write this, I’m humbled that Headshots Matter is a true community of generous, kind and helpful photographers complimented by other creative experts. I’ve seen friendships develop over our WhatsApp group and, with those friendships, creative growth. I’m beyond grateful to all members, past and present, who have graciously been a part of this cool and creative community! And I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on our first Headshots Matter Holiday Cheer today on Zoom.

For those of you who couldn’t make it to the virtual party, I invite you to share a comment below Mod Schwalbe’s very sweet and heartfelt video message.

Again, thanks to everyone for another great year, and I wish you and your families a safe and joyous holiday with much creative success in 2024!

Cheers, Dwayne

© Mod Schwalbe / Brooklyn, New York

Transcendence

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At Headshots Matter, we curate and champion great headshot photographers who consistently push boundaries and shoot with their own creative voice. We love the work of Afonso Azevedo Neves and, more importantly, his passionate drive to constantly shoot.

From his studio in Lisbon, Portugal, Afonson shoots beautiful portraits and shares them on social at least once a day. Sometimes, his portraits are BW headshot studies; sometimes, they feel more like emotionally connected experiences and sometimes, like this photograph, they transcend the viewer to a different era. 

We’re very grateful to have Afonso a part of our Headshots Matter community!

If you’ve like to view more of Afonso’s work, please check our his website at: www.ofotografoportugues.com


Beatriz photographed by Afonso Azevedo Neves

Words

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As Tom Trevatt shared yesterday on Instagram, “it’s really difficult to put words to some of my favourite shots…..” We couldn't agree more, but perhaps some images just don’t need words to describe them, or maybe they’re beyond them. Either way, we absolutely love Tom’s portraits of London photographer, Kezi. They’re calmly lit and captured with such reverence and honesty.

Beautiful work, Tom + Kezi!

© Tom Tevatt Photography

To view more of Tom Trevatt’s work: www.tomtrevatt.com and to consider a mentorship session with Tom: www.headshotsmatter.com/creative-mentorship-tom-trevatt

Creative Mindset

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It may seem obvious, but having a creative mindset is crucial for a successful and enjoyable headshot photography business. I was wonderfully reminded of this during a Zoom chat with Headshots Matter photographer Jordan Fraker. As we discussed his website and social media presentation, Jordan emphasized the importance of maintaining an 'art student mindset'.

© Jordan Fraker Photography

Jordan runs a successful commercial studio in Dallas, shooting everything from headshots to corporate photography to advertising campaigns. He also focuses on shooting personal work and creatively kindling his commercial career. Keeping his art student headspace alive keeps his eyes open and his heart hungry to create fantastic imagery!

Thanks, Jordan, for being an art student at heart! We’re super glad to have you as an inspiring part of our creative community!

If you’re not already familiar with Jordan’s work, please take a look at his website: www.jordanfraker.com

Cheers, Dwayne

MENTORSHIP MATTERS

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It was super nice to spend some ‘one on one’ time with Mike Euclide Jean-Baptiste this weekend in Montreal! It gave us time to talk about Mike’s corporate headshot business and how Headshots Matter has helped him, not only with his SEO and marketing but also creatively with the kind help of Sean McLatchie Lewthwaite, one of our awesome mentors.

During our chat, we also talked about Mike’s life long passion for drawing and capturing portraits and his desire to help his clients with his photography. We also talked about the balance of humility and creative confidence, and how it only requires time and practice to perfect the balance.

Mentorship definitely is a two way conversation and I’m so grateful that we had this opportunity!

Dwayne Brown
Founder + Senior Mentor
Headshots Matter

© JENNIFER KIMBERLY BROWN / HEADSHOTS MATTER

Why do headshots matter?

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© headshotsmatter / dwayne brown studio inc.

One of the best questions we’re asked as headshot photographers is, “why do headshots matter?”. Of course, there are many answers depending on one’s situation, but there are some universal reasons why it should matter to everyone. When developing a personal or professional brand, your headshot is the cornerstone to your brand. It quickly establishes the tone and feel of your brand story. Your headshot has the opportunity to share your professionalism, your friendliness and your overall visual style. A well photographed professional headshot can also help establish trust between you and the viewers of your portrait. It can also convey confidence and experience. These are all critical qualities when establishing business relationships, regardless if one is a self-employed entrepreneur or works for a large organization.

When one thinks of brand, a logo comes to mind, perhaps. It helps us recall the experience we've had with the product or services rendered by the company behind it. Similarly, one’s personal brand sends out a message and speaks to those you interact with. That said, a great headshot is the best tool to communicate effectively who you are professionally, as well as an authentic way of supporting your career or the company you work for. Whether you use your headshot on a professional network like LinkedIn or as a profile avatar for your email, your viewers will better understand who you are and your brand story.

So yes, headshots matter greatly and selecting the best photographer to capture your headshot, matters even more!

Cheers, Dwayne

Montreal | London | Brooklyn | Madrid | Sydney | Palo Alto | Stockholm | Ottawa | Dallas | Manchester | Chicago | Toronto | Lisbon

HOW TO CONVEY YOUR VALUE AS AN ACTOR: A GUIDE TO STANDING OUT IN THE INDUSTRY

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As an actor, it can be difficult to stand out in a sea of talented individuals all competing for the same roles. However, by understanding how to effectively convey your value, you can differentiate yourself and increase your chances of success. In this guide, we'll cover various methods for showcasing your talents and skills, so you can make a lasting impression in the acting world.

SHOWCASING YOUR UNIQUE TALENT AND SKILLS

One of the most important aspects of conveying your value as an actor is showcasing your unique talents and skills. This can be achieved through various means, including:

BUILDING A STRONG PORTFOLIO

Your portfolio should include headshots, performance clips, and any other materials that highlight your strengths as an actor. Make sure it is professional, organized, and showcases your range as an actor.

NETWORKING AND PROMOTING YOURSELF

Attend industry events, join acting groups, and take advantage of social media platforms to promote yourself and network with others in the industry. Building a strong network can help increase your visibility and lead to new opportunities.

TAKING CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

Continuing to learn and grow as an actor is crucial for conveying your value. Take classes and workshops to improve your skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends.

DEMONSTRATING YOUR COMMITMENT AND PASSION

Another important aspect of conveying your value as an actor is demonstrating your commitment and passion for the industry. This can be achieved through:

CONSISTENTLY AUDITIONING

Auditioning regularly shows your dedication and commitment to the industry. It also allows you to showcase your abilities and continue to grow as an actor.

BEING A PROFESSIONAL ON SET

Being professional on set and in rehearsals demonstrates your respect for the industry and your commitment to your craft. This can lead to positive reviews and recommendations from industry professionals.

PURSUING DIVERSE ROLES

Pursuing diverse roles shows your versatility as an actor and demonstrates your passion for the craft. It also helps you to stand out and showcase your range.

STANDING OUT IN A COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY

The acting industry is highly competitive, but there are still ways to stand out and convey your value. Consider:

BUILDING A PERSONAL BRAND

Building a personal brand helps to differentiate you from others in the industry and showcases your unique talents and skills. This can be achieved through consistent messaging, a strong online presence, and a clear understanding of your strengths as an actor - and of course high quality headshots.

BEING PREPARED FOR AUDITIONS

Being thoroughly prepared for auditions can set you apart from other actors and demonstrate your commitment to the industry. This includes being familiar with the material, having a strong understanding of the character, and being professional and confident in your presentation.

COLLABORATING WITH OTHER ACTORS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

Collaborating with others in the industry can lead to new opportunities, positive recommendations, and increased visibility. It also shows your commitment to the craft and willingness to work with others to achieve success.

© Tom Trevatt www.tomtrevatt.com/blog/how-to-convey-your-value-as-an-actor-a-guide-to-standing-out-in-the-industry

Sean's Pick of the Week / #hsothw

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by Sean Lewthwaite / Stockholm Sweden

Over the past several months, Sean Lewthwaite / @stockholm_sean has been sharing his views on Instagram DM, when he really loves a photographer’s image (including a message he sent me this morning about a post I made of James Melia). I really respect Sean’s opinion, not only because he’s a wonderful photographer, but also because of his past experience in communications and design. That said, this morning I asked Sean if he’d share a few words why he love this and other images by James. So, here’s our first formal (yet informal) ‘Sean’s Pick of the Week’!

Cheers, Dwayne.

“Ok… on the photos: this this my headshot of the week. Reasons, wonderful soft light, interaction is amazing with the model. I’m liking this style in general from this guy! His style stands out as a recognizable brand as his work.” - Sean Lewthwaite

To see more of James Melia’s work: jamesmelia.com

To learn more about Sean Lewthwaite and his work: www.lewthwaitephotography.se

HOW TO SHOOT NATURAL LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHS IN A STUDIO

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One of the great advantages of having a west facing window in my studio is the gorgeous afternoon and evening natural light that streams in. It’s winter now, but even during this season, I can still get some wonderful light. Despite having a full studio lighting setup with both continuous and strobe lights, I do love the options of shooting with the natural light. In the morning or middle of the day, when the sun isn’t on my side of the building, I don’t tend to get a lot of direct sunlight - instead, the light coming in is diffused and softer because its bouncing off the sky and clouds to enter my studio. With this we can achieve a lovely soft, wrap around light that doesn’t produce too hard shadows. See this shot of Polly below. In this instance, as in most instances, I will use a big reflector board - made from a big sheet of insulation from a hardware store, painted white on one side and black on the other - this reflector just opens up the shadows, preventing detail loss and giving it a bit of life. I like being able to have a bit more control of the shadows, rather than just letting them go to black or too dark and the reflector is perfect for this.

When the sun gets past a certain point in the sky, it makes an appearance in the studio and the results can be amazing. Some photographers tell you to never shoot in direct sunlight, its too small and hard a light source. Remember that the smaller a light source is, the harder the light will be on the subject, creating harder edges to the shadows, so the sun, which is quite a distance away, is a very small light source. Now, this small, hard light is accompanied by a larger softer light that is just the reflected, ambient light from the sky, so, it’s sort of like a combo - two for one. But as you can see in the examples below, the direct light produces hard edged shadows. Again, I usually want to open up these shadows with a reflector. Sometimes I might also add in a continuous LED light, often with a CTO gel to match the temperature of the sunlight. In some of these shots I use a prism on the edge of the frame to cast a glow across the frame , as though the light is spreading across the image.

I love low evening sunlight in the studio and I’ve had some amazing, fleeting experiences with this kind of light - check out my shots of Edna. It can give a wonderful glow to everything and throws all sorts of accidental elements into the mix. The joy of working with natural light in this way is you get results you can’t plan for. These little accidents really add to photography - being able to always control everything makes working with this medium much more mundane, so allowing natural light into your images can add that little extra spice.

© Tom Trevatt www.tomtrevatt.com/blog/how-to-shoot-headshots-with-natural-light-in-a-studio