See Your Headshots in Real Time: A New Way to Collaborate
As soon as we capture a shot, it's displayed on a screen for instant feedback. Clients can instantly see their images at full resolution. That allows them to accurately assess how they look, suggest adjustments, and feel reassured that we're capturing them at their best. It eliminates the guesswork and helps everyone stay on the same page throughout the session.
At Henry David Photography, we understand how important it is to feel confident during a photo session. That's why we've built our process around tethered shooting—a feature that allows our clients to view their photos in real-time as they’re being taken.
This means that as soon as we capture a shot, it's displayed on a screen for instant feedback. Clients can instantly see their images at full resolution. That allows them to accurately assess how they look, suggest adjustments, and feel reassured that we're capturing them at their best. It eliminates the guesswork and helps everyone stay on the same page throughout the session.
This approach helps reduce any worry or stress, especially for those who are nervous about not liking the final photos. It’s a collaboration from the first click to the last, ensuring the final images reflect not only their professional persona but their confidence and individuality.
We’ve adopted a cutting-edge method for capturing headshots that allows you to be involved every step of the way. By shooting tethered, we connect our camera directly to a screen so that you can see each photo as it’s taken. Think of it like watching yourself in a mirror while getting ready—you’ll be able to tell right away if you love the shot or want to make small adjustments. This process gives you immediate peace of mind.
Get Instant Feedback During Your Session
One of the most significant advantages of tethered shooting is that you don’t have to wait until after the session to see your photos. We take the guesswork out by showing you your professional headshots instantly on a larger display. Whether it’s adjusting a smile, pose, or expression, this immediate feedback helps you walk away confident that we’ve captured the perfect look.
A Collaborative Experience
Our approach ensures that creating your headshot is a collaborative experience. You’re part of the process—reviewing each shot in real time, making decisions on the spot, and working alongside us to fine-tune every detail. We aim to capture exactly what you need, and with your input, we make it happen right there during the session. It’s professional, efficient, and stress-free.
Confidence Right Away: No Waiting for Proofs
Gone are the days of waiting to see proofs after your photoshoot. With our tethered system, you can pick and filter your favorite images immediately. This means you leave the session knowing that we’ve captured shots you love. Many clients have said this is a game-changing feature that makes the entire experience smoother and more satisfying.
A Seamless Process Using the Best Technology
We’re proud to use TetherTools, a leader in tethering technology that allows us to deliver the best possible client experience. The process is streamlined and precise, ensuring the entire session runs smoothly. TetherTools helps us maintain the highest standards in headshot photography, and you get the benefit of instant image review and selection.
If you’re interested in how this works, check out TetherTools on their YouTube channel to see the technology in action. Or, learn more about their products on the TetherTools website.
At Henry David Photography, we always strive to incorporate the latest innovations to make your experience exceptional. Tethered shooting is just one of the ways we ensure you get high-quality headshots and a seamless, collaborative process every time.
Rebranding with Golden Hour Headshots: How to use natural lighting to change your visual messaging
Benjamin wanted to convey a more approachable image to his audience. That's where we stepped in to help transform his visual messaging.
Personal branding is essential in today's competitive world, regardless of your profession. Taking the time to reassess your visual messaging can lead to a more approachable and authentic personal brand.
One recent project involved working with Benjamin P. Davis, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of African American Studies at Saint Louis University and author of numerous books and scholarly works in political philosophy.
Known for his willingness to tackle polarizing subjects, Benjamin wanted to convey a more approachable image to his audience. That's where we stepped in to help transform his visual messaging.
During the rebranding session, we focused on capturing a warm and inviting first impression. A key aspect of this process was the headshot. Benjamin needed a professional photograph that would accurately represent him to potential readers, students, and colleagues. We wanted to showcase his expertise and approachable personality.
Through the use of simple natural lighting techniques, we were able to capture Benjamin's genuine smile and friendly demeanor, creating headshots that exude approachability, while still emphasizing his professional background and status in the academic world.
The end result of the rebranding session was a collection of photos that captured Benjamin's essence as a scholar and writer. The images conveyed a warm and inviting feeling, while still maintaining a professional tone. Benjamin now had a visual presence that would help him connect with his audience and make a strong first impression.
Golden Hour Backlighting
Photographers love to shoot at Golden Hour, and for good reason. The light available an hour before the sun sets allows for artistic expression and evocative storytelling that hints at dreaminess and mystery.
Benjamin wanted a photo option with a blurred out background, and in particular, the kind of photo that had "bokeh bubbles." These beautiful and cinematic circles of light are created by using a shallow depth of field. To get the maximum effect, we held our photoshoot at Golden Hour, about an hour before sunset.
The filtered light through the trees gave us not only the perfect background, but also added a flattering rim light that outlines and separates our subject from the dreamy background.
Golden Hour Portrait by Henry David Photography
Location Spotlight:
Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis offers an ideal portrait photo location for academics and professionals. The beautiful Danforth campus and its iconic Brookings Hall exudes of history, grandeur and prestige, creating a truly collegiate Ivy League aesthetic. The classic architecture adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the event, with leading lines that make for naturally captivating framing of the subject.
First Impressions and the Importance of a Great Headshot
"First impressions are lasting" understates the actual case. The first impression, with startling frequency, is also the final decision.
"First impressions are lasting" understates the actual case. The first impression, with startling frequency, is also the final decision.
-You, Inc.: The Art of Selling Yourself, by Harry Beckwith and Christine K. Clifford
A 2006 study by Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov showed that people make a judgement about a person's likeability, trustworthiness, and competence, in one-tenth of a second. Furthermore, their research confirms that this first impression does not change with time.
In 2016, Vivian Zayas, professor of psychology at Cornell University, and her colleagues found that first impressions were formed simply from looking at a photograph predicted how people felt and thought about the person after a live interaction that took place one month to six months later.
This is an incredibly powerful argument for making sure your headshots are the best they can possibly be.
Headshot Impression Test on Photofeeler.com
I recently discovered Photofeeler.com and I think it’s a fun way to test out what kind of impression your headshot is making. Photofeeler crowdsources votes from real people who will score the photo on metrics like competency, likeability, and influence. Disclaimer: I’m not in any way associated with this service, but I do think it’s a useful tool.
Written by Henry David, St. Louis Headshot and Portrait Photographer