Category Archives: love your image

Boring old headshot… really??

I recently saw a statement on social media that made me read further… it read ‘don’t want a boring old headshot?’ It occurred to me that I’ve never seen a ‘boring old headshot’ – a poor one perhaps, but not boring. It might be poor in its technical production, for example, poorly lit and too dark, too much contrast, out of focus, an old holiday snap, wrong angle… and then there’s the expression… stiff, nervous, apprehensive, serious and decidedly questionable. So if the offering to pep up a ‘boring old headshot’ is to put someone on a brightly coloured background, what about that expression??

90% of the success of a good headshot is in the expression. Many people who dislike their photograph being taken, will also say they would like to be captured as ‘friendly and approachable’. Yes you can have a fantastic fine art portrait of someone with a non-smiling expression. It could be wistful, contemplative, cheeky, thoughtful… but for business engagement that’s probably not the best style to go for. There is a friendly and approachable expression in all of us… after all it’s part of our personality.

Our image says a great deal about us and if you form opinions of others by their online image before you get to meet them, you can be sure others will be doing the same about you.

So if you want to encourage trust and engagement with others in your business world, friendly and approachable is the best way forward. Not fixed and posed, but natural and spontaneous… and definitely not boring, whatever background is decided upon.

Professional headshots on different backgrounds.

Professional headshots packages for those less than comfortable in front of the camera.

Getting in front of the camera…? Presentation skills… how are yours?

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It’s becoming the normal thing now – search online for what you are looking for and watch a video about it. I’ve done it, there are umpteen videos on cameras and their functions and you find the one that makes sense to you and ‘ticks all your boxes’.

BUT what causes us to stick with a video we choose to watch, whether it’s for information, in one form or another or entertainment? I’ve seen people having a rant about so many poorly produced videos. We are all used to people complaining about what they don’t like, but if you view something that’s really good and keeps your attention, tells you what you want to know and/or keeps you entertained – do you remember it, decide to follow them, recommend it to others, go back and watch more???

With the technology easily available to everyone on their smartphone, tablet, laptop, it’s no wonder in our ‘instant’ world people expect to be able to do this straight away with little preparation or thought.

But that’s just it, when they try and realise its perhaps not so easy and give up – with a little prior planning, consideration AND practise, it is achievable.

Yes we want people to be themselves, which is very important, but nerves and distraction get in the way and turn people into something quite different!

No film producer ever gave someone a script and expect them to become word perfect straight away.

We are running our third Video Presentation Skills Workshop on 31st October, at the lovely Nowton Court venue just outside Bury St Edmunds. This workshop brings its main focus on ‘why to do it’ ‘what to say’ and ‘how to say it’, keeping the technical aspect very simple and straight forward.

#videomarketing #mediatraining #newskills #howto #BuryStEdmunds

Video Presentation Skills Workshop

NEW PROGRAM OF HELP – 121 tuition – ‘Animate Your Image’

The Video Presentation Skills Workshop ties in nicely with the launch of a new 121 program of help, which is ideal to really get those presentation skills to camera nailed confidently.

Animate Your Image

It follows on and adds to the existing brand of help with ‘Love Your Image’ and ‘Evolve Your Image’. These were developed to specifically help those who are less than confident in front of the camera for photographs and provides them the tools to change this habit of thinking and behaviour.

Our image says a great deal about us and if you’ve formed opinions of others when you’ve seen a headshot or avatar, then its likely others are doing the same about you.

Knowing how to get in front of any camera and be yourself without nerves and anxiety is a real bonus for you and your business.

#confidence #loveyourimage #headshots #avatars #bodylanguage

Video… hang on, I’ve never talked about video before??

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Are you one of those people who find yourself saying “I really should get started with video marketing”? What holds you back? Is it technical know-how, or perhaps not knowing what to say, or just complete fear of putting yourself in front of the camera?

Perhaps you are like many others and are now watching several self made videos online. You probably watch some all the way through and are happy with what you’ve seen and learned, or just been thoroughly entertained… it did what it said on the tin! But how many do you tire of all too soon and switch off? It’s pretty important to understand ‘why’ you like some and not others, if you are going to start creating your own.

Creating your own video doesn’t replace working with a professional videographer, but getting to grips with it, can set you up to confidently engage with and grow your audience, because today it’s all about building that trust and engagement. Photographs and videos can be the first thing people ever see of you.

Let me ask you this – if you were to employ yourself to represent your business or company in photographs, presentations and videos … do you think you’d get the job?

Hang on… I’m a photographer, I’ve not talked about video before, so what’s going on? Firstly, I’m not about to venture into this skill set. Having always concentrated on helping people be more confident in front of the camera for photographs, it’s been a natural progression to also build people’s skills and confidence in front of the camera for video.

You have the perfect resource to use… that’s yourself, because you and what you do, are who your audience are interested in. Learning to develop these skills is within your reach.

On the 23rd May, I will be running a half day Video Presentation Skills workshop just outside Bury St Edmunds, in collaboration with MarleyBird Communications, focusing on the importance of ‘what you should say’ and ‘how you should say it‘ to create great marketing content without costing you much more than your time.

Be one of those businesses others talk about, recommend and share your videos.

'I've really got to get to grips with Video Marketing'
‘I’ve really got to get to grips with Video Marketing’

Video Presentation Skills Workshop

I love me, I love my image

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How many times have your heard remarks which are derogatory in nature, but not seriously intended, ‘off the cuff’, ‘in jest’, ‘I didn’t mean it’? Things about our looks, body and face features, height, weight, personality… anything really.

They are often mitigated with an ‘only joking’ caveat, as though this somehow limits the damage, but it’s too late, the seed has been planted, germinated and is thriving. These comments can leave unseen impressions on us.

We scrutinise ourselves in the bathroom mirror, however photographs are the exact reverse of how we actually appear. This is one of the reasons why we think the images are not a true representation of how we look and why we are unfamiliar with them. Other people have only ever seen you as you view your image and, our friends see US, whereas we see what we perceive as our faults.

The camera never lies – Oh yes it can! No, this is not panto season, but we do see images that are not accurate and really believe this is how we are. Here are a few things that can effect the image:

1) Phone camera distortion – all the pictures of ourselves/friends we exclaim ‘Ooo eck, bulbous moon face’.

2) Light & shade – can be our friend and foe. As good as cameras are some lighting conditions can overwhelm them. Therefore its interpretation of light and shade is not always accurate.

Filters – flowers, big eyes, puppy dog ears and noses. All these things are seen as fun and amusing, but how many of us use them to hide behind?

We hear comments from ‘Can you make me look 10 years younger’ to ‘I look too young to be taken seriously’.

Despite the bravado all the points covered affect men as well as women.

You have options, you don’t have to live with not liking your image.

Where do we turn to for reassurance? Online presence of beauty guides, behaviour guides, makeup, relationships, both personal and family. Who or what is right? For you – you are right. Our friends mean well but are they helping or worsening the situation? We share and empathise with each other but what do we do about it?

‘Love Your Image’ & ‘Evolve Your Image’ are bespoke products that will guide you through the potential pitfalls of having your photograph taken. You can learn why you feel anxious, nervous, or ’dread the thought’ … and how to do something about it.

Photograph copyright of Penny Morgan Photography

The ‘Elephant’ in the room… a photographers focus.

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So for the last two years, I’ve talked about getting to grips with changing how we feel about being photographed. Discovering just how many dislike it and/or the results, has been both eye opening and yet strangely not a surprise.

After developing the program ‘Love Your Image’, to help people who don’t like being photographed change this mind-set, has been an interesting and rewarding journey. Just about everyone thinks it’s a good idea and most will talk about it on a ‘general’ level, but how open would you want to be to discuss this subject on a much more personal level? No so much I find. Often what we don’t like about our image may feel somewhat trivial or connected with vanity and nobody really wants to admit to being vain? I hear so many different stories of why people don’t like their photograph taken, but if you are in business, can you afford to be an Eeore about it?

Being aware of your ‘Mind-set’ is being applied to many things these days and how you present yourself in images IS hugely important. Therefore so is changing your mind-set in front of the camera… and change it YOU CAN… this is something that is within an individuals reach regardless of how you have felt… perhaps for many years? With the right help and guidance you can do this.

To change how you feel and be among a growing group who have learned to ‘Love Their Image’ has MANY rewards. It’s neither trivial nor vain to decide to address this and the benefits are considerable.

The first step of the journey is:

Learning and understanding ‘why’ we arrive at such an attitude.
Useful tips on ‘how’ to be in front of the camera and why they work!

… and when you feel brave enough…

A photo-shoot – that only you see the results, until you are ready to share.

And that’s just the start, to making it a permanent change.

This doesn’t ask anything more of you than a willingness to be open minded to change.

So consider this… and its nothing to do with your size… can the ‘Elephant’ in your room be ignored any longer…?

Elephant In The Room

Photograph copyright of Penny Morgan Photography

What is Valentine’s Day?

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Flowers, a card and a meal out? It’s origins belie a mixed history. The day of romance is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but it’s beginnings can be found in the Roman holiday of Lupercalia. This was a pastoral festival held on 15th February to avert evil spirits and purify the city, releasing health and fertility.

Ancient rituals have been adulterated with a modern commercial twist.

The special day falls on a ‘school night’ this year so do we crack open a bottle of fizz? Fuzzy head at half past week! We have realised that we are officially a ‘Coople’, a term used in an illustration by the very talented Jessie Cave. It goes something like this… Jed & Emma have been together for 9 years. They are one of those infuriatingly happy and committed cooples who live for the moment someone asks “how did you meet?”

Deep down we all like the high we get from making others feel special, but how we feel about ourselves is where that happiness truly stems from.

Enjoy February 14th, whether you’ve planned for it or not.

Image copyright of Penny Morgan Photography

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The Photo-less Photo-shoot – no photos… guaranteed!

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Friday 27th May 2016, 10.00am – 12noon – Bury St Edmunds
£19.99 per person.

If you dislike being photographed and are less than happy with the results, then this seminar is for you!

Change your thinking and learn to ‘Love Your Image’.

Happy ladies from Love Your Image

Number are limited, so BOOK NOW to secure you place!
Get in touch by phone or email – 0845 257 2038 – design@pennymorgan.co.uk

Turn what you learn to your advantage, for business and pleasure – come and find out:

Where the dislike comes from
Guest speaker Linda Barbour – Calm, confident you
Learn valuable tips for being in front of the camera
Discover the lasting benefits to both work and personal life
Boost your confidence

NO ONE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!

“Really enjoyed it and format was good. Felt there was privacy to sit in the audience and just watch, listen and then to chat afterwards. Great use of assistant, really helped get message across in a humorous and visual way.” – K.N.

When?
Friday 27^th May 2016 – 10am – 12noon.

Where?
The Active Business Centre, Bury St Edmunds.

Cost and how to book.
£19.99 per person, includes VAT and tea/coffee.

Places are limited, so book your seat NOW.
Phone: 0845 257 2038
Email: design@pennymorgan.co.uk

For more information, please visit our website page.

This seminar is part of the ‘Love Your Image’ program.

Love Your Image logo

If you feel you would like to go on and complete the program, all attendees of the seminar will qualify to book their photography session at a special rate – come and find out!

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Profile photography day – 17th May 2016

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Another head shot day is set for 17th May, at The Bury Farmers Club and in conjunction with The Best of Bury St Edmunds.

If you would like to update, refresh, or have brand new profile images, take advantage of this day. You can stay ahead of your competition buy having great profile photographs that represent you and your business – suitable for print, website and social media!

Individual sessions will be up to three quarters of an hour and you can book your session time by getting in touch and reserving a space. Your shoot will include 3 high resolution images of your choice from the edited selection. These will be available to view in a private online folder and always the option to purchase more if you wish. Choices will be made available to download from the website.

Special prices for this day are £90 for Best of Bury members and £100 for non members – prices include VAT.

To book your session, contact me by email – design@pennymorgan.co.uk, or phone 0845 257 2038.

Deposit payment of £50 will be required to secure your session and payment details will be provided together with a VAT invoice.

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The Photo less Photo shoot – no photos… guaranteed!

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Tues 22nd March 2016, 5.45pm – 7.45pm – Bury St Edmunds
£24.99 per person including refreshments.

If you dislike being photographed and are less than happy with the results, then this seminar is for you!

Change your thinking and learn to ‘Love Your Image’.

Do you love your image?

BOOK NOW! – Go to booking page.

Turn what you learn to your advantage, for business and pleasure – come and find out:

Where the dislike comes from
Guest speaker Linda Barbour – Calm, confident you
Learn valuable tips for being in front of the camera
Discover the lasting benefits to both work and personal life
Boost your confidence

NO ONE WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED!

This seminar is part of the ‘Love Your Image’ program.
If you feel you would like to go on and complete the program, all attendees will qualify to book their photography session at a special rate – come and find out!

When?
Tues 22nd March 2016, 5.45pm – 7.45pm.

Where – and how to get there.
The Active Business Centre, Bury St Edmunds

Cost and how to book.
£24.99 per person, includes VAT and refreshment.

Places are limited, so book your seat NOW – Go to booking page.

For more information, please visit our website page
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Is it all in our heads…?

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This blog is asking people to think about their profile image on social media, whether you’re representing yourself personally, or in a business capacity. I’ve started asking people at events and networking what first impressions they draw when making new connections on social media?

Photographs on these platforms can be clear, up to date, friendly, approachable, even creative and quirky! However, many are also, unclear, dark, out of date, too far away, doubtful in expression… or missing altogether – we call these people ‘Mr Grey-face’!

So the question is, if someones photograph causes you to draw a first impression of that person, what does your image say about you? If you are in business, or represent a company, have you ever considered people’s first impressions about you and does it have an impact on your business?

A head shot is a window into our personality – does yours reflect the true person?

What first impression do you want to make?

This autumn on Tuesday, October 20th and Wednesday, November 4th, you can come and find the unique way I get the best from people and have fresh/new profile images sorted in either Bury St Edmunds, or Mellis.

To book your place on either of these dates, please call me on 0845 257 2038, or email design@pennymorgan.co.uk.