Category Archives: Blog Posts

Tips For Stunning Images on Random Portrait Photography

How do you do it when you pull out your camera to take portraits, so you’ll have them with a wow factor? Do you stick to the guidelines for portrait photography that are generally recognized as standard? Don’t you find your portraits monotonous and boring? If so, why not break some rules, and while snapping those moments away, think out of the box?

Capturing moments without following the rules, for all you know, can come out with photographs that are not only stunning but also striking? Want to have a try? Then, for the time being, get those rules out and check the following helpful tips to get those portrait pictures you’ve wanted for a long time.

Altering your Perspective

Traditional rules suggest that when the latter looks at the lens to express communication, you take pictures pointing your camera at your subject’s eye level. But now, if you can adjust the viewpoint and attempt to incorporate some randomness by getting high up the ground then shooting down or going near the ground then shooting up, you can achieve better images. Either way, it will build an angle that your subject will be interested in. Continue reading Tips For Stunning Images on Random Portrait Photography

Tips Using Mobile Phones For Portraits

Portrait Photography using mobile phoneMobile phones have evolved into a well-loved technological gadget that you could bring anywhere you want. You could capture moments with a simple click on your camera unlike when you have to bring along your professional or digital camera, which could really be very inconvenient. If you browse through the various network sites you will find millions and millions of photos taken with a mobile phone camera and yet producing very distinct and appealing portraits of people. Truly, portrait photography has evolved and gone a long way! 

So let us look into this innovative hobby of taking pictures freely by merely using phones and uploading them into websites. Here are some helpful hints on how to catch that beautiful light and turn something ordinary like an ordinary occasion into an unexpectedly great event!  Continue reading Tips Using Mobile Phones For Portraits

Do-It-Yourself Steps to Portrait Photography

Young blonde photographer is taking a photo. Model isolated on a blue background with copy spaceWe always suggest you use a professional photographer but we understand that people want to learn and try to take a self-portrait on your own. This has been going on long before digital cameras have come to existence, people have been fascinated by portraits mainly because it captures the essence of a person.

Portrait photography has the power of capturing one’s image and depicting that person’s character, at the same time imprinting such images for all to remember. However, people do not realize that ever since cameras have been developed and made available to everyone, they have been secretly becoming a threat to the techniques that professional photographers have studied for years. Learn about portrait photography and you’ll see how amazing this hobby can be!  Continue reading Do-It-Yourself Steps to Portrait Photography

Capitol Photo Shows The Beauty Of Portrait Photography

Close up photo portrait of excited cheerful bristle unshaven stuPeople enjoy portrait-taking. A portrait is captured the subject’s image, in this case, an individual, especially their face. However, portrait photography has a broader connotation than this, being interpreted as an image of superior quality, capturing the physical appearance of the object, its character on the sensor of a digital camera or film camera. It is also understood that portrait photography produces pleasing and attractive results for the person being the subject. 

The Discovery of character is the objective of portrait photography. You must display at least one aspect of the subject in the picture. Elements can include attitude, temperament, unusual mannerisms, and any other attributes or characteristics that form the person’s very unique nature. The portrait image tells the viewer something indicative of the individuality of the subject.  Continue reading Capitol Photo Shows The Beauty Of Portrait Photography

Professional Photo For Your Real Estate Website

Real estate websiteHiring a professional photographer versus taking your own pictures. There are many things that real estate agents can rely on and one of these is that most people find their new homes via the Internet. Any real estate agent must fully advertise online if the agent wishes to be successful.

Website
Once you have your website up and running, you will need to give potential buyers as much information as you can. People look at houses, and they base their decisions on the words you write and the pictures they see. The pictures do so much to make buyers want to see the property, so professional photographers are hired by the best real estate agents to take these pictures for the website and other marketing forms.

Continue reading Professional Photo For Your Real Estate Website

Look Your Best And Feel Good At Your Photos

PhotoshootYou can take picture, particularly if you do not find yourself photogenic, that calms nerve-rackingSeveral people face this problem, but you can find solutions that will make you look the best. Sitting right before the camera and feeling good is an aptitude you can learn.

Embrace Your Uniqueness
Photogenics seem to be trustworthy no matter where or what they wear. Nonetheless, remember, confidently, the word. Not because they’re more beautiful than the rest of the world, but because they’re less conscious of their looks.

Others lose confidence because they have flaws in their own faces such as teeth gap, crow’s feet, or angry hair that show when they smile. You will carry on what makes you unique, rather than conceal what you find to be your shortcomings.

Continue reading Look Your Best And Feel Good At Your Photos

The Importance Of An Events Photographer In Graduation

Events photographerGraduating from high school, college or graduate school is an occasion to be celebrated. Get photos that capture the importance of the moment with the help of Capitol Photo Interactive. We will make sure your graduate is captured in their natural element, and we will get both posed and candid shots you are sure to love. We understand that capturing images of an event requires thought, creativity and a thorough understanding of what the client would like to see in the final images.

Why You Should Hire An Event Photographer
At Capitol Photo Interactive we know family events are all about family sharing memories, creating new ones, hugging, laughing, relaxing, and having a wonderful time. The last thing anyone wants to do is remove themselves from the celebration because they are trying to load batteries into their camera, put it in the right setting, or stand somewhere that has the best light. Even if someone is able to capture beautiful images of the party, they are missing being truly present at the party. Continue reading The Importance Of An Events Photographer In Graduation

5 Tips To Make A Website For Your Company

Social network user loginA website can generate revenue, foster goodwill between consumers and prospects, and provide strong marketing messages irrespective of what your company or career does. Whether it’s a small, large or intermediate business, well-established or brand new. People are increasingly using the Internet, increasingly every day.

Credibility
Today, more and more consumers use the Internet to search for products or services they need. Your business will gain credibility by having a website. Without one, potential customers will go to your competitors. Continue reading 5 Tips To Make A Website For Your Company

Taking Control Of Your Online Presence

Business PortraitConsumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips these days. Potential clients and employers rely heavily on your digital identity to make decisions. What your online presence says about you can be a deal breaker. Take your online reputation into your own hands rather than leaving it up to chance. Here are some tips on how:

A good place it starts is by doing a search of your name or business and see what comes up. Determine whether the first search results are representative of you and your brand. Do other people show up before you? Would it be easy to get you confused with another person or business? An easy way to do this is with a quality profile picture, putting your face to your name. Your profile picture is often times the first impression potential clients get of you, so you want to make sure it is the right impression. Professional business portraits will make you look polished and reputable in addition to establishing your identity. Continue reading Taking Control Of Your Online Presence

Tricks On Wearing Glasses On Your Portrait Session

Guy wearing eye glassesIf you wear eyeglasses on a daily basis, you should wear them in your professional photograph, because it is how the world knows you. A great headshot captures the real you in a way that flatters and celebrates every unique part of you.

Whether shooting a business portrait for LinkedIn or photos for a website, glasses come up often in our shoots. And while they can be a great accessory for your next headshot, there are a few things that might help you to make your shoots with spectacles more spectacular!

Variety Rules: If you have more than one pair of glasses, we highly recommend bringing them. Variety is key as it will make you feel freer during your shoot and depending on their color and shape might bring out fascinating things about you with the addition of different angles, backgrounds and lighting.

Future Lens: Ask yourself if you are going to keep these for a while. If you have already had this particular pair of glasses for more than a year or two, you may want to consider upgrading before your shoot or just wearing your contact lenses instead. Continue reading Tricks On Wearing Glasses On Your Portrait Session

What Is The Importance Of An Headshot?

business headshotWhen you think of headshots, you tend to think of actors and models, because they need headshots to book work. This still holds true for their profession but nowadays with the popularity of search engines like Google and Bing, everyone is searching names to find information about individuals and their companies.

Business Headshot
A professional headshot is one of the most powerful and affordable pieces of your personal brand. A professional headshot is simply a ‘must-have’ for some professionals as they are a way of marketing yourself, branding yourself, getting your face in front of the general public. People are more likely to do business with those they know, like and trust. A polished professional headshot should portray what you want others think about you and your business. Your headshot should reflect professionalism, trustworthiness and friendliness. Continue reading What Is The Importance Of An Headshot?

What Your Headshots Should Say To Your Clients?

business presentationEvery occupation needs a headshot photo and if you do not already have one, it may be time to consider meeting with a professional. A headshot captured by a professional photographer is the best way to make sure people know exactly who you are. People want to be able to recognize you at your first meeting and your headshot will help them to identify the right person they are looking for. With potential clients, your headshot is your virtual handshake. The photo will also come in handy for many needs such as your website, public relations, advertising, and more.

What Your Headshots Should Say To Potential Clients
You want your headshots to tell your clients that you’re a professional. That you take yourself and what you represent seriously. You also want your headshots to state that you’re approachable. Continue reading What Your Headshots Should Say To Your Clients?

Having An Updated Headshot

Updated HeadshotIf it has been a while since you have taken a professional headshot, then you may want to consider getting one taken. There are several ways that a business can benefit if you get a professional head shot taken. Below are some of the benefits of taking corporate headshots at Capitol Photo Interactive:

Make The Right First Impression
First impressions are very important. The first impression that clients get could be one of the main factors that determines whether they decide to do business with you. A professional headshot will help your potential clients get the right first impression of you. For example, when people see your professional headshot, they can get the impression that you are warm, creative and approachable. Your clients are also more likely to take you seriously if you have a professional head shot. They want to do business with people who look the part. Continue reading Having An Updated Headshot

Top 5 Reasons Photography is More Important for Brands Than Ever

brandWe have all heard the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Well that saying could not be more true in today’s fast paced world! Photography is more important than ever to help brands tell their story, and below we have listed the top five reasons why.

Photographs Help Convey Emotion

Photography has the great ability to convey emotion. A darker contrast can set the mood, a bright room or using more light, can convey happiness, different shades of blues, conveys tranquility. Your images have to easily convey the correct emotion that you want your potential customers to feel.

Continue reading Top 5 Reasons Photography is More Important for Brands Than Ever

4 Reasons an Event Photographer Completes Your Corporate Event

Corporate EventHosting a corporate event can be something special to do for business partners and clients and a fun way to treat your employees. Your corporate event is the perfect time to kick back, get out of the day to day hustle and bustle of the work schedule, and enjoy the company of the people you have built successes with.But, these events can also be a lot of work! Below are four reasons you should hire an event photographer for your next corporate event.

 

Cellphone Cameras Won’t Cut It

You might have the latest cellphone with a good camera but it will not provide the same quality pictures that a professional event photographer can. A professional photographer knows how to document an event, and can be directed to focus their attention on the aspects you most want to show off.

  Continue reading 4 Reasons an Event Photographer Completes Your Corporate Event

How to Plan for Your Personal Branding Headshot Session

Planning for HeadshotWhen it comes to getting a new job or signing a new business, professional headshots can make a big difference in how you are perceived by others. A headshot session is an investment all business owners should take into consideration. Below are some tips to help you plan your personal branding headshot session.

 

Do Your Research

There are so many different headshot styles and looks you can go for and each photographer will have its own. Pinterest is a great tool you can use for inspiration. Your photographer will help you choose what would work best for you as well.

Continue reading How to Plan for Your Personal Branding Headshot Session

Must Have Images to Redesign Your Website

redesign-websiteYou have finally decided to redesign your website. Your website is the first impression a potential client will have of you and is critical for your business. Choosing the right imagery for your website is key. These images can be a powerful type of content that will enhance the user’s experience on your website. Website images help your visitors or clients connect and feel comfortable while navigating through your site. Your website photos should be custom and representative of your brand. With that in mind, here are the list of images you will need when launching or redesigning a website.

 

Hero Images

This type of image is the featured photo on the home page of the website that is placed front and center. It can also be placed on the top of each primary page of the website as a banner.

Continue reading Must Have Images to Redesign Your Website

Corporate Event Photography

adult-back-view-celebrationIf you have an upcoming corporate event, you will want to capture the key moments. In order to do that, it is best to hire an event photographer. Below are a few reasons to hire Capitol Photo Interactive for your corporate event.

 

  1. Chances are, you have too much on your plate! Hosting an event comes with a laundry list of responsibilities. Even if someone else within your organization volunteered to help with the photography,they will probably still need quite a bit of assistance with direction since they may not have any experience photographing events. Either way, this puts an intense amount of pressure on you to be in way too many places at once. It is better to hire an event photographer and take away one responsibility from the plethora you are loaded with.

Continue reading Corporate Event Photography

Attract Your Ideal Clients with Brand Photos

Your logo and your website happen to be just two parts of your visual branding.But there is also another key element missing that is needed to communicate with that dream client of yours. The other key element needed happens to be brand photos.

 

What Are Brand Photos?

Brand photos are images that you use to represent your business and brand.

Continue reading Attract Your Ideal Clients with Brand Photos

Website Headshots: Tips to Match Your Brand

One of the keys to a great company website is having consistent, professional company headshots. Your company’s website, the quality and style of your headshot conveys a lot about you as a person and signals how you conduct business. Inconsistent headshots can have a negative impact on how people perceive your brand, your reputation, and your business.

 

Expressions Express Your Brand

A company’s personality is reflected in your team’s expressions. If your business is stern and serious, closed mouth expressions and a soft smile are ideal for company’s website photos. Continue reading Website Headshots: Tips to Match Your Brand

The Importance of Corporate Photography for a Business

Professional photography is an investment for your business. The images have a multitude of uses that can keep returning your investment. High quality imagery is an important part of any businesses marketing goals. Not only can these quality photographs increase sales and overall perception of the value of your businesses services or goods, but it has been shown that poor quality images can actually have the reverse effect, damaging a potential customers opinion of you and turning them away from your business. Below are a list of benefits that corporate photography images can provide to your business.

Continue reading The Importance of Corporate Photography for a Business

4 Reason to Hire an Event Photographer

Are you planning an event? We are sure there are a long list of items that need to be completed. Guest list, flowers, music, and food. It can all be an  extremely overwhelming process. But when it is all said and done, you will want a permanent reminder of the beautiful finished product and what better way to capture all your perfect moments than with an event photographer? Below are four reasons to hire Capitol Photo Interactive as your next event photographer.

 

High Quality Images: At Capitol Photo Interactive, we use the best cameras,printing, and tools for post-development to ensure you get the highest quality finished pictures. If you are not familiar with cameras or applications like Photoshop, you will want to hire a professional photographer for your event.

Continue reading 4 Reason to Hire an Event Photographer

Choosing the Perfect Event Photographer

You can host the best event of the year but if you do not have the pictures to prove it, how will anyone ever know? Event photography is one way to ensure that every moment of your special event is documented. Quality photos can capture the success of an event. Event photos can also be used in documents to show the success of your event to attendees and potential sponsors for next year. Below we have listed a few helpful tips on selecting the perfect event photographer to document your special event.

 

What Is Your Budget?

Fees can be a maker or breaker when choosing an event photographer. Knowing the budget set for photography by your event planners is crucial when beginning your research. Event photographers offer different levels of photography packages and pricing for additional services.

Continue reading Choosing the Perfect Event Photographer

Things to Consider Before Contacting a Photographer

With the advent of photo editing software and digital cameras, the barriers to entry into the practice of photography are lower than ever before. There are a large amount of photography companies out today, and the process of finding a reputable company which will suit your needs can be complicated if you do not know what you should consider when doing so and what questions to ask.

Thankfully, there are a number of useful tips to consider which will help you to better prepare yourself for conversations with photography companies, as well as familiarize clients with their own needs. Continue reading Things to Consider Before Contacting a Photographer

Proper Attire to Attract the Right Client

You have just made the decision to get new headshots to appear fresh and attract desirable to new clients. We all know that what you wear will have your potential client ultimately and subconsciously decide to choose you for your services. They may not consciously make this decision, but if they view your image and see you dressed in frumpy clothes and wearing gaudy jewelry, they may choose someone else to do business with. Below are a few helpful tips on what you can wear or how you can appear in your headshots to attract the right client.

Dress For Your Occupation
If you are a lawyer, you do not want to be photographed in beach attire or jeans and a tee-shirt. It is important to know your occupation so you can dress for it. Male lawyers should wear well-tailored suits or even a simple dress shirt with a tie. Woman lawyers should avoid prints and go with something striking and bold, allowing them to look dominant and fierce. Continue reading Proper Attire to Attract the Right Client

Casual Corporate Headshot: How to Look More Approachable

Casual headshots are an informal way of introducing yourself within all of your marketing efforts. Casual headshots are more lifestyle oriented that your average corporate headshot and portray a much trendy, hipper, youthful vibe. This type of headshot provides a way to give a personal touch of your branding so that it better reflects the tone you want to set and your individual personality.

Headshots are part of our media driven business world and getting an excellent shot is as important as having the right experience and education. So try and shake things up and show that you are up to speed in this fast paced moving world, read these tips below that will give you just the right edge that clients are looking for. Continue reading Casual Corporate Headshot: How to Look More Approachable

Get the Most out of Your Social Media Headshots

Today there are numerous ways to get yourself out there and on social media. Your image is important and something that contributes to your business as well as your personal brand. One of the most important things to consider is what social media sites you are using and what goals you have for them. For example on LinkedIn you definitely want a professional image that is more of acloseup headshot while a personal Twitter account might allow for something more casual and relaxed and your personal Facebook photo would likely be similar. Your image on social media will be a first impression and it is key to make a good one!

At Capitol Photo Interactive, we have been shooting both headshots and portraits for many years and we have the precise knowledge of what works, but it is also important to project an image that you want to present. We will work with you to create those looks collaboratively so you can have a social media headshot or portrait that works for you. Continue reading Get the Most out of Your Social Media Headshots

Creating Your Authentic Personal Brand

If you have a business, then you will know how imperative visual content is. Photography happens to be one of the most powerful brand assets you can invest in your business. Whether you do business on or offline, the visual identity you create for your business will set the mood and tone for the experience your clients will have for your business.

Know Your Brand Personality
Your brand personality is the way in which you convey who you are and what you do in your business. Your business brand will also have a personality or a way you want to be perceived by others. Depending on your business and what you do, you need to think about what type of brand personality is going to position you in the best way to connect with your ideal client. Continue reading Creating Your Authentic Personal Brand

Why You Need More Than One Look for Your Headshot

We are happy to share the most common reasons why it is important to have more than one look for your headshot. The reasons listed below can be applied to different industries.

The Company Headshot
The most common reason people need to get a headshot is for their company directory. It is important to be represented in the best possible light. Getting a new modern photograph or headshot of yourself is the way to go. When looking for a professional headshot photographer, make sure their work stands out. You do not want to have another boring photograph that does not represent you properly and does not stand out among the others in your field. Standing out in a directory or website is key. Continue reading Why You Need More Than One Look for Your Headshot

Professional Photography For All Occasions

professional photographyProfessional photography is one of the best ways to capture memories and preserve photos with the highest quality to look back on for many years to come. There are many reasons to take professional photos, and if you have a big occasion coming up, one of the best things you can do is get in touch with Capitol Photo Headshots.

Business Photography
With the proliferation of business-oriented social media, such as LinkedIn and online portfolios that showcase your work, having a professional business photo or headshot is becoming more and more important.

Corporate Headshot
When your employees are your key resources, you need to make sure you present them in the best way. We specialize in corporate headshots of your staff. Working with a wide range of organizations, we know what it takes to promote your company with professional quality headshot portraits. Continue reading Professional Photography For All Occasions

The Importance of Your LinkedIn Profile Photo

profile photoLinkedIn is one of the best ways on the internet to promote yourself as a professional. Your LinkedIn page is like your very own personal online portal where you can list your achievements and accomplishments and details about your job experience and skills. This information is shared with everyone who you are connected with, as well as other professionals, headhunters, CEO’s and recruiters who might be looking for someone like you and stumble upon your profile. LinkedIn is also regarded as the second best way to get a job nowadays, second only to employee referrals. It is imperative that you know how to communicate your value to like minded professionals and employers and it all starts with your picture.

We all know, a first impression is a lasting impression. Your photo is a very important part of your LinkedIn profile for a number of reasons. When you meet a LinkedIn contact in person for the first time, they will be able to recognize you because of your photo. Continue reading The Importance of Your LinkedIn Profile Photo

Things to Consider Before Booking Your Professional Headshot

professional headshotYour professional image says a lot about you and your brand. When you make an important decision to get your headshots done professionally, it shows the world you mean business. Since the rise of social media, audiences are vast and your headshot is the first impression you give to the people that find you online. But before you book your session, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get the results you want.

The Purpose Of The Headshot
Every headshot has a purpose, and you should figure yours out before you schedule a session. The purpose will often dictate your clothing, makeup and hairstyle choices, as well as the number and sizes of the images you may need. Make sure your photographer knows the reason behind your headshots so they can help you meet your expectations. Continue reading Things to Consider Before Booking Your Professional Headshot

Why Your Business Needs Professional Product Photography

product photographyProduct photography is a critical and essential investment for any business. The advertising and marketing world has always been visually oriented and even more so today. As it turns out, 90 percent of all information our brains process is visual. Our brains process visual information no less than 60,000 times faster than text, which is a major reason why we tend to remember 80 percent of what we see, but only 20 percent of what we read. To make your website, digital marketing, promotional materials, and print advertisements stand out, professional product photography is essential. There is only so much that can be said in words, and amazing photos of your products are the biggest influence behind your customers’ buying decisions.

Why Product Photography Is Important
In today’s visual world, where media is more influential in business than ever, it is impossible to sell your products or services without professional photos that complement your business’s style, show off the details of your product, and illustrate your products’ value. Product photography is valuable for a variety of businesses. Continue reading Why Your Business Needs Professional Product Photography

Where and How to Use Your Professional Headshot

professional headshotWe have all heard the old adage that you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and it remains true. But what has changed is where these first impressions are made. A professional headshot (executive headshot, business headshot, business portrait, etc) is the easiest and quickest way to make a great first impression with your audience. Your target market tends to buy from people or businesses they identify with. Nowadays, it is easy to build familiarity and rapport in the minds of your consumers before you ever meet them.

Google and other search engines have become the tools of choice for potential customers and prospective employers. An up to date and flattering, perhaps even creative, headshot is essential to putting your best face forward and creating a positive and confidence building first impression. You have probably noticed that Google posts people’s photos alongside their search rankings. One study concludes that an image in your search results increases click throughs by 150 percent. Thus the advantages to one’s personal branding by having a professional headshot attached to each of one’s social media pages are obvious. So once you have a professional headshot that you love, make sure you utilize it in all of your marketing channels. Continue reading Where and How to Use Your Professional Headshot

Is it Time to Update Your Headshot?

update headshotHaving a photo of yourself significantly increases your credibility with people who find you on the internet. It innately makes you easier to relate to, and more trustworthy. If you have a social media presence hopefully you have already heard the statistics supporting using a photograph as opposed to a logo. People are more likely to interact with a profile that has a photo rather than a logo. This personalizes your business. It reassures them they are doing business with a person not just another faceless business. A current and professional headshot will help your potential clients, employers and others to instantly connect and identify with you.

When To Update Your Headshot

• Your appearance has changed since your last headshot. Maybe you have a new hair color or style, got glasses or contact or maybe the clothing you wore in your last headshot is starting to look a little out of date. It may seem obvious, but you really need to look like your headshot in order for people to relate with and trust you. An outdated photo is not going to show people that you are on top of your game. Continue reading Is it Time to Update Your Headshot?

Online Photography: Show Your Business in a Whole New Light!

online photographyBlog posts, websites, social media profiles and accounts with images get better reader and user response than those without. One very important element to helping your product or service stand out above the competition is the quality of the images being used. Quality images will impress your potential customers and current clients.

Headshots For Profiles
A good headshot is still the rule of the day, but it does not have to be a stuffy looking headshot anymore. You still want a good quality professional looking shot, but it can be outdoors, or in more casual clothing than suit and tie. Many websites are choosing to go with “action” shots instead of posed stills. Your head shot is the first impression many people will get of you. Continue reading Online Photography: Show Your Business in a Whole New Light!

How to Look Your Best in Photos

best photoGetting your photo taken can quiet nerve racking, especially when you do not consider yourself photogenic. Many people are faced with this problem, but there are remedies to make you look your very best. Looking and feeling good in front of the camera is a skill that you can learn.

Embrace Your Uniqueness
Photogenic people seem confident no matter where they are or what they are wearing. But notice that word, confident. It is not because they are any more attractive than the rest of the world, it is because they are less self conscious about their appearance.

Many people lack the confidence because they find faults on their face such as the gap in your teeth, the crow’s-feet that appear when they smile, or their stubborn hair. Rather than trying to hide what you consider your faults, embrace what makes you unique. Continue reading How to Look Your Best in Photos

Market Your Business With a Corporate Headshot

Businessman with arms crossedToday, advertising is not just about getting your name out there anymore. To make your business or career successful you have to stand out among the competition by putting your best face forward. From company websites to business oriented social media sites like LinkedIn, you are the most powerful marking tool on your page.

Show Your Personality
Whether you are a corporate executive or an entrepreneur, your headshot is part of your brand. As one of your essential marketing tools, your photograph gets you noticed and encourages people to engage with you. Your headshot photograph shows your personality and helps convey your approachability, friendliness and professionalism. Continue reading Market Your Business With a Corporate Headshot

Capture Your Special Event With a Professional Photographer

photographer in actionSpecial events are celebrations that make up a lifetime of memories. Making sure that you have a professional, experienced photographer to capture these moments means making sure that you can look back on your most special days and see your friends, family, and colleagues at their best.

Corporate and Commercial Photography
Having a professional photographer at your event is a must! We can capture professional pictures that can be used to promote future events, and showcase some examples to future clients. Capturing your event through professional photography can provide a nice visual documentation of your event without having your future clients rely too much on imagination. Having photos documented has unlimited positives, they can also be used later to present certain events on websites, flyers, portfolios, etc. Continue reading Capture Your Special Event With a Professional Photographer

The Power of a Professional Photo For Your Website

close up of businessman over icons with contactsA picture really is worth a thousand words. Through the skillful manipulation of environment and technology, the result can be an image that enhances the esthetic side of your website dramatically. More than ever, companies both large and small are realizing that photography is one of the most powerful marketing techniques there is.

Photos are being utilized in magazines, books, billboards, and other printed materials to evoke an emotional response in potential customers. Positive images can create a positive atmosphere for your website through facial expressions, lighting and movement. And emotions are important when it comes to making a purchase. If a potential buyer does not see any photos regarding a certain product or service, they may be inclined to feel a sense of distrust or even reluctance to contact the company. Continue reading The Power of a Professional Photo For Your Website

Make an Impact With Your Online Presence

Self employed woman or student working in a restaurantWhen running your own business, it is essential that you create a powerful online presence that makes a lasting impact on your audience. Potential clients are more likely to reach out and connect with you. You may not have a website, but there are now many online platforms where you can market yourself for little to no cost. Many even provide the same results you would get from a dedicated website. There is absolutely no reason to not have an online presence in today’s marketplace. So here are simple ways to create an impactful online presence.

• Professional Headshot
A professional headshot shows the face behind your business. A professional photo can be integrated into your entire brand and indicates the level at which you conduct business. Professional photographers can capture your personality and use the best angle and lighting to enhance all of your online profiles. Continue reading Make an Impact With Your Online Presence

Why Use Professional Photography for Real Estate?

man showing thumbs up over house backgroundWhen listing a home, real estate agents often think about curbside appeal, selling price, and the local market but too few agents spend enough time truly considering professional photography services. Today, home buyers are not starting their home search in an agent’s office. They are starting the home buying process online. To grab the most attention, earn the best price, and create home buying buzz, you need professionally staged real estate photography.

Create A Great First Impression
It is a known fact that today’s home buyers start their search online, but researchers have found that more specifically, home buyers spend the first twenty seconds looking at a home listing analyzing the home’s exterior shot. If your home has a lackluster exterior shot, most home buyers will not bother looking at other photographs or gathering other information about the home. Grabbing home buyers attention with an exterior shot that maximizes the home’s positive attributes and downplays any potential negatives through photography can instantly peak increase interest in a home. Continue reading Why Use Professional Photography for Real Estate?

Why Dentists Should Invest in Professional Photography

Young Male dentist isolated on white.We have all heard the old cliché, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. In online marketing this is especially true. Investing in professional photography for your dental website is well worth the investment.

Is Your Dental Practice Website Visually Appealing?
Your website’s design and overall image is very important because a person typically decides if they like a website within the first 0.05 seconds of visiting it. Having great photos of you, your practice, and your staff can improve the quality of your website. Hiring a professional photographer provides unique imagery that makes your site stand out. It also gives prospective new patients a look inside your dental practice. Continue reading Why Dentists Should Invest in Professional Photography

Professional Business Portraits and Your Digital Presence

Business woman in an office. Crossed armsConsumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips these days. Potential clients and employers rely heavily on your digital identity to make decisions. What your online presence says about you can be a deal breaker. Take your online reputation into your own hands rather than leaving it up to chance. Here’s some tips on how:

A good place it start is by doing a search of your name or business and see what comes up. Determine whether the first search results are representative of you and your brand. Do other people show up before you? Would it be easy to get you confused with another person or business? An easy way to do this is with a quality profile picture, putting your face to your name. Your profile picture is often times the first impression potential clients get of you, so you want make sure it is the right impression. Professional business portraits will make you look polished and reputable in addition to establishing your identity. Continue reading Professional Business Portraits and Your Digital Presence

Tips for a Fantastic Business Headshot

headshot of young Arabian businessmanA good professional business portrait on LinkedIn (and anywhere else) is one of the most effective ways for you to stand out and market yourself. Just having a profile picture alone is enough to make your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed! Continue reading Tips for a Fantastic Business Headshot

Capturing the Essence of Your Headshot with the Right Background

Handsome caucasian manThe most important thing to consider when getting a great professional headshot is to capture your authentic brand. That is our focus in every headshot session we do. We work with you individually to fully understand your brand and convey it in your final images.

Choosing the right background for photography adds depth to your photos and makes a big impact on the overall professionalism of your shoot. At Capitol Photo Headshots we offer several selections and work with you to pick the right background. Continue reading Capturing the Essence of Your Headshot with the Right Background

Helpful Tips for Wearing Glasses to Your Portrait Session

Female business executiveIf you wear eyeglasses on a daily basis, you should wear them in your professional photograph, because it is how the world knows you. A great headshot captures the real you in a way that flatters and celebrates every unique part of you.

Whether shooting a business portrait for LinkedIn or photos for a website, glasses come up often in our shoots. And while they can be a great accessory for your next headshot, there are a few things that might help you to make your shoots with spectacles more spectacular!

Variety Rules: If you have more than one pair of glasses, we highly recommend bringing them. Variety is key as it will make you feel freer during your shoot and depending on their color and shape might bring out fascinating things about you with the addition of different angles, backgrounds and lighting. Continue reading Helpful Tips for Wearing Glasses to Your Portrait Session

Corporate Headshots: Traditional or Modern

Happy female managerIn today’s competitive business and social environment success or failure can hinge on how well you are able to connect with your client base. Words go only so far in bringing your message to the market. Nothing out performs a well executed portrait’s ability to help you connect at a deeper level with your prospective clients. An unbelievable creative portrait can speak volumes. An image of you skillfully created brings you and your clients face to face like no other medium.

Traditional Corporate Headshot

Most traditional corporate headshots are of well-dressed and well groomed individuals. They give a sense of being an organized, structured, and professional company. Continue reading Corporate Headshots: Traditional or Modern

Choosing the Right Attire for Your Headshot Session

Hispanic Businessman - Headshot PortraitThe primary purpose of a business headshot is to show to potential clients and associates that you are professional, reliable, trustworthy, and approachable. Looking approachable yet confident in a headshot all starts with what you decide to wear. If you wear clothing you do not feel comfortable in, it will show in your expression.

Clothing is the most important factor in your headshot, but it is definitely not the focus. When you wear proper clothing, it allows your face to command attention in the portrait and the clothing itself becomes secondary. As in life, wearing the wrong clothing takes center stage and takes attention from where you want it – on you, or in this case, on your face.

Continue reading Choosing the Right Attire for Your Headshot Session

Common Headshot Mistakes

Man made a mistakeWe live in a very technologically driven world. When people want to know about something or someone, what is the first thing they do? They go online. When they want to find out about a product or service, they Google it. When they want to find out more about a person, they’re heading to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, & Linked-In. Online appearance is extremely important. Many people make their decision while researching online. Whether you are searching for your dream job, vying for a promotion or hoping to appeal to prospective clients, your headshot should communicate that you care enough about your appearance and your profession to invest in it.

Common Headshot Mistakes

Your Smile Is Not Genuine – Your smile is your most important business tool. A professional photographer’s job is to bring out the best smile in every single person. Continue reading Common Headshot Mistakes

The Importance of a Headshot

Businessman giving thumbs upWhen you think of headshots, you tend to think of actors and models, because they need headshots to book work. This still holds true for their profession but nowadays with the popularity of search engines like Google and Bing, everyone is searching names to find information about individuals and their companies. Continue reading The Importance of a Headshot

Three Things Your Headshots Say About You

Young successful businessmanEvery occupation needs a headshot photo and if you do not already have one, it may be time to consider meeting with a professional. A headshot captured by a professional photographer is the best way to make sure people know exactly who you are. People want to be able to recognize you at your first meeting and your headshot will help them to identify the right person they are looking for. With potential clients, your headshot is your virtual handshake. The photo will also come in handy for many needs such as your website, public relations, advertising, and more. Continue reading Three Things Your Headshots Say About You

Why You Need An Updated Headshot

Multi-Ethnic Faces Portrait in a RowIf it has been a while since you have taken a professional headshot, then you may want to consider getting one taken. There are several ways that a business can benefit if you get a professional head shot taken. Below are some of the benefits of taking corporate headshots at Capitol PhotoInteractive:
Make The Right First Impression
First impressions are very important. The first impression that clients get could be one of the main factors that determines whether they decide to do business with you. A professional headshot will help your potential clients get the right first impression of you. For example, when people see your professional headshot, they can get the impression that you are warm, creative and approachable. Your clients are also more likely to take you seriously if you have a professional head shot. They want to do business with people who look the part. Continue reading Why You Need An Updated Headshot

Head Shots and Corporate Photography

Photographer at workThe 21st Century has changed the way we conduct our personal and our business lives. Gone are the days of the business card and here to stay is the social media profile, and just like a business card, why would you want a shabby profile? Your pictures convey a lot about you, and Business Photography Fairfield CT understands that. The old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words really underestimates just how valuable your image can be when it comes to your customer making the right choice— your choice. Continue reading Head Shots and Corporate Photography

Why Mobile Websites Can Boost Your ROI

These days, it’s absolutely essential for local businesses to have a mobile website. Yet, understandably, business owners may wonder if the return on investment (ROI) is worth it and better, yet, will a mobile website help boost ROI. Not only is a mobile website important for the success of your business, but it can certainly boost your ROI:

  • Click to Call: Mobile websites provide a simple way for consumers to tap a button or screen and have their call connected to a business. The convenience alone has helped a multitude of companies gain new business.
  • Shopping at Any Time, Any Hour: One of the best benefits for consumers is that a mobile website allows them to shop any time, any place, and anywhere. With so many people on the go, this is important to feature to offer. Round-the-clock shopping of course, gives local businesses the opportunity to reach more potential customers.
  • Mobile websites can be developed to accommodate any type of device that has an Internet connection, from Blackberries, iPhones, Android-based smartphones, and more. Subsequently, this allows everyone the ability to access a mobile website that is user-friendly according to a device’s dimensions and capabilities.
  • Faster Loading Times: Mobile websites are designed to load much quicker than traditional websites on mobile devices. With faster load times, not only are people twice as likely to stay on a mobile website to seek information, but they are also like to become return users. Furthermore, optimized mobile websites increase the chances of customers referring others to your business.
  • Consumer Smartphone Habits: Smartphone usage is not a fad, and its use is expected to continue to grow. Within the next few years, seeking information online via mobile devices will eclipse online searches performed any other way.

More than half of all smartphone users have shopped online, found business information, located store addresses, and researched products via mobile websites. Many of these smartphone users have gone on to make purchases in-store after utilizing an enhanced mobile website. In addition, the average smartphone user spends at least one hour per day using their phone. A good majority of this time is spent visiting websites.

  • Location-targeted Mobile Promotions and Deals: Mobile websites can be customized in order to target consumers based upon location. Built-in GPS placed on mobile sites, the ability to connect while in-store, and location-based coupons are among a few ways to target local customers, which in turn can boost your ROI significantly.

Source: Experian: Americans Spend 58 Minutes a Day on Their Smartphones: http://www.experian.com/blogs/marketing-forward/2013/05/28/americans-spend-58-minutes-a-day-on-their-smartphones/?WT.srch=PR_EMS_smartphones_052813_press

 

Take Control of Your Brand’s Reputation

Most local business owners today know that their reputation is everything when it comes to building a brand and getting new and repeat customers. A bad reputation within your industry or within your community can have devastating effects on your business.

Bad reputations are traveling by more than just word of mouth in today’s market. The internet has become a popular resource for sharing information, and unfortunately for those with a poor reputation, it has become a tool to spread negative information about businesses as well.

Whether it’s bad reviews, poor ratings on listing websites, or negative press, there are a number of ways that the internet can be used to spread negativity about a company.

The good news is the internet is also a great place for companies to create a strong reputation and fight off any negativity surrounding their brands.

With the right online reputation management campaign, you can ensure that consumers will let their guards down when it comes to doing business with you. It is important that your company is portrayed in a positive light in the eyes of all of your existing and potential future customers. Otherwise, they will continue their search and choose one of your competitors instead.

One of the most important factors of online reputation management is using reviews to your advantage. For many businesses, even a single bad review has done some serious damage to their ability to bring in more sales.

If you currently have one or more negative reviews, make it a top priority to encourage your happy customers to write positive reviews; this can soften the blow and outweigh the negative ones.

Also, if you have bad reviews, make sure you write a public response. Apologize, be kind and courteous, explain the situation without sounding like you are making excuses, and provide the upset customer with a solution if there is one.

If you have been dealing with negative press about your local company, try to start a positive PR campaign. Write and distribute press releases about newsworthy endeavors that your company is participating in. You can also get mentions in local media outlets by participating in area community events, fundraisers or outings.

This can get your name in the local online news outlets and start building positive mentions of your company. This means when people search for your company in the future, the first thing they see won’t be negative press or a negative review. Instead, they will be directed to articles or information about you that is positive. The internet can be a powerful tool for you to create a positive reputation; all you need to do is start a campaign that will help spread this positivity around the web.

Stop Blocking Mobile Users with a Mobile Website

dreamstime_xs_12479054There are many who claim the future of marketing lies in the internet. However, the future of the internet is mobile, which is why all local businesses need to have a mobile website.

Smartphones are quickly becoming the most popular way to use the internet. This is why savvy local business owners not only need to have an online presence, but a mobile online presence.

Recent statistics have shown that more than half of mobile phone users in the United States are using their smartphone’s internet. Not only that, but most of these individuals are actually researching potential purchase opportunities while on their phone’s web browser. This means well over 120 million people in the United States are using their smart phones as a way to access the internet to research potential purchases.

The primary goal of any mobile website should be to keep your company name in the minds of existing customers, while making your small business more visible to those who aren’t already familiar with your services. Approximately 95% of people who own smartphones look for local information on their devices.

More than half of these people will then contact a company after they have searched for information. If potential customers are not able to find your company’s information on their mobile devices; you may be losing potential business.

When it comes to making sure your mobile website truly captures the attention of new and existing customers, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind.

First, make sure that you have created a website that has been specifically designed for use on mobile devices. An exact copy of an existing desktop website will not always transfer to mobile devices.

Next, make sure you are consistently updating your site. Much of the success behind smart phones comes with users’ desire to access new information on the go. If you are keeping your website fresh and relevant, you can provide the valuable information that most smart phone users look for.

Just as you can use different strategies to advertise a traditional website, there are a few strategies you can utilize to specifically advertise your mobile site as well.

QR code advertising is one way to make sure the word about your mobile website is getting out to the public. QR codes are small square barcodes that can be printed on everything from signs and pamphlets to t-shirts and bumper stickers. Smart phone users can scan these codes directly with their devices and it will take them to your company’s mobile website, special discounts, coupons, or just about any other digital destination you want.

Finally, if you are looking to stay in contact with “the Mobile World” it is important that content is easy to read and is smartphone-friendly. Content on mobile sites needs to be even more succinct than on regular websites as it can difficult to read lengthy information while on the go.

Key Features of a Mobile Website

Mobile Internet is one of the fastest-growing platforms ever. As a result, a multitude of business mobile websites are springing up as savvy business owners start to realize where most of their target audience is spending their time.

From product information to searching for a local plumber, people are using their phones more often than ever.

However, in order to have an effective mobile website, there are several key features that should be implemented that will help ensure that consumers are more likely to become paying customers:

Simplicity:

  • Trimmed down mobile website layouts allow the loading process to go much faster. Since cellphones are slower than laptops and desktop computers, this is imperative.
  • Mobile websites make it simple for consumers to call and/or email your business with a simple tap on a touchscreen or cellphone button.
  • Mobile websites can also be integrated into mobile maps, making it easier for people to locate your business.
  • SMS and text messages can be integrated with your mobile website, making it easier for you to build a list of targeted leads and customers.

Social Media:

  • Social Media is one of the top-ranked activities for mobile users. Mobile and social media go hand-in-hand.
  • A mobile website can be easily integrated with your own social media business accounts to help you more actively engage with your mobile customers.
  • Mobile users will have a way to share your mobile website with the masses via the major social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter.

Action-Based:

  • While on the go, mobile consumers are usually looking for specific information about a business. The beauty in this is that half of them are likely to take some type of action as far as contacting or visiting the business within 24hrs.
  • Mobile websites are created in a way to help move this conversion process along as quickly as possible; such as making your contact details as prominent as possible and including a strong call to action.

Mobile Coupons and Deals

  • Mobile coupons and deals are more easily controlled via a mobile website through redemption tracking.
  • Users can have the option to have a coupon or special emailed, shared via social networks, or saved to their cellphone.
  • There are several tools available to help mobile sites schedule coupon start dates, expiration dates, and new promotions.

Steps on How to Put Action on Your Copy

call-nowYour brochures and catalogs are great. Your site is superbly designed and constructed; the content is simple and enticing. You just wait for your visitors to flood in but after long waiting hours, no one is still registering. You may now be asking yourself: “Why aren’t there any sales?” Think again! You maybe missing an important an important area which is: THE CALL TO ACTION.

A call to action is a web copy which instructs a reader on what you wanted him to do. This call to action can be in the form of a declarative, imperative and a command statement or just mere suggestions. With any marketing materials, it’s important to get your prospective clients to act… NOW! Here are several steps to follow to make a call to action that will definitely have your phones ringing and your sales increasing.

The first step is to do your research on the terms to be used for your call to action. The term must be associated with what your content is advertising. Chances are, the terms you maybe thinking had already been used by other copywriters and you should pay attention to this.

The second step is to write your content to lead to a straight call to action. Write the call to action clearly so that your visitors will know precisely what to do and how. Use phrases like “Register Now” or Click here” at an exact location where there is a button or a click through. Tell readers to call a toll number that is correct and still available.

Third step is to try to put your call to action on several locations on the web site, especially if there’s a lot of copy on your page. You can put the call to action after an introductory paragraph, the top of the page, and other parts of the site.

The fourth step is to make your site as direct as possible. Your visitors will want to know what they’re getting from your page as soon as they land on it. Get straight to the point immediately without having making your copy awkward.

The call to action may include a registration blank which ask for information such as the email address. The fifth step is to link these details to a shopping cart or an autoresponder to create your mailing list. Once you add a centered call to action to your copy, your efforts will make your web visitors to take your call to action.

As a word of advice, there are certain tips that you can apply. One is to start your call to action with a verb. To achieve clarity, keep the subject and verb close together; for example: “Ask your sales representative for details”. You must keep your call to action on your screen the entire time. If this would not be possible, you must let it pop several times so that irregular viewers may have a chance to see it. Lastly, inform yourself more about contextual relevance, serial position effect and chunking and coding.

Creating a simple, smooth and effective call to action is still an art. A straightforward and strong call to action can really bring a difference to your copy content and can convert it. The message on your call to action is really vital to the performance of your website. As an end note, always remember that a good copywriting will always include a call to action.

Promote Your Biz with a 6-Second Looping Video

dreamstime_xl_25195965Promote Your Biz with a 6-Second Looping Video

If you’ve seen any videos from the new Twitter platform, Vine, you’ve probably been quite intrigued by them, but perhaps also confused as to just how to make use of this new platform. What it takes, is a clear idea of your idea! You’ve a mere six seconds to present your message, so time is an issue!

How businesses are using Vine

Vine has seen businesses make some very innovative and striking videos since they’ve launched. Inspite of the time limitations, some businesses have embraced the platform and are making Vines that are getting significant notice and views. The real key to winning with Vine would be to emphasize the quirky, fun and new aspects of the products or messages you want to feature. No one expects an epic film, but on the other hand, they do expect to be entertained! Some ways businesses are using Vine videos include videos about new products or people, customer service messages, and human-interest pieces. Businesses of every size are discovering cool ways to employ Vine videos.

Here are some examples:

General Electric is using Vine to develop innovative ways to share science in cool ways.

The Gap is using Vine as an online video catalog.

Bacardi is using these short snippets to give away drink recipes featuring their favorite rum!

Not to be outdone, Malibu Rum has created a thirst-quenching Vine of their own!

As part of the launch for their Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos, Taco Bell produced a yummy Vine to whet their customer’s appetites!

Lowes home improvement stores has innovated by making a series of #lowesfixinsix

Let your imagination run wild!

Vine videos can be quite a novel way to introduce new staff, new products, new directions and more. It’s really only limited to your imagination. Obviously, time isn’t a factor! Take a few moments and browse through some Vine videos, and discover if this isn’t a platform that your company or small business can utilize!