Birmingham Life Magazine’s very own Laura McCaffery is an experienced corporate and commercial photographer. She has been shooting professionally for over 10 years.
“It is imperative to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera and feel good about themselves,” McCaffery said. “I believe in having a rapport with your clients. People always come first, lighting next and then camera settings.”
Headshots are one of McCaffery’s specialties, which she said are essential to portray a proper image of one’s company as they help “humanize” it. McCaffery said it is important to think about what message you want to tell and dress to match. For example, creatives may prefer something more casual if what they do can be messy, like pottery. On the other half of the spectrum, lawyers might want to wear a suit to show how they represent their clients and how determined they are.
“Trust your photographer,” she advised. “Sometimes you will be pushing your chin out or stretching towards the camera. Sometimes it can feel odd, or it can feel like ‘Simon Says.’ Move past that. Send your thoughts into the camera. People respond best when you look at them directly in the eyes, so look directly into the lens.”
She also recommended that people remain classic when it comes to wardrobe choices. When shooting a headshot, you want it to last for two years.
“Nothing will date your photograph faster than a look that was popular for one season only,” McCaffery said. “If you wear makeup, make sure it is a natural representation of your everyday-self. If you like to wear eyeliner, make sure it is dark brown; otherwise, it will look gray in pictures. If you do wear bold lipstick regularly, I recommend you wear it!”
Samples of McCaffery’s work can be found on lauramccaffery.com or @diariesoflaura on Instagram.
