Enlightened Tripod 8

The “Enlightened Action Word” ….

Hail: Salute; greet, call to To attract attention To come from

In order for anything to happen, an action needs to take place. If we take this a step further, in order for us to make money or do business we need to help someone with a need that they have. Before we can help someone with their need we need to get their attention – we need to call out to them, we need to hail them.

They say ( whoever they are?) that even though you build a better mouse trap people are noit going to crash down your door to buy them until you let them know that you have better mouse traps. This month’s Enlightened Action Word is Hail.

The “Enlightened Quote” …

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

George Washington Carver

The “Enlightened Business Plan”…

How do you determine what your competition does? Think about it, if you don’t know what your competitors (or perceived competitors are) how do you know that you are better, worse, or different than them. The reason that I used the term “perceived competitors” is that other photographers are NOT your competitors. The jewelers, car dealers, country club, dress store, travel agent, and other business are.

So how do you figure out what other photographers are doing? Ask them!

That’s right hail them, call them, take them out for lunch.

1. Phone them up and ask if you can get together and compare notes. When I was starting, out I phoned up several people whom I admired and told them that I was starting out and that I wanted to take them out to lunch and pick their brains. Nine out of ten agreed and we did lunch. I learned a tremendous amount, and I created new friends. Many became strong mentors.

Make sure you bring a note book along to write down the answers to your questions. Why re-invent the wheel, the lessons they learned from their mistakes are valuable and why would you want to repeat them if you don’t have to?

2. I joined various photographic associations, and from there I met many people and learned many things that saved me from having to re-invent that proverbial wheel. From P.P.A. (Professional Photographers of America), P.P.O.C. (Professional Photographers of Canada, and R.P.S. (Royal Photographic Society) I found many fellow photographers who are more than happy to share their vast knowledge and experience. One thing that we must learn is that anything that will help enhance one member will enhance the profession as a whole.

3. Have your portrait taken by the best professional that you can. By going through the process, you can really experience what it is like for your clients. If you haven’t done this, you are really doing a dis-service to yourself and your clients. Paying for the privilege is a small investment for the great benefits and insights that you will receive.

The “Enlightened Technical Corner”…

Hands

Yup, hands. How can this be construed as an Enlightened Technical Corner topic?

Simple! Hands are one of the most difficult parts of the human body to pose and photograph. Yet they are attached to almost everyone. Not only that, they are often the first element of a photograph that is seen. Or, as we often see, the hands are not shown at all.

At the same time you can tell stories with hands. If palms are upward, those images often receive names like “Supplication” or “Hunger.” If the palms are turned away from their owner, the name may be “Horror” or “Fright.”

Let’s look at some examples:

By putting more “snap” in the wrists and elbows the hands look more feminine and elegant. The first element we see on the image on the right are the elongated, spindly fingers. Whereas, in the image on the right, the fingers flow more and provide shape and roundness.

1. The right hand looks like a stump.

2. The brightest part of the image is the right wrist.

3. The left hand looks like a claw.

4. Finally, the left shoulder looks rather beefy.

All of these flaws can easily be improved.

You are right, the bracelet!

Before you take your photograph take a moment and look at the hands and see what you can do to improve them. Most of the time, many photographers don’t even look at the hands till it is too late.

“Enlightened Marketing”

Headshots are HOT!

The headshot or business portraits are your first impression in the eyes of most casting directors, model agencies, and clients in general. For the person who is interested in promoting themselves in any way, the success of the head shot takes a great photographer and good reproduction techniques to get the most from their investment.

One of the most common things people say in choosing a photographer is to choose a headshot photographer that is willing to work with you in order to achieve the best looking headshot rather than one that is mostly concerned with the number of shots he or she will have to take for the fee. Well, knowing that, you are way ahead of the competition by selling yourself as the photographer who will spend the time necessary to get the perfect image that will sell the client. Well gee Chuck, doesn’t that stand to reason, what you are saying is common sense.

True enough, but common sense isn’t all that common these days is it?

This is what they say about headshots…

What Is A Headshot/Business Portrait?

The headshot, as a general rule, accompanies your resume, and shows casting directors, modeling agencies, or clients, not only what you look like when they are deciding if they would like to call you, but also helps to remind them who you are after they have seen you (and countless others). It is typically an 8 x 10 black and white usually focusing on the head and shoulders, but some may use a shot that shows more of their body.

• Your headshot should always reflect your current age, hairstyle, and all other physical characteristics. If you cut your hair or get a nose job, you need a new photo.

• Your acting headshot shouldn't look the same as a modeling headshot. If you also do modeling work, have a separate photo to show to modeling agencies. Modeling headshots show modeling qualities (they look as if someone has told you to look mysterious, excited, dreamy, etc.) A good acting headshot will make you look like an actor, not someone from a CoverGirl commercial. For a photo that helps you look like an actor, try having your photographer photograph you while you are performing one of your monologues.

• It is helpful to put a sticker on the back with your name, age, height and weight, should the director wish to refer to them. (Why don’t we provide this as an extra little service to them?)

Hair, Makeup, Clothing for your Headshot

Since the most important job of a headshot is to look like you, stick to your "regular" look when preparing for your headshot - no elaborate hairstyles or glamorous makeup. The industry standard is to use a solid colored top - no white, because it has a tendancy to glare. Avoid shiny makeup - it doesn't photograph well.

Questions to Ask Your Photographer Before Booking A Session

• How much will the session cost ?

• Is a deposit required ?

• How many rolls of film are included?

• Who owns the negatives ?

• Is hair style and make up prep included?

• How long will the photo shoot be?

• How much does it cost for extra prints?

• What happens if you are not happy with the pictures?

Here is what I have seen for Headshot/Business Portrait Packages

GOOD

$99.50 - $295 - 2 hours, 1 or 2 different looks, expect around 250-300 images shot, includes professional make up artist, post production, basic retouching, separate web and print optimization as required on two images. Perfect for a quick up update, refresher or a shoot for a specific role.

BETTER

$ 295 - $395 - 3 hours, 3 or 4 different looks, expect around 450-500 images shot, includes professional make up artist, post production, basic retouching, separate web and print optimization as required on four images.. This option gives you a great new set of images for your online casting portfolio and your new main 8×10 print image.

BEST

$795 - 6 hours, 5 or 6 different looks, expect around 750-800 images shot. at least 2 different locations, includes full service professional make up, post production with detailed retouching service, separate web and print optimization as required on up to 10 images and a set of three 8×10 or ten 4×6 proof prints.. This is what you need to do a complete makeover, a new portfolio, or a new direction and fresh start or perhaps you are beginning your career and need a full set of headshot/model images.

All sessions include unlimited digital images captured, passworded web proofs, digital processing and storage fees, image licensing for typical actor, model and musician promotional use.

ADD ON ITEMS:

PRINTS

8X10 - $5.95 - $ 19.95 each print.

5×7 - $4.50 – $9.95 each print.

4×6 - $2.50 - $ 4.95 each print.

How can you market yourself with headshots/business portraits:

Join your local Chamber of Commerce and get to know other businesses

Join your local BNI

Drop by every modeling agency with a bouquet of flowers, your portfolio, and a stack of your business cards.

Drop by every Realty Agency with a box of chocolates, your portfolio, and a stack of your business cards.

Drop by Car Dealerships with a few boxes of donuts, your portfolio, and a stack of your business cards.

Drop by … you get the idea. You can go to florists, bankers, heck any type of business.

You can go anywhere and keep yourself very busy just doing this type of photography!

For this purpose, make sure your card has your portrait on it. We have different cards for different purposes!

“Enlightened Living”

Heartburn and GERD

Many of the photographers that I know (including myself) suffer from Heartburn and/or GERD. This is due to the type of activity we view as work, the hours we keep and the foods we eat.

Heartburn is a feeling of burning, warmth, heat, or pain that often starts in the upper abdomen just beneath the lower breastbone (sternum). This discomfort may spread in waves upward into your throat, and you may have a sour taste in your mouth. Heartburn is sometimes called indigestion, acid regurgitation, sour stomach, or pyrosis. It is not caused by problems with your heart, although sometimes heart problems can feel like heartburn

Heartburn may cause problems with swallowing, burping, nausea, or bloating. These symptoms can sometimes last up to 2 hours or longer. In some people, heartburn symptoms may cause sleep problems, a chronic cough, asthma, wheezing, or choking episodes.

Heartburn usually is worse after eating or made worse by lying down or bending over. It gets better if you sit or stand up. Almost everyone will have troubles with heartburn now and then. Heartburn occurs more frequently in adults than in children. Many women have heartburn every day when they are pregnant. This is because the growing uterus puts increasing upward pressure on the stomach.

Symptoms of heartburn and symptoms of a heart attack may feel the same. Occasionally, a person may dismiss serious symptoms as "just gas or indigestion." If you have a history of heart problems or risk factors for a heart attack, your heartburn symptoms may indicate a more serious problem and need to be checked by your doctor.

Dyspepsia is a medical term that is used to describe a vague feeling of fullness, gnawing, or burning in the chest or upper abdomen, especially after eating. A person may describe this feeling as "gas." Other symptoms may occur at the same time, such as belching, rumbling noises in the abdomen, increased flatus, poor appetite, and a change in bowel habits. Causes of dyspepsia can vary from minor to serious.

Causes of heartburn

Heartburn occurs when food and stomach juices back up (reflux) into the esophagus, which is the tube that leads from the throat to the stomach. This process is called gastroesophageal reflux. Common causes of reflux include:

• Incomplete closing of the valve (the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) between the esophagus and the stomach.

• Foods and drinks, such as chocolate, peppermint, fried foods, fatty foods, or sugars; and coffee, carbonated drinks, or alcohol. Once heartburn occurs, the backflow of stomach juices can cause the esophagus to become sensitive to other foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, garlic, and onions. Eating these foods may cause more heartburn.

• Pressure on the stomach caused by obesity, frequent bending over and lifting, tight clothes, straining with bowel movements, vigorous exercise, and pregnancy.

• Smoking and use of other tobacco products.

• Prescription and nonprescription medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, prednisone, iron, potassium, or antihistamines.

• A hiatal hernia, which occurs when a small portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the lungs from the abdomen.

• Stress, which can increase the amount of acid your stomach makes and cause your stomach to empty more slowly. The treatment of heartburn depends on how severe your heartburn is and what other symptoms you have. Home treatment measures and medicines that you can buy without a prescription usually will relieve mild to moderate heartburn. It is important to see your doctor if heartburn occurs frequently and home treatment does not relieve your symptoms.

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be painful and, if allowed to continue, can lead to complications including esophagitis. Making adjustments to your lifestyle can help provide relief.

Many cases of heartburn can be prevented by simple lifestyle modifications in diet, activity, and habits. Watching what kinds of foods you eat and how much you eat can influence your symptoms. Also, pay attention to your body position after eating. Don't lie down. Limit alcohol intake, quit smoking, and lose weight to improve not only your heartburn symptoms but also your overall health.

Points to Remember

• Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD. Anyone experiencing heartburn twice a week or more may have GERD.

• You can have GERD without having heartburn. Your symptoms could be excessive clearing of the throat, problems swallowing, the feeling that food is stuck in your throat, burning in the mouth, or pain in the chest.

• In infants and children, GERD may cause repeated vomiting, coughing, and other respiratory problems. Most babies grow out of GERD by their first birthday.

• If you have been using antacids for more than 2 weeks, it is time to see a doctor. Most doctors can treat GERD. Or you may want to visit an internist—a doctor who specializes in internal medicine—or a gastroenterologist—a doctor who treats diseases of the stomach and intestines.

• Doctors usually recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to relieve heartburn. Many people with GERD also need medication. Surgery may be an option.

Yours in Health, Happiness, and Success Your Friend Chuck Groot BFA, F/PPABC, MPA