BizPics: Headshots for Business, Sunday, May 21

If you need a new headshot for social media, a website, media relations or other purposes, I'd love to make it for you. My next BizPics shoot is at Creative Coworking in Evanston Sunday, May 21, 2017.

If you find the prospect of getting your portrait made daunting, but you know you need one, this is the shoot for you. These shoots are fun, a cross between a fashion shoot and a party. If you come, you'll get some smart pictures made of yourself while having a good time. In fact, consider bringing a friend or loved one.

Skokie's Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow
 

This in from Skokie dentist, Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow, about BizPics: The business portrait that Karen made was literally the springboard for a revitalized practice image, new marketing materials, and a clear brand that truly resonates with my patients and staff. I never knew that a photograph could accomplish so much. Karen is an artist and creative genius!

From non-profit executive Thomas Applegate: I finally took advantage of the opportunity with...BizPics to get new photos for use online at Linkedin, Facebook and all of the rest. A great current photo is essential for my professional and social image online.

Karen and her crew are great to work with at the shoot. Even though I wasn't nervous about having my picture taken, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Karen...made it fun and easy. I met other professionals while we waited for our turn and that casual conversation helped my photos look relaxed and natural. The process from sign up to selection of my favorite shots was quick and easy.

My only regret is that I waited so long to sign up for a shoot.

Registration and details for the May 21 shoot are up at https://bizpicsmay21.eventbrite.com.

Skokie's 4th of July Parade 2012

updated July 11, 2012

Here's Scott Holtz', Joel Lerner's and my take on from this year's Skokie 4th of July parade.

More of Scott's image can be found on Facebook via Downtown Skokie.

More of Joel's take can be seen online via Skokie Review.

 

Niles Township Assessor Scott Bagnall. 

 

Temple Judah Mizpah's Maddy Foler.

 

 

Dance Troupe Aenacer Boliviano dances down Oakton St. during Skokie's 4th of July Parade.

 

John Haber and Jeff Gould atop the Haben Funeral Home's antique hearse. 

Mike Reid.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White holds a banner as one of the Jesse White Tumblers flips over it.

 

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky.

 

 

 

  

  

  

Illinois Representative Lou Lang (in blue cap) poses with neighbors for a picture.

 

 

Joel Lerner takes a break from covering the parade for the Skokie Review. 

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Having a good portrait of yourself makes good business sense

~ First posted June 25, 2011, updated October 3, 2011.

Having a good, up-to-date portrait of yourself is important no matter what profession you are in or ambitions you have.

First, you never know when the media might come a-calling wanting to feature you in an article. You’re doing yourself a favor, and the media outlet, by having a photo on hand. Because deadlines and budgets are tight, editors and producers don’t always have the resources for getting an image made for their stories quickly. Then if by chance they are able to assign a photographer to make a picture of you, there’s no guarantee you’ll like the image.

Second, as you probably already know, to help maintain your professional reputation, having a strong, smart online presence is crucial. If you are using LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or other social media sites, you’re expected to include a picture of yourself. If you're ever asked to speak at a conference, someone will ask you for a picture for their website and materials.

You’ll want to use an image that communicates the qualities you want the public to know about you. Depending on the nature of your work, you might want to have more than one portrait so that each can be in sync with a different aspect of who you are and what you do. How to keep your identities from sending conflicting messages is a conversation for another time.

And third, as the old adage goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, but who's got time to read a thousand words? Reading a picture is faster. Portraits communicate in seconds qualities of a person words can't. They transcend language. Images are more show and less tell, which is what effective communication is about.

Hmm. Yes. While this is all true, what about cost? Getting a portrait made that works can be pricey. If you're needing one and cost is a concern, consider coming to my next BizPics shoot Sunday, November 20.  The shoot will include a variety of images being made, the services of a stylist and a bit of fun. Providing good portraits at a good price is just one way that Kring Lerner Group is working with individuals, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized business and non-profits to be successful. We're currently in touch with some social service agencies who assist job-seekers to see if we can devise a plan for offering their clients' headshots at an even lower rate. Stay tuned for more on that.

Above, from left to right: Holly Rotman-Zaid (upper left) Catherine Johns, David Lindgren and Sally Chapralis (lower right) participated in the April and June shoots.

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