Headshots for small businesses are even more important than they are for larger businesses. While larger businesses have more budget and marketing resources, small businesses need every advantage they can get. This is especially important for small businesses that have one-to-one contact with their clients. Having professional headshots for a small business can instantly instill trust and credibility in their potential clients.  

Kari Culumber, owner of Seattle area based Culumber Services, knew she needed professional headshots for her small business. For years, her team relied on photos that did not reflect the same level of professionalism and expertise they deliver to clients. Realizing this, Kari and her account manager Brit, booked a session at Charles Cotugno Photography’s Seattle headshot studio.

Pre-Session: Professional Hair and Makeup

When Kari and Brit arrived for their session, they didn’t just jump in front of the camera. Because a headshot is such a close-up photo, the hair and makeup need to be perfect. So, hair and makeup artist Kurumi Shulz spent about forty-five minutes with each getting them camera ready. But just to make sure, both were photographed under the lights. We viewed each very closely on a monitor and made any necessary adjustments.

The Headshot Session

Once the hair and makeup were set, it was time for to begin the headshot session. It took five or ten minutes each to get used to being in front of the camera. This is where coaching becomes critical. While one was getting their hair and makeup done, I spent time with the other to learn about their personality. Because of that, I knew exactly how to coach each of them for a variety of expressions. Combined with a variety of expressions and several clothing changes, they had plenty of image to choose from.

The Images

Image selection is done right here in the studio as soon as the photography has ended. The main thing to keep in mind is that a really great photograph is not enough. A professional headshot is a marketing asset and must connect with your ideal client. After about thirty minutes, Kari and Brit had selected several images each for a variety of uses. After about a week, they received all the retouched files, ready to go!

Conclusion

Now, when potential clients visit Culumber Services’ website, they are greeted by professional business headshots that present Kari and Brit as trusted advisors. Their new headshots are also being used in marketing collateral, networking profiles, and other client touchpoints. This ensures that every interaction begins with a polished and professional first impression.