It's hard to believe Andrew is now a senior - I babysit him and his brother when I was in high school! Congratulations on your last year of school, Andrew! Also - take note of his killer style (see Darth Vadar patterned shirt below!)
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Portraits
We had the most beautiful day for Lauren's senior photos! Congratulations on your last year of school, Lauren!
Lindsey's family lived across the street from mine for quite a few years growing up - it's so hard to believe that she's finally a senior! Lindsey has always had a sweet, light spirit, which made her so easy to photograph for her senior session! We spent a beautiful Sunday evening at all of the best spots surrounding Phipp's Conservatory in Oakland. It was so hard to pick just a few favorites for this blog post, because Lindsey looks stunning in every single photo! You are lovely from the inside out, Lindsey - it was such an honor to take your photos!
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I LOVE when seniors get creative with their portrait location! Alyssa barrel races with her horse, Slammer, who lives at Babcock Stables in Gibsonia. She's been horse back riding for almost her entire life (and grew up in Texas), so it was only fitting to have her session at a barn. We loved hanging out with Alyssa and Slammer on this gorgeous summer evening - check out a few of our favorites below! Congratulations on all of your hard work, Alyssa!
How is this for real?
Nikki, my little sister & youngest sibling, is a senior graduating as a part of the class of 2017. For years, Nikki has been my go-to test model, easily bribed by a quick Sheetz run for a milkshake and french fries. But this time, there was no bribing needed (actually, I got paid in ice cream, an offer only available to siblings and immediate family members ;) ). I took her to a few of my favorite prettiest spots and as expected, all of the years of using her as my test model paid off. She was a total pro and super natural in front of my camera! I'm so excited for you, Nikki, and proud of how much you continue to grow!
Brandon, a 2016 Seneca Valley graduate and true Pittsburgher, had his senior session around the North Shore. We walked around outside of PNC Park and snapped some shots with some of his baseball gear. Congratulations on graduating, Brandon!
We live in a #selfienation where #phonepics reign supreme. Sure, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter might be okay for posting the occasional selfie, but what about professional websites, like LinkedIn?
LinkedIn is for connecting with professionals, and if you’re trying to land a job, a selfie as your profile pic just won’t cut it. Because LinkedIn is often times an employer’s first impression of a potential job candidate, it’s important to have a well composed, well lit, professional photo to help you stand out above the sea of poorly lit, blurry headshots. This is especially important for upper level college students who are trying to land an internship or job - I would argue that a college "senior session" is potentially more important than the classic high school "senior session." While high school senior photos are mainly for Mom, Dad, and Grandma to hang around their house, a college "senior session" gives you a photo to use to promote yourself and jumpstart your career.
So how do you go about getting a great LinkedIn headshot that will help you get hired? Here are some of my top tips:
1. Pick a Good Photographer (Who You Like)
Pick someone who is current, who will know how to represent you in the best light. A good photographer will know how to pull the best out of you for a great photo. It’s also important to hire someone you like. Yes, it might seem like a strange requirement, but getting your photo taken is a very personal thing, and the more you like your photographer, the easier it will be for you to be yourself in front of his/her camera.
2. Know Your Photographer’s Work
Make sure you are familiar with your photographer’s work. If they’re a natural light photographer but you want a classic studio-lit headshot, you might be disappointed with your results. Make sure you’ve talked with your photographer about the kind of work they not only can produce, but also about what kind of work they enjoy producing. This will give you an idea of where their creative strengths lie. In addition, be sure to look up their website or ask for samples of work similar to what you’re looking for. It’s important to fully trust whomever you hire to take your headshot.
3. Dress for the Part
Once you’ve picked your photographer and are familiar with the work they produce, it’s time to pick an outfit. Whatever your industry is, make sure you dress the part. If you’re trying to land a job in accounting, dress in professional attire. If you’re a part of a more creative industry (blogging, photography, design, etc.) dress professional, but bring your own personal style to the table as well.
Even though it’s important to look professional, it’s almost equally important for whatever outfit you pick to be comfortable. If you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing, it’s likely to show in your photos (through your facial features and/or your body language).
4. Relax!
This part might feel counterintuitive, especially since so many people hate being in front of the camera. It will be much easier for your photographer to capture a natural-looking portrait of you if you’re calm, cool, and collected. If it helps, listen to some of your favorite music on the way to the shoot to get yourself pumped up, or plan something fun with a group of friends directly after so you have something else to focus on (rather than the camera).
Follow these four tips, and you’re sure to have a LinkedIn headshot that stands out from the #selfie crowd!
Jenna Hidinger Photography specializes in weddings, senior portraits, family portraits, and is based in Zelienople, PA.
A few frames from a recent vacation to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with my sister, who just so happened to bring the perfect dress for a cloudy beach day shoot. As a side note, if you've never been to the beach in December - go! If you're not a huge beach person like me, it's the perfect time to enjoy the moderate weather and sparse crowds.
Headshots at the Wunderbar Coffee Shop in Harmony - does it get any better?! I'm lucky to work with this talented lady at Sparq Designs, where she is our official #bosslady and Senior Project Manager. She also runs the highly successful Urban Cashmere Blog (ladies, check it out - you won't be disappointed). Naturally, I was honored when she asked me to take some updated headshots for her for a musical she's auditioning for (what can't she do?!). Check out a few of my favorites below!
Even though I love weddings and engagements and family sessions - I have a special place in my heart for portraits. Capturing the essence of who someone is brings me so much joy.
Below are a few of my favorite portraits from 2015. Enjoy!
