Tag: photographer

Categories
Uncategorized

The Easy Way to Get Professional Headshots on Your Busy Schedule – Mobile Portraits

Between meetings, deadlines, and client calls, blocking off time for photography may seem like a luxury—not a necessity. But in reality, professional business portraits are a vital asset in your company’s branding toolbox. Fortunately, there’s a solution that fits seamlessly into your workflow: Mobile Portrait Services.

Why Mobile Headshots Are a Game-Changer for Busy Professionals

Mobile portrait services bring the studio to your doorstep—whether that’s a high-rise office downtown, a conference venue, or your company headquarters in the suburbs. Instead of coordinating travel for your team or juggling appointment times at a studio, mobile setups offer convenience without compromise.

At St Louis Business Portraits, we specialize in deploying compact, professional-grade lighting and background setups to virtually any location. With minimal disruption to your workday, we create an efficient flow to photograph entire teams or key individuals quickly—while still capturing polished, brand-consistent portraits.

The Professional Look, Without Leaving the Office

One common misconception is that mobile headshots can’t match the quality of studio portraits. That’s no longer the case. Today’s mobile gear—including advanced lighting kits, professional DSLR and mirrorless cameras, and calibrated monitors for on-site previews—ensures crisp, flattering images that meet the highest industry standards.

We also bring customized background and lighting solutions that reflect your brand’s visual identity. Whether you want a modern, light-filled look, classic corporate backdrops, or environmental portraits within your own workspace, our team adapts to fit your vision.

Team Efficiency, Visual Consistency

Scheduling headshots during work hours ensures higher participation and consistent results across departments. With our mobile setup, we streamline the entire process—handling everything from pre-session communication and wardrobe tips to on-site posing guidance and real-time image selection. This eliminates the hassle of mismatched portraits, uneven lighting, or different styles across your staff bios, LinkedIn profiles, or marketing materials.

AI-Enhanced Editing and Fast Turnarounds

Once your headshots are captured, we utilize cutting-edge post-production techniques—powered by the latest Artificial Intelligence tools—to deliver exceptional results faster. Our editing pipeline includes skin tone balancing, background cleanup, and subtle retouching to maintain natural yet polished looks for all team members. You’ll receive web-optimized files, high-resolution prints, and any format required for your internal and external branding platforms.

Ready for Updates and Recurring Sessions

As your business grows or your team changes, we can return for follow-up sessions on your schedule. Mobile sessions are ideal for onboarding new team members, annual marketing campaigns, or refreshing executive photos. We’ll match your previous look and setup for perfect consistency across time.

Why Work with St Louis Business Portraits?

Since 1982, St Louis Business Portraits has been the go-to partner for professional companies, marketing firms, and creative agencies across the St. Louis region. Our team of experienced photographers, videographers, and producers brings the right combination of skill, gear, and creativity to every assignment.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone pilots. Whether you’re capturing polished headshots, creating a branded video campaign, or repurposing content across media platforms, we customize your production to meet your unique needs.

Our AI-enhanced media services, advanced lighting setups, and private studio allow us to support everything from small productions to large-scale corporate shoots. And yes—we can fly our specialized drones indoors to capture dynamic overhead footage that enhances your storytelling.

With decades of experience, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of brand image, St Louis Business Portraits ensures your next visual production is efficient, stress-free, and effective. Contact us today to schedule your mobile headshot session and see how easy professional photography can be—even on your busiest day.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

What to Wear for Your Best Headshot Ever — A Professional’s Guide to Making the Right Impression

Your headshot is often the first point of visual contact with potential clients, collaborators, and employers. It appears on your website, LinkedIn profile, pitch decks, press kits, and more. But the key to a successful business portrait isn’t just expert lighting or a high-end camera—it’s also what you wear.

At St Louis Business Portraits, we’ve photographed professionals across industries for decades, and we know how wardrobe choices can elevate—or undermine—your image. This guide will help you make intentional, brand-aligned clothing decisions so you feel confident and look your best in front of the lens.

1. Start with Your Audience in Mind

Who will be viewing your headshot? A startup investor? A corporate board? Creative agencies? Your attire should resonate with the expectations of your industry without compromising your authenticity.

Tip:

  • Finance, law, or consulting? Lean into formal attire: tailored suits, solid shirts, and muted tones.
  • Creative industries or entrepreneurs? A polished smart-casual look (think jackets without ties, clean lines, subtle color) works well.
  • Healthcare or education? Clean, friendly, approachable with soft colors and minimal accessories.

2. Choose Solid Colors Over Patterns

Busy prints and patterns can be distracting and don’t always translate well in digital formats. Solid colors create a clean, professional look and ensure that the focus stays on your face.

Tip:

  • Jewel tones (like navy, burgundy, emerald) photograph beautifully on most skin tones.
  • Avoid stark white or neon unless layered under a jacket or sweater.
  • Light pastels work well in soft-lit environments; darker hues are best for dramatic or formal tones.

3. Fit is Everything

Loose or ill-fitting clothing can look sloppy on camera, while overly tight garments may cause discomfort and unnatural posture. Tailored outfits present you as composed and confident.

Tip:

  • Do a dress rehearsal: wear your full outfit in advance, sit and stand in it, and check it from all angles in good lighting.
  • Steam or iron your clothing before the shoot—wrinkles show more on high-resolution cameras.

4. Keep Accessories Subtle and Purposeful

Accessories should enhance your look, not dominate it. Bold necklaces, oversized watches, or trendy glasses may age your headshot or draw attention away from your expression.

Tip:

  • Stick to small, elegant accessories.
  • Avoid overly reflective jewelry, which can catch light awkwardly.
  • If you wear glasses regularly, bring a clean, non-reflective pair or ask your photographer to adjust lighting to avoid glare.

5. Grooming and Hair Matter—Plan Ahead

Even the best wardrobe can’t make up for a rushed grooming session. Hair, makeup, and facial grooming should be clean, natural, and consistent with your day-to-day professional look.

Tip:

  • Schedule any haircut or color touch-ups at least a week before your session.
  • For makeup: aim for professional but not overdone. Consider light matte powder to reduce shine.
  • Men: trim facial hair neatly or go clean-shaven for a sharper presentation.

6. Bring Options—and Layers

Different looks may work better depending on your setting and background. Layers, such as blazers, sweaters, or scarves, offer flexibility during your shoot and give you more variety in final image selections.

Tip:

  • Always bring 2–3 top options, including one neutral and one bold color.
  • Coordinate, but don’t match, your outfit with team members if you’re doing a group shoot.

Why Professionals Choose St Louis Business Portraits

At St Louis Business Portraits, we do more than take pictures—we craft brand-aligned portraits that reflect your growth, role, and industry. Our seasoned team brings decades of professional experience to every session, helping you look and feel confident from the first frame.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing and post-production, and licensed drone pilots for enhanced visual storytelling. Whether you need a classic corporate headshot, a modern executive portrait, or an entire team image refresh, we tailor every shoot to your goals.

Our studio features custom lighting setups, prop staging, and AI-enhanced tools to optimize your imagery. We repurpose your photos and videos across digital and print formats, ensuring visual consistency across all platforms. Our crew handles everything—from private interview studio setup to sound and camera operation—for a seamless, high-quality experience.

Since 1982, St Louis Business Portraits has partnered with companies, marketing agencies, and creative professionals throughout the St. Louis region to deliver headshots and visual content that make a lasting impression.

Ready to look your best?
Let St Louis Business Portraits guide your next professional image refresh. From wardrobe advice to final retouching, we help you present the best version of your evolving professional self.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

How to Prepare for Your Headshot Appointment.

A powerful headshot is more than just a photograph — it’s a strategic marketing asset that tells your story before you even speak. Whether it’s for a corporate website, LinkedIn profile, marketing campaign, or press release, your business portrait must project confidence, credibility, and approachability.

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we understand that preparation is key to achieving a truly impactful image. In this guide, we’ll share expert advice to help you prepare thoroughly for your headshot appointment, ensuring you present your best self to your clients, colleagues, and audience.

1. Understand the Purpose of Your Headshot

Before stepping in front of the camera, think carefully about how and where your headshot will be used. Different industries and marketing channels may call for slightly different styles. A law firm might prefer formal, traditional portraits, while a tech startup may opt for a more casual, approachable look.

Tip: Clarify your intended use and target audience with your photographer beforehand so we can tailor the lighting, background, and mood to fit your brand image perfectly.

2. Choose the Right Wardrobe

Your outfit plays a crucial role in setting the tone of your headshot.

  • Solid Colors Over Patterns: Solid, neutral, or muted colors generally photograph better and keep the focus on your face.
  • Professional Fit: Wear clothes that fit well without sagging or pulling. Ill-fitting garments can appear sloppy in photos.
  • Industry-Appropriate Attire: Match your outfit to your professional industry standards. Formal businesses may require suits, while creatives might opt for business casual.

Tip: Bring a few options to the studio. Our experienced crew at Saint Louis Business Portraits can help you choose what looks best under professional lighting conditions.

3. Pay Attention to Grooming and Personal Care

In headshots, small details are magnified. Preparing your grooming ahead of time ensures you look polished and professional.

  • Hair: Get a haircut or trim about a week before your appointment to allow for a natural look.
  • Facial Hair: Keep facial hair neatly trimmed or clean-shaven, depending on your style.
  • Makeup: Keep makeup natural and matte to minimize shine. Bring powder for touch-ups.
  • Hands and Nails: If your hands might appear in the photo (crossed arms, holding props), ensure nails are clean and manicured.

Tip: Moisturize your skin well the night before to achieve a healthy, natural glow without looking oily.

4. Get Plenty of Rest

A well-rested face naturally appears more vibrant and alert. Lack of sleep can lead to dark under-eye circles, dull skin, and an overall tired look.

Tip: Try to get a full night’s sleep before your appointment and stay hydrated in the days leading up to your session.

5. Relax and Trust the Process

Feeling nervous before a headshot session is normal, but the best portraits come when you feel comfortable and authentic. Our experienced team will coach you through poses, expressions, and positioning so you don’t need to worry about the technical aspects.

Tip: Practice smiling naturally in front of a mirror the night before. Think about a positive memory or success moment to bring genuine warmth to your expression during the session.

6. Communicate with Your Photographer

A great headshot is the result of collaboration. Don’t hesitate to communicate your preferences, brand guidelines, or insecurities with your photographer. Whether it’s a specific side you favor or a unique brand style you need to match, telling us early ensures we can customize your session perfectly.

Tip: Bring a list of any creative direction or examples you admire. It helps streamline the session and aligns your expectations with the final product.

Why Saint Louis Business Portraits Is the Right Partner for Your Professional Headshots

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we believe that every business portrait should be a strategic visual asset — crafted with expertise, artistry, and attention to detail. Since 1982, we have been the trusted choice for businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis area.

We are a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company equipped with the right gear, creative crew, and service experience for truly successful image acquisition. We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, editing, post-production, and even licensed drone pilots for truly unique projects.

Our services can be customized for diverse media requirements, whether for websites, marketing materials, internal communications, or large-scale campaigns. We’re experts at repurposing your photography and video branding to help you gain even greater traction across platforms.

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we are well-versed in all file types, media styles, and accompanying software, ensuring seamless delivery no matter your project scope. We embrace the latest Artificial Intelligence technologies to enhance every aspect of our media services.

Our private studio lighting and visual setup are perfect for small productions and interview scenes. With a spacious studio that can incorporate custom props and set pieces, and the ability to fly our specialized drones indoors, we provide everything you need to make your next business portrait or video production truly outstanding.

When you partner with Saint Louis Business Portraits, you’re choosing decades of expertise, creative vision, and a full-service team committed to making you look your absolute best.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

Bad Headshot? Learn the Top 5 Mistakes People Make

In today’s professional world, your headshot is often your first impression. Whether it’s on LinkedIn, your company website, or marketing materials, a poorly executed headshot can negatively impact your brand. Yet, many professionals make common mistakes that result in an unflattering or ineffective portrait. Here are the top five mistakes people make when taking headshots and how to avoid them.

1. Using an Outdated or Poor-Quality Photo

A headshot from ten years ago or a low-resolution image cropped from a group photo does not reflect professionalism. Your appearance and industry expectations change over time, and your headshot should stay current. High-quality, recent headshots ensure you present yourself as credible and up to date. Investing in a professional session means getting a properly lit, high-resolution image that aligns with your brand.

2. Wearing Distracting or Inappropriate Clothing

Your outfit should match the professional tone of your industry. Avoid loud patterns, bright colors, or clothing with logos that distract from your face. Stick to solid colors and well-fitted attire that complements your skin tone. If unsure, bring a couple of outfit options to your session and consult with your photographer on the best choice.

3. Choosing the Wrong Background

The background of your headshot should not compete with you for attention. Busy, cluttered backgrounds can make the image look unprofessional. A neutral backdrop or an environment that subtly enhances your brand (such as a modern office or studio setup) works best. Professional photographers understand background selection and lighting to make you stand out while maintaining a polished look.

4. Lack of Proper Lighting and Posing

Harsh shadows, overexposure, or underexposure can ruin an otherwise great headshot. Natural light is great, but studio lighting offers full control over brightness and shadows to create a flattering image. Additionally, awkward poses or forced smiles can make you appear uncomfortable. A skilled photographer will guide you into a natural, confident pose that brings out your best features.

5. Not Considering Branding and Consistency

Your headshot should align with your company’s brand. If your team’s headshots look inconsistent across your website and marketing materials, it may undermine the professionalism of your business. Whether it’s for a corporate setting or a creative industry, headshots should have a consistent style and feel. Professionals should ensure their image aligns with their personal brand and company branding.

The Right Team for the Perfect Headshot

At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we understand the importance of a professional headshot that represents you and your brand. As a full-service professional commercial photography and video production company, we have the right equipment and experienced creative crew to ensure successful image acquisition. Whether you need studio or location photography, editing, post-production, or licensed drone pilots, we customize productions to meet your media needs.

We specialize in repurposing photography and video branding to maximize your reach. Our expertise spans all file types, media styles, and accompanying software. Our private studio lighting and visual setup is ideal for small productions and interview scenes, and we have a spacious studio to incorporate props for a complete set. From private custom interview setups to sound and camera operators, we provide everything needed for flawless video production. Our team can even fly specialized drones indoors for unique perspectives.

Since 1982, we have worked with businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies in the St. Louis area, helping them elevate their marketing photography and video. If you want a headshot that makes a lasting impression, let Saint Louis Business Portraits capture the best version of you. Contact us today to schedule your session!

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com
Mike Haller

Studio – 4501 Mattis Road St Louis, MO 63128

Categories
Uncategorized

How to Plan Your Day for Great Event Videos and Photos

When planning for event videos and photos, particularly for corporate events, the key to success lies in preparation. Whether you’re hosting a conference, a company celebration, or a professional seminar, capturing the right moments on video and in photos requires careful planning. Event photography and videography are powerful tools to preserve memories and convey messages, and the best way to ensure your event looks polished and professional is by planning every detail of the day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your day for great event videos and photos.

A shot list is an invaluable tool for keeping track of what has been captured and what still needs to be acquired.

1. Define the Purpose of Your Event Media

Before you even pick up the camera or set up your equipment, you need to understand the purpose behind the event media. Are you looking to document the event for internal purposes, like company memories? Or is the event meant for external use, such as marketing materials or press releases? The purpose of the photos and videos will help determine the style, angles, and focal points of your shoot.

2. Identify Key Moments to Capture

Every event has key moments that should be highlighted. Whether it’s the keynote speaker, awards ceremony, or the first toast of a celebration, identifying these moments beforehand will allow the videographer and photographer to be ready for them. Make sure to communicate these moments with your production team so they can prepare accordingly.

3. Plan for the Right Lighting

Lighting is essential for high-quality photography and videography. Poor lighting can result in dark, grainy images or low-quality video footage. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we understand the importance of lighting and use customized setups to enhance your production. We can create lighting designs to fit various settings, whether in a small room or a large venue. From our private studio setups to on-location productions, we ensure optimal lighting to capture the best images and video.

4. Prepare Your Venue for Filming and Photography

The location of your event is key to the overall look of your photos and videos. If you’re hosting the event at a venue, do a walkthrough with your production team to identify the best locations for filming and photography. If you’re planning to hold an event at your office or another business location, make sure to clean and prepare the space for optimal shots. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we offer location scouting and can help you set up for the most effective and attractive shots.

5. Coordinate with Your Event Team and Speakers

It’s crucial to work closely with your event planners, speakers, and anyone involved in the event to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding timing and expectations. Whether you’re filming an event panel or taking formal portraits of the event speakers, being aligned with the event timeline will help capture all of the key moments.

6. Create a Shot List

A shot list is an invaluable tool for keeping track of what has been captured and what still needs to be filmed. A professional photographer and videographer will create a list of essential shots based on the event’s schedule and key moments. This includes wide-angle shots of the venue, close-ups of speakers or guests, candid shots of attendees, and other essential angles. The production team will stay organized and ensure they capture everything you need.

7. Plan for Interviews and Testimonials

Many corporate events include interviews with key speakers, panelists, or guests. These interviews are valuable assets for creating content that can be repurposed for marketing materials, social media, or internal use. Make sure to plan for dedicated times to conduct interviews. Saint Louis Business Portraits has the ability to set up custom interview spaces that look professional and are perfect for video. Our private studio setup provides all the lighting, sound, and camera equipment necessary for smooth and high-quality interviews.

8. Repurpose Your Media for Future Use

One of the most beneficial aspects of event photography and video is its long-term potential. Instead of just letting your media sit unused after the event, repurpose your photos and videos for marketing, internal communications, social media, or future events. Saint Louis Business Portraits specializes in repurposing event photography and video branding to gain more traction. We can help you creatively use your media to engage with your target audience across various platforms.

9. Be Ready for Unexpected Moments

Despite careful planning, unexpected moments will happen during your event, and you’ll want to capture them as they unfold. Whether it’s a surprise announcement, a guest interaction, or a spontaneous moment, having an experienced videographer and photographer ready for anything ensures that these impromptu events are documented.

10. Review the Footage

After the event, it’s crucial to review the footage to ensure that everything you wanted was captured. With the right editing and post-production services, you can enhance your photos and videos to produce polished content. At Saint Louis Business Portraits, we offer full-service editing and post-production to ensure your media meets the highest quality standards.

Why Choose Saint Louis Business Portraits for Your Event Photography and Video Production?

Saint Louis Business Portraits is an expert in capturing high-quality event photos and videos. With decades of experience working with businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area, we are well-equipped to handle all of your corporate media needs. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and has the creative expertise to make your event look polished and professional.

We offer full-service studio and location video and photography, as well as editing, post-production, and licensed drone services. Our team can customize productions to meet diverse media requirements and has extensive knowledge of all file types and styles of media. Additionally, our private studio lighting and visual setups are perfect for small productions, interviews, and other intimate events.

Since 1982, we’ve worked with companies to provide high-quality photography and videography that is not only professional but adaptable to a wide range of media uses. Whether you need a custom interview setup, sound and camera operators, or specialized drones for unique shots, we have everything you need to make your next event production perfect.

Let us help you elevate your next event with exceptional photography and videography that you can use to engage your audience and repurpose across various channels for maximum impact.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com

Categories
Uncategorized

Headshot Makeup Tips: Enhancing Your Features for Camera-Ready Professional Portraits

In the world of business, first impressions matter. When it comes to presenting yourself or your team in a professional light, nothing speaks volumes like a well-crafted headshot. Whether it’s for your website, LinkedIn profile, or promotional materials, your headshot is often the first point of contact with potential clients or partners. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure that your headshots are not only well-composed and technically sound but also visually appealing and reflective of your brand identity. One often overlooked aspect of achieving the perfect headshot is makeup. In this guide, we’ll explore some expert tips for enhancing your features for camera-ready professional portraits.

Use neutral eyeshadows to enhance your eye shape, focusing on soft, blended looks that won’t overpower your features.

1. Less is More

When it comes to makeup for professional headshots, the key is to enhance your natural features without going overboard. Avoid heavy makeup that can appear too harsh or distracting on camera. Opt for a natural look that highlights your best features while still looking polished and professional.

2. Focus on Flawless Skin

The camera tends to pick up every imperfection, so it’s essential to start with a good base. Begin by prepping your skin with moisturizer and primer to create a smooth canvas. Use a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone, followed by concealer to camouflage any blemishes or dark circles.

3. Define Your Features

Subtle contouring can help define your facial features and add dimension to your face. Use a matte bronzer to contour the hollows of your cheeks, temples, and jawline, blending well for a natural-looking effect. Highlight the high points of your face, such as the cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, to add luminosity and dimension.

4. Emphasize the Eyes

Your eyes are the focal point of your headshot, so it’s essential to make them pop. Start by grooming your eyebrows and filling them in lightly to frame your face. Use neutral eyeshadows to enhance your eye shape, focusing on soft, blended looks that won’t overpower your features. Finish with mascara to lengthen and define your lashes.

5. Finish with Lips

Complete your look with a natural lip color that complements your skin tone. Opt for shades that are close to your natural lip color or a few shades darker for definition. Matte or satin finishes tend to photograph well and won’t reflect light, ensuring a polished look without being too glossy or distracting.

By following these simple makeup tips, you can ensure that you and your team are camera-ready for professional headshots that make a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural features while still looking polished and professional.

As a full-service video and photography production company, St Louis Business Portraits has worked with many businesses, marketing firms, and agencies in the St. Louis area for their corporate photography and video. Whether you need headshots, promotional videos, or branding photography, our experienced team has the expertise and equipment to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help elevate your brand image.

314-913-5626

stlouisphotos@gmail.com