Variety is the spice of .... photography.

When you are trying to choose a photographer, find someone who is willing to spend the time to create different looks. This young woman and I fiddled around with light and location to get these two great shots which are VERY different. Can you guess which one she liked best?

Happy Easter

May you get the chance to see little hands excitedly search for Easter eggs this weekend...

Let's talk headshots...

Social networking. There, I said it. The "buzz phrase" of the moment. Online social networking sites are hot. Not only because everyone is trying to look for (or keep!) a job but because we humans are natural communicators with a strong desire to connect.

In 2009, connecting with others is no longer the exclusive domain of the office watercooler, break room or cafeteria. It's easier, faster (and in some cases scarier) than ever before. Everyone is out there creating their personal brand on the web.

Long before this, we were all at the town well checking each other out. Weeeellll, now the water flows on your desktop.

My point? To connect, people need to see you. Headshots, once only used by actors and models, are a critical part of your personal branding package--so people can recognize you at the town well.

Studies show network profiles with a picture are viewed more often than profiles without a picture. Your photo is your "calling card." It creates an immediate level of trust with other members because they can see at a glance who they're dealing with.

Now I know you don't really enjoy having your picture taken. I know you are busy and this needs to be quick. That's why I can help. I've been both in front of and behind the camera. As a model, I've had to get myself together whether I was feeling in peak form or not. And, as a corporate marketing director, I've sifted through plenty of photos looking for "the look."

There are a couple of ways to do this. Check out the two shots of the same guy in this post. One is corporate and one creative.

Whether you want a dynamic headshot or a more creative look, I can help. Call me. Don't put it off. We can do this!

Oh, yeah, do I love a challenge!

Getting 18 people to all look in the same direction at once? Challenging! Taking a picture of this group? A pleasure! They were such a nice (and most attractive!) bunch!

Color or Black and White?

Many clients ask me..."Which is better? Black and white or color?" I feel it's personal preference. I happen to love black and white because movement stands out more to my eye.

There is certainly no movement in these photos, but it does show a comparison between color and the drama of black and white.

Warm weather

Spring break! Toes! My favorite!

My life is a soundtrack

Each morning I get up and log onto iTunes choosing the same compliation of movie soundtracks. Finding Nemo, Out of Africa, WALL-e, The Natural, all help me have a calm morning and provide a certain expected ambiance for the kids as they play, eat breakfast, get dressed and play some more.

Music has always had such an effect on my emotional state. If there is music on I don't like, I am constantly thinking, "How much longer do I have to listen to this?" And, if I need to get calm, revved up, happy or focused -- music can help me do that.

I think that's why I so enjoy providing a slideshow with music for my clients. When you look at your shoot, it should be a multi-sensory experience --with multiple ways to tap into that moment in time.

If you could hear the soundtrack to this shoot, you would feel all warm, sweet and cozy. Enjoy.

Now, back to the soundtrack from Helen Mirren's "The Queen".....