Why Lawyers Need a Professional Headshot

Nowadays, every professional person needs to have a professional headshot that will act as his signature mark in the online commercial world. The lawyers need their headshots as much as the other professionals, as it increases their reliability in the eyes of their clients and thus help them make progress in their career.  The attorney headshot is extremely useful for posting in the business pages of social media sites, like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Enhances the trustworthiness

© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography

When people find the image of the attorney in different websites impressive enough, they feel more inclined to approach those lawyers for solving their legal problems, even if they do not know them very well. The profiles of the lawyers should always be accompanied with their professional headshots, for making their career smoother than others who do not bother to use one.

Increases the fame instantly

The attorney headshot can successfully become the brand signature of a good lawyer and speaks more about his confidence and professional success than what is written in his profile in words. Moreover, it makes the job of easier for their clients, when they are searching online to get in touch with that specific attorney for discussing their legal matters. Websites and social media profiles without headshots are usually passed over the one hired is someone that does have one.

How to get the best headshot for a professional lawyer

  • First of all, it is best to hire a professional photographer, who is experienced in taking headshots with latest photographic equipments, because any unprofessional work will fail to draw the attention of the potential clients, as a properly done headshot should do.  So every ambitious lawyer should be ready for the expense of hiring a reputed professional photographer for this work.

 

  • The lawyer should make sure that only his/her face is primarily shown in the headshot, to make it instantly noticeable, as one looks at the photo. So the background of the photo needs to be absolutely professional, without anything that may distract the viewers’ attention.

 

  • The lawyer should wear only professional or any formal attire that suits best his personality and what other successful lawyers are seen to wear in their headshots. 

 

  • The pose of the lawyer should be impressive while taking his headshot that will make him look smart and confident. So it is better to consult the hired photographer, who can suggest the best in this regard.

Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

What to Wear for Your Headshot Session

Headshot is a professional portrait of a person, where only the face and the upper part of the body is visible, mainly stressing on the face expression and eyes of that person. The headshots are generally used for posting online with the job applications and the profiles of the professional people, so that their clients can be impressed by their personalities. Therefore, the dress of that person should be distinctly dignified and should give a professional look to the wearer. So everyone should be careful about the clothing that can be used while posing for a headshot.

Few useful tips for the selection of clothing for any headshot session

  • Generally, people should wear only formal wear for the headshot sessions; like two-buttoned suits, shirts or formal kind of gowns. The formal wear is essential so that the people appearing in the headshots look perfectly professional to the viewers.
  • It is better to avoid too much colorful clothing for a headshot, as it is best to keep a simple and plain look for these professional photos. Likewise, too many flowery or decorative patterns should be avoided, while selecting the dresses for shooting headshots. No funny pattern or funky style is approvable while selecting dress for a headshot session, as it will make the wearer look cheap to the viewers of his/her profile.
  • Whatever dress is chosen, the wearer should be perfectly comfortable in wearing it; so that he/she looks confident in the headshot. But this dress should be a part of his/her personality; it should never become the main point of attraction of the viewers.
  • The dress taken out of the wardrobe should be perfectly clean and spotless, so that the wearer does not look messy while wearing it. Moreover, the attire should be well ironed, to make the wearer look smart and confident.
  • The clothes should be well fitted and any loosely fitted apparel should be avoided in these photo sessions. The whole point is to highlight the person wearing it, which cannot be achieved by wearing a heavy or voluminous type of dress.
  • It is best to wear the traditional types of formal dresses, as the latest trendy attires may become old-fashioned within a few months and then the wearer will have to take another headshot for keeping his/her profile updated. But a few traditional styles are all-times favorites of people and they never seem to go outdated; like the formal suits or simple white shirts with ties. 

Selection of the proper colors of headshot attire as per the skin tone of wearer

According to the expert advice of the professional photographers, the color of the dress selected for wearing in a headshot session should be in sharp contrast to the skin tone of the wearer. If the wearer is very fair-skinned, he/she should opt for a deeper shade of any sober color, to make his/her face more prominent in the headshot. On the contrary, if the wearer has dark colored or medium colored skin tone, he/she needs to wear only a light colored dress, to highlight his/her features in the headshot. Some photographers also suggest choosing the color of the dress according to the eye color of the wearer, to personalize the photo even more.

Parts of outfits that can be overlooked by the wearer

Generally, only the face and the upper parts of the body are visible in a headshot and not the lower parts. So the concerned person needs to be conscious only about choosing the shirt or the top that he/she will be wearing in the headshot session. But the trouser or the skirt will not be visible in the photo, for which the wearer or the photographer need not bother about the selection of these parts of the clothing at all. Neither the wearer needs to match the shirt with the trouser or skirt, as the lower part will not be seen at all. Similarly, he/she can wear any kind of shoes in these photo sessions, as the footwear also does not matter in any headshot.

Special kinds of attires preferred in a few specific corporate houses

When a person needs a headshot for submitting in a corporate company for job purposes or to make commercial tie-ups, his photo should be entirely different from that of a model or actor. Hence, the clothes chosen for this kind of headshots should be different too and the wearer needs to be careful while selecting his/her headshot attire. Since some corporate houses may have their unique preferences regarding the attires of their professionals, it is better to consult the website of the concerned company and derive ideas about their official dress codes, from the posted photos of their top officials. 

Ideal dresses for the headshots used on commercial purposes

  • It is usual for every corporate company to maintain a certain dress code in their offices, which is preferably maintained in the headshots of the people attached to them. 
  • Most of the offices like to see their employees in long-sleeved dresses, to maintain decency of the workplace, which needs to be shown in the headshots of the people applying there. So generally, most of the corporate headshots should be taken with full-sleeved shirts only.
  • Even the women professionals need to be featured with decent shirts or collared blouses in their headshots. It is better if they wear suits or simple coats over their shirts. 
  • Both men and women can put on jackets over their shirts or blouses, if suits or coats are not available in their wardrobes. 
  • The women professionals should be careful about wearing minimum jewelry, of very sleek designs. They should look very simple in their headshots.

Consult with the professional photographer shooting headshots

The experienced photographers are well aware of the types of dresses that should be used for making the best headshots of their clients. Hence, it is best to show the chosen attire to the hired photographer, before finally putting it on for a headshot session.

CLICK HERE to see examples of Headshot Clothing for Men

CLICK HERE to see examples of Headshot Clothing for Women


Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

How to Achieve the Best Family Real Estate Agent Headshot

Fiona Santos | HRG Real Estate Agent  http://fionasellshomes.com/

Fiona Santos | HRG Real Estate Agent  http://fionasellshomes.com/

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone for a family, but it also brings its own challenges and concerns. In order to make the right choices and a practical investment, families are on the lookout for a real estate agent they can trust.

An ideal real estate agent is one that has a natural charisma and can speak easily with any family member. A real estate agent must also be aware of the budget and unique needs of a family. It is best if a real estate is intuitive, a good listener, and sympathetic to what their client is seeking for their family.

Clients who have families are unlikely to be impressed by just an email address or an online post. A client who has a family to care for and house wants to feel positively about their real estate agent. Furthermore, the client will want the real estate agent to be comfortable speaking to the eldest family member as well as the youngest. A high-quality, professional headshot will ensure a client feels their family is safe in your hands. Your headshot, which will highlight your qualities as a skilled and approachable real estate agent, will bring you to the top of their list of people to speak to and work with.

A headshot taken in a studio with a professional photographer will bring legitimacy to your public image. It shows that you care about your presentation and are invested in working with the best in order to serve your clients and their families. A real estate agent in front of a tasteful backdrop will outshine those who try to get by with a quick snap taken by a friend. It is best to avoid a cluttered background in a public place. This suggests that you are not serious about your business and don’t take the proper care to set up the right environment.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your real estate headshot session:

Khurel Bud | Real Estate Agent | https://www.khurel.com/

Khurel Bud | Real Estate Agent | https://www.khurel.com/

• Even though you are in a studio, you can bring your brightest self! Choosing a sunny color palette for your clothing (whites, yellows, blues, etc.) can help to remind families that you will provide them with a new home and a future as their real estate agent.

• Smile with your eyes — this conveys you can show warmth to every age group in a family, including children! Plus, it shows that you are a real estate that enjoys helping people.

• Remember to demonstrate open, inviting body language. You will likely be engaging with the entire family, and you don’t want anyone feeling left out!

• Opt for more loose, casual hairstyle that was still professional. This will put children and overworked parents at ease. You will send the message that you are a real estate agent that understands a hectic schedule, and is down-to-earth, yet businesslike. This is a difficult but important image to achieve, and it is best left to the skilled hands of a trained makeup artist.

 

With these steps, your headshot will be what families picture when they pursue a real estate agent to work and build a professional relationship with!  


Valentina-Sadiul-Headshots-Blog-Profile-Picture

Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Headshots for Luxury Real Estate Agents

A luxury real estate agent headshot on a website or business card is your clients’ first impression of you.  They look to you as a representative of the lifestyles that you can provide them. You will be expected to carry yourself with poise, and to be an iconic example of elegance.

McGuire Real Estate | Raymond Ho | http://raymondhosf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

McGuire Real Estate | Raymond Ho | http://raymondhosf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

What is most important is that you polish your personal brand. Ensure this with the perfect real estate headshot, which will be used for your business cards, your webpage’s “About Me” section, and your LinkedIn. This will make you much easier to find on the Internet, as well as highly recognizable and memorable. You will be the first step to buying a property before a client even opens a door, so you must be prepared to always impress. You walk a fine line: you must be sophisticated in order to dazzle a client, but also approachable in order to encourage a solid business relationship.

Since clients will be prepared to make a large investment on a property that exceeds what many can afford, they expect someone who exudes success and business acumen. In order to never be confused with an amateur, avoid images taken on an iPhone or any other low-quality device, which will negatively impact your brand.

Similarly, refrain from relying upon images that are either over 2 years old, or that include drastic changes in your appearance. Clients will be confused if they do not recognize you when they meet you in person, and will likely bring their business elsewhere. If you are intelligent about investing in a professionally taken real estate headshot, your media presence will be a profitable asset.

When you take self-presentation seriously with your real estate headshot, you will have a real advantage over your competition. By appearing charismatic, self-assured, well-dressed, and well-groomed, you will give a client the sense that you are highly experienced. Appearing appropriately stylish and well-to-do will earn their respect. They will get the sense that you regularly sell luxury real estate and have created a prosperous business

Here are some tips for your luxury real estate headshot:

McGuire Real Estate | Angelica Santamaria | http://angelicasantamariasf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

McGuire Real Estate | Angelica Santamaria | http://angelicasantamariasf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

• Choose solid colors and prints, as they convey professionalism and directness. Patterns that are too “busy” can be distracting, and can detract from the refinement you’re selling.

• For women, consider a jewel-toned blouse in a flattering color. The subtle splash of vibrance will distinguish you, yet will still remain appropriate with the right business attire. For men, pay attention to which business suit-cut is on trend. Clients are likely to avoid someone with an outdated suit, which suggest an inability to keep up with the times.

• Opt for one upscale accessory in your headshot: a luxury watch or a classic necklace. This will show that you have a profitable business that you are secure about. Too many adornments suggest you are desperate to prove yourself.
 

 

Also remember to:

• Work with a skilled hair and makeup artist for your headshot in order to showcase your best self. It is advisable to have smoothed (not tousled or heavily styled) hair, which implies a commitment to professionalism.

• Maintain a friendly but assertive demeanor. Focus on looking attentive to a client needs, yet relaxed.
 

• Have 2-3 additional headshots prepared in addition to your primary real estate headshot. These will add variety to your potential publications and blog posts, as well as keep your social media content “fresh” and attractive to clients.


Valentina-Sadiul-Headshots-Blog-Profile-Picture

Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

5 Clothing No-no's For Your Business Headshot

Business headshot is now dubbed the new handshake as it is the first introduction of your business to the audience. Business Headshot can make a big impact for your business and choosing the right outfit determines how the portraits turn out. It doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to do as the easiest way of knowing what to wear is by knowing what not wear on your business headshot. 

Avoid logos and branding

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The business headshot is seen by your current and future employees, customers, colleagues and investors. Having one with logos and branding makes it look awkward and unprofessional. Make your business headshot look friendly and approachable by wear plain colored professional clothes to make people focus their attention on your headshot but not the logo or branding.

Distraction in a sexy way

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Your headshot is not a fashion show. Stay away from showing too much cleavage and tight fitting outfits. Your goal should be looking attractive and approachable, not as sexy as possible. Make sure your clothes are fitting but comfortable, not too tight and not too baggy. Make sure you can’t see through them and become overexposed.

Avoid clothes with patterns or stripes

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Clothes with polka dots, busy floral, plaid or stripes do not look professional on a business headshot. Wear clothes without any distractions and those that suggest professionalism. Stay completely away from patterns or stripes since they tend to dominate the image more than your face should.  

Faded, wrinkled clothes with holes and stains

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In a headshot, faded, wrinkled clothes with holes and stains should be avoided. Your headshot reflects your professionalism and this type of clothes shows you don’t take care of yourself, your career or your business seriously. 

Avoid too much jewelry

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Simplicity is the key to a professional looking business headshot. The focus on your headshot should be solely on you, not the distracting jewelry. Too much jewelry is a no-go. If you need to put on jewelry, you know what looks best on you, pick colors that compliment your skin tone and those that bring out your eye color. 

Of course, you want to look your best in your business headshot. Wear what compliments your body type and if possible, bring two or three clothe option for your headshot session. Let your headshot show your character, highlight your personality and project your professionalism for who you are.


Valentina-Sadiul-Headshots-Blog-Profile-Picture

Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Bastian Sascha Schmidt: "The end product exceeded my expectations by far"

"Valentina was such a pleasure to work with. I have an acupuncture practice and needed headshots as well as shots of my clinic. I'm so glad I chose Valentina for the job. She is very warm and welcoming, and she made a camera shy person like me feel very much at ease. The process of picking my favorite shots was very painless and the end product exceeded my expectations by far. I would recommend Valentina to anyone seeking a skilled and personable photographer and she gets my highest recommendation!"

Bastian Sascha Schmidt - Acupuncturist, Herbalist

http://www.treeofqi.com/

http://www.treeofqi.com/

Kenneth Kellogg: "When she asked what I wanted to accomplish with the pictures I knew we were off to a good start."

testimonials-Headshot-Photography
"I knew I was in good hands walking into Valentina's studio. She is highly recommended by my colleagues and I saw why. When she asked what I wanted to accomplish with the pictures I knew we were off to a good start. I hate being in front of the camera but she made the experience feel natural and the shots she captured definitely achieved my goals."

Kenneth Kellogg - Opera Singer

http://www.kennethkellogg.com/

http://www.kennethkellogg.com/

Creative People in Business: Bastian Sascha Schmidt - Acupuncturist

My name is Sascha and I’m the owner of Tree of Qi Acupuncture Clinic in San Francisco. My interest is in bringing health and healing into the world and I feel very grateful to be able to provide my services to the lively and diverse community we have here in the city.
I focus on helping patients heal the underlying imbalances in their bodies and minds, thus creating what we call “flow” in Chinese medicine. Flow is what ensures movement that is free of pain as well as a state of mind that is free from suffering. 

With health costs on the rise and an emergence of many acute and chronic health concerns ranging from pain, digestive issues, women’s health, to stress, anxiety and depression, I believe that acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are valuable resources for people during this time, especially for those who’d like to take a more active role in their healing journeys.
I use acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, cupping, reiki and nutritional counseling to help my patients find balance in their lives and I’m excited about what I do.

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

Time you wake up: 7:40 am

Morning routine: I meditate for 20 minutes, then I have tea and listen to either NPR or a podcast. Recently I’ve been detoxing from politics (not always successfully), so I’ve been listening to spiritual talks.

Best habit: Daily meditation

Worst habit: I binge watch TV shows if they’re good.

Personal philosophy: Serve others; do the best I can

Book you are reading now: “Understanding Power” by Noam Chomsky

Most used apps: Sonos for music

Time you go to sleep: Between 10 pm - 11 pm

 

 

Tell me about your choice to open your own clinic and become your own boss: what motivated you? What were your fears and challenges, and how did you overcome them? 

I’ve always liked the look and smell of Chinese Herbs and have been fascinated with Eastern Philosophies and ways of treating the body even years before practicing Chinese Medicine. I used to live in New York City and would go to Chinatown often to be immersed in the colorful world of Chinese food and herbs and products. 

How long did it take for you to get your business running the way you've always imagined it? In other words, how did you "get on your feet"? 

I started my practice out of my apartment, because I was operating with a very low budget. This was surely one of the biggest challenges in the beginning.  However, within 6 months I moved into a nice big clinic space here in the Mission and today, almost 7 years later, I practice in a fully equipped 3 treatment room clinic. 

What do you enjoy most about your role in patient care?

Being my own boss has been a wonderful experience. I set my own schedule, take 3 day weekends, travel, and I get to do what I love most, which is to help people feel better.
A challenge of being my own boss is that I have to oversee all aspects of my business, even the ones that don’t come so easily, such as bookkeeping and marketing. For this reason, I hired a business coach, who recommended getting professional headshots. This is where Valentina comes in: she’s been an integral part in my public appearance - her images not only portray the true essence of who I am and what I do, but also the space and surroundings I practice in.
Having a community of talented friends and colleagues around me has been key to the success of my practice.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

In order to balance the demands of running a clinic I take long weekends, and often I leave the city and go into nature. In my spare time I also like to play music, read, go on long walks, go on meditation retreats, do archery, and visit the many naturally occurring hot springs in California.

What are some of your personal and/or professional goals for the future?

A goal of mine for the future is to open up a tea house in the San Francisco, a place where people can come to relax and ground, a place of community and respite of the city hustle and bustle. A big part of my spirituality and inner growth is to make an impact on the community that lasts even after I’m long gone. It is my hope that my clinic and my future tea house will provide the community with resources for many years to come.

Contact Information:

Address: 2460 Mission Street Suite 104 in San Francisco CA 94110
Web: TreeofQi.com
Tel: (415) 424-3479
Yelp

Creative People in Business: Kaylee Whitworth - Professional Organizer

 

I have always been a minimalist who enjoys organizing my surrounded environment to create balanced, functional and sophisticated space. I know that my lifestyle, neatness, and need for everything to be well organized played a strong role in my growing success as a headshot photographer.

When I first moved to the US, I was in a culture shock from how much stuff people had (especially clothes!). I witnessed closets breaking apart, garages that were filled from floor to ceiling without any room for a car,  and hundreds of pillows on couches and beds...

I met Kaylee at a Wealth Entrepreneurs Event and learned that she is a professional organizer and owner of CLOSETED. I was very interested to find out how she transformed her lifestyle into an exciting business. We live in a heavily consumerist era. It is so easy to become a slave of materialism, and to get trapped in the disorganization of everything that you didn’t need in first place.

Here’s what Kaylee says in her bio:

“I was interested in interior design because I loved the idea of curating an inviting environment for a family to come home to.  But after being in dozens of beautiful homes and seeing inside their messy private areas it felt like a sham.  How could an individual feel relaxed when their closet, home office or bathroom cupboards were in complete disarray?"  

Kaylee’s business philosophy resonates with my lifestyle and I can’t wait to share this interview so you can benefit from having less clutter and more room for creativity.  I’m thankful that Kaylee found time to stop by my portrait studio for my Creative People in Business project and share her knowledge of organizing.

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

Time you wake up: Between 5-6 A.M. 

Morning routine: Shower, make-up, cook breakfast while I empty the dishwasher, eat, brush teeth, style hair, get dressed. 

Best habit: Meal planning.  I always recipe search, shop and cook ahead of time so when it comes time to make breakfast or pack lunch I always have options to choose from.  I make healthy food choices and never skip a meal which allows me to stay on my A game.

Worst habit: Worrying.  On some level I know my clients appreciate that I worry about things so they don't have to but spending time worrying doesn't change an outcome.  I know I'm capable of handling problems big and small so someday I'd like to evolve out of the worry-about-it step.

Personal philosophy: Be kind, do the right thing.  Being nice to people is free AND easy.  People who choose to have a bad attitude waste a lot of time and energy and that is not a way that I want to spend those precious resources.  I find that I can diffuse difficult situations with a vendor or installer by staying calm, respectful and friendly.

Book you are reading now: I just started The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan.  I like to switch between novels and informative literature rooted in subjects like organizing, nutrition and personal growth.

Most used apps: I am not a big app downloader but I use Uber and Lyft a fair amount as well as Pandora and Whole Foods.

What you do before going to bed: Wash my face, brush my teeth and pack any items I will use the next day at work.
Time you go to sleep: 10 P.M.

How and why did you decide to pursue a career as a professional organizer?

My degree is in interior design and I was working for a designer (turned friend/mentor) who handed me my first organizing job because he noticed I was good at it.  I organized as a side job for several years and then my husband pushed me to make it a full time business.

From your experience, what areas of people’s homes most need help with decluttering?

It's really different for every home but I like to start with smaller areas because usually once a client sees how much we can accomplish together they feel excited about moving on to larger areas. 

Whether it’s donating, gifting, or trashing, how do you help your client let go of their clutter? 

Some clients are extremely mentally ready to purge their homes, they just need a little hand holding and someone to validate that their instincts are correct, for these people my advice is to trust yourself.  Others need to really talk through each item, with these clients I ask them a lot of questions about why they feel the need to hold onto specific items or an excessive amount of stuff in general.  I never make anyone give anything up but I will make strong suggestions.  If we are sorting a lot of sentimental items I ask clients to share their memories with me, sometimes re-living a memory about an object is enough to make you feel ready to set it free.  My clients see that I am passionate about what I do so they learn to trust that I have their best interested at heart.

What is your advice for shopping while avoiding becoming trapped in a heavily consumerist society?

We are already trapped in a heavily consumerist society.  I try to remind people that shopping is fun but it becomes not fun when you have no where to put the things you buy and/or you can't find things you know you purchased.  That's a sure sign you have a problem.  I think being more aware of what you are buying (online and in stores) is part of the process, the other part is to always be thinking of what you don't need anymore.  I have a "donation box" in all of my clients homes, as soon as you realize you don't need something you throw it in the donation box, when the donation box is full you seal it up, put it in your car and take it to be donated, then you start another donation box.  

In a shared environment, how do you compromise and maximize space for roommates or a whole family?

I try to use wall space as much as possible to get things off the floor and I also like using furniture that can double as storage.

Very often, highly organized people marry partners who are okay living in an overwhelming mess. How would you approach the conversation about decluttering and inspire a “messy” person to see the benefits of being organized? 

Sometimes couples use me as a wedge, they want me to help gang up on their spouse and shame them into an organized lifestyle, I don't go in for that type of thing.  Itry to develop a bond with each family member and that means asking everyone about their goals for the space.  Knowing that I have multiple interests at heart makes clients more amenable to hearing my ideas and doing the work to clear their space and make room for a plan that encompasses everyone's goals. 

What storage solution is “a must” to stay organized in the long run?

Files are a non-negotiable.  If you are an adult person you need a way to manage your paperwork (I created my personal filing system at age 11.)  Some of my clients run a business out of their residence, they are probably going to need a tall file cabinet or a chest of drawers dedicated to files. For clients like home makers I can get away with smaller solutions but when you consider the paperwork you need to run a house (insurance, taxes, each family member's medical/school records just to start) it adds up fast and if you want an organized home you need a system for paperwork.

The other thing I do for almost every client is to organize their bathroom products in clear plastic shoe boxes.  I sort like items then I label each box so when you cut yourself all you have to do is grab the first aid box and your band aids will be right there or if you are going on a trip then you pull the box that says travel toiletries and anything you may need is at your fingertips.

What is your best advice for overworked business people trying to stay organized?

Hire me!  Organizing is not a magic bullet, it's work and at some point something's got to give and if you spend so much time working that you have very little time for organization then it might be time to admit to yourself that organizing is not your favorite thing and it's worth it to you to hire someone to help.  For my clients that go through the initial organization process and still have trouble taking time to stay organized I offer "touch-up" sessions which usually happen quarterly.

 I know you love to organize, but I am sure you feel overwhelmed after a work day decluttering for your clients. How do you recharge?

I love to cook.  If I feel too tired to cook an entire meal then I just prep my next meal and when I go to make it the next day my job is much easier.  If I am feeling very overwhelmed I will organize something small like the fridge or my desk.  That small achievement helps me clear my head and prepare myself for the bigger achievements that await me in the near future.

What daily habits allow you to stay organized?

Always unpack as soon as you get home.  If it's your gym bag, purse, groceries, the clothes you bought online and received at work, unpack everything right away.  If you spend a little time picking up after yourself daily you save a lot of time in the long run because you have less picking up to do and you don't spend time trying to find things you failed to put away.

Contact Information:

Website: closeted.net   

E-mail: kaylee@closeted.net    

Phone: 415.235.1253

Jessica Golden: "Her style of photography is beautiful, unique, and stands out in the best way possible"

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"Working with Valentina was not only a great experience because she's so easy to get along with and is an incredibly talented artist but because it was, in a way, empowering. I know it sounds silly but while in our session her rapport made everything positive and NOT awkward and her words (and sneak peek photos) made me feel beautiful -- when she showed me a photo she had just taken I literally said "is that ME?!" In an environment where I normally feel awkward, I felt comfortable in my own skin. Valentina is a magician and a master behind the camera and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Valentina!!!"

Jessica Golden - Actress & Singer

http://www.jessicamariegolden.com/

http://www.jessicamariegolden.com/

Toni Marie Palmertree: "Valentina is an amazing artist and true professional"

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"Valentina is an amazing artist and true professional.  The session was so much fun and she made me feel comfortable by coaching through the session on pose, posture, and expression.
I am a professional Opera Singer and she asked me about the types of roles I will sing.  Since most of my roles are very regal, we focused on creating that type of image. I'm thrilled with the results. There were too many great shots to choose from!" 

Toni Marie Palmertree - Professional Opera Singer

http://www.tonimariepalmertree.com/

http://www.tonimariepalmertree.com/

Creative People in Business: Daniel Perez - Architect

I was introduced to Daniel at the Grand Opening of Dr. Chow’s Surgical Clinic in San Francisco. He kindly showed me around and explained the architectural details and the challenges involved in this project. I have always been interested in architecture and interior design, so I found the conversations very exciting. Daniel’s open minded and easygoing personality allowed us to become friends. I have visited a few more grand openings of his projects and feel very proud of his hard work. I would like to introduce Daniel to you and share an interview for the Creative People in Business Project.  

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

Time you wake up: 6:00 am

Morning routine: My alarm is set to classical music so that I can wake in a peaceful mood. I shower, eat breakfast, and comb NYT, WAPO, Politico, and the Guardian to see what is happening around the world.

Best habit: Swimming and yoga

Worst habit: Drinking a lot of beer at my weekly softball game.

Personal philosophy: Live each day to the fullest and do to others as would have them do to you.

Book you are reading now: We are Pirates by Daniel Handler

Most used apps: NYT, KCRW, NextBus, & Uber

What you do before going to bed: Brush my teeth, floss, pray, and try to count my blessings.
Time you go to sleep: Usually 11:00 pm but sometimes later.

 

 

 

How and why did you decide to pursue an architecture career?

I was one of those kids that knew I wanted to be an architect since I was seven years old. I used to draw house floor plans and elevations for my sister’s girlfriends that I had crushes on. At the age of 10 my family briefly moved to Illinois. I recall going on a tour of the John Deere headquarters designed by Eero Saarinen and being in awe of the building. I didn’t know anything about Saarinen at the time but I recall thinking about how beautiful the building and the landscaping was. On television shows that I watched as a kid Mike Brady of the Brady Bunch and Elyse Keaton in Family Ties were architects.  The architecture storylines on these shows weren’t particularly inspiring but it made me think this is a profession I could really pursue. I took a drafting class in high school and then applied to the architecture program at Arizona State University.

What are the biggest challenges in the architecture profession and how did you overcome them?

The path to becoming an architect is a very long road. There are the educational requirements; I spent five years at Arizona State University earning an undergraduate degree and another two years at Berkeley earning a Master’s degree. Three years of apprenticing under a licensed architect are required before you can begin to take the licensing exams to become a registered architect. At the time I took the exams there were nine exams plus an oral exam here in California. I passed five of the nine exams in my first sitting but it took me a number of years to complete the remaining exams. I have been a registered architect for sixteen years.  Along the way, there have been personal challenges like physics or structures classes I found difficult or taking exams three times to pass. I overcame these challenges by learning from my mistakes and failures. My undergraduate physics classes at ASU had 500 students.  I decided to look for class sections that were smaller in size and where more individual attention was available. I took calculus classes as a summer class at a community college in Idaho with twenty-five students and got straight “A’s”.  For exams that I was having difficulty with I took seminars or looked for tutors to learn the material.  I learned that if at first, you don’t succeed look for ways in which you can succeed.

In your opinion, what does it takes to become a successful architect?

Architecture is called a noble profession but it takes more than passion to succeed. Education is certainly an important aspect of learning to become an architect but schools do not teach everything that is necessary to become a qualified professional. Many architectural programs are heavily design-oriented. Design is important but there are so many other aspects of the profession that are important for preparation to practice. Some schools are more well versed in providing more well-rounded learning.  Learning about building codes, construction law, marketing, contacts, business, and communication are also important, especially for someone considering being a sole-practitioner. Some of these skills can be acquired in the workplace and this is where it becomes important for an individual to determine the best workplace for themselves.  This is certainly where mentorship becomes important. The profession has a long history of apprenticeship and this is where individuals can become successful by finding good mentors.  When I completed my undergraduate degree I moved to New York City. I decided that I would work for three years before continuing with a Master’s degree. I worked for small firms, medium-sized firms, and for a large corporate firm. I decided that for me I liked working for a small and medium-size firm because it allowed me to wear more hats. Ultimately this is what gave me the confidence to start my own business. The work hours are long in the architectural profession so having a personality that enjoys doing what you do is useful. It is also useful to have a personality that can strike a balance in professional and personal life. As with anything in life, a little bit of good luck never hurts. I consider myself lucky for finding a profession I enjoy.

What motivates you and keeps you to stay active running a business?

I love learning and this is my overarching motivation for running a business.  I didn’t know everything I needed to know to run a business when I first started so a dose of naiveté  was also useful. Every year I have learnedand continue to learn about something new.  Whether it is marketing, bookkeeping, invoicing, or employee management there is always something new to learn. I don’t necessarily enjoy every aspect of running a business but this is where you can hire someone that is equipped and enjoys doing those tasks. Being a member of the American Institute of Architects requires that continuing education units are fulfilled on a yearly basis.  This is an opportunity to continue to learn about emerging technologies, best practices, materials, etc.  The profession of architecture continues to evolve so as a business owner I need to continue learning.

What habits do you need to create to be able to deal with high stress?

Architecture is about solving design problems from a multi-faceted approach. I have adopted this idea of problem-solving to life in general.  I analyze what is causing the problem or stress and then determine what are plausible solutions for resolving the problem or mitigating the stress. I have found physical exercise extremely useful in dealing with stress. I find working out at the gym as therapeutic and while it may not directly resolve stress, it helps me to better cope with a stressful situation.

Risk taking to improve your career: any secrets you would like to share on how to deal with fear and insecurities taking risks?

I survived the biggest recession since the great depression as a sole-practitioner and I give myself a pat on the back for that. My office has been in operation for nearly eleven years. When I started my office I had a thought that if I had to go back and work for someone after running my own ship that I would make a better employee.  Being a sole-practitioner has given me better insight in the risks businesses take to stay in business. I find the problem-solving approach I mentioned earlier in dealing with fear and insecurities in taking a risk. In think the best approach in dealing with fear and insecurities is to take them head on.

Talk about your mentor, current or past, and how they affected your life?

My father is one of my first mentors. He began immigrating to this country when he was eighteen years old without knowing a word of English. He taught me through his words and actions that if you put your mind to something you can and will succeed. Throughout my education and in the work place I have had mentors that have guided me along the way. Architecture has a strong history of mentorship in the profession. I have had many mentors and continue to seek mentors in my life and to also be a mentor. I am a committee member for the AIA SF Mentorship program and was co-chair of the committee for two years. This program groups 5-7 professionals at all stages of their careers to meet over the course of a year for dialogue and professional exchange.

How do you balance your personal life and career?

This is a daily challenge and admittedly I have been better at it sometimes and not so good at it at other times. This is where I have to remind myself to live each day to its fullest. It is a work in progress and I have to say this year I am having better success in striking that balance.

Your way to “recharge” after a busy work week?

I go for a swim on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and getting some form of exercise.

What advice would you give for those who want to pursue a career in architecture?

I was recently asked this question by the parents of a young man while I was on vacation on the Galapagos Islands.  His parents were concerned about his ability to support himself financially as an architect. I told him that architecture is not one of the highest paying professions but if he really loved architecture, had a passion for it, and liked working really had then he should pursue it. I also advised him to make good friends with people studying business, law, and computer science. These folks will be his future clients.

Best advice you ever received?

It is an oldie but a goody. If at first you don’t succeed then try, try again.

Contact Information:

Website: http://www.studioperez.com/

E-mail: dperez@studioperez.com

Phone: 415-503-0329

Creative People in Business: Italina Kirknis - Online Presence Export & Speaker

My name is Italina, and I’m an Online Presence Expert & Speaker. My team and I specialize in helping the Real Estate Community’s Top Realtors and Lenders upgrade their presence online via Social Media & Email Newsletters. 

Our Online Branding & Marketing Firm helps such business owners by relieving them of the time consuming task of managing their social media accounts and email newsletters. www.ItalinaImage.com

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

What time you get up: I applaud people who get up at 4 and 5 in the morning. I’m just not one of those people…yet. I’m a young woman, I play tennis competitively and work out on a regular basis. Plus I enjoy my social life. So I maintain a regular sleeping schedule of 10:30pm - 6am. 

All my life, I described myself as not being a morning person. Today, I am a morning person. When my eyes open with the realization that it’s morning, I’m excited at what the day has instore for me. 

 Morning Routine: I immediately hop out of bed excited to get started. My 1st stop is the kitchen where I drink a full glass of water with apple cider vinegar. Then I’m off to enjoy an outdoor run. 

My morning ritual also includes affirmations, meditation, visualization, reading, and journaling. In getting these things done before I hit the shower and start my work day, I already feel accomplished, empowered, centered and grounded. I basically feel like Super Woman, lol.

Best Habit: Mastering My Calendar is my best habit. I schedule things in my calendar, and I live by that schedule. I do not let seemingly pressing things interfere with that schedule. For example, every Monday and Wednesday morning, 1 or 2 hours is blocked out for making prospecting calls. Nothing interferes with that, and I schedule everything else around that blocked out time. Mastering my calendar is my best habit because this prevents me from having a hectic schedule, it prevents me from being stressed (which affects every other area of my life), and it prevents me from needing to cancel or accidentally forget meetings with others. 

Worst Habit: My worst habit is eating and drinking a little heavy at night, lol. I have a fun social life.  

 

Philosophy: My philosophy is to create your own rich life. I also believe that in order to do that, we must affect others. Affect others and create your own rich life. But what do I know, lol?

Your story, why did you leave corporate world?

Like a lot of people, I started off on the corporate path. I thought I wanted to be an Attorney, but you don’t really know what something is like until you actually try it. 

During law school I had great internships working with Attorneys and Judges. But the truth is, I didn’t love it. I thought I should just push through, give it a fair shot, in hopes it would grow on me. 

Then I got sick, literally. One day I was in the office by myself, I put my hand on the edge of the desk, and I bent over in excruciating pain. I clutched my stomach, the source of the pain. I had an ulcer that continued to flare up with each week I tried to give this job a fair shot.  

That day in the office all by myself, I decided I’d pursue another path. Not wanting to be stuck with debt and no degree, I stayed in school, completed my degree, and then taught law long enough to pay off my law school loan. 

Being a law professor, teaching classes, captivating students (I had no disciplinary issues in my classroom) groomed me for being a public speaker now. 

I also worked in a tax firm in their Marketing Department. That’s where I got a lot of hands on experience creating compelling marketing campaigns. When it became clear to me that online marketing was an essential addition to other forms of marketing, I decided to go out on my own focusing on Online Branding & Marketing.

Now with my law degree, Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and marketing experience, I get to work with fun people, helping them create and promote their brand online, providing them more visibility on sites like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Yelp.  

And I haven’t been sick since. 

Your everyday passion?

My passion is creating brands from scratch. The journey of helping an individual discover and hone in on their brand has been a delightfully creative and inspiring process with the individuals I’ve had the fortune of working with.  

Once it’s time to promote their brand online, I’m just ecstatic. I love Branding, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Marketing your brand.

What is special about your company? 

When I first started this company, I thought I would just be making a living and living my life under the radar. Then I started getting calls, emails, and facebook messages from people saying how I’ve inspired them to leave a job they hated but felt they needed to keep for all kinds of reasons- this is what my family expects of me, this is what I went to school for, I need to finish what I started etc. 

That’s when I realized this business isn’t about me. I was inspired to create a Mission Statement- To Inspire others to become aware of and act on their ability to accomplish.

The work I do with Realtors, Lenders and other Business Owners inspires other professionals to take a step beyond what they thought they were capable of. I’m showing audiences that they really can create the life they truly want for themselves.  

Create your life by design, not by default. As a Public Speaker giving over 40 talks per year, I blend this message in with the ‘Leverage LinkedIn for Leads’ and ‘Facebook for Business’ talks I give. Through my business and the way I live my life, I convey this message. 

The problem today is most professionals are on LinkedIn, but don’t know how to use it for Business. Business owners should be using LinkedIn to Promote and Market their services, versus merely accepting Connection Requests and Endorsements from people you don’t even know.

Here is a quick VIDEO giving you 3 Powerful Tips for networking with professionals who have the Power and the Connections to help you come in contact with the opportunities you're looking for.

See VIDEO here!

Naturally, there are people who’d rather just have their Online Presence managed for them, rather than having to post or market on social media themselves. This is why we offer 3 Done For You Services:

  1. Profiles - Most people just slapped a profile onto LinkedIn. We’ll recreate your profile so it clearly conveys the services you offer, what set’s you apart from your competitors, and ensure it’s Search Engine Optimized (SEO) so you show up higher on Google.

  2. Posts - For those who don’t have the time, desire, or know how, my team and I create customized posts/content just for you that no other person will have and post for you each week on your social media sites.

  3. Email Newsletters - my team and I create customized content for your email newsletter and send it out for you either monthly or quarterly. If you don’t have an email newsletter set up, we’ll set you up and even help you organize your database.

  4. Coaching - If you enjoy doing these things yourself or if you have an assistant that you want to have trained in best practices in these 3 areas, Profiles, Posts, or Email Newsletters, you can take advantage of Coaching Calls with me directly to better your Online Presence and increase your social media skills. 

Creative People in Business: Valentina Sadiul

Welcome to my new series, “Creative People in Business.” This project is inspired by people I have met on my career journey whose talent, dedication and work is often hidden away from spotlight. We all want be successful, but usually we don’t want to see what’s underneath the glamorous facade that we celebrate. This series will concentrate on the hard work, habits, goals, sacrifices and failures that each of these talented people faced to reach the top of their “mountains.”

I am a professional portrait photographer who specializes in headshot photography. My career choice was motivated by the opportunity to meet people, build friendships, and have flexible working hours. My goal was to be present with my family and friends when they needed me. Is it easy to build a career in headshot photography? No, but I love it every aspect of it on a creative, social and business level. My work gives me joy every day and I am feel rewarded each time my photography brings my clients the success and respect they deserve.

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

 

Time I wake up: 7 A.M.
Morning routine: My morning starts with small meditation on gratitude. Then, I shower, make coffee, and prepare my breakfast. I make sure to take both my vitamins and supplements. While I drink coffee, I write some ideas and thoughts in my journal. Once I check my daily agenda, my work begins.
Best habit: I run two to three times a week.
Worst habit: Very often, I catch myself multitasking instead of limiting myself to a single assignment.
Philosophy: Don’t compare yourself and your life to others; be thankful for who you are and what you have.

Book I am reading now: I tend to read two or four books at the same time . Currently, I am completely occupied with Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers.

Most used apps: Skype, Blinkist and Productive
What I do before going to bed: Read a book.
What time I go to sleep: Around 11 P.M.

 

 

I’ve been attracted to the study of success, confidence and positive habits since I was 16 years old. I did not have positive role models in my home environment, so I started to look outside my comfort zone. I was in search of a “different life” that did not resemble my family’s patterns. I decided that success meant constantly improving the quality of my life regardless of my financial, social, or relationship status. Life really feels empowering when you stop comparing yourself, your skills, and your status to other people.

As a portrait photographer and creative individual, it took me time to develop my own brand, style, and professional values. I now believe every day is an investment in your health, happiness, and friendships. A dedication to your goals and habits brings rewards to your career.

We are humans, and all aspects of our life are interconnected: my headshot photography business is not exception to that rule. I have noticed how my personal challenges affects my state of mind and distracts me. I am aware that overbooking photoshoots will impact my friendships. There will be always sacrifices, but self-compassion and smart prioritization allows you to return to balance and move forward.

I am very excited to introduce my project, “Creative People in Business,”  and share interviews of successful professionals and their journeys. Please enjoy!

 

Professional Headshots for Therapists and Life Coaches

Our lives are full of everyday challenges. When it come to navigating relationship with friends and loved ones, our careers, and the emotional events and feelings that are part of being human, our friends (as wonderful and supportive as they may be), can’t always give us the objective advice and support that we need on a regular basis. Also, sometimes we may not feel comfortable sharing our true feelings with people we know, for fear of being rejected or judged.

Luckily, there is a group of professionals who have the power to help us with compassion, objectivity and honesty. They are psychologist, family therapists and life coaches! 

Any time we search for a  professional, we usually start by using Google or a social media platform. Whether we realize it or not, our decision to contact or not contact a certain professional hinges on the first impression that their headshot makes on us.  

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

If you are a mental health care professional, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Does your headshot radiate approachability and friendliness?

We all want to talk to someone who is friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to! While in real life you may be all of those things, if your photo is too serious, too formal, or your body language is closed off, you may be turning off potential clients. Whereas people may respond to a more serious photo when choosing a lawyer or financial advisor, when choosing a mental health professional, a friendly, confident, and kind headshot is the way to go.

  • Is your look current and well put together?

Dated headshots with out of style hair, makeup, and clothing can turn off potential clients as well. It may sound superficial, but clients want to see that you are up to date on the goings on of today’s world. If your headshot is from 5 or more years ago, potential clients may worry that you won’t understand the finer points of their modern lives. Your look shouldn’t be “trendy”, but it should be well fitted, classic, and stylish.

  • Is your headshot taken by a professional photographer?

If your headshot was taken by a friend, family member, or amature photographer, potential clients may subconsciously think of your work as amature as well. Having your headshot taken by a skilled photographer who is experienced with headshot photography for professionals in your field, sends the message that you are a professional who invests time and energy into his or her craft. Remember, a great photographer will be able to capture the essence of who you are and what makes you great at what you do! With a great headshot, potential clients will feel like they know you already.

 

How to prepare for your HEADSHOT SESSION

Hiring a professional photographer for your headshots or portraits is a wise investment, and one that you want to get the most out of! Good preparation will ensure a smooth and efficient experience with images of you looking your absolute best. Here are some of the most frequent questions that clients ask me, and some of my tips for preparing for your next photoshoot:

Valentina Sadiul Headshots in San Francisco Bay Area

Valentina Sadiul Headshots in San Francisco Bay Area

What clothing should I bring to my photoshoot?

Bring more options than you need. If you are planning on using 2 looks, bring 4 or 5 choices so you and your photographer can choose the best ones. If you are wearing a suit, bring a few shirt and tie options so you can create a few different looks. 

First and foremost, all outfits should fit you well and make you feel powerful, attractive, and well put together! Avoid outfits that are too baggy or too tight, and make sure that everything is neat, clean, and pressed. Make sure your shoes are shined and match your outfits, as your photographer may take full-length shots. Check your outfits for holes or tears and try on anything that hasn't been worn in a while to make sure it still fits you the way you like.

Choose colors that make you feel your best! If you always get compliments when you wear green because it brings out the green in your eyes, bring green! If wearing a red dress makes you feel powerful and beautiful, bring your red dress! Solid pieces in dark colors or jewel tones generally photograph very well and compliment most skin tones and coloring, but feel free to have fun with bright colors and subtle patterns and textures as well. Large, loud patterns can be distracting, so choose pieces that don't compete with you for attention. Ladies, bring tops, skirts, and dresses with different necklines and different silhouettes. 

Is there anything else I should bring?

Ladies, bring your make-up with you in case you need to do any touch-ups. Have your lipstick, hairbrush, and a few bobbypins close by for fast fixes! If you do not feel confident with your make-up skills, consider hiring a make-up artist. Men, bring hair product and a comb and have them close by as well. 

What questions should I ask myself or others before the shoot?

If you are going to be taking photos for your website, poster, business card, advertisement, or anything else specific, think about what what you want that to look like and what orientations you need. If your website needs landscape oriented shots, you want your photographer to know that so you get the shots you need. What is the color scheme of your website or poster? Do you want a specific colored background to compliment that? If you are working with a website designer, agent, or publicist, ask them to be specific about any preferences or requests that they might have.

Most importantly, make sure you arrive at your shoot well rested and ready to let loose and have fun! 


Valentina-Sadiul-Headshots-Blog-Profile-Picture

Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

WELCOME to Valentina Sadiul Photography BLOG

I have always been inspired and intrigued by the beauty and individuality of the human spirit. In fact, I was immediately attracted to photography for the opportunity it provided to capture the unique spark within each person in front of my lens. Photography also provided me with countless opportunities to meet and collaborate with interesting and creative people, and to hear their stories and experiences. Now as a professional headshot and portrait photographer in the San Francisco, I provide headshots and promotional portraits for the Bay Area’s most fascinating artists, musicians, dancers, CEO’s, and entrepreneurs; as well as for start-ups, real-estate brokerages, and other corporations who are seeking to create a professional and successful, yet personal brand image. I also provide glamorous portraiture sessions for women of all ages. I feel so strongly that every women should have the opportunity to feel like a celebrity, and it is my mission to empower every woman to love her own individual and unique beauty.

 

In fact, empowerment is a lot of what drives my work. My portraits represent my clients as their most successful and intriguing selves. Though many of them are just at the start of their careers, their photographs make people take notice and view them as successful, confident, and accomplished. I love maintaining relationships with the people I have photographed, and watching their careers flourish.


This blog is dedicated to readers who are looking for balance in their professional and personal lives, and focussed on achieving career success, financial freedom, good health, and strong relationships.