Tag: Guelph

November 2, 2018

9 Business Headshot Tips to Look Your Best

Business headshots are a great way to make yourself look more professional in your career. Hiring a headshot photographer to come to your workplace or photograph you in their studio can give you an edge in the business world if the shots are done right.

There are times when people get their headshot done without considering important details of the shoot, such as clothes to wear, makeup, background, hairstyles, and more.

Feel free to see some of our own business headshots here for some ideas on how you’d want to look in your photoshoot.

Continue reading for some useful tips on looking great in your business headshot.

9 Business Headshot Tips To Look Your Best

Wear appropriate clothing

Think about the look you are trying to convey to people who are going to see your business photo. Do you work at an insurance corporation, veterinary clinic, or are you a Realtor? Many people dress up for their headshot like they would for a day at the office, but wearing a suit or a nice shirt is common for men who don’t normally wear one at work.

Also, be sure to iron your clothes and look for stains and pet hair before you arrive at the shoot.

If you are planning to get just the top half of your body in the photos then don’t worry too much about about your pants and shoes, but if you want a full body portrait then remember to wear nice shoes as well.

Make your hair look nice

For women, try brushing your hair right before your shoot or bringing a brush with you. If you want it looking smooth and silky, try using some conditioner in the shower or using a leave-in conditioner the day of the shoot. It is handy to look in a mirror or a selfie camera to see how your hair is sitting right before the shoot starts.

For men, try styling your hair with some gel or putty and even a blow-dryer to give it the look you’re going for. If you have a beard, make sure to shape it with your razor, and consider combing it if it has been growing for a while.

Tell your photographer how you want to convey yourself

Headshot photographers are experts at bringing out certain looks in people. You may want to portray yourself as “fun and approachable”, “dedicated and serious about success”, “creative and deep-thinking”, or “goofy and unique”.

The possibilities are endless, but if you have a specific demeanor in mind then be sure to talk to your photographer about it. They can set the tone with different music and backgrounds, while using different angles and lenses to portray your custom look.

Going into a shoot without any idea of how you want to look can still result in great images, but it is then up to your photographer to come up with different poses and looks for you to try out.

Don’t worry though, that’s what business headshot photographers do best. If you’ve got a really good photographer they’ll make sure you get some amazing headshot photos regardless of whether you had a certain look in mind or not.

Know your best side

Most people don’t have perfectly symmetrical faces. Perhaps your hair looks better from one angle over another or you have an imperfection on your face that you want to hide.

There are a lot of people who know which side of their face they prefer to take a picture of.

If you don’t know you can try taking a couple of selfies from different angles and find out which you prefer.

Alternatively you could get your photographer to take pictures of you at different facing angles so you have different choices.

Relax

It’s not hard to tell when a smile is forced or if you look tense in a photo. People often feel nervous in front of a camera, especially when they don’t get their picture taken often. You have nothing to worry about when getting your photograph taken though.

Headshot photographers are aware that people can feel nervous during photoshoots and they are experienced at helping them feel more calm. To help feel more calm at the shoot, start off with some photos of you doing goofy faces to relax the face muscles.

If you have a certain song that makes you feel confident or relaxed you can request to have the song playing. Once you are warmed up and realize that you have nothing to be nervous about then you can express yourself freely and your shoot will go smoothly!

Consider wearing makeup

It’s up to you whether you want to wear makeup for your headshot session, but it can help make you look your best for the shoot and minimize the amount of editing that the photographer does afterwards.

Makeup can be useful if you didn’t get much sleep the night before and have bags under your eyes, and also can help with covering small details like crow’s feet or blemishes.

Additionally, makeup can make people feel more confident, which results in better pictures. It’s up to you how you want to convey yourself!

Push your chin up and out

To avoid having the double-chin effect in your headshot try pushing your chin just slightly up and forward.

This will elongate your neck and make the skin underneath your jawline tighter, which can eliminate the appearance of a double chin.

You should also roll your shoulders back and stand up straight to improve your posture and appear more confident.

Use the right background

Corporate headshots can be taken indoors or outdoors depending on the look you are going for. As you can see here, both can look good, but they convey different first impressions.

Indoor headshots with white or mono coloured backgrounds are best for the formal business appeal. It looks professional and can be used for business cards or any other promotional material easily.

Outdoor headshots give a more casual look, but they allow for more creativity and unique portrayals of your personality.

Smile

Smiling makes you look more open and inviting and can also show off your facial features better. People like to work with happy, confident professionals so don’t be afraid to show off your smile.

If you aren’t comfortable with how you teeth look you can still smile with your lips closed. Smiling activates chemicals in your brain that make you feel better, allowing a more positive side of you to shine in the images.

Some people may choose not to smile in their picture because they want to portray a more serious look. Everyone is different, but in most cases smiling is the best option!

Consider these tips prior to getting your business headshot done and you’ll be much happier with the photos. It’s an opportunity to look your best and have a professional photographer show you off, so make sure to get it done right.

If you liked this article consider checking out 5 Ways To Look More Photogenic In Portraits or 5 Tips On What To Wear For Fall Family Portraits.

Looking for a Business Headshot Photographer in Ontario?

If you live around Southwestern Ontario we invite you to come to our Guelph studio and get some professional pictures taken. We can also travel to your location!

Create a powerful first impression with your headshot – Contact us today

December 28, 2017

5 Common Wedding Photography Mistakes

If you’re a wedding photographer just starting out there are some common mistakes that you should avoid making so that your clients’ wedding pictures come out beautiful and meet their expectations.

We’ve come up with five common mistakes that wedding photographers make when they first start out.

Five common wedding photography mistakes:

1) Not having the right equipment or being unfamiliar with your equipment

A good wedding photographer should have high-end professional equipment so that the wedding photos come out clear, crisp, and full of color. If you’re using an old camera or one with low resolution then the clients may be disappointed with the outcome.

You should try to have at least a couple of different lenses, flashes, and memory cards as well as a backup camera to make sure you can capture a moment no matter the shooting environment. A second camera is important to have just in case something happens to the first camera, like it running out of batteries or even breaking during the wedding.

Make sure you know your camera inside and out and know all the features on it so that you can ensure the best shot every time.

2) Too much or too little exposure in your photos

You want to make sure that your photos are not overexposed or underexposed when shooting any sort of event. Overexposure when photographing the bride and her white dress is a big mistake because it’ll just look like a big white blob with no detail.

If you don’t have enough exposure then the wedding dress isn’t going to look a nice bright white, but instead will look gray-ish and dull.

To play it safe you can always use your camera’s auto exposure to take a series of images with varying exposures in a quick succession so that you get the right shot that is not under or over exposed.

3) Not deciding on wedding photography poses beforehand

Forgetting to create a shot list for the wedding can end up with you getting a whole lot of photos, but not so many memorable ones. Remember to communicate with the couple beforehand about what poses you want them to do, as well as what poses they want to do. You should remember to come up with some poses for group shots and decide on locations around the venue that have a nice backdrop where you can photograph. Your goal should be to get every photo that they were expecting from the wedding so that there are no disagreements afterwards.

4) Not knowing the important guests

To get the best photos for the wedding and make sure everyone’s happy you should take the time to find out who are the families of the couple and who their best friends are.

You’ll want to make sure that you get the right group photos with the right people and ensure everyone important has gotten their picture taken.

5) Forgetting to do detail shots of the wedding

You may get so caught up in photographing everything going on at the wedding that you don’t capture the small details of the wedding that were closely planned out. This can include the wedding cake decorations, the table, the menus being used, flowers, the glasses, and cutlery.

If there’s one detail shot you shouldn’t forget, its the wedding ring and wedding band. We suggest putting the wedding ring and/or wedding band on a nice background like a flower in order to make it look more special.

Use these tips to become a better wedding photographer as you grow to be successful in your wedding photography business.

For more tips on becoming a better wedding photographer, check out our article The Top 5 Photos Every Wedding Photographer Should Take.

This website is listed in the Ontario Photographers Directory

November 28, 2017

Holiday Gift Sale On Saturday, December 9th (1 Day only)

On Saturday, December 9th between 11am-5pm we are having a holiday gift sale at our Guelph studio.

This holiday gift sale will include:

TKP portrait and photography workshop certificates
Creative clay pottery and mixed media by Goldie Sherman
Hand screen printed, naturally dyed textiles by Tania Love
High-quality, exotic organic teas from around the world

We also will be serving some of the wonderful teas that we’re selling at this gift sale.

So come on down to 54 Preston Street, Guelph, Ontario and check it out – we only have this sale once per year. You will find some great deals on creative gifts for your friends and family.

For more information, contact us at (519)-767-2948

September 10, 2017

Fall Family Portraits With Noelle O’Brien

Fall is less than 2 weeks away which means the gradual end to warm weather. Look on the plus side though, fall is a great time to capture family portraits. With the nice cool weather and gorgeous colours, we can create beautiful images.

Noelle O’Brien, a photographer with Trina Koster Photography says:

“As a parent, I understand the importance of capturing lasting images of everyone in your family – each individual as they are now and who you are together at this time in your lives.

A fall family photoshoot is often a nice bonding moment for families who get a chance to enjoy one unplugged hour in a beautiful outdoor environment, hanging out together, cuddling, playing, laughing and showing their affection for each other. It will be an experience you will treasure, along with the images captured”.

Guelph is an amazing place for fall photography, especially on Johnston Green and in the Arboretum at the University of Guelph.

To get a fall family portrait done by Noelle, Trina, or Brynley, contact us to set up a photoshoot.

September 5, 2017

Headshots After Labour Day

The end of Labour Day means lots of people have to go back to work and school. The good news is that it’s a great time to do a new headshot photo.

Whether its for your social media accounts, your website, or business cards, the end of summer is when your skin will be glowing and you’re feeling more relaxed.

We have 3 different headshot packages available to choose from, ranging to 1 to 10 high quality images for you to keep.

Your headshot session at our Guelph studio will be comfortable and enjoyable, and you can be in and out of the studio in as little as 15 minutes. Whether you’re a chiropractor, plumber, lawyer, or Realtor, having an awesome head shot is a great boost to your personal brand.

To see some of the headshots we’ve done, visit our studio headshot portfolio.

We also do headshots for companies at their location. See our on-location headshot photography page for more info.

We are located at 54 Preston St, in downtown Guelph.

August 20, 2017

Author Photography

Congratulations to Marion Reidel for getting her book We Drank Wine: And Other Stories published last month. We just ordered our copy of it and can’t wait to read it!

We Drank Wine: And Other Stories is a comedy about four women who face life’s challenges and fight to keep shame at bay. Parenting issues in the book include biting toddlers, adolescent pyromaniacs and entitled brides.

Marion is a prize winning author that enjoys creating stories that evolve from everyday life.

We took the picture that is featured on the back cover of her book, which you can see here.

Author photography is important to get done right since the picture on your book will be seen from hundreds to millions of people.

To see more headshots, visit our headshot gallery.

August 15, 2017

Headshot Photography at Our Guelph Studio

Summer is the perfect time of the year for headshot photography.

Your skin has a better glow to it, gardens are in bloom, and people generally look better in the summer.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor headshot photography, studio headshot photography, or indoor natural light headshots, our Guelph studio has perfect areas for all 3 looks.

To see different looks you might want, check out our headshot gallery.

Headshot Photography Indoors With Studio Lighting

This is the classic way to get your headshot taken. You have the choice of traditional background colours such as white, grey, black, and brown, or you can go with a unique colour like a yellow-orange gradient, as seen in the photo here.

We also have a variety of different styles of light that can be used to produce different looks.

A great thing about headshot photography with a conventional white backdrop is that you can easily crop your headshot so it can be inserted into a range of different media with varying backgrounds. Great for doctors, chiropractors, or any other professional.

Headshot Photography Indoors with Natural Lighting

Inside of our studio is a sunlit room with big windows, couches, hardwood floor, and a brick wall background.

This area is a nice location for more casual headshot photography with a relaxed vibe.

This option is great for the colder months when you want natural light but don’t want to be standing outside.

Headshot Photography Outside

Summer is a great time for outdoor headshot photography.

Our garden is in full bloom with perfect textures for a beautiful backdrop. We also have a bamboo backdrop as you can see in the picture here.

Outdoor headshots provide a unique look and a relaxed feel that is great for showcasing yourself in the warmer months.

Headshot Photography Packages

We offer 3 different headshot packages to accommodate your needs: The One & Done, The Double Double, and The Works.

The Works is a popular option because of the deal that you get from it. The package provides 3 different locations for headshots (studio lighting, natural light, and outdoors), 4 different looks or outfits, 3 different shot lengths, and 10 of your favourite shots digitally retouched.

This option is perfect for a professional who needs a lot of different photos to promote themselves with. In one shoot you’ll have different photos for social media platforms, dating profiles, business cards, and even a personal portrait to give to a loved one.

View our headshot pricing chart below, or see our headshot pricing page for more details.

Headshot Photography Studio Location

Our studio is located at 54 Preston Street, Guelph, ON and we are open Tuesday to Saturday. To book a head shot session, contact us at 519-767-2948.

August 8, 2017

Wedding Venues in Guelph, Ontario – The Ultimate List

Choosing wedding venues in Guelph to get married at or hold your reception at can be tricky when you don’t know all of your options. We’ve come up with a comprehensive list of Guelph wedding venues, all of which we’ve photographed at and included images.

To see more of our wedding photos and pricing info, visit our wedding photography page.

Guelph Wedding Venues

Aberfoyle Mill

We like this wedding venue because it’s got a country charm to it. It feels cozy with the warm wood inside the Mill, and it also has nice limestone backdrops which are great for photos.

The grounds have lots of weeping willow trees and there’s also a nice pond. On the pond there’s a peninsula with a white gazebo which provides a stunning view and a great place for ceremonies.

In the summer they have a giant tent for accommodation of up to 200 people.

Arboretum Centre, University of Guelph

arboretum centre guests having dinner at venue guelph

arboretum centre couple in japanese garden

wedding ceremony at the arboretum centre guelph

arboretum centre bride and groom sharing a kiss

You can’t go wrong with a Guelph Arboretum wedding because it is beautiful all year round. It is one of our favourite wedding venues in Guelph to take photos.

There is a broad palette of colours and backdrops for the photos no matter what season you go there. It has an immense range of greenery and trees, and also provides tons of open shade. Open shade prevents you from harsh and contrasty light, which can make you look speckly and unflattering.

The Japanese garden in the Arboretum is one of our favourite places to shoot in Guelph because of the design elements and its very intimate setting.

Artisanale restaurant

One of the less known Guelph wedding venues. It’s a very charming restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.They have a large patio in the back which is great in the spring and summer, and the food there is incredible. It’s a nice place for small to medium sized weddings with accommodations up to 80 people.

City Hall, Downtown Guelph

The City Hall is a great location for a couple of reasons. In the summer it has water fountains which provide a shallow pool for you to dip your feet and in the winter it is turned into a skating rink.

The exterior of the hall has historic limestone and a mix of modern architecture which allows you to get 2 different looks for photos.

Creelman Hall, University of Guelph

Creelman Hall is a fantastic wedding venue. The architecture of the building is very impressive and the space around the staircase is excellent for a cocktail reception.

Johnston Green is located right next to Creelman Hall, which has a portico that is perfect for having a wedding ceremony. You also have the War Memorial Hall a minute away, which is a really good location for photos. Creelman Hall is one of our favourite places to shoot at in Guelph.

Cutten Fields

cutten fields wedding venue ceremony guelph

This wedding venue has a golf course and clubhouse which allows for indoor and outdoor ceremonies. It’s got a nice shaded patio with beautiful greenery behind it, making it perfect for summer weddings.

The reception room is well lit from lots of bright windows. The location also has a spectacular sunset view which overlooks the city of Guelph.

Delta Hotel

This venue is excellent for very large weddings and reception parties. The lobby of the hotel is a nice location for photographs as well.

Goldie Mill

This is a really unique wedding venue to get married at because it’s a treasure in Guelph. Built in the 1800’s and destroyed by a fire in 1953, the Mill has a lot of history. Just next to the Mill is a huge 90 foot brick chimney. The Mill still has its original limestone, and its ruins are where ceremonies take place.

An advantage of Goldie Mill’s location is that its nestled in between a river and a parkland, with the Guelph Youth Music Center right beside it.

Guelph Youth Music Centre

dining room at guelph youth music centre wedding venues

Inside of the centre is a theatre where ceremonies takes place. The theatre has nice modern architecture, with 2 walls of glass. Because of all of the windows and glass it is very bright and airy, allowing for great photos with natural light.

It is also located right next to Goldie Mill Park which is a good location for photos.

Hanlon Convention Centre

Hanlon Convention Centre detailed wedding shots

This is a great wedding venue for any sized wedding. Glamorous and dramatic chandeliers that light up the banquet room contribute to a feeling of celebration.

The foyer acts as a cocktail reception lounge. In the lounge they have a water fountain feature on the wall that is lit with changing colours, making it a great backdrop for unique photographs.

Holiday Inn Guelph

Bridesmaids and bride by pool in holiday inn

They offer different spaces for very large weddings to medium and small weddings.

The lobby has an updated modern interior design, which can make for some interesting backgrounds in photos. There’s a number of staircases around the lobby which are good for group photographs.

Italian Canadian Club

This venue is a traditional banquet hall that was renovated to be fully accessible and fit up to 600 people in 2015. The lounge area has nice leather furniture that is great for photos.

It has big windows bringing in lots of natural light and it’s very close to downtown Guelph. A benefit of this venue is that photos could be taken at the Guelph Courtyard as well since it’s located nearby.

River Run Centre

guelph wedding venues, the River run centre

river run everyone dancing in reception room

The River Run Centre has an incredible bank of windows with a view of the river and its old ruins. The Canada Company Hall is where guests eat dinner, and can accommodate up to 175 people.

The location itself is very light and airy to celebrate your wedding in. There are many picturesque features such as a promenade that stretches over the adjacent river and John Galt Park located nearby.

Science complex, University of Guelph

Science complex at night time wedding photo

This Is a great wedding venue because it has ample space for a very large wedding celebration and is bright and airy. It is located in the center of Guelph at the University, with access to the whole University of Guelph grounds.

There’s a greenhouse nearby which can be used for photos, as well as the nearby War Memorial Hall and Johnston Green. It is also a 10 minute walk from the Arboretum which is amazing for photos.

Springfield Golf and Country Club

The golf course is a stunning place for wedding pictures, located in the south end of Guelph.

It has a wonderful gazebo on the front lawn of the golf course that is perfect for ceremonies. It also has a garden with a variety of lush green textures.

The golf course has solid backups plans in case it’s raining on your wedding day, allowing you to have the wedding inside.

Finding wedding venues in Guelph shouldn’t be a hassle, it should be exciting! We hope this list can assist you in making the right choice for your wedding day.

If you’re planning your wedding and are looking for a photographer, contact Trina Koster Photography or view our wedding rates.

We also do Wedding photography in Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Fergus, Toronto, Elora, and more.

August 3, 2017

5 Things To Consider When Planning Your Wedding Photography

Wedding planning can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Lots of details should be considered, from the colour of napkins to the music being played and the food that is being served.

The photos from your wedding will be your best memories of a very special day in your life, so its important that they’re done right.

To ensure that you get the best photos on your wedding day, we came up with a list of the top 5 things you should consider when planning your wedding photography.

5 Wedding Photography Tips for Brides and Grooms

1) Consider the weather for each season

When deciding on what season to get married in, here are some considerations you should take for the weather (in Ontario):

Spring
Cons: Can be very rainy and possibly rain all day. Can be damp and cool. Usually the leaves have not come out on the trees until the end of May causing there to be less “open shade”.

The lack of leaves can cause the light to be very stark and the backgrounds may have a lot of branches coming out of people’s heads.

Pros: Pretty blooms of Red bud trees and Magnolia- unique to spring time.

Summer
Cons: July can be extremely humid sometimes! Not a great month for people who are really sensitive to extreme heat. It’s especially important to pick a photo location with a lot of shade.

Pros: By far, June- September is usually Ontario’s most pleasant weather.

Fall
Cons: The daylight hours get short quickly! Usually around October 20th onwards the weather can be rainy, cold and damp- but of course not always! Things just get more unpredictable.

Pros: The extraordinary colours of fall in Ontario peak around Thanksgiving.

Winter
Cons: Not every day has a pretty dusting of fresh snow. Usually a bride and groom can get outside for a 20 minute portrait session, but it’s necessary to have a good indoor location to complete all the family photos.

Pros: You can sometimes get a “Winter Wonderland” day that is magical looking.

2) Have a backup plan for bad weather and light conditions

Rain, hail, high winds or snowstorms may cause unexpected problems on your wedding day.

The bottom line is it’s critical to have a Plan B option for photos to account for difficult weather and light conditions.

Have an indoor and outdoor location. If being married outside have a tent as a backdrop.

You can plan everything but you can’t plan the weather.

3) Come up with a photo ‘Shot List’

Think about what photos will be the most valuable to you and your spouse both now and for your future. Write up a “shot list”.

Your wedding day is the joining of families together, and your photos will be the legacy of this unique family celebration that you are creating.

Consider the importance of a mix of posed and candid moments to be captured. Making portraits on your wedding day can be a meaningful part of your day where you are spending time with some of the most important family members and your closest friends. If you get a good photographer they’re gonna make this an enjoyable time for everyone.

Consider using a wedding checklist so you can keep track of all of the shots you want to take along with all of the other important details of the wedding.

4) Make a plan for the day with your wedding photographer

Consult with your wedding photographer before your wedding date to plan out the timing of your day and what location your wedding portraits will be made.

It’s important to choose a location that has “open shade” options where groups of people can be posed together without patches of shadows or bright light on their faces.

Also, locations with architectural features such as staircases, pillars, arches, ivy, stone and a variety of textures will make for more interesting photo backdrops.

5) Find the a professional wedding photographer that you can connect with

Find an experienced, professional photographer who works with a second photographer or assistant and whose portfolio contains many examples of real weddings that they have photographed. Ideally they can show you one wedding that they have photographed from start to finish.

The skill of wedding photography does not rely on just having a good camera. A professional photographer has the ability to communicate well with people, be artistic and creative at posing people, manage timelines, and be able to direct people so that the subjects can enjoy being photographed.

Make sure you choose to work with a professional photographer that you and your spouse connect with and you feel that they understand what will be the most valuable photos to you.

Follow these tips and you can be confident that the photos you get from your wedding will provide memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.

Contact Trina Koster if you are looking for a wedding photographer in the Guelph, Cambridge, Elora or Kitchener-Waterloo area.

July 31, 2017

Company Headshots at Your Location

This staff portrait was taken at BDO Canada in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. BDO Canada provides assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services to clients in Canada.

It was a pleasure to do a photo shoot at the BDO building because it has a really interesting architecture and it provided plenty of different areas to take photos.

Company headshot days are convenient, economical, and also a great staff bonding event. See our on-location headshots here.

Companies we’ve worked with loved how fast the process went, allowing them to be in and out within a couple of minutes and get on with the rest of their busy day.

Getting headshots done for the whole company at once is also useful because the headshots all look consistent with the same background and lighting.

We’ve done work with companies such as Linamar, Compusense, Meducom, and Investors Group, providing professional headshots that portray the right look for each company.

We also love to work with personal trainers and can come to your gym to photograph everyone at once.

If you’re looking to get headshots for your company in Southwestern Ontario, contact Trina today.

Be sure to check out our business headshot tips so you look your best in the photos!

July 25, 2017

Three Best Rated Wedding Photographers Guelph

Thanks to Three Best Rated for choosing us as one of their 3 best rated wedding photographers in Guelph.

We’ve been doing wedding photography in and around the Guelph area for more than 20 years and still love doing it.

To see more, visit our wedding photography galleries or check out our wedding photography prices.

If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your next wedding, contact us today!

July 22, 2017

Why Contractors Need Headshots

Headshots can be very beneficial to your business if you are contractor doing work like plumbing, landscaping, roofing, or construction. You can see some of the headshots we’ve done here.

People want to put a face to a name, so having an updated photo of yourself and your employees on your website will be likely to increase your conversion rate.

For new small businesses it is particularly important to put a face to your name especially if you have not established a reputation for your company yet.

Guelph plumber Wil Boardman got his headshot taken with us last month for his company Will B Plumbing as you can see in the picture here. This helps people better understand who is behind his company name and form more trust for it.

Customers form first impressions very quickly. If they see an unprofessional picture of you on your website they may make the assumption that you aren’t a professional businessman/woman.

Brand consistency is key for websites, so if the rest of your website is designed nicely then it’s important that all of your images look crisp and professional as well.

Whether you are a carpenter, a plumber, or a painting company, be sure to have photos of you and your employees on your website. If not, you are hurting your chances of getting conversions from your site even if you had a professional web designer make your site look nice.

If you need a headshot for your business contact Trina Koster and setup an appointment today.

You can also learn how to look your best for your headshot session with these headshot tips.

July 13, 2017

Actor Headshots

If you are an actor and trying to build a reputation for yourself, having a proper headshot taken is a must.

It can be tough to compete with thousands of other actors in a city when you don’t stand out from the crowd. As an actor, headshots should be an investment in your future, which means you should spend the money to get it done professionally so that your investment pays off.

We’ve been doing actor photography for many years in Guelph, Ontario, which you can see on our headshots page.

Stephen Graybill, pictured here, is one of many actors we’ve photographed at our studio. He’s starred in the critically acclaimed TV show Big Little Lies with Reese Witherspoon, and also in Law and Order: SVU and The Wire.

When having your headshot taken you need to make sure you look your best so that you can showcase the headshot proudly for years to come. Think about what you want to wear and how you want to portray yourself to the world. Good headshot photographers will be able to offer their opinion on what looks good for you so be sure to ask them when getting your photoshoot done.

Its generally a good idea to bring a couple of different outfits to a photoshoot so that you have choices on which look you like best afterwards. For actors it is usually best to dress casual with a nice non-wrinkled shirt. Actor headshots can also be done outside for a unique look.

The point of getting your headshot done is to show off your true personality to the world in an photograph. That means you should relax and just be yourself. Smile or don’t smile, its up to you, depending on how you want to portray yourself.

If you live in Ontario and want your headshot done, contact our studio to book an appointment at our Guelph studio.

Be sure to review our article 9 business headshots tips to look your best before getting your headshot done!

July 13, 2017

How Professional Headshots Help You Land Your Dream Job

Finding a professional headshot photographer can greatly improve your chances of finding your dream job.

The first thing people see when they view your business profile is your headshot. Having a high-quality headshot portrait makes you appear professional and gives employers a strong first impression of you. For reference, see some our professional headshots.

If you work in the entertainment industry then you understand that actor headshots and model headshots are vital for landing a job. Agencies are looking at hundreds of images per day and you need to be able to stand out from the others.

Finding the right actor headshot photographer can take you from being unknown to successful within days.

Take for example this testimonial from Jake, an actor from Ontario, Canada who saw success within a day of posting his new professional headshot by Trina online:

“I had an audition last week for the World Championships of Performing Arts, which is basically like the Olympics but for performance, and the first thing they said to me at my audition was that I had a great headshot. I got an email back from them yesterday, and I was picked to represent Canada in the acting category at the competition! So that means I’ll be going to Hollywood this summer to compete with countries all over the world!”

Jake goes on to say:

“I posted my headshot on a website frequented by agents last night, and I got a phone call less than twelve hours later from an agency asking if I was interested in doing background work with them! So a lot of stuff is happening, and a large part of it is thanks to you”

Employers will form stronger impressions of you once you have a professional headshot to showcase. Trina is experienced in doing headshot photography for various professions, from business and corporate headshots to model and actor headshots.

If you live in the Guelph or Kitchener-Waterloo area, call Trina’s studio and book an appointment for a quick and stress-free headshot session that will benefit you for years to come.

July 10, 2017

Cookbook Photography

Who doesn’t love a homecooked Italian meal?! Here in Guelph we are lucky enough to have Natalina Bombino Campagnolo, a local chef and instructor, specializing in Italian food: http://italiancookingschoolguelph.com/

When Natalina contacted the studio to help her create some images for her new cookbook, we were thrilled!

Noelle O’Brien spent a few hours at Natalina’s cooking school while she whipped up some delicious meals and shared some of her secrets.

We love the fun and candid vibe Noelle captured in the image that Natalina chose for the cover of her cookbook and the intimate photos of her with her family that she chose to use throughout the book.

She certainly has a passion for her what she does, and that comes through in the photos.

Way to go Natalina- we loved working with you!

See more of our commercial photography.

July 6, 2017

Corporate Headshots Guelph

When you’re a busy professional it can seem like a burden to get corporate headshots taken. If you are unhappy with the time it takes or you dislike being photographed, you may not get around to doing it.

Corporate headshots are one of our specialties. We’ve photographed hundreds of corporate employees at our studio and at their location, making sure the process is quick and easy. We use lighting and posing techniques to bring out your best features and capture your true personality.

Corporate Headshots At Our Guelph Studio

Our Guelph studio is a beautiful, relaxed setting designed to make you feel comfortable and actually enjoy the experience. Depending on how many photos and different looks you want, you can be in and out within 15 minutes.

We get many repeat customers because they feel good about getting their headshot taken after their first experience with us.

Corporate Headshots At Your Location

We can visit your company and set up our equipment on location so everyone can get their photo taken within a few minutes.

Corporations such as Linamar and Investors Group have chosen us for our stress free, professional headshots because we deliver excellent quality photos with a consistent look for the whole company.

Book a corporate headshot session at our studio or at your location. You can reach us at 519-767-2948.

Our studio is located in Guelph, Ontario, but we do company headshots in most of Southwestern Ontario.

June 25, 2017

Pet Photography Tips – PART 1

Pet photography is getting even more popular now that everyone has cameras on their phones. If you love your pet it’s likely that you’ve got tons of pictures of them on your phone. Capturing your pet’s quirky or majestic personality on camera can give you special memories of them to cherish forever. The common problems when taking photos of your pet are getting their personality to show through and getting clear, well-lit shots of them.

Here are some examples of pet photography that you can reference for the next time you photograph your pet. Read on to enjoy some pet photography tips and tricks that will help you get the perfect shot.

Pet Photography Tips

Help your pet feel relaxed

Pet photography is difficult when your pet isn’t feeling relaxed. Make sure that you’re feeling relaxed yourself, because animals pick up on energy and can sense when you are feeling anxious or stressed out. Gently stroke your cat or dog to help them feel calmer if they are moving around a lot and you want to take a still picture. You can also try taking photos after tiring them out with toys so that they aren’t as hyper.

Photograph your pet in good lighting

Getting good lighting is key to capturing the details of your furry friend’s face. Natural light is the simplest method, but if you are in a room with little natural light try using cool white light bulbs as they are closest to natural light.

Keep your pet feeling happy while shooting

The easiest way to do this is usually by giving them treats when they sit still, so they learn over time that being your pet photography model pays off. To get a great shot of your cat, try dangling some string around and watch them become very focused. For your dog, try holding a treat next to the camera or telling it what a ‘good dog’ it is to get them feeling happy.

Focus on the eyes

The eyes are the most expressive part of animals, so make sure to get some closeups. Capturing them in action while they are playing with their toy or after they’ve made a mess and are feeling guilty can bring out some great expressions in a dog’s face (although cats are better at hiding their feelings).

Get on their level

To really get connected to how your pet feels, get down on the floor or in the grass when they are playing. Pet photography is all about bringing out your pet’s personality and being able to see them like another animal would see them. If your pet sees you at the same height as them, they’ll likely feel more relaxed and connected to you, allowing you to capture them at their best.

Follow these tips to get better photos of your pet. If you live near Guelph, Ontario and want to get some professional photos of your pet, contact Trina Koster.

June 19, 2017

Professional Headshot Tips

Headshots are a challenge to get right. There are many factors that come into play when taking the perfect headshot and it is important that you know what you are doing before deciding to become a professional headshot photographer.

How your headshot looks can have a huge impact on your chance of finding a job, so getting the right photographer for the job is crucial.

For examples of professional headshots, see Trina’s Guelph headshots gallery page. To get some tips on becoming a better headshot photographer, read on.

Tips for a Professional Headshot

Get the right equipment for professional headshots

Being a professional headshot photographer is an investment. The equipment required to take crisp and high-quality indoor studio headshots requires thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment. A camera capable of capturing every detail for a headshot could cost you between $1000 – $7000 depending on the level of quality you’re going for. You’ll also need a proper lighting kit and a backdrop to pull off the perfect headshot.

Know what look you are going for

Depending on how you want to portray yourself, different lighting, props, and outfits can be used. If you are an actor or model, indoor headshots and outdoor headshots can be equally effective in their own way. Studio lighting can make your good features stand out more, and provides even lighting across your whole face. This is typical for business professionals who want a formal look. Natural light from outdoor headshots gives you a more creative look and can come across as more casual.

Find the client’s best side

Nobody really has a perfectly symmetrical face and hairline. When taking a headshot of your client be sure to get them to turn their heads slightly to different angles so you can get an idea of which side of their face should get more exposure to the camera. Understanding each person’s most attractive angles will allow you to get the most flattering headshot. You will also have to adjust the lighting according to which parts of the face you want to accentuate the most, and which features you want to conceal.

Make the client feel comfortable

If the client isn’t feeling comfortable during your professional headshot session, it is going to show in the photos. Some people are naturally skilled at getting their photo taken and enjoy the shoot. Many others will feel nervous or uncomfortable with the process of getting a photoshoot done and you must learn how to put these clients at ease. Engaging the clients in conversation and putting them at ease is a skill that you develop over time when doing professional headshot sessions.

Following these tips will help you to improve headshot photography! If you live near Guelph, Ontario and need your headshot done or want private lessons in learning how to use you camera better, contact Trina Koster.

Part 2 of professional headshot tips coming soon!