About My Stupid Head Shot

This email came in to me this week, thought it was kind of hilarious and the reader was cool with me publishing it…

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Hello, Josh. This is sort of random, I know. I am a headshot photographer in Iowa. I care about portrait photography, and feel compelled this morning to offer you some advice. I know exactly what advice, of any sort, is worth. 😉

I just read your piece “This is why they hate you.” Quality writing, and enjoyable. Then I looked at your headshot. It’s really bad. Probably an afterthought….you needed something for the blog, had a buddy take some shots, looked through them quickly and said “eh, this one’ll work.” At least I hope that’s how it went. If that was done by a professional photographer, then they should be fired, without a severance package. The photo manages to make you look guarded, complacent, superior, and perhaps slightly drunk, all at once.

Not your fault. But a quality professional headshot, by someone who knows what they’re doing, can truly send a message. For people with any level of public web persona, it is quite literally an investment. This is just a hunch, but I bet you could afford it. Obviously I am not expecting to get your business myself, being so far away. But have a look at my work on iowacityheadshots.com to see what I’m talking about. Most of these shots have specific, premeditated intent with regard to image and message. They are very consciously directed to reveal honest qualities. Subtlety is important. I bet there are lots of great photographers in your area, and even a high-powered expensive snooty one would be well under $1000 (I charge $300 for a one hour shoot….different market in Iowa). You should look into it, man. 🙂

Peace,

Todd

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Thanks Todd, I think I may just take you up on that advice.

JB