Your residency/fellowship headshot is critical because faculty members make snap judgements about how serious you are just by the way your ERAS photo looks.
And they do this BEFORE they even look at your application.
Some residency applicants are tempted to take their own photo or ask a friend to take it with a decent camera, and while that might work for a simple LinkedIn photo, for something as important as a residency application, it’s critical to send the best possible first impression.
Session fee | $250 | Includes your ERAS photo.
Our 15-minute session includes:
1 look/wardrobe
White or gray backdrop
Real-time image review & selection
Image resized to your application size needs
24-48 hour turnaround (1-2 business days)
(This session is not suitable for LinkedIn photos.)
If you’ve been to my studio (or if I’ve taken your headshot at your location), you know that I provide guidance in advance on how to prepare for your session. One of the suggestions is to wear mid-toned jewel colors, and to avoid black clothing. From time to time the advice to avoid black seems to create anxiety in my client. This is usually because (a) most of their wardrobe is black, or (b) they think an all-black outfit makes them look thinner.
It’s true that darker colors CAN create the illusion of a slimmer body. You know how to look thinner on camera, though? Clothes that fit properly.
Proper fit means:
–Shoulders of the garment are the same size as your shoulders. The back of the garment should fit comfortably, not too tight when cross your arms.
–Collars should fit snugly against your neck, with no gap. For men, there should be no creasing of your shirt when you wear a tie.
–Jackets for men and women should conform to your body contours. Even if you don’t think you have a defined waist, a fitted or tailored style (as opposed to a “relaxed” fit) will be less boxy and make you appear trimmer.
–You should be able to button your jacket comfortably! If it’s too big, have it altered. If it’s too tight, find a new home for it.
Most dry cleaners have an alterations service. I have nearly all my clothes altered when I purchase them, since the waist is nearly always too big and pants too long. I’ve shortened tunics and knit tops, taken in blazers at the waistline, hemmed slacks, and even had items “eased” when they were just a bit too tight in the shoulders. With many of us buying clothing online and unable to try them on first, a good tailor is our best friend.
Finally, the right pose can always make you look thinner on camera, regardless of your body type or size.
Next time you appear in front of the camera, consider alternatives to black. As I tell my clients, “just try it.”
Jewish delis are a great American tradition. Beginning as places for Jews from Central and Eastern Europe to eat and meet, they expanded across the American landscape and eventually attracted as many non-Jews as Jews. Baltimore is home to a number of famous (and delicious) delis, featured in this engaging and informative show on Maryland Public Television.
Co-host is Marcellus “Bassman” Shepard, a newcomer to that station but well-known for his work as an actor, DJ, and voiceover talent. Marcellus came to the studio recently to update his actor headshots. He was a dream to work with, and that voice! Unforgettable.
You can view Something to Kvell About at this link: https://www.pbs.org/video/jewish-delis-something-to-kvell-about-wawyi You’ll need an MPT Passport membership (which simply means you need to make a donation of at least $10. You’ll have access to hundreds of MPT/PBS programming afterward).
If you don’t have time to read the entire piece, here’s a summary:
I started my business in 2016 as an ‘encore’ career, after taking up photography as a hobby in 2009. The timing was perfect and I wouldn’t have done anything differently.
I’m most proud of the fact that I started from ground zero with photography, with no mentors and few teachers.
What sets me apart from other photographers is my marketing background. I actually enjoy marketing and promoting my services, and view them as a vital part of my business, not as dreary tasks.
Other people probably don’t realize that being proficient with technology is an enormous part of being a professional photographer. It’s great to hear “oh, you have such a good eye for photography.” But, technology, along with invoicing, scheduling, marketing, and digital file handling, is what makes the business a success.
In 2011 I took a workshop with an instructor who put down virtually every photo I took. I was demoralized and felt stupid. Though I was briefly tempted to put my camera away, I kept at it, taking more workshops (with different instructors) and practicing whenever possible. The support and encouragement of my friends, family, and colleagues are what gave me the confidence to continue.
My collection of mid-century glamour photos has a new home! I’ve launched www.VickieGrayVintageGlamour.com, where you can find all my fun and fanciful pinups and Old Hollywood-style photography. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to check it out and let me know what you think.
On April 22 Marian House celebrated its 40th anniversary of helping women move from dependence to independence. The organization wanted to showcase five alumnae — Connie, Kim, Earnestine, Tyona and Veronica. Having done other pro bono work for Marian House I was happy to create these portraits for them.
We did a couple of sessions at the Marian House location, one at R. House, the food hall in Remington, and one in my own neighborhood. The goal was to highlight these women’s success in achieving an independent life. They were all radiant. Some were a little nervous at being in front of the camera, but their pride and happiness overcame any temporary self-consciousness. Connie was decidedly not nervous having her photo taken. In fact, she mentioned that she is interested in working as a mature model!
Founded in 1982 as a joint project of the Sisters of Mercy and the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Marian House is a holistic, healing community for women and their children who are in need of housing and support services. The organization provides a safe, sober, and loving environment that challenges women to respect and love themselves, confront emotional and socioeconomic barriers, and transition to stable and independent lives. To see photos of the Marian House 40th anniversary gala, visit Marian House gala.
