I’m happy to be hosting my 2nd annual fundraiser for an organization in Tigard called, Breast Friends. Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone.
During the month of October, $50 from every session fee paid will be donated to Breast Friends. This applies to any kind of shoot, booked for any future date, as long as the session fee is paid in October.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.
Bonus: special pricing for one day only!
Do you need headshots for your business, your dating profile, modeling, acting, pageantry, or just for fun? November 3rd is the day I’m hosting a mini session marathon at my photography studio in Tualatin, OR. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity. Even with the special pricing, $50 will still be donated to Breast Friends. This calls for a happy dance for us all!
In need of something more custom?
If you are looking for a longer and more custom session, like branding photos, a full length beauty or boudoir portrait session, or you just aren’t available on the date of the mini session marathon, just reply to this email and let me know what your needs are. We’ll go from there!
Let’s plan your photo shoot!
If you are ready to book your shoot, please send me an email and we can chat!
Who’s got time and money to waste on, yet, another headshot session that ends up in photos that you don’t like? With Photography by Rayleigh in the Portland area, you’ll be amazed at how much you can love a photo of yourself. With an expert guided process from start to finish, you’ll look and feel your best every time.
Book a Headshot Mini Session and get ready for your best headshot ever.
October is breast cancer awareness month
In support of breast cancer awareness month, I will be donating $50 from each session that is booked in October (for a shoot scheduled on any future date) to Breast Friends. This includes headshot mini sessions during the marathon day or any custom session booked on a different day.
Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.
When I ran this same fundraiser last year for Breast Cancer Awareness month, I had the pleasure of photographing Michelle, who works with Breast Friends. She was able to take advantage of the special headshot marathon pricing while also helping to raise money for her organization.
Office and group photos
Does your business have multiple employees all needing business headshot portraits? If so, we can talk about setting up a shoot just for your crew. If you need some group shots, I can help with that, as well!
Looking for something more custom for your personal or business portraits?
There are more options for you to consider. If this date doesn’t work for you, or you are looking for a longer, more customized session, including branding photos (such as the photo below), that is an option I’d love to discuss with you.
Whether you are interested in the mini session marathon or any custom session, let’s chat!
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I’m sorry for all you sun seekers, but Fall is here and I am so happy. I’ve busted out my sweaters, even though it’s actually still too warm to wear them. But they are ready as soon as that temperature drops a bit. My house has been decorated for Fall for a couple of weeks as I, admittedly, jumped the gun on that one. But I’m not even sad about it. So when my beautiful client, Teresa, brought in an Autumn wardrobe for her beauty session, I was over the moon. It made my little photographer heart so happy. Fall is my jam! I’d love to share with you this Fall beauty photo shoot that was recently done in my studio near Portland.
Hair and makeup
Teresa is a hair and makeup artist at Strut Salon in downtown Portland. She arrived with her hair and makeup camera ready. She looked amazing, as you can see. This is her third photo shoot with me and I was thrilled to have her back in the studio! As Teresa can attest, these shoots are such a great confidence booster and can become a bit addicting, in a good way!
By the way, Teresa gave me a hair cut recently and she also taught me how to tame my unruly natural curls. Oh my goodness, you guys. I never knew my curls could look so good! If you need some help with your curls, Teresa is your girl.
Your most beautiful self
Teresa was kind enough to share some sweet words about her experience in a Google review. She said, “Rayleigh made me feel so comfortable from beginning to end! She photographs you in way that is so natural and so perfect. You’ll leave feeling like your most beautiful self!” This is exactly the experience I aim for all of my beautiful clients to have.
Business headshots
The photo below makes for the cutest business headshot for Teresa’s salon. Although my clients always have such a great time with beauty sessions, I’m also a Portland business headshot photographer. A need for business headshots gives a lot of my ladies an “excuse” to come in to my Tualatin studio. Of course, my favorite reason for you to come in is to treat yourself and to allow yourself to feel like the amazing person that you are.
Beauty, business, and boudoir
Photo shoots in my studio often end up a mix of beauty, business, and boudoir photos. When you make the time to come in and have a session, you may as well capture all the facets of your personality. While shooting photos for different purposes, you get the most mileage out of your makeover and your time in the studio. That’s a win, for sure!
A Fall Beauty Photo Shoot in Portland
If you love Fall as much as I do, I’d love to schedule a photo shoot for you in October or November. Just send me an email and we can chat!
Are you wondering what to wear for a Winter Photo Shoot?
If you have a photo shoot coming up soon, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress. I’ve put together some ideas here for what to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland (or anywhere). These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.
Something to consider is what kind of feel you are going for. Winter is a particularly good time to go more formal or even to go ultra casual. Either way will make for fun winter photos. Especially if you are going for a Christmas look.
Pajamas
If you want a casual look, you really can’t go any more casual than this. But Christmas pajamas are so much fun. So you can’t go wrong with this cozy and comfy look for your winter photo shoot. If you are doing family portraits, matching family pajamas are all the rage right now. Why not mark this trend with a professional photo shoot?
Sweaters
Sweaters are my most favorite outfit to photograph. I just love the softness and warmth they give to a photo. Plus, they look good on everyone. I recommend a lightweight sweater because a chunky or bulky sweater can make you look larger than you really are. A wide neck or v neck sweater that can sit off the shoulder looks sexy while still being modest.
A Formal Gown
If you like sparkle and shine, Christmas is a great time of year for a formal dress for your winter photo shoot. Most of us don’t get a lot of opportunities to dress up. It’s such a treat to see the glamorous side of ourselves.
Red, Gold, Green & White
Red is, of course, a go-to color for the Christmas and winter season.
Gold, white, and green are also great winter colors.
Fur
My studio has a lot of faux fur. Blankets, pillows, and rugs galore. The softness is so feminine. I can’t seem to get enough of it! I use it all year long, but in the winter, it works even better. If we can add more fur with wardrobe, I’m a happy camper.
Santa inspired wardrobe is a way to incorporate fur and the color red for an obvious Christmassy feel.
Hats and Scarves
Winter is a great time to add layering and accessories. Hats and scarves can really add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.
What To Wear For A Winter Photo Shoot
I hope these ideas help give you some inspiration for what to wear for a Winter or Christmas beauty, glamour, senior, maternity, boudoir, headshot, or family photo shoot in Portland. If you want more ideas, Pinterest is always a wealth of inspiration! Please let me know if you want to discuss wardrobe or anything else regarding your portrait session!
Finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland, OR
You can’t throw a rock in Portland without hitting a photographer. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. But there really are a lot of photographers around. Some are amazing while others are pretty inexperienced. No one wants to spend their time or their money having headshots done, just to end up disliking their photos or the entire experience. Especially busy business owners. But how do you choose the professional headshot photographer that is the right fit for you? Here are 5 things to consider when choosing a professional for your photo shoot.
1. Personality
You want your photos to feel like the real you. In order for that to happen, you need to choose a headshot photographer whom you connect with. Someone that will make you feel comfortable. I realize it can be difficult to know that just by perusing the internet. So I suggest looking at the photographer’s About Me page and reading their reviews. Click the links in this paragraph to learn more about Photography by Rayleigh.
2. Style
How do you want your photos to look? What part of your personality should your headshots convey? Do you want to look strong, confident, and trustworthy? Do you want to portray a welcoming and friendly vibe?
You may be looking for a cooperate look with a plain background and straight posing. Or it’s possible that a more relaxed, lifestyle look with varied backgrounds and interesting posing may suit you better.
When you are searching for a photographer in Portland, check out their portfolio. Do any of the photos in their portfolio match the vibe you want for your professional headshots? Some photographers can achieve different kinds of looks based on their individual clients needs, while others claim one style as their strength.
A corporate look verses a lifestyle look.
When thinking about style, another thing to consider is whether you are strictly wanting actual headshots or if you also want what is known as “personal branding” photos. Personal branding photos are photos that you can use in your marketing that aren’t just pictures of your head and shoulders. Such as, 3/4 body or full body portraits, photos of you working or even customized stock photos taken in your space. If you are considering a photographer for your headshots, just ask if they have experience with personal branding photos, as well.
Photography by Rayleigh can accommodate a corporate look, a lifestyle look, or a personal branding session for you.
An example of a Personal Branding photo for businesses.
3. Studio, Outdoor, or On-Location
Do you have a preference about where your photo shoot takes place or what kind of environment you want? Some photographers have a studio, set up with backdrops and perfect lighting, so that’s where they prefer to shoot headshot portraits. Others consider the great outdoors their “studio.” Of course, even if a photographer has a studio, they may be willing to take the shoot outdoors if that’s the look you want for your shoot. So it’s definitely worth asking about.
If you want your place of business in the background of your professional headshot photos, you might want the photographer to come to you for the photo shoot. This is what’s known as, “on-location.” Or if you have a team of employees who all need headshots, it might just make more sense for the photo shoot to happen where it’s easiest for everyone to gather. Find out if the photographer you are considering is set up to be able to do that.
With Photography by Rayleigh, most clients choose to have their shoot at my studio in Tualatin, OR. However, an outdoor location or other location is an option, as well.
Outdoor verses Studio or On Location portraits.
4. Pricing
According to an article on Snappr, the average price of a 1 hour photo shoot with a photographer in Portland, Oregon is $258. You can really find headshot pricing anywhere from $75 to $1000+. You likely have a budget in mind for your portraits and you’ll surely want to find a photographer who can accommodate that. Just keep in mind that, as cliché as it is, it’s still completely true that you get what you pay for. If you want to look professional in your headshots, you’ll want to hire a skilled photographer who can accomplish the look you need for success.
A lower priced photographer could certainly get a photo to you that you could use on your website. Actually, a friend with a nice iPhone could probably do that for you for free. But if you want to impress your clients and customers and give them a better sense of your company’s commitment to quality, you need to invest in a headshot that speaks the same level of quality.
You’ll want to decide if your priority is quantity or quality? You may find a photographer who will give you more photos for a lower price. But you will likely have to sacrifice quality. I highly recommend investing in high quality photos, even if it means you get fewer photos. Your business marketing will thank you.
Below you will see a comparison of a photo taken by an inexperienced photographer verses a higher quality portrait of the same beautiful business owner.
An inexpensive headshot portrait verses a higher quality portrait taken by an experienced professional headshot photographer.
5. The Experience
Aside from the skills of the photographer, there are other services that may be included. Does that photographer simply show up, snap a few photos, and hand over the unedited photos? Or is there more involved in the experience?
Professional hair and makeup
Does the session include professional hair and makeup? This may seem like a frivolous expense at first. However, I assure you, it’s so worth it! Not only because your hair and makeup look fantastic. Even more than that, it’s because you will feel more confident while having your photos taken. That confidence makes all the difference in the final photos! The time spent in the makeup chair, chatting with the photographer also helps you feel more comfortable with the photographer before the shoot starts. That’s makes a difference, as well.
Pre shoot consultation
Does the photographer help you figure out what kind of look might work best for your business? Do they offer wardrobe guidance?
Posing
Is the photographer skilled at perfect posing that makes you look slimmer, more confident, more friendly, or whatever other look you want that can be accomplished with posing?
Post shoot editing
Does the photographer edit out skin blemishes and clothing wrinkles (or face wrinkles if you want that)?
To learn more about what it’s like to have a shoot with Photography by Rayleigh, I invite you to check out my What To Expect page. Spoiler alert: the answer is yes to all of the above questions.
Professional hair and makeup before a photo shoot is an important service to consider.
Conclusion
I know that finding a professional headshot photographer in Portland who is a great fit for you can be daunting. Especially for busy business people. I hope these 5 tips help you focus on what to look for in a photographer so you can make an educated decision before spending your hard earned money.
Are you looking for a professional headshot photographer? Let’s chat!
If you would like to discuss your headshot session near Portland, please send me an email and we can chat! Let’s see if we are a good fit for each other.
Who’s got time and money to waste on, yet, another business portrait session that ends up in photos that you don’t like? With Photography by Rayleigh in the Portland area, you’ll be amazed at how much you can love a photo of yourself. With an expert guided process from start to finish, you’ll look and feel your best every time.
Book a Business Portrait Mini Session and get ready for your best headshot ever.
October is breast cancer awareness month
For October 2021’s business portrait mini marathon, I will be donating $50 from each session to Breast Friends. Breast Friends is an amazing organization that helps women survive the trauma of cancer, one friend at a time. Breast Friends’ mission is to ensure that no woman goes through a diagnosis of cancer alone. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Breast Friends, providing portraits to women who have lost their hair due to chemo. I invite you to check out these “Bald Is Beautiful” portraits.
Looking for something more custom for your business portrait?
There are more options for you to consider. If this date doesn’t work for you, or you are looking for a longer, more customized session, that is an option I’d love to discuss with you.
Does your business have multiple employees all needing business headshot portraits? If so, we can talk about setting up a shoot just for your crew. If you need some group shots, I can help with that, as well!
Whether you are interested in the mini session marathon or a custom session, let’s chat!
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The lovely Ms. C came in for a shoot that was both professional business headshots and boudoir. I love when my clients bring a variety of outfits to wear so their photos are more versatile.
What Ms. C had to say about her business headshot and boudoir session
“A friend had used Rayleigh and I loved how her photos turned out. So I contacted her via email to inquire about pricing and she offered several different options. Budget was a concern, but she offers a mini-session that was just what I was looking for (a mix of boudoir and professional looking photos). This was a gift for my husband (and to myself for losing almost 100lbs) and I was nervous about doing boudoir shots.”
“Her studio is in her home and she had a make up artist come in to do my hair and makeup. The make up artist asked me questions about what look I wanted (more natural or more glamour, etc.) and really seemed to listen to what I wanted. I felt like I still looked like myself after wards but just better. Rayleigh was very pleasant (and so was the make up artist). The session was very relaxed and comfortable.”
“I was very nervous and anxious about how the photos would turn out. I was blown away…I still can’t believe that it’s me in the photos. The poses are tasteful and I love how she made me look beautiful (and thin!) and brought out my best features. I turn the Big 50 next month and my husband wants me to book another session!” –Ms. C
Want to see more?
Click here If you’d like to see more Business Headshots. If you’d like to see more boudoir photos, please contact me and I can send you a private gallery.
