Beth Madison / Stamford, Connecticut USA
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© Beth Madison Headshots
“My work as a headshot photographer is all about authentic, engaging or compelling expressions, and the only way to achieve that is by making a connection with my client.”
Hi Beth
Thanks so much for being a part of Headshots Matter. We really love the warmth and depth of your portraits and the empathy conveyed in your headshots.
How long have you been a photographer and what else have you done in the past that has led you towards photography?
Oh, the origin story! I’ve got a good one.
I loved art as a child, and I started taking after-school art lessons with a local teacher/artist. She taught me how to see. She planted the seed of the artist’s eye in me, and showed me how to help it grow.
I had also loved photography since I was 7 or so. I took a photography class in high school. The teacher gave me his old darkroom equipment at the end of the year when I was 16.
I set up a darkroom in the bathroom of my parents’ house, in the basement. I started my first photography business then, doing informal children’s photography. I biked to my clients, and developed and printed my black-and-white shots myself.
After college, I moved to NYC and became an advertising copywriter, then a marketing writer. Just like with photography, it’s always about telling stories.
I went back to photography after my daughter was born. I learned digital photography, then later, Photoshop.
When my daughter was 16, in 2008, I launched my current business.
My old art teacher, Marthe Clamage, was key in my journey. You can’t learn to see the light until you’ve learned to see. I bring my artist’s eye to all my photography work. And key, too, was my father – he taught me how to connect with people.
What is it about headshots that keeps you inspired and motivated as a photographer?
My work as a headshot photographer is all about authentic, engaging or compelling expressions, and the only way to achieve that is by making a connection with my client.
What keeps me motivated is to figure out quickly how to make that connection and bring out that authentic spark with the stranger who’s just walked into my studio. The interpersonal part, and the coaching, is the most interesting and challenging.
How would you describe the differences in your creative process when creating studio portraits vs capturing corporate work on location?
It’s not really that much different. Mostly, it’s the amount of time I have. Often at on-site work, there is a desire for efficiency – they have to get back to work. I scout out on-site locations ahead of time, and I arrive well early to have everything set up and ready to go.
For studio portrait work, we may have more time to shoot only one person, and we can and do get creative with lighting and with post-processing techniques like color-grading.
Usually, corporate on-site portraits are less creative in those areas. Instead, we use the strength of environmental portraiture to tell a story about the subjects, and pay attention to background, shooting angles, and posing.
In both cases, it’s important that I’m helping my client express who they are, and to tell the story that they want to tell.
As a portrait photographer, how do you calm and disarm someone who’s very nervous in front of the camera?
That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? I’m curious and interested in each person who walks into my studio. I try to notice everything about them, and tailor how I respond to them based on what I observe. As soon as they come in, I treat them like a friend. I chat, and as we go through wardrobe and some of my prep and coaching, I get a sense of who they are. I try to connect with them as a person, through either common interests, humor, or anything.
I have to connect with them, and get them to trust me. That’s the key.
Who would you like to photograph someday and why?
I’m going to answer this question sort of sideways. The most important person I photographed, or rather, the most important headshot I’ve ever taken, was of my dad. It was taken six months before he passed away at 91.
I look at that photo every day, and I can see his kind eyes looking back at me.
I never really thought about photographing anyone famous. But I would give anything to have photographed my mom, who passed away long before I started doing headshots, the way I did my dad.
Don’t forget to photograph your parents, and all of those who are dear to you.
What methods do you use when bringing out a client’s ‘brand story’ while capturing their headshot?
When doing business branding portrait sessions, it’s important to both listen, and collaborate.
I make time to talk with the client ahead of time, to discuss ideas, and the story we want to tell. Occasionally I’ll use a storyboard. I’ll be sure to listen to what my client says, and I pay attention to what she wants. Then I’ll add in my own thoughts and suggestions. Finally, I’ll create a shoot list to guide me.
At the session, I’m always ready to improvise, to try something new, as well as covering the shoot list. In fact, it’s often the spontaneous shots that are the best. But that’s because we’ve prepared for the moment.
Is it easier to photograph someone you know personally or is it easier to photograph a stranger?
I think it’s easier to photograph a stranger. Family members are hardest: they’ve heard all your clever lines before, and frankly they’re not that impressed.
How do you kindle your creativity and where do you find inspiration for your photography?
I am lucky enough to be part of a fantastic coaching group of headshot and portrait photographer, Peter Hurley’s Headshot Crew. This crew has been one of the most important things in my professional photography journey. It’s a place where we improve our photography skills, learn about running a business, and form bonds of friendship and support. The community is unparalleled.
I am always seeing amazing work from brilliant photographers from all over the world at the Headshot Crew, and it is always inspiring.
That, and Instagram.
How critical is your mindset when preparing for a photoshoot and is there anything you do specifically to prepare yourself?
Mindset is important. Mood is not. We all have to shoot sometimes when we’re not in the mood, but our focused mindset takes over.
I like to use an almost ritualized routine to prepare for a session. I have a checklist that I print out, and I check each item off before each session. As I am getting through the checklist, I gradually enter the headshot mode. I like to be ready early for my client. When they get here, it’s showtime.
Lastly, in your opinion, why do headshots matter?
Headshots are so important!
We are always on some digital device, and our image comes up whenever anyone looks for us. People make a subconscious, instantaneous impression of us in that split second.
If it’s a great image, it helps you. If it’s not, it’s getting in your way.
But, it’s even more than that. Here’s what I believe: When someone comes to me for a headshot, it’s my chance to introduce them to the world, to show the world their spark. Everyone has something that makes them light up, or switch into laser focus, or showcases their quiet and confident power. I capture those captivating, authentic expressions, beautifully lit, and create an image that shows that person at their very best.
I’ve had clients tell me that I changed the way they thought about themselves for the better, and that working together let them break out of negative patterns of self-criticism and look at themselves with fresh eyes. Their headshot session has made a real difference. I believe it’s important, what we do.
So, yes, I really believe that headshots matter!
Thanks so much Beth, for sharing your insightful and candid answers. We’re very grateful to have you a part of headshotsMatter!
Please take a moment to learn more about Beth’s work at: www.bethmadisonheadshots.com
© Beth Madison Headshots
