Featured Photos - February 2025

in , ,

Winter time is studio time except, of course, when it’s not. Then we go outdoors!

Booked!

The incomparable Kate Lee came in for her yearly studio portfolio and promptly booked not one but 2 major jobs. Mom says we’re a good luck charm and we’ll take that compliment (though Kate’s status as a true rockstar is really what’s going on.) She’s represented by TMM.

The Handsome Leading Man

We’re were definitely thinking leading man when we knocked out these awesome headshots for Lucas and John (and they loved what they saw!). Both are shopping for presentation here in Portland and we know these images will push them down the road very quickly! Props to our friend Dylan Wayne Lawrence for sending John our way.

Cool Kid Stuff

Another awesome talent who’s shopping for representation is Miss Asha, who came in for her very first portfolio a few weeks ago. As you can see, she’s super adorable and super professional (and will be very successful in our industry). Thanks to Mike Vaughn at RebelLoop for sending our way.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots and modeling portfolios. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Rafal Wegiel's Ultimate Actor Headshot Guide

Over the course of 15 years shooting headshots and modeling portfolios, I’ve published a number of well received articles on how to prepare for your photo session, including a three part series series called How To Rock Your Headshot Session. And, like all creatives and artists who strive to improve their game, I’m always looking for new and interesting insights from other members of the industry.

One such ally is Calgary-based photographer Rafal Wegiel. Not only does he possess remarkable technical skills and produce excellent images, he offers an array of educational opportunities and regularly publishes some excellent articles for actors, models and photographers.

One such article, entitled “The Ultimate Actor Headshot Guide: Tips for Photographers & Actors” does an excellent job of outlining the key elements that go into a great session. He talks about knowing the purpose of your images, discusses the importance of connecting with the camera and what to expect from the final images.

Experience is, of course, the your best education and having an experienced photographer coaching you through the process is essential (and that’s what separates professionals like Rafal and I from the masses). Combine the right choice of photographer with a the right preparation will deliver great results. You can take a look at Raf’s article here.

Featured Photos - January 2025

in , ,

When the rains come to Portland our warm friendly studio is just the place for new pictures!

Fluffy Kid Stuff

Claire came to our studio with her awesome Mom with a career as a hair model in mind (and you can see why). When she realized she could do more than model hair, she stepped right up and crushed her first modeling portfolio.

The Writing on the Wall

Cameron is a retired graphic designer who needed some headshots for his website and the jacket of his soon to be published memoirs. We liked the look of black and white for Cameron and he agreed.

Crazy Kid Stuff

All we can tell you is that Preston is as fun and engaging as his pictures. We created the awesome set and delivered some great pictures.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots and modeling portfolios. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

We Have Fans!

The nice folks at Canvas Rebel reached out and interviewed me about my experience as a photographer, which was a very kind move on their part. They also asked for a picture of me, which I took all by myself. :) You get to see that, too, if you want to jump on over and take a look at the article. Thanks to Christina and the CR team for the conversation.

Featured Photos - December 2024

in , ,

A sample of the wonderful images we made as the year came to a close.

NYC in PDX

When Maya and her Mom and my amazing hair and makeup stylist Karina and I came together to make a modeling portfolio during the last week of December, it was our goal to capture the spirit of New York in the downtown streets of Portland. And done!

Getting Ready for 2025

Many a headshot gets made in December as smart actors prepare for the year to come. Zero, Madison and Janet know the inside scoop and are ready to crush it in ‘25.

In Other Words …

Singer, dancer, actor and model. In other words, the amazing Miss Stella.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots and modeling portfolios. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

8 LinkedIn Photo Mistakes You Should Avoid

A strong LinkedIn profile photo is essential to make a positive first impression within your profession. It’s your digital introduction and will significantly influence how potential employers, clients and colleagues perceive you. However, many professionals make mistakes that undermine the quality of their headshot. Here are some major errors to avoid when picking your LinkedIn profile photo.

Poor Quality Images

One of the biggest mistakes we see is people using low-resolution or pixelated images. Blurry images equal a lack of professionalism. Ensure your photo is sharp, well-lit and output at 300 DPI, minimum (albeit no larger than 1MB). Correct resolution and well-lit images not only look better but also convey that you care about your business.

Inappropriate or Distracting Backgrounds

The background of your photo will impact its effectiveness. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that draw attention away from your face and stick with simple neutral settings, whether it’s a plain backdrop or an environmental space.

The Wrong Clothing

Your clothing should match the professional standards of your industry, whether you're a doctor, attorney, creative or salesperson. Know what works within your business and pick the most inviting attire that fits your profession.

Overly Edited Images

We’ve all seen the billboards of the real estate broker who did their photograph in the late 80s and had it airbrushed to within an inch of its life. That’s not how we do it today. Aim for a natural appearance that highlights your best features without altering your identity.

Cropping Yourself Out of a Group Shot.

It sounds silly but it happens all the time: people take a group shot and crop everyone else out of the image. Except Jeff from Accounting, whose eye is mysteriously floating above your left shoulder.

Unprofessional Expressions

Smiles work. Staid expression work. It depends on your business. Either way, don’t force yourself to do something that isn’t you.

Ignoring Recent Changes

Don’t be like the people who are using the same image they shot (on film) 40 years ago. Update your pictures once a year (and write it off on your taxes).

Using A Selfie

No matter how good your selfie game may be, leave the self portraits to your Facebook posts.

Your LinkedIn profile photo plays a vital role in shaping your professional identity. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a compelling image that effectively communicates your professionalism and personality. Invest time in selecting or creating the right photo—it’s worth the effort for your career advancement.

Looking for a new headshot for your Linked In. Take a peek at our professional headshots and then drop us an email via our contact page.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

We Have Fans!

Thanks so much to the folks at The Snappy Lens for generously letting the world know about what we do and why we do it. You can find their kind words on their website.

The Snappy Lens is the creation of photographer Adrian Harrison, who does headshot photography and product photography in Sydney, Australia. We like food so we found his food photography particular yummy. You see a couple shots below and look at more of his work here.

Preparing for Your Headshot Session: Teeth Whitening

Every now and then I'll get a request from a client to whiten their teeth while retouching their final images. Either they forgot to have it done beforehand or didn't realize it needs to be done until they saw their proofs. While a post-production dash of whitening is an easy task, you're still going to have the same teeth when you tape your additions. Better to have it done beforehand (and correctly) than have them 'fixed in post.'

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Whether you elect to buy your whitening treatment from the store or get treated through your dentist, the concept of whitening is basically the same. In most solutions, the active ingredient, either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, penetrates and bleaches stains from the tooth enamel.

Store-Bought vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

The whitening strips and trays you purchase at the store likely have a lower concentration of the bleaching agent; however, these solutions tend to be less expensive than going to your dentist’s office for treatment. Just keep in mind that treatment can take about two weeks to complete at home and will probably result in about two to three shades of color improvement. In contrast, professional whitening, which is performed in your dentist’s office, has a higher concentration and offers up to 10 shades of brightening power in just about an hour.

Which Teeth Whitening Solution Is Right for Your Headshot?

Although whitening toothpastes are probably the least expensive option, they are often abrasive, which can damage your tooth enamel in the long run. As a result, it’s not generally recommended to use this product. If you only need to take off a few shades from your teeth, whitening treatments you find at the store should suffice. However, for more shades of difference, you’ll need to consult your dentist to receive more powerful whitening power. Regardless of the teeth whitening treatment you choose, when you have your photo shoot with me, you can feel confident that your radiant smile will communicate who you are and that your headshots will show your best side!

What Makes A Great Headshot

As one of Portland’s premier headshot photographers for the better part of 15 years, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a great headshot. It’s not just the light to the color or the pose. There’s something special, something unique about the subject that shines through. Take a look at these samples of my recent work and see what makes these images click.

In all cases, the eyes of the subject are the most important thing. These these two images, which were shot with two different lighting styles, both accomplish the same goal: a super-strong eye-to-eye connection and the feeling that we know a little bit about the person in the picture.

When we got to the end of this session, we decided to shoot a few casual portraits — headshots with a bit more movement, if you will — and this is one of the images we captured. What makes this headshot great is the relaxed feel of her smile, as if we were just hanging out, drinking coffee.

A person whose eyes change character with every turn of the head is, unquestionably, one of the most interesting people to photograph. In these images, we see the subtle nuances of the subject’s personality in the way her eyes meet the camera. Some dynamic lighting doesn’t hurt.

Here we see the same subject wearing the same clothing, photographed within a few minutes of each other, yet the message is definitely different. On the left, we meet a slightly sassy and ultra confident teenager and on the right we meet a wide eyed and wondrous kid.

Four different men in four different images with four different lighting schemes and four different message.

On the left, we have a chisel-cheeked actor with serious leading man vibes who needed strong studio light and a bright open background. In the plaid, we have a business person, a restauranteur, who hung out on the front steps of our studio, comfortable and casual, like his restaurant.

Second from the right is an actor who wanted to portray more range than just a leading man: the leather jacket, the dynamic side lighting and the drill-a-hole-in-you stare brought out his innate gangster vibes. And lastly, and most dramatic of all, a model guy with model vibes.

The professional headshot on the left captured exactly what the subjected wanted: strong and businesslike while remaining accessible and friendly. The other two images — shot for working actors with plenty of experience — exude the confidence needed to compete in the acting industry. And that’s what makes them great headshots.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

BOOK A SESSION

Featured Photos - April 2024

in , ,

Spring means new beginnings and that means new pictures for my awesome Portland clients.

Artfully Yours

This month’s featured photos starts with a wonderfully cinematic shot of actor and model Joel Newman. It’s always such great fun to do modeling pictures of actors who know how to bring a character to the camera.

Simple Wins The Day

When you have someone as handsome and charismatic as Bryson before the camera, clean and simple and well lit always wins the day.

CrazyKid Stuff

Cool kids, creative color and big smiles are the order of the day when kids dive into their new portfolios (and that’s exactly we had here with Miriam, Aubrey and Riley).

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots and modeling portfolios. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Featured Photos - March 2024

in , ,

For me, March Madness is all about headshots, headshots and more headshots.

All About Actors

As you know from looking at our homepage, I’ve been one of the most highly recommended acting headshot photographers in Portland for the better part of 15 years. It’s my pleasure to work with all kinds of actors on their portfolios, knowing that each and every session will be different. My pal Nicolette never fails to surprise me, the master of just about every look and style an actor can find. To her right is Garrett, a long time actor who is moving into producing and directing and needed some new looks. Wrapping up this trio is Colleen, an enthusiastic teacher of the arts who doubles as an actor in her free time. Colleen is currently represented by Harris Talent.

When Business Is A Pleasure

It was great fun to do professional headshots for up-and-coming executive Jennifer Evans. We got to talk about music, raising kids, Wordle and her dream of moving to DC and landing her dream job in the public sector.

Model Citizen

Here’s just one of the awesome images we created for Mr. Ben for his new portfolio for IMD.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots and modeling portfolios. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Featured Photos - February 2024

in , ,

Spring comes early when in the Portland, OR acting and modeling business, where winter sessions bring spring bookings.

All About Business

More and more business folks are connecting with us for creative, artful and richly creative professional headshots. Nolan is a restauranteur who wanted to update his professional profile, Iddo is a software expert who needed imagery for a new position, Tatjana wanted to show the world of finance that she has the goods and Jeff is a dentist who grabbed this headshot before shipping off to a new position in Austin, TX.

Michelle and Tristan

Actor headshots are still our jam, though, witch is why Michelle and Tristan got back into the studio to make these great images with us.

Silly Kid Stuff

The kids modeling portfolio world got at least 3 times better as our rockstar friend Kate and new clients Cora and Elliott joined us for new portfolios for TMM Talent.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Featured Photos - January 2024

in , ,

Rolling into the new year with wonderful headshots and portfolio photos for kid, teen and adult models and actors in beautiful Portland, OR.

Lauren and Kaci

Headlining our Janaury roundup are two exquisite beauties: Miss Lauren, who updated her images for TMM Talent and Miss Kaci, who just hangs with us because it’s fun and she makes an amazing photograph.

Destiny, Lexie, Maria, Pricilla, Clare and Karlee

When it comes to actor headshots we humbly suggest you won’t find a photography studio than ours. Kinda simple, right?

And then some …

Sometimes we’ll be having so much fun we don’t want to stop. That’s when the black and white portraits start happening, many of which end up in the professional portfolios, as well.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Professional Panache: 5 Ideal Places in Portland's Pearl District for Business Headshots

The Pearl District in Portland, Oregon is not only a hub of artistic expression but also a sophisticated urban landscape that provides an ideal backdrop for capturing professional headshots. For those seeking to project a polished and business-savvy image, here are five great public places in the Pearl District to photograph impeccable business headshots.

Jamison Square: Nestled amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Pearl District, Jamison Square offers a perfect blend of modern architecture and serene surroundings. The contemporary design of the park, with its water feature and sleek urban elements, creates a polished and stylish backdrop for business headshots. The well-maintained landscaping adds a touch of professionalism to the photos.

Tanner Springs Park: Tanner Springs Park, with its carefully curated greenery and reflective pond, exudes tranquility and sophistication. The park's modern design, wooden boardwalks, and surrounding urban elements make it an excellent choice for capturing business headshots in a setting that seamlessly combines nature and professionalism.

The Fields Park: As one of the largest parks in the Pearl District, The Fields Park provides ample space and diverse settings for professional photoshoots. With a combination of open green areas, contemporary sculptures, and city views, this park allows for versatile business headshots that reflect both confidence and approachability.

Pearl District Streets and Alleyways: The charming streets and alleyways of the Pearl District are adorned with unique architecture, stylish storefronts, and urban textures. These areas offer an urban-chic setting for business headshots, allowing professionals to showcase their personality against the backdrop of trendy facades and intriguing city details.

The Portland Art Museum Plaza: Situated at the edge of the Pearl District, the Portland Art Museum Plaza is a refined and cultured space. The classic architecture of the museum, coupled with the artistic elements in the plaza, provides an elegant backdrop for business headshots. The surrounding pillars and steps offer interesting compositional elements that add a touch of sophistication.

When planning a business headshot photoshoot in the Pearl District, it's essential to consider the time of day for optimal lighting and the desired ambiance. Additionally, these public spaces offer a balance between professionalism and a touch of Portland's artistic flair, allowing individuals to convey both competence and individuality in their business portraits.

The Pearl District serves as a picturesque canvas for capturing impeccable business headshots. From modern parks to stylish urban streets, professionals can find the perfect backdrop that not only reflects their business acumen but also adds a touch of Portland's distinctive charm to their professional image.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

BOOK A SESSION

9 Great Places in Portland, OR to Capture Amazing Teen Modeling Portfolios

Portland, Oregon, with its blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, offers an array of public spaces within the city limits that serve as ideal backdrops for teen modeling portfolios. From trendy neighborhoods to iconic landmarks, here are some of the best outdoor public places in urban Portland to capture the essence of teenage elegance.

Pearl District: The Pearl District is a haven of contemporary architecture, street art, and chic boutiques. Its cobblestone streets, modern buildings, and vibrant murals create a dynamic and stylish urban backdrop for a teen modeling portfolio.

Pioneer Courthouse Square: Known as Portland's living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a bustling urban plaza in the heart of downtown. With its red-brick amphitheater, iconic weather machine, and cityscape views, it provides a lively and iconic setting for capturing urban sophistication.

Portland Art Museum: The surroundings of the Portland Art Museum offer a blend of classical and modern aesthetics. The museum's architecture, sculptures, and nearby South Park Blocks provide a sophisticated and cultured atmosphere for a teen modeling photoshoot.

Burnside Bridge and Eastbank Promenade: The Burnside Bridge and Eastbank Promenade along the Willamette River offer an industrial-chic urban setting. The bridge's unique design, city views, and the modern vibe of the promenade provide an edgy and contemporary backdrop.

Hawthorne District: Known for its eclectic charm, the Hawthorne District is a hip and trendy neighborhood with vibrant street art, unique shops, and a bohemian atmosphere. The district's colorful murals and quirky storefronts add flair to any teen modeling portfolio.

Director Park: Director Park, located in downtown Portland, is an urban oasis with modern design elements. The amphitheater, water features, and architectural details create a sleek and sophisticated setting for capturing teen elegance.

Tilikum Crossing and South Waterfront: The Tilikum Crossing bridge and the South Waterfront area offer a sleek and modern urban environment. With the bridge's futuristic design and the waterfront's contemporary architecture, it's an ideal location for teens who want a cutting-edge vibe in their portfolio.

Old Town/Chinatown: Old Town/Chinatown combines historic charm with urban grit. Cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and the iconic "Portland, Oregon" sign create a visually interesting and diverse backdrop for teen modeling portfolios.

Southwest Park Blocks: The Southwest Park Blocks, lined with trees and historic homes, provide a classic and timeless urban setting. The greenery, benches, and brick pathways offer a tranquil yet sophisticated atmosphere for capturing the grace of teen models.

Urban Portland is a treasure trove of diverse public spaces that perfectly complement the sophistication and style of teenage modeling portfolios. From trendy districts to iconic landmarks, these outdoor locations within the city limits offer a rich canvas for capturing the unique personality and elegance of aspiring teen models

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

BOOK A SESSION

Featured Photos - December 2023

in , ,

Doin' fine in the winter time at our Portland, OR studio, making all kinds of awesome headshots and modeling portfolios.

Color Me Bright

Deep rich colors and plenty of pop were in order for thees three characters, all of whom have worked with us before. Handsome Mr. James joined us for his second shoot in our studio for his agency, IMD, lovely Miss Riley was back in the studio to get her portfolio updated for TMM Talent and Miss Mya (who may hold the record for most sessions with us ever) just because she loves to be in front of the camera.

Nick

Always a pleasure when an old friend joins us for new images, especially when we can capture such great range as this.

Grayson

So cool he gets a section all of his own.. So it goes with Mr. Grayson, who joined us to update his portfolio for Harris Talent.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Guest Photographer: Joseph Heroun

Our friend Joseph Heroun is a Boston-based photographer who specializes in authentic portraiture for actors, athletes, professionals, dating profiles, students, models and fashion editorial. He’s also an accomplished magazine creative director with extensive experience in celebrity editorial and fashion portraiture. We invited him to share some of his favorite images along with insight into how, where and why they were created.

It Starts With A Dream

When my dear friend Elise and I started our collaboration a couple years ago, she was working the early shift at a fast-food joint. Today, she is a highly sought-after model jetting between New York and Europe. In this outtake from our portfolio-building sessions, I deployed my signature studio lighting scheme using a large softbox to illuminate the figure evenly while sculpting volumes with a small speedlight for defined, open shadows. 






Don’t Fear The Sun

It is often drilled into aspiring photographers to avoid overhead or direct sunlight, though I beg to differ. There is no better light source than the sun when gifted with a clear day. It’s evidenced in the works of countless California-based photographers like Imogen Cunnigham from the 1930s to Herb Ritts in the ‘90s. They embraced the simple, reliable beauty and dimensionality provided by daylight. New England could have been mistaken for the Southwest on this glorious August morning.







Seaside Magic


Pure, natural Cape light. Diffusion caused by haze, mist, and reflection off the sand makes the beach ideal for portraits. Notice the absence of catchlights in the eyes. 










Lifestyle

All-natural, backlit portrait on a perfect autumn day. Subject positioning is key.

If you’d like to see more of Joseph’s work, click here to visit his website or go over here for a peek at his IG. If you are in the Boston/NYC neighborhood and want to work with Joseph, click here to make contact.

Featured Photos - November 2023

in , ,

Doin' fine in the winter time at our Portland, OR studio, making all kinds of awesome headshots and modeling portfolios.

Dad

‘Nuf said.

Emma

Range of personality in one single talented actor? √

Trevor, Casey, Danielle, Chloe, Nick and Lila

How many super talented actors, creatives and business professionals can we squeeze into one page? A lot, it seems.

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Featured Photos - October 2023

in , ,

Headshots and portfolios and kids and professional, oh my!

Malik

Looked up “cute” in the dictionary and found this kid’s picture.

He’s also on the Harris Talent website because they know a cool kid when they see one.

Stephanie, Scott and Gwyn

Stephanie is a life coach launching her business, Scott is an IT pro who needed new shots and Gwen is a former Marine breaking into the acting business. What do they have in common? Good taste in photographers :) and the knowledge that they need a great headshot.

Levi

Sometimes you meet a kid and you know he’s going to go far. Introducing Levi!

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session

Featured Photos - September 2023

in , ,

Before the rains and the cold of winter come the beautiful portfolios and headshots of fall, brought to you by the wonderful world we call Portland, OR.

Ayla

Sometimes black and white is just the way to go. After some wonderful and colorful outdoor images of Miss Ayla, we jumped headlong into the studio and these striking black and whites.

Stella

Speaking of striking, how about these amazing headshots of singer and actor Miss Stella?

Elena

If you think this young woman is personable and engaging, remember we captured it here!

Zayante

First portfolio session? Crushed it!

Michael Verity is a Portland, OR-based photographer specializing in professional headshots, modeling portfolios and fashion editorial photography. The husband of an acting coach and father of two young adult actors, he’s been photographing successful actors, models and creatives and business professionals for more than a decade.

Book A Session