What look do you present to your clients?  The image that you present should represent the persona you want your clients to identify with.  You should always update your headshots every one to two years or when you have a significant change in your looks.  When thinking about getting headshots, there are many things to consider but ultimately only two hard and fast rules.

1. Look professional
2. Look your best

Now, here is a list of things you might want to consider.

• Do you want to smile in your headshot?
• Would you rather have a head and shoulders only, 3/4 body or full body shot?
• What is your best feature?
• Is there something about your appearance that bothers you? 
• Is your photographer skilled in the use of both studio and natural lighting?
• Does your photographer offer a complimentary consultation for planning your look(s)?

"Business Professional" headshots are the most traditional type of headshot. These are normally shot in a studio under controlled lighting situations and show only the head and shoulders.  Below are a few examples of business professional headshots.

"Natural" headshots are usually shot with natural lighting using environmental props such as trees, landscapes, etc.  Although these are called "Natural" they may also be shot indoors using natural light coming from a window or door.  Below are some exampes of natural headshots taken both indoors and outside.

As you can see, there are many different styles and looks for your business headshot.  To see additional poses and looks, you might want to check out our Pinterest headshot inspiration board.

Most of my blog posts come with lots of pictures.  This one, however, has none.  Nope - not a one!  I'm here to impart to you my all-knowing wisdom on babies.  No, seriously, I definitely don't know all there is to know about newborns but I did have 3 and I still come into contact with LOTS of babies in my studio.  Some seem like the perfect baby ... sweet and sleeping.  Others are a little on the fussy side. 

Now, there is this thing called "The 5 S's".  Dr. Harvey Karp observed it and wrote about it in this book here >>> The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep.  My advice? Buy it and read it! Seriously. You won't regret it. But wait! Finish reading this blog post first because I have a little tip for you!  The most common cause of fussiness that I've seen is just that baby needs to burp!  Although I've had a few offers to move in just so I can put babies to sleep, here are some helpful tips and tricks to try with your baby at home.

Gently pat your baby on the back while leaning him (or her) across your hand, shoulder, or on your lap.  If you are bottle feeding, burp every 1-2 ounces for newborns.  Breast-feeding mommies need to burp baby when switching sides.  Sometimes it can take up to 6 or 7 minutes for baby to burp so don't give up. Burping is a natural result of eating and drinking. We all need it whether we've consciously "swallowed air" or not ;)

Swaddling: Wrap that baby! Just not too tightly.  There are tons of videos on youtube about how to swaddle a baby.  If you don't know how, learn.  It's a lifesaver for those babies who have an exaggerated moro (or startle) reflex.  You can read more about natural baby reflexes here if you're interested.

Side or Stomach position:  I think we all know what this means.

Swinging:  If you don't have an infant swing or rocking cradle, you can always place baby securely in your arms and twist your body gently back and forth.  When used with the next 2 "S's" it seems like a miracle ;)

Shushing:  You know that sound.  Most of us are really gentle about this but there's no need to be.  The louder the better.  Just think about it.  Baby has just spent 9 months floating in water with the sound of mommy's heartbeat right there above her!  Can't you just imagine how loud that is?  It must seem awfully cruel to a baby to go from the gentle rocking of mommy's movements and the constant sound and feel of her to a cold baby mattress.  So yeah, pick that baby up and swing and shush her!

Sucking:  Baby's have a natural instinct to suck.  Of course it's necessary for eating but equally important is the exercise and comfort it gives to your little one.  So be it a pacifier or his fingers, let him suck.

SO THERE YOU HAVE IT!  My all-knowing wisdom (just kidding) on comforting a fussy baby.  NOW, go buy that book and get to reading.