If you’re a writer, you need to put your best face forward! We are offering professional headshots mini sessions at this year’s conference to help you get the job done! Professional headshots are needed for:
- Your author/writer website
- Social media profiles
- Book jackets
- Promotion for speaking engagements and events
Whether it’s your first time sitting for a professional headshot, or you’ve realized it’s time to retire that selfie or that favorite photo from five-plus years ago, we’ve got you covered!
Here’s how it will work:
- You must be registered for the in-person conference on Saturday, October 5 and/or Sunday, October 6. You won’t be able to sit for your session without your conference credentials. Conference details and registration HERE.
- You have to register to secure an appointment. Click the red button below to fill out your headshots registration form. It will require that you indicate whether you are planning on meeting with an agent and which days you will be attending the conference so we can plan accordingly.
- After the conference registration closes on Monday, September 30, you will receive your specific appointment time. We will also provide tips from our photographer, Jamie, for getting the best results when sitting for your photo session.
- Appointments will be scheduled between 9:30 am – 12:00 pm on Saturday and 9:00 am – 11:30 am Sunday, in 15-minute increments. We ask that you arrive at least 5 minutes before your assigned appointment time. If you arrive late, we cannot guarantee your spot in order to stay on schedule for all subsequent appointments.
- We have a limited amount of spots, so be sure to claim yours before we reach capacity. We sold all slots at last year’s conference.
- Each session will cost only $50 and will provide you with 3 electronic photo files delivered to your email inbox. Jamie is providing her services at a generous rate as a friend and supporter of James River Writers.
- You may have to excuse yourself from a session in progress to attend your assigned appointment time, but you can always return to the session when your headshots are done. Your headshot appointment will NOT overlap your agent appointment if you’ve requested one.
Your professional headshots will be provided by Jamie Wulfekuhle-Zaweski of Radiant Snapshots. Check out the interview we did with Jamie below. We chose Jamie for her talent and because we know she will make everyone feel comfortable and at ease while working with her.
Our quick interview with Jamie…
About Jamie
I’m fascinated by life and beauty, as a result I revel in all types of photography including families, weddings, birth, nature, photojournalism, and events. My photography tends to be bright, cheery and colorful with an emphasis on authentic spontaneous moments. I’ve had work published in the Village News, Cooperative Living Magazine and Virginia Wildlife Magazine. When I’m not behind the lens I love spending time with my family, gardening, hiking, and dancing.
JRW: How did you begin your photography career?
JAMIE: My whole life I was drawn to pictures and served as my family’s photographer since I was 7. I bought my first professional camera body and lens in 2017 and have really enjoyed documenting families, weddings, and events.
JAMIE: My favorite sessions are always with repeat clients because we get more and more comfortable with each other. I have also really enjoyed travel and nature photography. My work has been published in Virginia Wildlife magazine and Cooperative Living magazine.
JRW: What is your best advice to someone who tends to be uncomfortable in front of a camera?
JAMIE: I’m uncomfortable in front of the camera too, so I truly understand! Anytime you’re in front of a camera I recommend actively telling yourself nice things about your heart and about your appearance. I also urge you to be open and participatory to the prompts that a professional photographer suggests. The goal is to help you move and loosen up so that we can capture a more natural authentic look.
I find it’s also really helpful and not at all vain to really practice your smile and chin tilt in front of the mirror and with selfies. Things do somehow magically look different on camera than they do in real life. Practicing in this way will help you with the body awareness and comfort you need to get a great portrait that represents you.
JRW: Is there a camera feature on our smartphones that is highly underutilized that more folks should know about?
JAMIE: New phones have very good point and shoot cameras. My phone is a dinosaur, so I’m not too sure. I do know that if you tap the screen for the primary focus of your shot, the lighting and focus settings will recalibrate to that person or object. In general, keep the light in front of your subject, not behind, and you’ll get better results!
Some fun questions:
JRW: Are you a cat or a dog person?
JAMIE: I do like both, but if I really had to choose, dogs.
JRW: Coffee or tea?
JAMIE: I really can’t choose, I truly love them both.
JRW: Favorite snack?
JAMIE: Fruit, chips and dip.
JRW: Favorite book? What are you reading now?
JAMIE: My favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. By default, I am reading a lot of children’s books lately!
Jamie can’t wait to meet you and work with you to get the perfect shot!