photos - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

What Are Your Website’s Pictures Saying About You?

Posted by Rhonda Jai on August 6, 2011 at 7:30pm

People often say “Pictures are worth a thousand words!”. I say, “Pictures on your website or blog are worth a few seconds”. If you include at least one illustrative picture on each page of your website or blog posts, you will help grab your visitors’ attention and keep them engaged on your site longer.

Now let me back up! Using professional images that are clear and not distorted will help keep your readers engaged! One of the worst things you can do to hurt the credibility of your website or blog is to display images that are distorted and/or have improper resolution. Doing so shows a lack of professionalism and your visitors will not take you or your website/blog seriously.

If you are using photos or images that you have taken yourself, make sure they are NOT blurry, distorted and/or are too dark or light. Make sure your images have a resolution of at least 72 to 92 dpi.

Where to find professional images for your website/blog

My favorite site to use is Fotolia.com. Fotolia.com has lots of fabulous pictures and they start from $1.25. As a matter of fact, I purchased the picture accompanying this post from there and added an overlay to it using my photo editor.

Find Professional Images For Your Blog That Only Cost $1.25, Click Here!!

Regardless of whether you buy your pictures or use your own, just make sure to use ones that will help portray a professional web image and add credibility to your site.

Want to increase your audience reach and engage visitors even more? Learn more»

Ready For A Close Up? Tacky Photos are Brand Suicide

Posted by Jai Stone (Emotional Nudist) on June 7, 2011 at 1:00pm

Let me start with a disclaimer. Tacky photos are my pet peeve, so I'm going to be really blunt about this subject. So here it is in a nutshell, if you want to be taken seriously then present yourself seriously! Honestly, if you don't care enough to invest in professional photos, then don't expect potential clients to invest in your product/ service.

Every week I get at least a dozen so called professionals that want to elevate their personal brand. When I look at their marketing materials I am often appalled at the quality of the personal photos. I see pictures that were clearly taken by 'cousin alex' at a birthday party, then cropped to only show their face. I witness images that are grainy, hazy or at least 15 years old. Did I mention photos taken with a cell phone? All I can say is TACKY , TACKY, TACKY!! If you want to establish yourself as a brand to be reckoned with, then start simply with professional photos.

Now I know what you are thinking...the last thing you want is to have some high fa looting photographer slap a bunch of make-up on you and take some pictures that look NOTHING like you. Don't worry your little head about that, there are many ways to showcase yourself in a flattering and authentic light. So here are the rules for choosing a photographer.

1. Choose your style: By this I mean style of photography. Do you want Glamor Head Shots, Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots, Editorial Photos (don't worry I will describe the difference a little later in this post)? Being clear about how you want to be showcased is very important.

2. Personal referral: Only use a photographer that has photographed someone you know. Just because they showcase good photos on their website, doesn't mean they are a good photographer. It is easier to judge a photographer if he has photographed someone you know. It gives you a gauge for how well he/ she can capture authenticity.

3. Its ALL about the makeup: Many photographers like to work with specific make up artists. Try to have a conversation with the makeup artist in advance. Explain the look you are trying to accomplish, even show photos of yourself or others that you like. NOTE: its important to know that you will most certainly look like a drag queen after the makeup is applied, but photo lights are harsh, the make up helps with deflecting the light correctly.

4. RELAX: Its important to be relaxed when you take your photos. Don't be so preoccupied with posing. Just be yourself and let the photographer do the rest.

Types of Photos

Earlier, I mentioned 3 types of photography. They are all good for different reasons. I personally have all three types.

Glamour Head Shots: Ideal for presenting a professional presence. Great for bios, personal appearances and media photos.
Lifestyle/ Portrait Shots: Perfect to communicate your personal brand. These images are not staged (unlike Glamor and Editorial), and they should reflect you in your natural habitat doing what comes naturally.
Editorial Photos: Usually reserved for appearances in media where you are a feature story. Should have a personal touch with a professional flare.

Still think professional photos are a waste of money? Ask yourself this question. If I had a chance to win a million dollars based on my photo alone, would I win?

Happy Branding Everyone...

Photo Credits: Jai Stone Glamor (pic by Reggie Anderson/ Makeup by Linda Dupree); Jai Stone Editorial (pic by Derek Blanks/ Makeup by Saisha Beechum); Jai Stone Lifestyle (pic by MilesCoaltrain)

You can continue this conversation on Twitter @brandcoachllc or on Facebook.com/TheBrandCoach

Plus Size Social Network for BBWS!

Posted by Oeaster on September 4, 2009 at 5:04pm

Okay so the website is back up and running. The website is a different look and feeling to it. You have to rejoin but it is worth it. It is much user friendly.

There is a blog section, photo album section, groups and just a great atomosphere all together.

Tell everyone you know and make sure you grab a banner and place on your myspace page or anyother social network site you belong to.

TWITTER it to people also.

I hope to see you over there.

Peace and Blessings,
Olivia
http://www.bbwcommunity.com I even did my page already. Join me..

http://www.bbwcommunity.com/adminolivia

Models Plus International introduces the MPI365 Affilate program.

Posted by Rickey on February 22, 2009 at 7:29am

Now you can be part of the Plus Size modeling industry. MPI is one of the industry leaders for plus size models, headquarted in Phoenix AZ.Now, anyone who would like to be involved with the plus size industry can now acquire a no cost affiliate program offered by Models Plus InternationalModels Plus International is one of five , licensed and bonded, modeling agency in the southwest.Models Plus International is the number 1 agency for plus size models in the southwest.Go to http://www.mpi365.orgcontact : Rickey@mpi365.orgjuniques@yahoo.com

What goes on Behind the Scenes for the Modeling Agent

Posted by Rickey on February 26, 2009 at 4:46am

25 FEB 09I want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent…by Pamela Young ,CEO, MODELS PLUS INTERNATIONAL LLCWWW.MPI365.ORGI want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent, I am booking modeling/acting jobs. As you are probably aware by now, MPI is the largest and most successful model and talent booking agency in the Southwestern United States of America, representing Plus-sizes for PRINT MEDIA, FASHION, RUNWAY, TV AND FILM PROECTS.WE ARE LICENSED AND BONDED AS AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY.To help you put that into prospective, or to help you better understand, exactly, what it is we do, when we go to work booking modeling/acting jobs for you, think of it like this.Models Plus International, is just like an employment agency, again we are licensed and bonded as an employment agency, the only difference is when you think employment agency you think of filling temp positions on a clerical staff, at MPI we provide "temp positions" in the Entertainment Industry.First of all , we have 14 years of positioning and placement of ourselves as leaders in the Entertainment industry for providing quality plus people! So we are literally at the fingertips, in any resource guide or internet directory, for any client in the Entertainment industry who needs to hire Plus sizes, for their projects.Therefore, our day might start out with a phone call from a client who simpy says, "WE ARE LOOKING FOR 4 OR 5 MODELS, SIZES 12-18, FOR OUR BRIDAL EXPO BEING HELD AT THE MAGIC SHOW IN LAS VEGAS."That's when the excitement begins, I pull out a form known as a "Booking Assignment Form", this way after all the blanks are filled in, I pretty much know what this client wants and which of my Models/Actors to call, to hopefully fill the position.I go on to ask the client, the dates, the times, the locations, the job description, and exactly what is expected of the model/talent to make the booking assignment a complete success! I make it goal to become a friends with this client, so they will call MPI the next time they need anything in the entertainment industry. We have serveral clients who come to Phoenix each year, several times a year and call MPI, such as Catherine's Department Stores, Torrid, The Avenue, Fashion Bug, Dress Barn, just to name a few.Additionally, If travel is involved, most of the time, I persuade the client to pay the airfare. There have been a couple of times, however, THEY WILL NOT PAY THE AIRFARE BUT THEY AGREE TO PAY DOUBLE THE RATE I WOULD HAVE ASKED! SO THEN, THE AGENCY PAYS FOR THE AIRFARE AND WILL REIMBURSE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MODELS PAY. ALL OF THIS IS DISCUSSED WITH THE MODEL.Once the terms are agreed upon, I BEGIN TO CALL MY MODELS (this is why it is imperative to keep your phone number & all information current with your Agent)! and hope I can find a MATCH! IF I CANNOT, I BEGIN TO ADVERTISE, LOOKING FOR THE MODEL WHO CAN FILL THIS POSITION.More times than not, WE ARE SUCCESSFUL and fill the position, (The client has the final say in choosing the Model/Actor). Once that's done, WE CALL THAT A WIN, WIN SITUATION. THE CLIENT WINS, THE AGENCY WINS AND THE MODEL WINS!These client phone calls, emails or walk-ins, happen as few as 4 times a day, and as many as 10 times a day, depending on the season. For example Summer time in Arizona leads to very few calls for outdoor magazine photo shoots, or TV/Film projects for that matter (which is why we encourage you to update your photos and enroll in training workshops during the Summer, so you can be ready for "Job Bookings" in the upcoming season).It's During the Fall and Spring seasons, some Magazines, shoot all of their catalog layouts for the rest of the year, in Arizona, because it may be and most likely is, snowing in their city!I sincerely hope this helps you see a different side of the business!Best Wishes,Pamela A. YoungCheck out www.mpi365.org Where Plus Size People Have Plus Size Fun

Breaking News! All-New FREE Virtual Makeovers

Posted by Corinne's Fashion World on August 14, 2008 at 3:00pm

Breaking News! Try the all-new Free MK Virtual Makeovers...Go from Virtual You to Beautiful You....with the all-new Free MK Virtual Makeover.Features Like-*Photos Upload*Pick a model who looks like you.*Try looks created by Professional makeup Artists*Customize your own look*Save up to 10 Looks*Plus, print and email looks to friendsFind your perfect look now!Visit my website at www.marykay.com/cmitcham and click on Virtual Makeover...Corinne

Note: this page contains paid content.

Types of Photos

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.