Why Headshot Photography?

If you read my previous post about How I became a photographer [HERE], then I want to let you know that I didn’t choose to be a headshot photographer, either. Headshot photography took me by surprise, which I humbly integrated into my career, and eventually, it occupied all of my photographic career. 

I moved to San Francisco back in 2009. At that time, my English wasn’t very strong. Despite my lack of confidence in my English language skills, I refused to give up on portrait photography. I decided to start with Craigslist. I made a post offering portrait, wedding, family, and newborn photography services.

One of my first requests was from a guitarist who was preparing for a tour to South America and needed new headshots. 

“What is a headshot?” I went to my dictionary and read the translation “shooting someone in the head”. Thank you Craigslist, but no thank you!

When I told my husband about this creepy email, he burst into uncontrollable laughter. “No, honey, she is not a Craigslist weirdo, a headshot is a type of portrait photography for actors or professionals”. 

I met the guitarist in person for a consultation, and to my surprise, she spoke my language! I got so excited about the opportunity to work with her and asked if she would like a whole creative photoshoot as well as getting a new headshot. 

The result of our photoshoot exceeded all of her expectations. She was so impressed! She asked me why I don’t work with musicians from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. “What conservatory?”,  I asked. She offered, “I will take you there and introduce you to my instructors and friends.”

That’s how I was introduced to musicians and opera singers. I hadn’t known that I lived just 15 minutes from SFCM. I found out that students have recitals almost every evening, open to the public… for free. I took a program for a whole semester and would go to listen to live classical music. I made friends with the musicians there and invited them to be my models for test shoots and assignments while I pursued my MFA at the Academy of Art University. 

To this day, classical musicians and opera singers are my favorite and most loyal clients. I often find that a simple headshot session can result in inspirational portraits. 

That’s not the end of the story. There are more things to be grateful for from that Craigslist post. The guitarist was Arina Burceva. During her tour to South America, she got approached by many publications, and that is how my work became published for the first time, in a Peruvian music magazine.

Thank you Craigslist! Thank You Arina Burceva! Thank you San Francisco Conservatory of Music! Thank you to all my friends and clients for trusting my skills. I hope my photography brings you success in your career and personal life. 

Career Change and a New Headshot

So you're thinking of making a career change. Congratulations! That can be a really exciting time, full of new opportunities and possibilities. But before you start applying for jobs in your new field, there's one important task you'll need to take care of: getting new headshots.

Your headshot is often the first impression potential employers will have of you, so it's important to make sure it's a good one. Gone are the days when a candid snapshot from your friend's birthday party would suffice - these days, you'll need a professional headshot that looks like a business portrait.

Fortunately, you are on the right website! Our studio specializes in professional headshots in the San Francisco Bay Area. Click BOOK NOW and get ready to start your new career off on the right foot!

Leslie Katter: "My friends and family are as thrilled with the results as I am."

"This was my first time working with Valentina, and I was extremely impressed. She was flexible with her schedule, friendly and inviting, and most of all, very talented. I am a professional opera singer, and she knew exactly what kind of aesthetic I was going for with my headshots without me explaining a thing. She gave great direction during the shoot and asked just the right questions to help me put more intention behind my expressions and poses. My friends and family are as thrilled with the results as I am. I highly recommend Valentina!"

Leslie Katter - Opera Singer

http://www.lesliekatter.com/

Alexandra Sessler: "Working with Valentina is truly a joy!"

“Working with Valentina is truly a joy! I get camera-shy and lose confidence easily during photo shoots, and she always manages to make me feel comfortable and help me take photos that I feel really proud of. I’ve worked with Valentina twice, and know that I will again!”

Alexandra Sessler - Opera Singer

http://www.alexandrasessler.com/

7 Reasons Why You Need a Professional Headshot

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© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography

1. Personal Brand. You are your own personal brand and your headshot is your sign/label/logo. It needs to look good, well put together, and professional. 

2. Professional online presence. With so much networking taking place online these days, a handshake isn’t always viable. Having a professional headshot gives the impression that you are professional, you are dedicated, and you are confident in your ability to get the job done. 

3. First impressions matter. Your headshot may be the first thing people see regarding your business – whether online or on a business card. You need to look qualified and confident.

4. Stand out from the crowd. You are not the only one who does what you do. No matter what type of work you do – there is always someone else who does so, as well. That is why it is so important that you stand out from the crowd. Be original. Be professional. Be the difference.

5. High standards. Who wants to show themselves professionally with a selfie? What does this photo state to your potential clients or employers? Selfie photos are for personal social media sites – not the workplace. A professional headshot speaks volumes about your high standards. It shows that you go above and beyond to get the perfect picture and speak the perfect image. You were willing to take the time to do things right, rather than grabbing an old photo on your phone of you at the concert you went to last week. You took the time to create an appointment, attend it punctually, and purchased the professional headshot so that you can brand yourself in the proper, confident, competent manner.

6. Get that job interview or audition. A professional headshot can give you a chance to prove your capabilities just by the poise displayed in the photo. You will exhibit strength and sureness of yourself and your abilities. This gives you a better chance at grabbing the attention you need to get your foot in the door for that interview or audition. Don’t be just another number!

7. Get a self-esteem boost! We all need to feel good about who we are and what we do. Having a headshot photo session will make you look your best which will, in turn, make you feel your best. And what happens then? Your confidence and self-esteem will soar. 

Now that you know why you need one – schedule your professional headshot photo session today!

Backdrop Colors for Headshots

As a headshot photographer, I prefer three major colors for headshot backdrop: white, black and gray. And, a few other colors in special circumstances. Choosing the right backdrop for your headshots sometimes is a subjective preference. Before a photoshoot, determine how your headshots will be used: on your website? LinkedIn profile and other social media channels? Business cards and other marketing print materials?

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White backdrop - The headshot on a white backdrop looks crisp, vivid, and appears to be modern and professional. Most of the corporate companies prefer the white backdrop for the clean and smooth look. Likewise, the doctors and other people involved in the medical industry choose the use of white backdrops for their headshots for the same reason.

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Dark backdrop – A black backdrop gives a headshot an empowering and sophisticated look. Many CEOs, young entrepreneurs, financial advisors and classical musicians prefer their headshots on the black backdrop, which looks great as their profile pictures on their websites. In fact, my success in headshot photography started from creating my signature look of portraits on dark backdrop.

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Gray backdrop – A gray backdrop provides a highly professional look. Headshots on gray backdrop are timeless and very practical. Gray backdrops may never go out of style.

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Brown backdrop – Brown is regarded as a warm earth color that communicates about stability and sincerity to the audience. The headshots taken against a brown backdrop appear reliable, mainly in cases of family therapists, psychologist, and life coaches, who widely prefer this backdrop in their headshots.

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Other colors in backdrop – Use of other backdrop color is as a special request by art directors and graphic designers who want headshots to be part of the branding colors. 

Your headshot is your personal brand. It is always a good idea, before booking a professional photoshoot to consult with a professional photographer, art director or graphic designer, regarding the selection of the ideal backdrop color to get the best headshots. 

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

4 Tips for Looking and Feeling Relaxed in Front of the Camera

Posing for the camera can be an awkward moment for many people. It is important to feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera for your photographer to deliver the best of you. Surprisingly, even the most photogenic people can easily become stiff and nervous on the camera.

© Valentina Sadiul Photography

Here are 4 tips on how to feel comfortable, relaxed and confident in front of the camera:

Dress impeccably and comfortably

It is best to dress in clothes and footwear that make you feel powerful and elegant. Your shoes, make-up, jewelry, and clothes choice should complement what you stand for without detracting you from your brand. Wearing clothing that makes you comfortable and confident will alleviate any stress or anxiety when posing for the camera. Remember, your dressing style reflects your real personality. 

Body Language

It is essential to have the good posture, natural movement, and a smile in front of the camera. It is worth remembering that your body language tells a lot about you. For your own convenience, find a highly experienced, knowledgeable, and trustworthy professional photographer to work with. A reputable headshot photographer will guide you on the right angles. You don’t have to have modeling skill when you have a skillful headshot photographer. 

Be punctual

Punctuality matters a lot regarding boosting your confidence in front of the camera. Every business-minded person knows the essence of being punctual. Arriving late for your headshot photography session can easily trigger anxiety or stress. 

Get excited and have fun! 

You are more likely to have a successful headshot session if you allow yourself to have fun throughout the whole experience. Looking forward to your forthcoming headshot photography session can effectively boost your confidence.

In addition to the above tips, sipping water/other beverages in between the takes, complying with the crew’s request, looking at the camera confidently, limiting all distractions and breathing easy can lead to a successful headshot photography session.

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Solution for Office Group Portrait

As a headshot photographer, I work with companies and offices with multiple team members. One of the challenges in production of a Group Headshot Session is to get everyone together on schedule in the same place. Usually, during business hours, offices schedules are busy and not everyone has availability to join group portrait. Scheduling become even more complicated if the office has many employees. Someone has an important meeting, someone is out of town, someone stack in traffic, etc. 

So, when a company’s goal is to get a successful team photo, but scheduling is tough, there is a great solution.

This first team photo represents an office of 5 professionals. Each of team member was shot individually, digitally extracted from the background, and composed to group photo in Photoshop.

Individual headshots can be rearranged in any order you like. It is very helpful in a situation when someone leaves the company or a new hire joins the team. Instead of investing in a new group headshot photoshoot, the person who left company can be easily removed digitally. If company or office has a new hire, he/she can schedule an individual session. Once in studio, he/she will be photographed in the same style to match your group photo, extracted from background and added to the group photo with help of Photoshop.

This technique not only allows you to have the freedom to remove or add new team members, it also allows you to change background of your company's group photo, depending on your branding needs. 

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If your company or office is looking to update professional headshots for team members, contact me for details HERE.

Makeup and Hair Tips for Your Professional Headshot

You understand how important a headshot is for your career. However, to make the most of your time with your photographer, you are going to want to make sure your makeup and hair are camera ready – which is a bit different than your normal wear. Not only will it boost your confidence, but will also even out your skin tone and cover any blemishes.

To get you started, here are a few tips about makeup and hair for your professional headshot:

• Find a professional makeup artist. 

It is highly recommended that you utilize the services of a professional makeup artist. Making people look good is their specialty. Locate a professional in your area and make your appointment. 

• Utilize services in your local department store. 

If seeking a professional makeup artist isn’t an option, you can always check out the services at your local mall or department stores. Companies such as Sephora or MAC offer makeup services to prepare your makeup for your headshot.

• Let your beauty shows.

You have natural beauty. Sometimes you just need to help it shine through. This natural beauty is what the camera is looking for. One week before your photo shoot, make sure to take care of any tanning, hair coloring, etc. so that it looks more natural as the week passes. Two to three days before, make sure you are drinking lots of water and avoiding things such as caffeine, the sun, alcohol and smoking. The night before? Get rest and lots of it. 

• Doing your own makeup.

If you choose to do your own, make sure to use a yellow tinted foundation, as white tends to reflect the flash of the camera. Keep your makeup natural. Research tips for enhancing the eyes for emphasis. Stick to matte foundations and lip colors to avoid any reflection from the flash.

• All about the hair.

There is a perfect hairstyle for each of us – find yours. Make an appointment to have great hair for your headshot session. Get a style that compliments your features and boosts your natural beauty. 

• For the guys. 

All this prep isn’t just for the ladies. It is important for guys to plan for their headshot photo shoot, too. Make sure you have your hair styled in a way that fits your look. Also, if you intend to have facial hair in your headshot, start growing it well in advance. 

Planning ahead and following these tips can ensure that you have the most successful headshot session.

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Serena Hsu: "I LOVE the photos!"

"I LOVE the photos!! Thank you so much for making me feel beautiful and sexy on the day of our photoshoot even though I was still fighting a bad cold!  I absolutely love them, and I can't wait to have my fiancé completely recreate and update my website with your images!"

Sarena Hsu - Violinist

http://www.sarenahsu.com/about

Why Lawyers Need a Professional Headshot

Nowadays, every professional person needs to have a professional headshot that will act as his signature mark in the online commercial world. The lawyers need their headshots as much as the other professionals, as it increases their reliability in the eyes of their clients and thus help them make progress in their career.  The attorney headshot is extremely useful for posting in the business pages of social media sites, like LinkedIn and Facebook.

Enhances the trustworthiness

© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography

When people find the image of the attorney in different websites impressive enough, they feel more inclined to approach those lawyers for solving their legal problems, even if they do not know them very well. The profiles of the lawyers should always be accompanied with their professional headshots, for making their career smoother than others who do not bother to use one.

Increases the fame instantly

The attorney headshot can successfully become the brand signature of a good lawyer and speaks more about his confidence and professional success than what is written in his profile in words. Moreover, it makes the job of easier for their clients, when they are searching online to get in touch with that specific attorney for discussing their legal matters. Websites and social media profiles without headshots are usually passed over the one hired is someone that does have one.

How to get the best headshot for a professional lawyer

• First of all, it is best to hire a professional photographer, who is experienced in taking headshots with latest photographic equipments, because any unprofessional work will fail to draw the attention of the potential clients, as a properly done headshot should do.  So every ambitious lawyer should be ready for the expense of hiring a reputed professional photographer for this work.

• The lawyer should make sure that only his/her face is primarily shown in the headshot, to make it instantly noticeable, as one looks at the photo. So the background of the photo needs to be absolutely professional, without anything that may distract the viewers’ attention.

• The lawyer should wear only professional or any formal attire that suits best his personality and what other successful lawyers are seen to wear in their headshots. 

• The pose of the lawyer should be impressive while taking his headshot that will make him look smart and confident. So it is better to consult the hired photographer, who can suggest the best in this regard.

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

How to Achieve the Best Family Real Estate Agent Headshot

Fiona Santos | HRG Real Estate Agent  http://fionasellshomes.com/

Buying a new home is an exciting milestone for a family, but it also brings its own challenges and concerns. In order to make the right choices and a practical investment, families are on the lookout for a real estate agent they can trust.

An ideal real estate agent is one that has a natural charisma and can speak easily with any family member. A real estate agent must also be aware of the budget and unique needs of a family. It is best if a real estate is intuitive, a good listener, and sympathetic to what their client is seeking for their family.

Clients who have families are unlikely to be impressed by just an email address or an online post. A client who has a family to care for and house wants to feel positively about their real estate agent. Furthermore, the client will want the real estate agent to be comfortable speaking to the eldest family member as well as the youngest. A high-quality, professional headshot will ensure a client feels their family is safe in your hands. Your headshot, which will highlight your qualities as a skilled and approachable real estate agent, will bring you to the top of their list of people to speak to and work with.

A headshot taken in a studio with a professional photographer will bring legitimacy to your public image. It shows that you care about your presentation and are invested in working with the best in order to serve your clients and their families. A real estate agent in front of a tasteful backdrop will outshine those who try to get by with a quick snap taken by a friend. It is best to avoid a cluttered background in a public place. This suggests that you are not serious about your business and don’t take the proper care to set up the right environment.

Here are some tips to get the most out of your real estate headshot session:

Khurel Bud | Real Estate Agent | https://www.khurel.com/

• Even though you are in a studio, you can bring your brightest self! Choosing a sunny color palette for your clothing (whites, yellows, blues, etc.) can help to remind families that you will provide them with a new home and a future as their real estate agent.

• Smile with your eyes — this conveys you can show warmth to every age group in a family, including children! Plus, it shows that you are a real estate that enjoys helping people.

• Remember to demonstrate open, inviting body language. You will likely be engaging with the entire family, and you don’t want anyone feeling left out!

• Opt for more loose, casual hairstyle that was still professional. This will put children and overworked parents at ease. You will send the message that you are a real estate agent that understands a hectic schedule, and is down-to-earth, yet businesslike. This is a difficult but important image to achieve, and it is best left to the skilled hands of a trained makeup artist.

With these steps, your headshot will be what families picture when they pursue a real estate agent to work and build a professional relationship with!  

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Headshots for Luxury Real Estate Agents

A luxury real estate agent headshot on a website or business card is your clients’ first impression of you.  They look to you as a representative of the lifestyles that you can provide them. You will be expected to carry yourself with poise, and to be an iconic example of elegance.

McGuire Real Estate | Raymond Ho | http://raymondhosf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

What is most important is that you polish your personal brand. Ensure this with the perfect real estate headshot, which will be used for your business cards, your webpage’s “About Me” section, and your LinkedIn. This will make you much easier to find on the Internet, as well as highly recognizable and memorable. You will be the first step to buying a property before a client even opens a door, so you must be prepared to always impress. You walk a fine line: you must be sophisticated in order to dazzle a client, but also approachable in order to encourage a solid business relationship.

Since clients will be prepared to make a large investment on a property that exceeds what many can afford, they expect someone who exudes success and business acumen. In order to never be confused with an amateur, avoid images taken on an iPhone or any other low-quality device, which will negatively impact your brand.

Similarly, refrain from relying upon images that are either over 2 years old, or that include drastic changes in your appearance. Clients will be confused if they do not recognize you when they meet you in person, and will likely bring their business elsewhere. If you are intelligent about investing in a professionally taken real estate headshot, your media presence will be a profitable asset.

When you take self-presentation seriously with your real estate headshot, you will have a real advantage over your competition. By appearing charismatic, self-assured, well-dressed, and well-groomed, you will give a client the sense that you are highly experienced. Appearing appropriately stylish and well-to-do will earn their respect. They will get the sense that you regularly sell luxury real estate and have created a prosperous business

Here are some tips for your luxury real estate headshot:

McGuire Real Estate | Angelica Santamaria | http://angelicasantamariasf.com/ © 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

• Choose solid colors and prints, as they convey professionalism and directness. Patterns that are too “busy” can be distracting, and can detract from the refinement you’re selling.

• For women, consider a jewel-toned blouse in a flattering color. The subtle splash of vibrance will distinguish you, yet will still remain appropriate with the right business attire. For men, pay attention to which business suit-cut is on trend. Clients are likely to avoid someone with an outdated suit, which suggest an inability to keep up with the times.

• Opt for one upscale accessory in your headshot: a luxury watch or a classic necklace. This will show that you have a profitable business that you are secure about. Too many adornments suggest you are desperate to prove yourself.
 

Also remember to:

• Work with a skilled hair and makeup artist for your headshot in order to showcase your best self. It is advisable to have smoothed (not tousled or heavily styled) hair, which implies a commitment to professionalism.

• Maintain a friendly but assertive demeanor. Focus on looking attentive to a client needs, yet relaxed.
 

• Have 2-3 additional headshots prepared in addition to your primary real estate headshot. These will add variety to your potential publications and blog posts, as well as keep your social media content “fresh” and attractive to clients.

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

5 Clothing No-no's For Your Business Headshot

Business headshot is now dubbed the new handshake as it is the first introduction of your business to the audience. Business Headshot can make a big impact for your business and choosing the right outfit determines how the portraits turn out. It doesn’t have to be a difficult thing to do as the easiest way of knowing what to wear is by knowing what not wear on your business headshot. 

Avoid logos and branding

The business headshot is seen by your current and future employees, customers, colleagues and investors. Having one with logos and branding makes it look awkward and unprofessional. Make your business headshot look friendly and approachable by wear plain colored professional clothes to make people focus their attention on your headshot but not the logo or branding.

Distraction in a sexy way

Your headshot is not a fashion show. Stay away from showing too much cleavage and tight fitting outfits. Your goal should be looking attractive and approachable, not as sexy as possible. Make sure your clothes are fitting but comfortable, not too tight and not too baggy. Make sure you can’t see through them and become overexposed.

Avoid clothes with patterns or stripes

Clothes with polka dots, busy floral, plaid or stripes do not look professional on a business headshot. Wear clothes without any distractions and those that suggest professionalism. Stay completely away from patterns or stripes since they tend to dominate the image more than your face should.  

Faded, wrinkled clothes with holes and stains

In a headshot, faded, wrinkled clothes with holes and stains should be avoided. Your headshot reflects your professionalism and this type of clothes shows you don’t take care of yourself, your career or your business seriously. 

Avoid too much jewelry

Simplicity is the key to a professional looking business headshot. The focus on your headshot should be solely on you, not the distracting jewelry. Too much jewelry is a no-go. If you need to put on jewelry, you know what looks best on you, pick colors that compliment your skin tone and those that bring out your eye color. 

Of course, you want to look your best in your business headshot. Wear what compliments your body type and if possible, bring two or three clothe option for your headshot session. Let your headshot show your character, highlight your personality and project your professionalism for who you are.

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Visit BOOK NOW page to schedule your Headshot Session with Valentina Sadiul Photography. For more information contact at ValentinaSadiul@gmail.com or call 415.400.9212

Jessica Golden: "Her style of photography is beautiful, unique, and stands out in the best way possible"

"Working with Valentina was not only a great experience because she's so easy to get along with and is an incredibly talented artist but because it was, in a way, empowering. I know it sounds silly but while in our session her rapport made everything positive and NOT awkward and her words (and sneak peek photos) made me feel beautiful -- when she showed me a photo she had just taken I literally said "is that ME?!" In an environment where I normally feel awkward, I felt comfortable in my own skin. Valentina is a magician and a master behind the camera and I cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you, Valentina!!!"

Jessica Golden - Actress & Singer

http://www.jessicamariegolden.com/

Toni Marie Palmertree: "Valentina is an amazing artist and true professional"

"Valentina is an amazing artist and true professional.  The session was so much fun and she made me feel comfortable by coaching through the session on pose, posture, and expression.

I am a professional Opera Singer and she asked me about the types of roles I will sing.  Since most of my roles are very regal, we focused on creating that type of image. I'm thrilled with the results. There were too many great shots to choose from!" 

Toni Marie Palmertree - Professional Opera Singer

http://www.tonimariepalmertree.com/

Creative People in Business: Italina Kirknis - Online Presence Export & Speaker

My name is Italina, and I’m an Online Presence Expert & Speaker. My team and I specialize in helping the Real Estate Community’s Top Realtors and Lenders upgrade their presence online via Social Media & Email Newsletters. 

Our Online Branding & Marketing Firm helps such business owners by relieving them of the time consuming task of managing their social media accounts and email newsletters. www.ItalinaImage.com

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

What time you get up: I applaud people who get up at 4 and 5 in the morning. I’m just not one of those people…yet. I’m a young woman, I play tennis competitively and work out on a regular basis. Plus I enjoy my social life. So I maintain a regular sleeping schedule of 10:30pm - 6am. 

All my life, I described myself as not being a morning person. Today, I am a morning person. When my eyes open with the realization that it’s morning, I’m excited at what the day has instore for me. 

 Morning Routine: I immediately hop out of bed excited to get started. My 1st stop is the kitchen where I drink a full glass of water with apple cider vinegar. Then I’m off to enjoy an outdoor run. 

My morning ritual also includes affirmations, meditation, visualization, reading, and journaling. In getting these things done before I hit the shower and start my work day, I already feel accomplished, empowered, centered and grounded. I basically feel like Super Woman, lol.

Best Habit: Mastering My Calendar is my best habit. I schedule things in my calendar, and I live by that schedule. I do not let seemingly pressing things interfere with that schedule. For example, every Monday and Wednesday morning, 1 or 2 hours is blocked out for making prospecting calls. Nothing interferes with that, and I schedule everything else around that blocked out time. Mastering my calendar is my best habit because this prevents me from having a hectic schedule, it prevents me from being stressed (which affects every other area of my life), and it prevents me from needing to cancel or accidentally forget meetings with others. 

Worst Habit: My worst habit is eating and drinking a little heavy at night, lol. I have a fun social life.  

Philosophy: My philosophy is to create your own rich life. I also believe that in order to do that, we must affect others. Affect others and create your own rich life. But what do I know, lol?

Your story, why did you leave corporate world?

Like a lot of people, I started off on the corporate path. I thought I wanted to be an Attorney, but you don’t really know what something is like until you actually try it. 

During law school I had great internships working with Attorneys and Judges. But the truth is, I didn’t love it. I thought I should just push through, give it a fair shot, in hopes it would grow on me. 

Then I got sick, literally. One day I was in the office by myself, I put my hand on the edge of the desk, and I bent over in excruciating pain. I clutched my stomach, the source of the pain. I had an ulcer that continued to flare up with each week I tried to give this job a fair shot.  

That day in the office all by myself, I decided I’d pursue another path. Not wanting to be stuck with debt and no degree, I stayed in school, completed my degree, and then taught law long enough to pay off my law school loan. 

Being a law professor, teaching classes, captivating students (I had no disciplinary issues in my classroom) groomed me for being a public speaker now. 

I also worked in a tax firm in their Marketing Department. That’s where I got a lot of hands on experience creating compelling marketing campaigns. When it became clear to me that online marketing was an essential addition to other forms of marketing, I decided to go out on my own focusing on Online Branding & Marketing.

Now with my law degree, Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and marketing experience, I get to work with fun people, helping them create and promote their brand online, providing them more visibility on sites like Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Yelp.  

And I haven’t been sick since. 

Your everyday passion?

My passion is creating brands from scratch. The journey of helping an individual discover and hone in on their brand has been a delightfully creative and inspiring process with the individuals I’ve had the fortune of working with.  

Once it’s time to promote their brand online, I’m just ecstatic. I love Branding, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Marketing your brand.

What is special about your company? 

When I first started this company, I thought I would just be making a living and living my life under the radar. Then I started getting calls, emails, and facebook messages from people saying how I’ve inspired them to leave a job they hated but felt they needed to keep for all kinds of reasons- this is what my family expects of me, this is what I went to school for, I need to finish what I started etc. 

That’s when I realized this business isn’t about me. I was inspired to create a Mission Statement- To Inspire others to become aware of and act on their ability to accomplish.

The work I do with Realtors, Lenders and other Business Owners inspires other professionals to take a step beyond what they thought they were capable of. I’m showing audiences that they really can create the life they truly want for themselves.  

Create your life by design, not by default. As a Public Speaker giving over 40 talks per year, I blend this message in with the ‘Leverage LinkedIn for Leads’ and ‘Facebook for Business’ talks I give. Through my business and the way I live my life, I convey this message. 

The problem today is most professionals are on LinkedIn, but don’t know how to use it for Business. Business owners should be using LinkedIn to Promote and Market their services, versus merely accepting Connection Requests and Endorsements from people you don’t even know.

Here is a quick VIDEO giving you 3 Powerful Tips for networking with professionals who have the Power and the Connections to help you come in contact with the opportunities you're looking for.

See VIDEO here!

Naturally, there are people who’d rather just have their Online Presence managed for them, rather than having to post or market on social media themselves. This is why we offer 3 Done For You Services:

1. Profiles - Most people just slapped a profile onto LinkedIn. We’ll recreate your profile so it clearly conveys the services you offer, what set’s you apart from your competitors, and ensure it’s Search Engine Optimized (SEO) so you show up higher on Google.

2. Posts - For those who don’t have the time, desire, or know how, my team and I create customized posts/content just for you that no other person will have and post for you each week on your social media sites.

3. Email Newsletters - my team and I create customized content for your email newsletter and send it out for you either monthly or quarterly. If you don’t have an email newsletter set up, we’ll set you up and even help you organize your database.

4. Coaching - If you enjoy doing these things yourself or if you have an assistant that you want to have trained in best practices in these 3 areas, Profiles, Posts, or Email Newsletters, you can take advantage of Coaching Calls with me directly to better your Online Presence and increase your social media skills. 

Creative People in Business: Valentina Sadiul

Welcome to my new series, “Creative People in Business.” This project is inspired by people I have met on my career journey whose talent, dedication and work is often hidden away from spotlight. We all want be successful, but usually we don’t want to see what’s underneath the glamorous facade that we celebrate. This series will concentrate on the hard work, habits, goals, sacrifices and failures that each of these talented people faced to reach the top of their “mountains.”

I am a professional portrait photographer who specializes in headshot photography. My career choice was motivated by the opportunity to meet people, build friendships, and have flexible working hours. My goal was to be present with my family and friends when they needed me. Is it easy to build a career in headshot photography? No, but I love it every aspect of it on a creative, social and business level. My work gives me joy every day and I am feel rewarded each time my photography brings my clients the success and respect they deserve.

© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography

Time I wake up: 7 A.M.
Morning routine: My morning starts with small meditation on gratitude. Then, I shower, make coffee, and prepare my breakfast. I make sure to take both my vitamins and supplements. While I drink coffee, I write some ideas and thoughts in my journal. Once I check my daily agenda, my work begins.
Best habit: I run two to three times a week.
Worst habit: Very often, I catch myself multitasking instead of limiting myself to a single assignment.
Philosophy: Don’t compare yourself and your life to others; be thankful for who you are and what you have.

Book I am reading now: I tend to read two or four books at the same time . Currently, I am completely occupied with Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers.

Most used apps: Skype, Blinkist and Productive
What I do before going to bed: Read a book.
What time I go to sleep: Around 11 P.M.

I’ve been attracted to the study of success, confidence and positive habits since I was 16 years old. I did not have positive role models in my home environment, so I started to look outside my comfort zone. I was in search of a “different life” that did not resemble my family’s patterns. I decided that success meant constantly improving the quality of my life regardless of my financial, social, or relationship status. Life really feels empowering when you stop comparing yourself, your skills, and your status to other people.

As a portrait photographer and creative individual, it took me time to develop my own brand, style, and professional values. I now believe every day is an investment in your health, happiness, and friendships. A dedication to your goals and habits brings rewards to your career.

We are humans, and all aspects of our life are interconnected: my headshot photography business is not exception to that rule. I have noticed how my personal challenges affects my state of mind and distracts me. I am aware that overbooking photoshoots will impact my friendships. There will be always sacrifices, but self-compassion and smart prioritization allows you to return to balance and move forward.

I am very excited to introduce my project, “Creative People in Business,”  and share interviews of successful professionals and their journeys. Please enjoy!