headshots
"Valentina is great! She is easy to work with, friendly, and professional. Her session is nicely organized, with opportunities to review and adjust -- but it's also efficient and to the point. And on top of that, the process of booking a session couldn't be simpler! Highly recommended!"
Jim Stopher - conductor, pianist, composer, and educator
http://www.jimstopher.com/
© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography
"It takes a true talent of the photographer not only to create beautiful portraits but also to be able to capture and bring out the inner essence of personality.
This is exactly what I was searching for while choosing professional headshot photographer. Not only I was impressed by her immense creativity and vibrant nature, but also by her ability to understand my vision and what I was trying to accomplish.
With her professional touch and guidance, I was able to relax and have fun in front of the camera. With each click, I felt a little loose, allowing my true personality shine. The beauty of Valentina's work is that you don't have to say much, for it brilliantly speaks for itself!"
Anna Mazzanti - UX Designer
Always consider your target audience when getting headshots taken. See impressive feedbacks on your social media!
© 2017 Valentina Sadiul Photography
"Valentina is AMAZING. She has a way of making you feel comfortable and welcoming. I have always considered myself to be not very photogenic, but let me tell you, those days are over. She had great energy, really listened to what I wanted, and had great ideas. These shots are true to who you are and what you really look like! and they will get you noticed, which ultimately makes you money! The return on investment is never ending! I am more than thankful for the work Valentina provided me with and I am hoping to work with her again in the near future."
Albina Ileeva - Arbonne Independent Consultant
© 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!
Financial Advisors usually spend much time at the office handling the monetary needs of their clients. Whether it is stocks and bonds, insurance decisions, tax laws, or virtually any type of investment, a Financial Advisor must look at the situation in whole to make the best decision for the long-term financial success of his or her client. In other words, you need to make sure that your client can trust you.
© Valentina Sadiul Photogrpahy
When you meet someone in a business relationship online, what can you use as your firm handshake – the one that says, “I’m confident and can take care of your investments as if they were my own?” - Your headshot!
Your headshot can either draw in clients or send them running. Therefore, having a professional headshot is so important. After all, who would you trust more with your financial assets – the one with the selfie photo on a surfboard? Or the one with the professional headshot?
Your headshot is your key to branding. It appears on your business cards, your social media profiles, the very important networking site LinkedIn, etc. When it comes to Financial Advisors, trust is a must. Many in this position receive referrals from others within their network. If you present yourself well and do your job with confidence, you will go far.
Now that you see how important a professional headshot is, let’s look at a few tips that will help you achieve the image you desire to portray:
In short, it is the way you present yourself that is going to help you succeed in your career. People are attracted to those who are poised, confident, charismatic, and bold. Let your corporate headshot show off your top qualities!
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
"Valentina is quite simply the best! I knew the minute I met her that I would want to be working with her. Valentina is an amazing artist and has the - almost magical - ability to make you feel at ease. Valentina - Thank you so much! It truly was a unique experience."
Audrey Pouligny - Legal Translator | English - French
www.quidlingua.com
As a headshot photographer, I work with real people from the classical music and business world. They are not professionally trained fashion models and most of them feel uncomfortable on front of the camera.
The major difference between an amateur portrait photographer and skillful one is not only a strong knowledge of lighting and equipment, but also having skills in directing and editing.
The process of the headshot photoshoot in my studio includes a guidance on how to pose, professionally set-up lighting and equipment, shooting tethered, so clients can give me feedback during the session to ensure that we achieve the best results in short time. The crucial step of final look is retouching favorite images. Keep in mind that photographers who provide unedited images to the clients are delivering unfinished work. This is not accepted in business of professional photography.
My signature editing includes:
Improving color, contrast and sharpness
Retouching skin by clearing up blemishes and reducing wrinkles as needed
Removing flyaway hairs and adding volume to the hair if needed
Enhancing eyes
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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
"Valentina was such a pleasure to work with. I have an acupuncture practice and needed headshots as well as shots of my clinic. I'm so glad I chose Valentina for the job. She is very warm and welcoming, and she made a camera shy person like me feel very much at ease. The process of picking my favorite shots was very painless and the end product exceeded my expectations by far. I would recommend Valentina to anyone seeking a skilled and personable photographer and she gets my highest recommendation!"
Bastian Sascha Schmidt - Acupuncturist, Herbalist
http://www.treeofqi.com/
"I knew I was in good hands walking into Valentina's studio. She is highly recommended by my colleagues and I saw why. When she asked what I wanted to accomplish with the pictures I knew we were off to a good start. I hate being in front of the camera but she made the experience feel natural and the shots she captured definitely achieved my goals."
Kenneth Kellogg - Opera Singer
http://www.kennethkellogg.com/
"Thanks so much for doing such an amazing job; for taking fantastic, creative photos that took advantage of the location; and for making it all fun and easy! It was a real pleasure to get to work with you."
Laura Rennert, Executive Agent with Andrea Brown Literary Agency
http://www.laurajoyrennert.com/
I have always been a minimalist who enjoys organizing my surrounded environment to create balanced, functional and sophisticated space. I know that my lifestyle, neatness, and need for everything to be well organized played a strong role in my growing success as a headshot photographer.
When I first moved to the US, I was in a culture shock from how much stuff people had (especially clothes!). I witnessed closets breaking apart, garages that were filled from floor to ceiling without any room for a car, and hundreds of pillows on couches and beds...
I met Kaylee at a Wealth Entrepreneurs Event and learned that she is a professional organizer and owner of CLOSETED. I was very interested to find out how she transformed her lifestyle into an exciting business. We live in a heavily consumerist era. It is so easy to become a slave of materialism, and to get trapped in the disorganization of everything that you didn’t need in first place.
Here’s what Kaylee says in her bio:
Kaylee’s business philosophy resonates with my lifestyle and I can’t wait to share this interview so you can benefit from having less clutter and more room for creativity. I’m thankful that Kaylee found time to stop by my portrait studio for my Creative People in Business project and share her knowledge of organizing.
© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography
Time you wake up: Between 5-6 A.M.
Morning routine: Shower, make-up, cook breakfast while I empty the dishwasher, eat, brush teeth, style hair, get dressed.
Best habit: Meal planning. I always recipe search, shop and cook ahead of time so when it comes time to make breakfast or pack lunch I always have options to choose from. I make healthy food choices and never skip a meal which allows me to stay on my A game.
Worst habit: Worrying. On some level I know my clients appreciate that I worry about things so they don't have to but spending time worrying doesn't change an outcome. I know I'm capable of handling problems big and small so someday I'd like to evolve out of the worry-about-it step.
Personal philosophy: Be kind, do the right thing. Being nice to people is free AND easy. People who choose to have a bad attitude waste a lot of time and energy and that is not a way that I want to spend those precious resources. I find that I can diffuse difficult situations with a vendor or installer by staying calm, respectful and friendly.
Book you are reading now: I just started The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan. I like to switch between novels and informative literature rooted in subjects like organizing, nutrition and personal growth.
Most used apps: I am not a big app downloader but I use Uber and Lyft a fair amount as well as Pandora and Whole Foods.
What you do before going to bed: Wash my face, brush my teeth and pack any items I will use the next day at work.
Time you go to sleep: 10 P.M.
My degree is in interior design and I was working for a designer (turned friend/mentor) who handed me my first organizing job because he noticed I was good at it. I organized as a side job for several years and then my husband pushed me to make it a full time business.
It's really different for every home but I like to start with smaller areas because usually once a client sees how much we can accomplish together they feel excited about moving on to larger areas.
Some clients are extremely mentally ready to purge their homes, they just need a little hand holding and someone to validate that their instincts are correct, for these people my advice is to trust yourself. Others need to really talk through each item, with these clients I ask them a lot of questions about why they feel the need to hold onto specific items or an excessive amount of stuff in general. I never make anyone give anything up but I will make strong suggestions. If we are sorting a lot of sentimental items I ask clients to share their memories with me, sometimes re-living a memory about an object is enough to make you feel ready to set it free. My clients see that I am passionate about what I do so they learn to trust that I have their best interested at heart.
We are already trapped in a heavily consumerist society. I try to remind people that shopping is fun but it becomes not fun when you have no where to put the things you buy and/or you can't find things you know you purchased. That's a sure sign you have a problem. I think being more aware of what you are buying (online and in stores) is part of the process, the other part is to always be thinking of what you don't need anymore. I have a "donation box" in all of my clients homes, as soon as you realize you don't need something you throw it in the donation box, when the donation box is full you seal it up, put it in your car and take it to be donated, then you start another donation box.
I try to use wall space as much as possible to get things off the floor and I also like using furniture that can double as storage.
Sometimes couples use me as a wedge, they want me to help gang up on their spouse and shame them into an organized lifestyle, I don't go in for that type of thing. Itry to develop a bond with each family member and that means asking everyone about their goals for the space. Knowing that I have multiple interests at heart makes clients more amenable to hearing my ideas and doing the work to clear their space and make room for a plan that encompasses everyone's goals.
Files are a non-negotiable. If you are an adult person you need a way to manage your paperwork (I created my personal filing system at age 11.) Some of my clients run a business out of their residence, they are probably going to need a tall file cabinet or a chest of drawers dedicated to files. For clients like home makers I can get away with smaller solutions but when you consider the paperwork you need to run a house (insurance, taxes, each family member's medical/school records just to start) it adds up fast and if you want an organized home you need a system for paperwork.
The other thing I do for almost every client is to organize their bathroom products in clear plastic shoe boxes. I sort like items then I label each box so when you cut yourself all you have to do is grab the first aid box and your band aids will be right there or if you are going on a trip then you pull the box that says travel toiletries and anything you may need is at your fingertips.
Hire me! Organizing is not a magic bullet, it's work and at some point something's got to give and if you spend so much time working that you have very little time for organization then it might be time to admit to yourself that organizing is not your favorite thing and it's worth it to you to hire someone to help. For my clients that go through the initial organization process and still have trouble taking time to stay organized I offer "touch-up" sessions which usually happen quarterly.
I love to cook. If I feel too tired to cook an entire meal then I just prep my next meal and when I go to make it the next day my job is much easier. If I am feeling very overwhelmed I will organize something small like the fridge or my desk. That small achievement helps me clear my head and prepare myself for the bigger achievements that await me in the near future.
Always unpack as soon as you get home. If it's your gym bag, purse, groceries, the clothes you bought online and received at work, unpack everything right away. If you spend a little time picking up after yourself daily you save a lot of time in the long run because you have less picking up to do and you don't spend time trying to find things you failed to put away.
I was introduced to Daniel at the Grand Opening of Dr. Chow’s Surgical Clinic in San Francisco. He kindly showed me around and explained the architectural details and the challenges involved in this project. I have always been interested in architecture and interior design, so I found the conversations very exciting. Daniel’s open minded and easygoing personality allowed us to become friends. I have visited a few more grand openings of his projects and feel very proud of his hard work. I would like to introduce Daniel to you and share an interview for the Creative People in Business Project.
© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography
Time you wake up: 6:00 am
Morning routine: My alarm is set to classical music so that I can wake in a peaceful mood. I shower, eat breakfast, and comb NYT, WAPO, Politico, and the Guardian to see what is happening around the world.
Best habit: Swimming and yoga
Worst habit: Drinking a lot of beer at my weekly softball game.
Personal philosophy: Live each day to the fullest and do to others as would have them do to you.
Book you are reading now: We are Pirates by Daniel Handler
Most used apps: NYT, KCRW, NextBus, & Uber
What you do before going to bed: Brush my teeth, floss, pray, and try to count my blessings.
Time you go to sleep: Usually 11:00 pm but sometimes later.
I was one of those kids that knew I wanted to be an architect since I was seven years old. I used to draw house floor plans and elevations for my sister’s girlfriends that I had crushes on. At the age of 10 my family briefly moved to Illinois. I recall going on a tour of the John Deere headquarters designed by Eero Saarinen and being in awe of the building. I didn’t know anything about Saarinen at the time but I recall thinking about how beautiful the building and the landscaping was. On television shows that I watched as a kid Mike Brady of the Brady Bunch and Elyse Keaton in Family Ties were architects. The architecture storylines on these shows weren’t particularly inspiring but it made me think this is a profession I could really pursue. I took a drafting class in high school and then applied to the architecture program at Arizona State University.
The path to becoming an architect is a very long road. There are the educational requirements; I spent five years at Arizona State University earning an undergraduate degree and another two years at Berkeley earning a Master’s degree. Three years of apprenticing under a licensed architect are required before you can begin to take the licensing exams to become a registered architect. At the time I took the exams there were nine exams plus an oral exam here in California. I passed five of the nine exams in my first sitting but it took me a number of years to complete the remaining exams. I have been a registered architect for sixteen years. Along the way, there have been personal challenges like physics or structures classes I found difficult or taking exams three times to pass. I overcame these challenges by learning from my mistakes and failures. My undergraduate physics classes at ASU had 500 students. I decided to look for class sections that were smaller in size and where more individual attention was available. I took calculus classes as a summer class at a community college in Idaho with twenty-five students and got straight “A’s”. For exams that I was having difficulty with I took seminars or looked for tutors to learn the material. I learned that if at first, you don’t succeed look for ways in which you can succeed.
Architecture is called a noble profession but it takes more than passion to succeed. Education is certainly an important aspect of learning to become an architect but schools do not teach everything that is necessary to become a qualified professional. Many architectural programs are heavily design-oriented. Design is important but there are so many other aspects of the profession that are important for preparation to practice. Some schools are more well versed in providing more well-rounded learning. Learning about building codes, construction law, marketing, contacts, business, and communication are also important, especially for someone considering being a sole-practitioner. Some of these skills can be acquired in the workplace and this is where it becomes important for an individual to determine the best workplace for themselves. This is certainly where mentorship becomes important. The profession has a long history of apprenticeship and this is where individuals can become successful by finding good mentors. When I completed my undergraduate degree I moved to New York City. I decided that I would work for three years before continuing with a Master’s degree. I worked for small firms, medium-sized firms, and for a large corporate firm. I decided that for me I liked working for a small and medium-size firm because it allowed me to wear more hats. Ultimately this is what gave me the confidence to start my own business. The work hours are long in the architectural profession so having a personality that enjoys doing what you do is useful. It is also useful to have a personality that can strike a balance in professional and personal life. As with anything in life, a little bit of good luck never hurts. I consider myself lucky for finding a profession I enjoy.
I love learning and this is my overarching motivation for running a business. I didn’t know everything I needed to know to run a business when I first started so a dose of naiveté was also useful. Every year I have learnedand continue to learn about something new. Whether it is marketing, bookkeeping, invoicing, or employee management there is always something new to learn. I don’t necessarily enjoy every aspect of running a business but this is where you can hire someone that is equipped and enjoys doing those tasks. Being a member of the American Institute of Architects requires that continuing education units are fulfilled on a yearly basis. This is an opportunity to continue to learn about emerging technologies, best practices, materials, etc. The profession of architecture continues to evolve so as a business owner I need to continue learning.
Architecture is about solving design problems from a multi-faceted approach. I have adopted this idea of problem-solving to life in general. I analyze what is causing the problem or stress and then determine what are plausible solutions for resolving the problem or mitigating the stress. I have found physical exercise extremely useful in dealing with stress. I find working out at the gym as therapeutic and while it may not directly resolve stress, it helps me to better cope with a stressful situation.
I survived the biggest recession since the great depression as a sole-practitioner and I give myself a pat on the back for that. My office has been in operation for nearly eleven years. When I started my office I had a thought that if I had to go back and work for someone after running my own ship that I would make a better employee. Being a sole-practitioner has given me better insight in the risks businesses take to stay in business. I find the problem-solving approach I mentioned earlier in dealing with fear and insecurities in taking a risk. In think the best approach in dealing with fear and insecurities is to take them head on.
My father is one of my first mentors. He began immigrating to this country when he was eighteen years old without knowing a word of English. He taught me through his words and actions that if you put your mind to something you can and will succeed. Throughout my education and in the work place I have had mentors that have guided me along the way. Architecture has a strong history of mentorship in the profession. I have had many mentors and continue to seek mentors in my life and to also be a mentor. I am a committee member for the AIA SF Mentorship program and was co-chair of the committee for two years. This program groups 5-7 professionals at all stages of their careers to meet over the course of a year for dialogue and professional exchange.
This is a daily challenge and admittedly I have been better at it sometimes and not so good at it at other times. This is where I have to remind myself to live each day to its fullest. It is a work in progress and I have to say this year I am having better success in striking that balance.
I go for a swim on Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. I also enjoy hanging out with friends and getting some form of exercise.
I was recently asked this question by the parents of a young man while I was on vacation on the Galapagos Islands. His parents were concerned about his ability to support himself financially as an architect. I told him that architecture is not one of the highest paying professions but if he really loved architecture, had a passion for it, and liked working really had then he should pursue it. I also advised him to make good friends with people studying business, law, and computer science. These folks will be his future clients.
It is an oldie but a goody. If at first you don’t succeed then try, try again.
Contact Information:
Website: http://www.studioperez.com/
E-mail: dperez@studioperez.com
Phone: 415-503-0329
© 2016 Valentina Sadiul Photography
We all want to talk to someone who is friendly, approachable, and easy to talk to! While in real life you may be all of those things, if your photo is too serious, too formal, or your body language is closed off, you may be turning off potential clients. Whereas people may respond to a more serious photo when choosing a lawyer or financial advisor, when choosing a mental health professional, a friendly, confident, and kind headshot is the way to go.
Dated headshots with out of style hair, makeup, and clothing can turn off potential clients as well. It may sound superficial, but clients want to see that you are up to date on the goings on of today’s world. If your headshot is from 5 or more years ago, potential clients may worry that you won’t understand the finer points of their modern lives. Your look shouldn’t be “trendy”, but it should be well fitted, classic, and stylish.
If your headshot was taken by a friend, family member, or amature photographer, potential clients may subconsciously think of your work as amature as well. Having your headshot taken by a skilled photographer who is experienced with headshot photography for professionals in your field, sends the message that you are a professional who invests time and energy into his or her craft. Remember, a great photographer will be able to capture the essence of who you are and what makes you great at what you do! With a great headshot, potential clients will feel like they know you already.