I admit I've had limited experience with professional photos so my outreach to Frank Gutierrez Visual Artistry (based on a referral I got from a colleague who had had a phenomenal experience with him) was tentative but hopeful. Frank responded to my online request very quickly. He was extraordinarily kind, encouraging, and accommodating. This was especially welcome as I was in a career transition at the time and feeling truly vulnerable.
Between the time of our call and my appointment, Frank shared information that helped to clarify how best I could prepare for the shoot, when to arrive, and how to access the studio. I don't suspect this sort attentiveness is the norm at other studios- but, really, I think it's just who Frank and his wife, Christina, are because when they welcomed me to their comfortable, pretty, and well-organized studio space, I was immediately put at ease by their warmth and generosity, personable nature and professionalism.
I felt inspired.
Christina handled a light makeup job (a first for me!) with humor and grace before turning me over to Frank who talked me through how to pose in a way that I could both understand easily and respond/react to. There was no sense of a time rush. There was no worry about a thing other than bringing out the best in what I was bringing. The focus was clearly on me and I felt the true desire to find pics that would work. It was a creative and collaborative experience- occasionally joined by Christina who shared her insight and reflection.
But this isn't the best part...
I had a Zoom interview for a job right after the shoot. I mean, right after. (It was a last minute thing. I didn't have the flexibility to adjust the timing.) It was fully my intention to take the interview in the car ride home- and when I said that- literally, instantly, Frank and Christina just looked at each other and looked at me and said - "In a car? Take the interview right here!"
They offered to transform their space to create a handsome background for me. As much as I'd normally be embarrassed about someone going so far out of their way for me - the sort of confidence and support they offered made me feel like it was the right thing to do entirely. So, I took the interview - and I have never been in a Zoom with a more inviting background.
The photo shoot results were tremendous. Frank creates an easy pic review process - and then, he edits. When he sent me the final versions, I was stunned by the quality- and I rushed to upload them on my socials and bios. I have directed (ushered, pleaded with) every colleague thinking about headshots to work with Frank. #trust
I have stayed in touch with Frank and Christina ever since- gratefully so. I am blessed to be connected to them. And I will always be appreciative of and inspired by everything they did for me before, during, and following my photo shoot.
ps. I got the job. (Just sayin'.) read more