Hi there! My name is Cristian Bucur, a headshot photographer based in Bonifacio Global City. After moving here, it took a while to start to shoot professionally again after a brief hiatus. The Philippines is such a beautiful place, and I was eager to capture it in my photographs.
Table of contents:
- Why did I start taking portraits for people?
- What type of studio images can I craft for you?
- How can my photography help you?
- What if you use a selfie for your LinkedIn (instead of an image created by a professional photographer)?
- My goals
- Gallery
Why did I start taking portraits?
My journey in photography started in 2009 after a funny occurrence: I got photobombed. I found myself drawn to capturing moments through the lens of my camera, and it quickly became a passion of mine. Over time, I honed my skills and learned how to capture the essence of people and places in my photographs.
Why do you need a professional headshot to represent yourself?
Well, having a professional picture on your online job application or LinkedIn profile is super important. It can significantly affect how potential employers or connections perceive you.
Think about it: if you’re trying to land a job or make valuable connections, you want to present yourself in the best possible light. And a high-quality, professional picture can do just that. It shows that you take yourself seriously and are willing to invest in yourself and your career.
Plus, a good headshot can help you stand out from the crowd. In a sea of faceless profiles and generic headshots selfies, having a unique and engaging photo can help you make a great first impression. And let’s be honest; first impressions are everything when it comes to job hunting and networking.
To sum it up, having a professional picture on your online job application or LinkedIn profile can give you a real edge. It shows that you’re serious about your career, that you’re willing to invest in yourself, and that you’re someone worth paying attention to. So if you haven’t already, go ahead and book your studio session!
When I moved to Bonifacio Global City, I was eager to put my skills to the test and start shooting professionally again. My first client was a corporate executive who needed a new headshot to update her LinkedIn profile.
What type of studio images can I craft?
At the moment, I have to set up a makeshift studio in my living room(luckily, I live in a large condo with a nice view from the 41st floor). Installing all the professional lighting equipment and shooting professionally again felt terrific. I’m always amazed and honored by my clients’ trust in my skills. Being able to help my client put his best foot forward with a polished and professional image is my absolute goal.
I offer limited corporate headshot sessions because I am a freelance photographer and a “stay-home dad,” which requires a lot of my time to nurture my daughter’s growth.
Additionally, I make creative portraits in my home studio to complement and feed the need of people to have their likeness captured differently, in harmony with their desires.
How can my photography help you?
Suppose you’re looking to take your pictures to the next level. In that case, a dedicated camera used by a professional photographer can help you receive high-quality images that a phone selfie can’t match.
More control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and lighting, will make your photos stand out. Working with a photographer will ensure the perfect lighting, angle, and composition to showcase your best features and capture the mood you’re going for.
Plus, high-quality images can make a big difference if you use them for professional purposes like a website, social media, marketing materials, or LinkedIn profile. It can help you stand out from the crowd and make a strong impression on potential clients, customers, or employers.
Who will receive an interview call between two applications, one with a selfie or a professionally crafted headshot?
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a good old phone selfie if you want to capture a quick moment or share a casual snapshot with friends. But suppose you want to take your personal branding to the next level. In that case, I recommend exploring your options with a professional photographer.
What if you use a selfie for your LinkedIn (instead of an image created by a professional photographer)?
Using a selfie for your LinkedIn profile picture is definitely not the best idea. Still, it’s not the end of the world either. While a professional headshot is ideal, I understand that not everyone has access to one or the budget to get one done.
That being said, a selfie can come across as unprofessional and give off the wrong impression to potential employers or clients. It’s important to remember that LinkedIn is a professional networking site, so you want to make sure your profile picture reflects that.
If you absolutely have to use a selfie, make sure it’s a good one! Take it in good lighting, make sure you’re dressed professionally and use a simple background. And try to avoid any filters or overly edited photos; the latter is meant to entertain your family and friends.
I suggest investing in a professional headshot where a photographer takes a picture of you. It may seem like a small detail, but your profile picture can have a big impact on your first impression; if you get that job you’re dreaming of, you’ll get a return on your investment many times over.
My goals
My portrait business is in a growth period. Settling in takes time and energy. I know shooting in my living room is not a sustainable long-term solution. I have been searching for a suitable place to rent for my studio. Unfortunately, I have yet to have much luck so far. Let me know if you have any insights on this.
Despite the setbacks, I remain determined to find a studio space that will allow me to continue to grow my business and serve my clients to the best of my ability. I can see the perfect studio and take my photography to new heights with perseverance and hard work.
In the meantime, I will continue to shoot anywhere in Metro Manila, whether in my living room or location. One of the things that I enjoy most about photography is its versatility – I can shoot anywhere and capture the beauty of any moment or scene.
In addition to corporate professional headshots, I enjoy shooting family portraits and corporate events. There is something magical about capturing a person’s personality or the energy of an event in a photograph. I love being able to freeze those moments in time.
As a photographer, I am constantly learning and growing. I attend workshops and seminars to stay current on the latest techniques and trends and always experiment with new ideas and concepts in my photography.
Ultimately, I aim to help my clients feel confident and proud of their professional images. I know that a great photograph can make all the difference in how someone is perceived, and I take that responsibility seriously.
So whether I’m shooting in my living room or out on location, I always strive to capture the beauty and essence of my subjects in my photographs. I am excited about what the future holds for me and my photography business, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
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