So how can you effectively combine networking and the Internet to land your next job? By having a complete, free business profile on LinkedIn.

Executives from all 2012 Fortune 500 companies have LinkedIn accounts and 50% of Fortune 100 companies hire through LinkedIn.

A personal, LinkedIn profile gives users an online, up-to-the-minute “living resume” – available online 24-7 to recruiters, hiring managers or prospective clients who may wish to do business with or hire you.

Not sure how to set-up a LinkedIn profile? On Monday, December 9th, from 1:30 – 3:30, I will be presenting a free workshop, LinkedIn UNLOCKED – The MISSING links revealed to help grow your business or land your next job. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to optimize your profile to rise to the top of recruiters’ searches for someone with your skills and discover numerous strategies to uncover individuals who could open the door to your next job. Here's a short preview of some of the info that I'll cover: http://youtu.be/3CiNR-r60m8

One critical mistake that many job seekers make is not having a professionally created portrait on their LinkedIn profile. A professional portrait is key for a great first impression and strong credibility. Self-portraits with a cell phone do not look professional – which gives a bad impression of you.

Recruiters want to see what a potential candidate looks like. LinkedIn profiles with pictures are reviewed more than those without. A study by TheLadders online job search service discovered recruiters spend more time examining a LinkedIn user's portrait than reviewing their qualifications.

The post LinkedIn Unlocked – Missing links revealed to boost your job search success appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

After years of intensive research and monkeying around, a new, breakthrough photographic technique has been developed to help EVERYONE look great – no matter what their appearance. Dubbed Opaque Portraits, these photographs are created in a specially designed studio with patented opaque lighting so that nothing is visible in the photo. “No one will ever have to worry about others judging their appearance ever again,” states photo artist Mark Madere of SpectraLight Photography.

“We've been asked by world renowned celebrities to create Opaque Portraits for them,” said Madere. Their first client was a California Governor and famous movie star who flew all the way to SpectraLight’s North Ridgeville studio for his session. When he saw his Opaque Portrait, the Governor exclaimed, “I’ve never looked so good! You can’t see anything in this picture. I'll be baaack!”

Beloved #23 of a local basketball team is a leader in everything he does. So when he heard about Opaque Portraits, he was first on his team to give it a try. Although he came for his photo shoot right after a tough game, his Opaque Portrait turned out extremely well. As he looked at his portrait, he said with a huge grin, “This is great! You can’t tell I was sweating. In fact, you can’t tell anything! I felt a little winded. I ain't gonna lie. I wasn't 100 percent.”

The Wicked Witch of the West was SpectraLight’s most recent client. “Unfortunately, we had a little accident during her session,” states Madere. “After flying in from Emerald City , she requested a glass of water to quench her thirst. My assistant tripped over her broom and spilled the water all over her causing a little ‘melt down.' As I took her photos, she screamed, ‘You cursed brat! Look what you've done! I'm melting!' Fortunately, you could never tell there was a problem in her Opaque Portrait.”

Have a great April Fool’s Day!

The post Revolutionary breakthrough technique makes everyone look great in photos! Endorsed by famous celebrities appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

I had the privilege of creating a new executive portrait of Drew Maruna, Financial Representative at The Sirak-Brockett Agency. He replaced the snapshot that was on his LinkedIn profile seen here. Note the improvement from his original portrait to the final retouched one.

More samples of other client portraits and information on this service are on our Executive Portrait page.

Follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter. Check out our artwork of amazing places from the Cleveland area and around the world here.

About us: SpectraLight Photography & Design is located in North Ridgeville, OH – just 10 minutes west of Great Northern Mall and 20 – 25 minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Discover more about our photography services here.

The post Amazing executive portrait – Drew Maruna appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.

(Click on the photos to see them larger)

Putting a name to a face is of critical importance when prospecting for new clients or a new job. However, a bad portrait can cause more harm than good. Always put your “best face forward” with how you represent yourself.

A GOOD professional photographer can evaluate your facial features (deep-set eyes, long nose, wide face, etc.) and properly light your face and photograph it at the best angle to minimize various imperfections.

After the session, the portrait can be retouched to eliminate, blemishes, razor irritation, redness and stray hairs to help you look your best.

It is well worth a $50 – $100 investment to generate just one new lead that becomes your client. You can be sure that a professionally designed portrait will generate dozens of new leads.

See examples of before-and-after photos showing how retouching can enhance a portrait of any size or shape face: https://spectralight.com/execport/retouch.html

So what do YOU think of having an executive portrait taken professionally? Please leave your comment below.

The post Gain new clients: put your best face forward appeared first on SpectraLight Photography and Design.