Cilla Williams, Realtor Business Portrait :: Peoria, Illinois, Business Headshot Photographer

July 15, 2015 Michael Gowin

Cilla Williams, Morton/Peoria realtor business portrait :: Michael Gowin Photography, Lincoln, Illinois

Cilla Williams has been one of my consistent real estate clients. She's an agent in the Morton office of Jim Maloof/REALTOR and helps sellers and buyers throughout central Illinois but especially in her hometown of Delavan. Over the last year, I've photographed numerous homes for Cilla, many of which you can see on the Illinois Home Photography blog.

For this session, though, Cilla and I met at my studio in Lincoln for a new portrait. She wanted to update the profile photo that appears on her Facebook business page and next to her listings on Realtor.com.

Because real estate is a business that requires so much personal connection between agents and their clients, we wanted Cilla's portrait to convey warmth, confidence, and competence. That online photograph may likely be the first thing a prospective client sees, so it's critical that the photo helps make a connection.

We took a relaxed 90 minutes for Cilla's session, working with poses and lighting setups to find the most flattering looks for her. The photo above was one of our favorites.

Here's what Cilla had to say about her experience:

Real estate agents have their faces everywhere; it's part of the business. I'm not thrilled about having my face everywhere but it comes with the territory. And, until I was in Michael's studio, I was even less thrilled about having my portrait made. I had anticipated a painful experience of standing stiffly, smiling uncomfortably, and looking silly. Nervous and a little fearful, I wasn't looking forward to my session. But very shortly after I arrived, Michael put me at ease with his friendly and easygoing style. Without sacrificing professionalism, he explained the portrait creation process clearly and simply. The atmosphere in his attractive studio was relaxed and conversational. In addition to his considerable photography skill, Michael has the ability to gently guide his client into active participation in the creative process. Being photographed by Michael does not require passive, stiff posing; clients can relax and enjoy being a participant, not just a subject. The end result is a portrait that reflects authenticity, conveys individuality, and communicates warmth. And a final word about the connection between a great business portrait and real estate marketing: My face goes everywhere my advertising goes. Thanks to Michael, I have a business portrait that expresses my understanding of the use of quality images in effective marketing. When clients can see by my portrait that I have high standards for marketing myself, they can trust that I will have high standards for marketing their home. Now I'm thrilled.

Cilla Williams, Jim Maloof/REALTOR, Morton, IL

Interested in a professional portrait that helps you connect with prospects and clients? Visit the Business Portrait page to learn more.

Also, if you're a real estate agent in central Illinois, please visit Illinois Home Photography to learn how you can build your brand and market your clients' homes with, in Cilla's own words, "exquisite photography."