If you’re ‘selling’ yourself to a new employer or client, make your headshot look good – Chicago Tribune

Business: Elevated head views

Address: Naperville

Phone/Website: 843-446-7203, www.elevatedheadshots.com

Owner: Mila Craila, 38, Naperville

Years in business; eight

What does your business do? Crela takes photos for job seekers or to promote their business – headshots and more. “They can be business owners or individuals looking for work. We help them enhance their online presence and personal brand. …there’s a headshot on a business card or website. The first thing[people]want is, ‘What does this person look like?’ It’s your chance to make a first impression. … You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression,” Kraila said.

What does your business name mean? “It takes you to the next level.”

where do you work? “I do a lot of locations. If a company wants 50 headshots, I go to them. If it’s less than five, I ask them to come to me. (For those) I rent a studio from another photographer or I do it in my house.”

Where are you from? “I am from Belarus. Life there is not easy. It’s scary now. Many people (are displaced). … I went to America when I was 19. Half my life, I’ve been here. I also brought my mother here.”

Were you a photographer there? “My father Alexander was a photographer. I was 11 when he died. He was 40 … not a professional photographer. He was more of a hobbyist. He had all the tools. The Dark Room. I was very fascinated. That’s when my interest in photography started.”

Why did you start this business? “About 10 years ago, it just hit me. There are many professional photographers and I did this as a hobby. I was a college professor, a Spanish teacher. A couple classes in this college, in that college. I was at Daley College, Harold Washington (College), Dominican University. … I was fascinated by people’s faces. I was curious about how to describe their personalities. So, I started doing that. Business owners. Friends looking for a new job. Then it rolled.”

How do you approach your work? “First I need to know what their profession is. Some professions may want to appear more serious. I want to identify them. So, I talk to them. … In general, anyone wants to appear approachable, professional, trustworthy. Confidence is very important. “

For example, if you are shooting a car mechanic? “I wouldn’t photograph him in a suit, all serious, with a tie. With the neighborhood, I go to his (auto repair) shop. I want to see it in action.

So, could it be more than a headshot? “Exactly. … I can do a headshot. But I always recommend a few shots in practice.”

Do you suggest what to wear? “I send them a digital guide with some general rules about what colors work.”

Do you enjoy your job? “Oh my goodness, I love it. … I just joined the Naperville (area) Chamber of Commerce. It is a great asset.”

How has the virus affected your business? “Two weeks after the outbreak, I found out I was pregnant. We were not allowed to do anything (for business) for a few months. It worked perfectly for me. The goal was not to get sick with covid. Here is the lock. He succeeded.

how is the baby “He’s very good. Two years and three months. We joke that we chose the longest name, Maximilian.”

Is it good to base in Naperville? “We’re proud to be a Naperville business. … We absolutely love it. It’s amazing.”

How to find customers? “Word of mouth is my biggest source. But also Google.

When is it busy? “The last quarter and the beginning of the year. … Winter, too. Good weather puts people in a good mood. ‘Let’s do this.'”

Any challenges? “There are a lot of photographers around. However, I’m not afraid of any competition. … They don’t have my features, my personality.

What about pricing? “I’m on the upper side. The clients I work with value good photography. … Basically, it’s a $300 session. Images are different. They are $100 each. So, if you want one headshot, it’s $400. … If it’s more of a branding photo, full body, it takes a little more time so it’s $100 more.

Any future plans? “I’m in the process of getting a studio. There are certain requirements. Gap lighting. High ceilings, preferably.

What advice do you have for someone starting a business? “Make connections. As many as possible. Network as much as possible.”

If you know of a business you’d like to see profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.