Entrepreneur Spotlight - Aileen Dugan - Agency Owner State Farm

Aileen was one of the first women that I photographed for my Female leaders and entrepreneurs event in the summer of 2021. It is my pleasure to share her story — written by Lisa Leslie of Magnolia Content.

Aileen moved to Portsmouth to open her own business in 1990, as a State Farm insurance agent in Portsmouth.   Licensed in NH and ME, Aileen and her team serve customers throughout both states with a focus on serving the Seacoast areas of NH and Maine. 

A NH native, born in Manchester, Aileen attended Bowdoin College in Brunswick Maine. One of the most interesting places she lived was on Bailey Island in Maine, when she was a senior at Bowdoin College, back when the island was still very much a small lobster and fishing island with breath-taking scenery in every season. Raised by her parents with the “Live Free or Die” mentality, Aileen loves NH and can’t imagine living anywhere else. She loves the creative people who reside here and is inspired by people she meets in Portsmouth every day, even 31 years after moving here.

Having volunteered and supported dozens of important Seacoast organizations that care about this community and the people in it, Aileen has become increasingly invested in keeping Portsmouth the special place that it is.

She currently serves as Vice-Chair of Portsmouth Music and Arts, and previously served on the Board of the Prescott Park Arts Festival for seven years. She believes that our thriving Arts and Culture scene is what makes us unique.  She is also very involved in Portsmouth Rotary Club, one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the Northeast. 

“I believe that seeing other women who are successful is not just inspiring, it’s affirming to your own beliefs and goals, and when I have the opportunity to help other women succeed, it gives me a lot of satisfaction that I have skills I can offer and share.”

Aileen’s mother, Anita Aubin, was the first female State Farm agent in the State of New Hampshire in the early 1980’s. This was a big breakthrough for women at a time when women were not well-respected or even well-treated in the workplace. She is very proud to have an enterprising and hard-working woman as her mentor and role model, and attributes being where she is today to the encouragement and support of both her parents. 

In 2020, Aileen completed her 48 4000 footers in New Hampshire, which was a life goal of hers. She and her husband of 16 years enjoy gardening and have a large vegetable and flower garden. In the winter, they love to ski with friends and family. People are often shocked to hear that Aileen has 5 children, 3 of hers and 2 of her husband’s. She says they are truly the “Brady Bunch” and feels that the Seacoast has been a great place to raise their family. They also have a golden retriever, named Brodie, who comes to the office every day, and is the official greeter.

Copywriter and Content Strategist - Lisa Leslie of Magnolia Content

Throughout the summer and fall of 2021, I created an Event called the Extraordinary Female Entrepreneurs and Leaders of the Seacoast. I set out to photograph and tell the stories of 25 women. I wanted to create an event that would celebrate the person behind the business. I was hoping to inspire other women and to create collaboration and networking. I had so much fun creating this gallery of photos. But… I am not a writer. So, I brought on Lisa Leslie of Magnolia Content to tell the stories. Lisa was so much fun to work with and created some beautiful stories to go along with the photographs. Here is Lisa’s story:

Lisa is a copywriter and content strategist who is passionate about using her love of writing to help business owners thrive. Her love for writing began as soon as she learned to write. Though her handwriting was questionable at the time, her passion for telling stories through written words was anything but. She genuinely enjoys listening to how people got started in their business, what keeps them going, and helping them share that with their target audiences — by stringing together words in a compelling way that inspires action. 

After working in several industries (finance, insurance, real estate, retail, marketing, etc.) in a variety of roles, Lisa decided to pursue her love for writing officially in 2015, when she created Writer By Default, a copywriting business focused on helping small businesses with affordable copywriting, including website copywriting, email content, press releases, blogs, and social media marketing. In 2019, she relaunched her business as Magnolia Method Consulting, adding content strategy and consulting services to her offerings. After a year of unprecedented ups and downs in 2020, Lisa rebranded again, settling on the business name, Magnolia Content. This name and brand change was a result of her desire to simplify her brand identity and clarify her passion — which is helping small, service-based businesses share their brand stories, attract their ideal clients, and grow their businesses organically, with authentic, relevant, and compelling content

Lisa is married with two teenage stepdaughters, a 4-year-old Great Pyrenees named Hainesy, an 8-year-old Labrador retriever named Honey, and a 3-year-old white Siamese mix cat named Casper. Her three favorite pastimes include hiking, skiing, and singing. She likes trying new things, and sometimes she likes to get crafty with paint and make art out of scrap wood.

“If the passion is there, do it! Don’t wait. Know that it will be terrifying, and you will have your doubts. You will have days where you want to quit, but you will also have days where you feel like you are one of the luckiest people in the world to be able to do what you love every day.”

For more information about Lisa visit her website at Magnolia Content, follow her on Instagram @Magnoliacontent, on LinkedIn @Magnolia Content and on Facebook @Magnolia Content.

Outdoor Headshots

Rachel Reed-7.jpg

Do you need headshots, but don’t feel comfortable having a session inside?

The last thing you need during your photoshoot, is the added stress of being worried about Covid. We all have different levels of comfort. So what do you do if you really need professional headshots, but don’t want to do them in a studio?

An outdoor photo that looks like a studio portrait. Karolina LaBrecque of Help to Grow Institute, in her backyard.

It all depends on what kind of photos you want for your brand. But, consider an outdoor shoot. I can create photos outdoors that look like they were taken in a studio. I will set up a backdrop and put up lights and voila - awesome headshots! However, if you have a more relaxed, natural vibe and you want to be photographed in a natural surrounding, well, that one’s a no-brainer. You have your natural surroundings as a backdrop. I may still bring in lights, because even in outdoor conditions, we can improve the quality of the light.

Karolina wanted a combination of indoor and outdoor photos - but the secret is - they were all done outside. I set up a backdrop and lights in her backyard and fired away!! Sure, the backdrop fell over once because it was a bit windy - but I just put it against a tree and we were good to go! It’s a smart thing to do, to have photos with a backdrop because those can be used anywhere. Adding additional photos with an outdoor settings can simply add to your brand.

Lisa chose to have her photos done outside and they go with the straightforward, relaxed vibe that her brand projects. Susan also wanted to project a relaxed, business vibe. Susan’s clothing is slightly more dressy, but still relaxed.

 

Lisa Leslie of Magnolia Method Consulting, in downtown Dover

Susan Gold of Gold and Parnters, outdoors in Portsmouth.

I set up Susan’s photos with lights and a reflector. Lisa did not need any lights, although I did use a reflector. It was an extremely bright day and we had to avoid the harsh sun. We went in and out of the shadows of trees and overhangs while the sun went in and out of clouds. I am always looking to get nice, even, flattering light on the face, no matter what the conditions. There is always a workaround!

There are so many ways you can set up outside photos that look awesome for business headshots and branding. Don’t wait to get good photos. We can do them outdoors and stay 6 feet apart!! And as I do for all of my customers, I will help you with your wardrobe and with styling.


 

A Natural Makeup Look for Headshots

PREPPING FOR A PHOTOSHOOT DURING COVID

MAKEUP:

Prior to Covid, it was easy -  go to the salon or have a makeup artist on hand. If you are comfortable with going to a salon, go for it. But what do you do if you aren’t comfortable with having someone so close to your face?

Today I will focus on a natural makeup look.

If you aren’t used to wearing makeup and like a natural look, I will give you some fairly easy makeup ideas in order to get you camera ready.

Foundation. If you have skin that is uneven in texture and color you should use a foundation. Foundation will help to conceal under eye darkness and will help to even out your skin tone. I don’t recommend concealer because it can be very easy to overuse and that can make even more uneven color variations. Use a Foundation that matches the color of your face and neck . If you will never use it again, then go with a foundation that doesn’t cost much. Revlon has some great inexpensive foundations in multiple colors that look good on camera. If you think you might want to keep using foundation, then you might want to try a product that is good for your skin. I use a local company called Aislings Organics. I like them because they are cruelty free. There are many natural and organic products on the market to choose from.

Powder. A translucent powder will reduce shine and set your makeup. Shine on your face does not look good in photos. If you have a powder brush, that would be the best way to apply it. If you are using your powder puff that comes with the compact than just lightly blot your face on your nose, your forehead and your chin. Stay away from your eyes and your cheeks.

Screen+Shot+2020-08-04+at+8.14.00+AM.jpg
Screen Shot 2020-08-04 at 9.06.52 AM.png
Screen+Shot+2020-08-04+at+9.55.02+AM.jpg

Eyebrows. Well defined Eyebrows are probably the most important place on your face where you can help define your look. First, get rid of any hairs that are clearly not where they are supposed to be. If you are a light skinned blonde - Mac has a wonderful blonde pencil. If you are blonde you can go a little darker than your hair. If you are a brunette, you don’t want to go too dark and try to match your hair. I prefer pencil to brushes because they are crisper, more defined and last longer. There are many new eyebrow products to choose from because well-defined eyebrows are in right now. Follow the chart attached to get your eyebrow shape.

Lip color. Lip color can add a nice touch to your face, but is not the most important for photos. Less is more, as I can easily add more color in editing. Make sure your lips are moisturized and not chapped. If you tend to get chapped lips start moisturizing diligently up to a week before your shoot. You don’t want to have strips of skin hanging off your lips the day of your shoot..

Always remember, eating lots of fruits and veggies, and limiting coffee and alcohol several days before your shoot will help to reduce puffiness and give your skin a natural glow.

Screen Shot 2020-08-04 at 8.10.21 AM.png

What To Wear To Your Headshot and Personal Branding Photoshoot

Available in multiple colors  on Amazon for $28.90 - Berydress Women’s Classic 3/4 sleeve.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for $28.90 - Berydress Women’s Classic 3/4 sleeve.

You have an appointment for a headshot and branding photosession. Great! Now, ask yourself how do you want to represent your brand in photos? What type of message do you want your photographs to convey to your target audience? What do you want your clothes to say about your brand? Do you want to appear conservative, trendy, relaxed but chic? Take some time to think about these questions. Think about the colors that are in your brand. 

I will have an in-depth conversation with you about how you want to present yourself in your photos. And, I will help you hone in on your style. But regardless of which style you want to portray, there are a few universal rules that apply to clothing in photos.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for under $40 - Lark & Ro.

Available in multiple colors on Amazon for under $40 - Lark & Ro.

#1 - No Baggy Clothes. You need to have clothes that hug your body, otherwise you don’t know where the clothes start and you end. To create interest in a photo and hold the viewer’s attention, there has to be shape - a reason for the eye to wander in the photograph. This can be done through movement in the body, like a curve through the hips, or in a design element. It is difficult to create shape in the body when your clothes are baggy. And if you are worried about a few extra pounds, my posing will be slenderizing and flattering and I will photoshop any bulges that bother you.

#2 - Colors and Prints: You don’t want loud or large prints UNLESS that is your brand. YOU want to be the focus of your brand, not your clothes. Think about the colors of your brand. Are they neutral, black and white, or bright bold colors. If bright and bold is a thing in your brand, then go for that in your clothes.

Available in 5 colors on Lulus.com for $34.

#3 - No old clothes please. They don’t have to be new, but make sure they look new. No stains, no sags, no rips, etc. Even if you style includes ripped jeans, you want them to look like it was intentional and not a mistake.

#4 - Clothes don’t need to be expensive. Inexpensive clothing can photograph really well. This gives you lots of options and the ability to bring several outfits to your photoshoot and to try different looks.

Available on Lulus.com for $49.

Available on Lulus.com for $49.

#6 - Undergarments. This is important. Match your undergarments to your outfits. If your dress calls for a strapless bra - get one, and make sure the color is appropriate. No sagging boobs. Wear spanks if necessary. Being mindful of these items will make a huge difference in the final photos.

#7 - Accessories. - less is more - I can help you make decisions about accessories on the day of the shoot, but here are a few things for you to consider in what to bring: Match your accessories with your outfit. Make sure your belts fit you and your pants. Large signature pieces should be paired with other smaller pieces or with nothing at all. Be careful that the jewelry and accessories don’t overpower the outfit and/or you. Like clothes, we don’t want to hide our features with accessories. Don’t use scarves to hide your neck - again lighting, posing and photoshop will take care of any neck issues.

Taking the time to go through these items will yield photos that you will be proud of and that will represent you and your brand in the best possible light!

Click here to learn how I help you prepare for your personal branding photo session.

How to look your best in your headshots

Brooke-15.jpg

If you have taken the time to schedule a professional headshot session, then it will be worth your while to also think about these few things that could make your photos look awesome. You may think that photoshop can cure a multitude of sins, and that may be partially true. However, there are some things that are particularly difficult to fix in photoshop - like a slight swelling in the upper lids, or a bad hair day. It is worth a little forethought and planning to get the best photos you can.

Get a good nights sleep. Sleep really is a beauty treatment. Everything about you looks better with a good nights sleep. You will also be in a better frame of mind which will show in your photos. So get to bed early, put on your sleep sounds and your eye mask and get your 8 hours.

Nix the alcohol. Alcohol is dehydrating and will increase eye puffiness. I love my wine, but I look so much better without it. So do yourself a favor and forego the alcohol for a few days before your shoot. Replace it with lots of water and some green juice for a nice bright complexion.

Get your hair done. If you need a cut, get one. If not, get it styled. Tell your hairdresser that you are getting photos, they can help you decide the best look for your photos. Hair is probably one of the most difficult things to photoshop. So if you can’t do any of the other items from this list - splurge on a trip to the hair salon. Photographers can add eyelashes, lipstick and remove blemishes, but hair is tough to fix.

Get your makeup done. Either get a makeup artist to apply makeup for you (many photographers will supply one) or get a makeup consultation a couple of weeks ahead of your shoot. Have someone show you how to apply makeup and practice. It is not as hard you might think. Avoid too much blush and contouring and don’t forget to keep some powder on hand during the shoot. Avoid powder base as this does not photograph well. The most important items are a good natural looking foundation, well defined eyebrows and a little definition in the eyes.

Wear tailored clothes. You want an outfit that doesn’t hide your form. Avoid lots of fabric that adds bulk. Wear solid colors and colors that are flattering to your skin tone. They could be light or dark, but keep in mind the image you wish to project. Does what you are wearing fit in with the type of business you are in? Does it fit with your brand? Preferably wear newer clothes and remember they don’t need to be expensive.

Discuss what you want with your photographer. Probably the most important item on this list. Make sure you are clear about what you would like your photos to look like. Do you want a more businesslike image a glam image or a more relaxed and casual image? Make sure you and your photographer are in alignment.

Remember, the more invested you are in the outcome of your photos, the more likely you are to get photos you love.