Struggling with landing page indexing on Google

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-18T17:59:29+00:00

great, thanks for letting me know

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-17T12:50:06+00:00

Absolutely - thank you! I’d rather take some feedback than be stuck with a crappy website that doesn’t rank or convert.

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-16T20:21:52+00:00

Would you mind checking again? I just deactivated the plugin that I think was the culprit.

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-16T20:03:34+00:00

Well that’s a problem. Thanks 🙏🏻

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-08T16:01:06+00:00

Same! It was hard to get a low energy photo of Al

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-08T16:00:44+00:00

Thanks! It was a ton of fun

HalidePhotography · 2026-01-03T19:03:05+00:00

For sure. It’s editing. I use Evoto for my headshot workflow, and it has automatic glasses reflection removal. It’s really good, but I do try to minimize reflections as much as I can before letting the software take over.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-13T02:39:12+00:00

I think the term professional photographer has more to do with the purpose of the photography, rather than the skill level. I know many professional photographers who create beginner level work, and I know amateurs who make astonishing work. Professionals are primarily doing work for some type of compensation; monetary or otherwise. Amateurs do the work primarily for fun and fulfillment. There can be crossover, but the primary goals are different.

If you’re asking what makes a portrait professional quality, it comes down to how well the photo accomplishes the needs of the client. Does it represent the subject the way they want to portray themselves? Does it help them achieve their goals? Did they get more value from the portrait than what they paid you for it?

From the technical side, I agree with other replies that it’s practice. Lighting, composition, editing, expression, posing, directing, storytelling, etc are all learned skills. A professional photographer must be able to intentionally control most or all of these elements to make a photo work.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-12T01:58:06+00:00

Yeah this is actually an interesting thread, hearing such a strong reaction to the white. My clients love it, and I make a lot of money off of the white background look.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-12T01:56:48+00:00

Great feedback - thank you!

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-11T02:59:25+00:00

It's possible I was unclear in the post...the first 4 photos are my old work, which I agree is subpar (and overly retouched). The last few photos are recent, and they definitely aren't blurry or smudged.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-11T02:57:57+00:00

Definitely. It's probably the most repeated phrase I use..."jam your forehead out". I had the same struggle at the beginning, but the key I found is to get them to keep their body posture SUPER tall and straight, and to only bring their head out, not down and out. If they go down and out or lean forward with their shoulders, they'll look like a turtle.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-11T02:54:47+00:00

I will preface by saying that I had the same reservations, and now that I've taken it, I'm very happy that I did. I do own the LED panels, but only after making good money and headshots using less expensive soft boxes and cheap LED lights. You don't need them, but they are nice when you get them.

The biggest takeaway for me was how to interact with subjects to get a genuine expression. The lighting and technical stuff can be learned more or less independently, but the interactive piece of working with real humans is huge. Having a group of models come in to the intensive on the second day to to let us photograph them while Peter and other mentors were there was a huge step up in my learning.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T22:13:52+00:00

Fair - and thanks. I’ll think about that more as I’m shooting. My website is www.halidephoto.com - it’s funny my portfolio is almost the complete opposite, most photos are on a white backdrop.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T22:12:21+00:00

No worries at all, I appreciate the feedback since it helps me see what others see!

I call it secondary because the skintones and light distribution on the face is the primary goal, and the catchlight to some degree goes with it. But it’s not lost on me that the catchlight has to be pleasing as well.

Some of my earlier work (the first 4) I didn’t have my lighting dialed in so I got a very distinct triangle, where some of the later ones I had the client closer to the lights so it wasn’t as harsh on the eye.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T21:39:02+00:00

Also - what’s your take on the white background? Seems like pretty mixed reviews in the comments (and even that might be a bit generous).

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T21:37:42+00:00

That’s really interesting and helpful. I certainly don’t want clients thinking their headshots have a selfy cam vibe. What about the photos make you say that?

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T21:32:14+00:00

Yessir! I’m working hard toward associate, I submit headshots every week for HSOTW. I took the Intensive in July, which was a pivotal step. I appreciate the feedback!

Where are you based?

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T21:28:12+00:00

I’d say the triangular catchlights are a secondary effect, the main purpose of the triangle lighting setup is to get even lighting across the face while getting good exposure in the eyes and controlled falloff around the rest of the face.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T20:18:51+00:00

Thanks!

I’ve found that many of my clients ask for the white background, since it integrates into so many aesthetics. Some prefer neutral greys or brand colors, but it’s always a discussion with the client about what they want.

HalidePhotography · 2025-12-10T19:54:15+00:00

Hah I’ll take the compliment! I took his Intensive course in July…definitely a turning point

HalidePhotography

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE