Category Archives: Portraits

a conversation with lifestyle strategist Annie Berryhill

11.05.15

Lifestyle coach Annie Berryhill

I love that my job connects me with so many amazing people! I’m always so awed and inspired by the women I work with and I want to share some of their awesome stories with you!

When I thought about doing this series, Annie was one of the first people I thought about. She and I had a portrait session a few years ago on the beach in California. Annie’s personality is so big and her smile so bright, it is such a pleasure to know her.

Annie is a lifestyle strategist (don’t worry, she’ll explain it) in Southern California and has a new book just out called Breakthrough to Freedom: The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Life you Love on Purpose. Wow, who wouldn’t benefit from reading that book!

As someone who has been through more than one major transition in recent years, I know the importance of having someone to help you work through it and help you find yourself again (or for the first time). So, I asked Annie to explain a little more about what she does as a lifestyle strategist and about her book. Here’s what she said:

Annie, you’re a lifestyle strategist. What is that exactly?

Drawing from my strengths and passions, I coined Lifestyle Strategist to reflect the fact that I am able to guide people from where they are, to where they want to be in life and to be a source of accountability, action planning and support along that journey with a little butt-kicking mixed in when needed!

What type of clients do you work with most?

Most of the people who need what I do are people who are going through or have gone through a recent transition of some sort. Whether it’s becoming an empty-nester, a divorced person or widow/widower or even someone who has quit a job, it’s all related to being a place where you’ve lost touch with your true self, OR are in a place where you realize that you’ve NOT been living life according to what you really want to be. Those people are tired of being stuck going around in circles and are ready to breakout and breakthrough!

That sounds challenging, what is your favorite part of your job?

Ah, I love it all! It’s always been pretty easy for me to see the paths that people can take to get into a more desirable place. I also love when we get to dig through the mucky stuff to find the GOLD in each person, usually the gold they had forgotten or never really knew was there or was as valuable as it is.

Who should read your book?

Anyone who is ready to make a change and to take charge of their future. People who are in transition or who sense that there is more for them to grab a hold of and also people who are tired of waiting around for a live they love to happen, and are ready to take actions to MAKE it happen. People talk about living out their dreams, but few actually take the time and put in the energy to get to that important, life-fulfilling goal. This book will instruct you on how to get unstuck, live life by design (not by default), and how to be who you were created to be in the world with the time you’ve been given.

What ‘s the most important thing you want people to get from your book?

Belief in themselves. Everything that they’ve dreamed of doing is not only possible but they are so deserving of it. I want people to be encouraged that struggling in life is not uncommon and not forever if they really want to find their purpose. True freedom comes from living who you were meant to be before life got in the way.

What’s your number one recommendation to create a life you love?

Learn to love who YOU are! Your Design (skills, talents, strengths, quirks) + Your dreams = Your Destiny.

Thank you so much, Annie, for being such an amazing, strong and inspiring woman!

You can check out Annie’s new book here. She also has a new Facebook group that is launching soon called People on Purpose. If you’re interested, you can ask to be included here. To get to know more about Annie, check out her website too!

how to make an impact with your profile picture

10.09.15

Is your profile photo really that important? Why yes, yes it is. Do you want to know why? Well, because you never get a second chance to make a first impression, as they say. But it’s true, isn’t it?

Right now your online identity is just as important as your living, breathing in-person identity. Many people say that the most important photos you put on the internet are the pictures that represent YOU, like your profile photo. It doesn’t matter whether it’s for job hunting, dating, networking, or just being social, your photo is one of the first things people see. So make it count!!

Knowing that this image represents you to the entire world (it really does, think about it), it’s worth putting a little thought into it and making sure you’re saying what you really want to with your profile photo.

So, what does your current profile picture say about you? Here are a few tips that might help you make the best choice.

1. Your photo should represent who you really are. Sounds easy, I know. Just crop the boyfriend out of the vacation photo. Or, better yet, use that photo you took in your car when you were having a good hair day. Right? Well, no, those aren’t the best options. Your photo should represent what you want people to think or know about you. Are you confident and professional, friendly and warm, cool and artistic, outgoing and adventurous? Spend a few minutes and give this some thought before you select a photo.

Need I mention that your photo should be up to date? People want to be able to recognize you and know what you’re like NOW. Keep your photos fresh, updating them often and using only photos of yourself taken within the past year (maybe two).

2. Make sure you use a high quality photo. It’s important that your picture is sharp and easy to see, not blurry and ambiguous. Save the vacation photos for your personal feed and use a dedicated shot of yourself for your profile portrait. Even camera phones can take high quality photos and when used with photo editing apps they can look pretty good. Just be sure to use a clean, uncluttered background and find a nice shady spot with even lighting to position yourself in. If you are traditionally a do-it-yourselfer, I would recommend enlisting the help of a friend here instead of taking selfies.

3. Consider having professional photos taken. This way you don’t have to worry about the specifics of composing a great shot, especially if you’re not really into that or don’t want to spend the time taking 100 photos to get the right one! A pro photographer can make sure your photo shows you in the best possible way. Professional portraits or headshots don’t have to be stuffy or boring, unless that’s the image you want to portray. (I hope not!) They can have style and flare, be in the studio or outdoors, be formal or laid back, and more. I always encourage my clients to smile, have fun and be themselves. This way you get a photo that really tells people who you are. I also use the most flattering lighting and backgrounds to make sure each person looks their best.

So, take a look at your profile photo on your social media and networking sites. Does it match the image you want to portray to your friends, your boss, your donors, your students, your clients, and the rest of the world?

If you’re interested in finding out more about getting some professional portraits taken, please contact me. I’d love to give you more details.