Clients often ask how they can show their appreciation or help support Executive Lens.
Rather than a tip, I would much prefer a personal recommendation, an honest review, or a mention of the studio on social media or your website. These thoughtful gestures help others discover my work and give me the opportunity to do for them what I hope I’ve done for you: create photographs you feel proud to use.
If you would like to help, here are twelve practical ways. Most cost nothing, and even one small action means a great deal to me.
1. Recommend Executive Lens to someone who needs a headshot
Think of a colleague starting a new job, a friend launching a business, a recent graduate, or someone whose professional photo no longer looks like them.
A personal recommendation can make choosing a photographer much easier. Share the website, show them your photograph, or offer to introduce us. Something as simple as “DJ at Executive Lens took my headshot. Take a look at his work” opens the door.
Website: www.executive-lens.com
2. Share your experience in an honest Google review
If you have worked with Executive Lens, an honest Google review helps prospective clients understand what to expect.
You do not need to write anything elaborate. A few sentences about your experience are useful: how the session felt, whether the guidance helped, what you thought of the finished photographs, or how you are using them.
Your own words matter. Please describe your actual experience, including anything you think others should know. To find the studio, search Google for Executive Lens and select the location you visited.
3. Post your headshot and mention the studio
When you update your photograph on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or another platform, consider mentioning Executive Lens in the accompanying post.
A simple photo credit is enough:
“New headshot by DJ at Executive Lens.”
On Instagram, tag @executive_lens. On other platforms, mention Executive Lens or include a link to www.executive-lens.com so interested people can find the studio. If you would like to say more about your session, that is welcome too.
4. Add a link from your website
If you have a personal or business website, a link to Executive Lens gives your visitors an easy way to find the studio.
It can appear wherever it fits naturally: your About page, professional biography, team page, blog, recommended resources, or website footer. It does not need to be on your homepage.
For example:
“Headshot photography by Executive Lens.”
Ask your website editor to make “Executive Lens” a clickable link to www.executive-lens.com. A small credit beside your photograph works beautifully.
5. Introduce Executive Lens to your workplace or an event organizer
Your company may need updated team photographs, consistent headshots for new employees, or portraits for a website redesign. A professional association or conference may be interested in providing headshots for attendees.
An introduction to the person handling marketing, human resources, office operations, or event planning can be a tremendous help. Executive Lens offers studio sessions and on-site headshots for teams, conferences, and events.
You do not need to organize the project. Passing along the website or making a brief email introduction is plenty.
6. Mention us when someone asks for a photographer
Watch for people asking for headshot recommendations in professional networks, neighborhood groups, alumni communities, or local business discussions.
If your experience makes Executive Lens a good fit, sharing that experience can be especially useful at the moment someone is looking. A specific recommendation from a person who has actually been photographed here carries weight.
7. Share a post or include us in your newsletter
If an Executive Lens photograph or article catches your attention, pass it along to someone who might enjoy or benefit from it.
You can also mention the studio in a company newsletter, association bulletin, member spotlight, or local business feature. A brief credit and website link alongside your new portrait can introduce Executive Lens to an entirely new audience.
Following the studio and adding a thoughtful comment to a post are appreciated as well.
8. Let me know if I may feature your photograph or story
Real client photographs help people picture what is possible for themselves.
If you are comfortable having your portrait featured on the Executive Lens website or social media, let me know. You are also welcome to share how you are using it, whether for a new role, a book, a business launch, or simply a professional profile you finally feel good about.
We can agree on the photograph, wording, and any identifying details before it is shared.
9. Offer candid feedback
Supporting a business also means helping it improve.
Tell me what worked well and what could have been easier. Was anything unclear when booking? Did you need more preparation guidance? Was there something you particularly appreciated?
Thoughtful feedback helps me make the next client’s experience better, and I welcome it.
10. Keep Executive Lens in mind for your next chapter
When your role, appearance, or business changes, I would be glad to photograph you again. You can also consider a session as a gift for someone starting a career, building a business, or preparing for a new opportunity.
Returning clients give me the pleasure of following their progress and creating photographs that reflect who they are today.
11. Make EL.com part of your routine, and help others discover it
Executive Lens also presents EL.com, home of the Portland–Vancouver Daily Field Guide. This free community resource helps locals and visitors discover current activities, events, outings, and places to explore for a wide range of ages, interests, and budgets.
Bookmark EL.com and check it when planning your day, your weekend, or a visit from out-of-town guests. Find something interesting, send it to a friend, and invite them along.
My hope is that a few minutes with EL.com will lead to less time scrolling and more time enjoying our community. That might mean trying a new activity, learning something, making a new acquaintance, or spending more time with family and friends. It also creates opportunities to support the local businesses, artists, venues, and organizations that make this area interesting.
You can help by recommending EL.com, sharing a favorite discovery, or including a link on your website, in a newsletter, or on social media. Using and sharing the guide helps this community project reach more people and introduces them to the studio behind it.
12. Donate to your local food bank
If you would like to show your appreciation by helping someone else, consider making a donation to your local food bank.
Oregon Food Bank is a favorite charity of mine. Its work helps people facing hunger across Oregon and Southwest Washington. A one-time gift or ongoing contribution is a meaningful way to support our neighbors.
You are also welcome to support a food bank or pantry in your own community. Knowing that your kindness helped someone put food on the table would mean a great deal to me.
Thank you for being part of Executive Lens
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is helping someone leave with a photograph they feel proud to use. Your support helps me bring that experience to more people.
There is no need to do everything on this list. A single introduction, review, mention, link, or act of kindness can make a difference. Whatever form your support takes, thank you.
DJ Bornemeier
Photographer, Executive Lens
www.executive-lens.com
