About

Alan Merrigan portrait

Hello, my name is Alan, and I'm happy to meet you! I wanted to share a little about myself, how I got into personal brand photography, and why I love my job, so ultimately, you’re more comfortable working with me.

I’m a Southern California native, I love the color orange, making piles of grilled cheese sandwiches, my family, and finding an excuse to go for a drive off road in my Subie. I can say without a doubt that photography is one of my greatest passions though.

Photography is pretty much my life! I can’t say I was born with a camera in my hand but one appeared pretty soon afterwards. Starting as a high school yearbook & newspaper photographer, I’ve been blessed by being able to make a living by capturing amazing moments in peoples lives.

I fell more and more in love with photography as I worked, and eventually figured out that capturing people was what made it the most fun for me. Today, I’m proud to have photographed a great number of remarkable people. Each of them has trusted me and my vision with their brand and images. I take that responsibility incredibly seriously.

I believe your personality and brand are of the utmost importance. I’ll be working with you personally to ensure that you’re comfortable and confident before you ever stand in front of my lens. We’ll work together to pick the perfect outfits, locations, and small details for your session. I don’t want this to be anything less than an excellent experience. My goal is to create the personal branding session both you and your brand will love.

Send me a message and let me know what I can do for you!

Alan

Awards & Accolades

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American Advertising Federation - Gold & Silver Addy Awards

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WPPI - Wedding & Portrait Photographers International - Award of Excellence

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Wired Magazine Photography Competition - First Place

Professional Photographers of America - Recognition

Frequently Asked Questions

BRANDING & HEADSHOTS

Professional headshot photography is crucial for establishing credibility and trust with your audience. Your headshot is often the first impression potential clients or customers have of you, and a high-quality, professional image can convey professionalism and approachability, helping to build connections and attract opportunities.

It’s essential to wear clothing that reflects your brand and the image you want to portray. Solid colors and classic styles tend to work best, avoiding distracting patterns or logos. Choose attire that makes you feel confident and comfortable, as this will translate into your photos.

Before your branding photography session, take some time to consider your brand identity and the message you want to convey through your images. Think about the locations, props, and poses that will best reflect your personality and business ethos. Additionally, ensure you’re well-rested and hydrated on the day of the shoot to look and feel your best.

During the session, we’ll will work with you to capture a variety of poses and expressions that showcase your personality and brand identity. They’re not all serious, or all with a toothy grin either. You’ll receive guidance on posing and expressions to ensure you look confident and approachable in your photos.

Yes, absolutely! Your branding photos are versatile assets that can be used across various marketing channels, including your website, social media profiles, marketing materials, and professional networking platforms. They can also be repurposed for blog posts, newsletters, and other promotional materials.

To ensure your branding photos align with your overall brand identity, communicate openly with your photographer about your brand values, aesthetic preferences, and target audience. Provide examples of branding images that resonate with you and discuss how you envision incorporating your photos into your marketing strategy. Collaboration and clear communication are key to creating branding photos that authentically represent your brand.

Lighting is a critical element in branding photography, as it sets the mood and enhances the overall look of your images. Whether it’s natural light or artificial lighting setups, your photographer will use lighting techniques to highlight your features and create a flattering and engaging atmosphere. Good lighting can elevate the professionalism and visual appeal of your branding photos.

To ensure your personality shines through in your branding photos, focus on being authentic and relaxed during the shoot. Your photographer will guide you through posing and expressions, but it’s essential to stay true to yourself and let your natural charisma come through. Embrace your unique quirks and traits, as they will help to make your photos memorable and relatable.

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GRADUATES & SENIORS

Graduate and senior photography captures the excitement and achievements of graduating students as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. It’s a celebration of their accomplishments and a reflection of their individual personalities and aspirations.

The best time to schedule a graduate or senior photoshoot is typically during the student’s final year of high school or college, shortly before graduation. This ensures that the photos capture the milestone moment while the memories are still fresh.

Students should wear outfits that reflect their personal style and make them feel confident and comfortable. It’s recommended to choose a variety of outfits, including formal attire for traditional portraits and casual outfits that showcase their personality and interests.

Suitable locations for graduate or senior photoshoots can vary depending on the student’s preferences and interests. Popular options include outdoor settings such as parks, beaches, or urban areas, as well as indoor locations like studios or historic buildings.

The duration of a graduate or senior photoshoot can vary depending on the number of locations, outfit changes, and poses desired. On average, a photoshoot may last anywhere from one to two hours.

Students can incorporate props that represent their interests, hobbies, or achievements, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, academic awards, or university merchandise.

After the photoshoot, the photographer will edit and retouch the images to ensure they meet professional standards. Students will then have the opportunity to review the photos and select their favorites for prints or digital copies.

Students can make the most of their photoshoot experience by being themselves, staying relaxed, and enjoying the moment. It’s a chance to celebrate their accomplishments and create lasting memories that they’ll cherish for years to come.