Alaina Lutkitz with Upstate Headshots and Mary Dennan Photography
to Produce Headshots for Local Unemployed on July 22 in Greenville and Columbia
Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume, and of course, a professional headshot. Regardless of profession, COVID-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why local photographers Alaina Lutkitz, Upstate Headshots and Mary Dennan, Mary Dennan Photography, are participating with Headshot Booker and Brookfield Properties in the largest, single-day photo initiative that will provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to include with their resumes and post to job sites such as LinkedIn.
On July 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Alaina will be producing complimentary headshots at Upstate Headshots (111 Cleveland Street, Greenville). Mary will be hosting a pop-up photography studio at Columbiana Center (100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia).
Complimentary headshots are open to anyone currently unemployed. Participants are asked to visit HeadshotBooker.com for details and schedule a time to be photographed.
More than 200 photographers will participate across all 50 states, many of whom are creating pop-up studios at nearly every Brookfield retail location nationwide. Headshots will be provided to participants on site through event photo sharing platform SpotMyPhotos.
“COVID-19 has impacted every human being on this planet, and watching the unemployment rate skyrocket across the globe and locally here in South Carolina has been heartbreaking to say the least,” said Alaina Lutkitz, owner of Upstate Headshots. “Joining the 10,000 Headshots initiative is one small part I can take to help get my neighbors, and my community, back on their feet. Providing a glimpse of hope in such turmoil is only a drop in the bucket, but it is a start.”
“If you have lost your job due to COVID-19, I encourage you to participate and see just how powerful a professional headshot is,” said Alaina. “According to LinkedIn, people who include headshots in their profiles receive 21 times more views and 9 times more ‘connection’ requests. Now let’s safely get back on our feet.”
10,000 Headshots is the brainchild of Tony Taafe, who co-founded Headshot Booker with renowned portrait photographer, Peter Hurley and national event photographer, Lauren Lieberman. Taafe recalled the struggles his dad had with unemployment and the impact it had on his entire family. “I know firsthand that the effects of unemployment extend well beyond an individual,” he explains. “My dad was the hardest working person I ever met. He was in construction so the work wasn’t consistent and he had almost zero job security. “Unemployment impacts everyone and everything associated with that person,” Taafe continued.
“Headshot Booker is in a unique position to provide out-of-work Americans with an important element of the job search process – a great, professional headshot. And thanks to our partners who share a similar vision, we will be able to help thousands of unemployed Americans put their best foot forward and help them get back to work.”
“We are proud and excited to host the 10,000 Headshots initiative across our portfolio,” said Brookfield Properties Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Snyder. “As we continue to welcome guests back to our centers, we are grateful for this opportunity to help the members of our communities that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.” Snyder emphasized that safety for all participants is a core focus, and each photographer will follow specific protocols to ensure safe distancing and hygiene practices throughout the day.
The base price for a high quality, professional headshot starts around $250, which equates to more than $2.5 million in collective services these photographers will provide through this initiative.
In addition to Headshot Booker, Brookfield Properties, and SpotMyPhotos, additional support is provided by Canon USA, Tether Tools, and PhotoFlashDrive.
Upstate Headshots is the premiere Headshot specialist in the Upstate of South Carolina and has been serving the community since 2010. Their studio, which is located in downtown Greenville is equipped with the latest state of the art technology and equipment. That, paired with Alaina’s expertise in directing clients makes for an unparalleled experience that is sure to be unforgettable.
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