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NATICK – 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 photographer Itala Keller, at IK IMAGES, is 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.
Itala Keller will be producing the complimentary headshots on Wednesday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brookfield Property located at the Natick Mall. Complimentary headshots are open to anyone currently unemployed, but participants must visit HeadshotBooker.com for details and schedule a time to be photographed.
More than 200 photographers will participate across all 50 states, 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.
“I’m beyond grateful to be able to help some of our community with this great initiative! I believe we can change people’s lives with one headshot; this day will be the one a new chapter starts for 10,000 professionals across the US. July 22 is my birthday, I’m ready to give this gift to our neighbors and help them get back on their feet,” said Itala Keller who noted that, according to LinkedIn, people who
include headshots receive 21 times more profile views and 9 times more ‘connection’ requests. “We heard about what Headshot Booker and Brookfield Properties were doing across the country and wanted to be a part of it. We are excited and grateful to be able to contribute to such a great initiative.”
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.
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“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.”
“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.”
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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.
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In addition to Headshot Booker, Brookfield Properties, and SpotMyPhotos, additional support is provided by Canon USA, Tether Tools, and PhotoFlashDrive.
IK IMAGES is a photography studio specializing in professional headshots and personal branding.
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Photo and press release submitted to SOURCE media
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