Business enterprise: Elevated Headshots

Address: Naperville

Telephone/web site: 843-446-7203, www.elevatedheadshots.com

Owner: Mila Craila, 38, of Naperville

Years in company: Eight

What does your company do? Craila requires images — headshots and other folks — to aid men and women looking for perform or advertising their organizations. “It could be company owners or folks searching for a job. We aid them elevate their on the web presence and their individual brand. … There’s a headshot on a company card or a web site. The initially factor (men and women) appear for is, ‘What does this individual appear like?’ It is your likelihood to make a initially impression. … You do not get a second likelihood to make a initially impression,” Craila mentioned.

What does your company name imply? “It requires you to the subsequent level.”

Exactly where do you perform? “I do a lot of areas. If a corporation requires 50 headshots, I go to them. If it is significantly less than 5, I ask them to come to me. (For) these, I rent a studio from one more photographer or do it in my property.”

Exactly where are you from? “I’m from Belarus. Life is not simple there. Proper now, it is terrible. A lot of men and women (have) moved away. … When I was 19, I moved to America. Half of my life, I’ve been right here. I also moved my mom right here as effectively.”

Have been you a photographer there? “My dad, Alexander, was a photographer. I was 11 when he died. He was 40. … He wasn’t a expert photographer. He was much more of a hobbyist. He had all the gear. The darkroom. I was so fascinated. That is when my interest began in photography.”

This is a photo of Gus Ochoa, CEO, founder and owner of O-Lux Technologies in Naperville, which was taken by Mila Craila, owner of Elevated Headshots in Naperville. (Mila Craila / HANDOUT)

Why did you commence this company? “About ten years ago, it just hit me. There are so lots of expert photographers and I’d been performing this as a hobby. I was a college professor, a Spanish instructor. A couple classes in this college, in that college. I was at Daley College, Harold Washington (College), Dominican University. … I was fascinated by peoples’ faces. I was curious how I could portray their character. So, I began performing that. Business enterprise owners. Pals searching for a new job. It got rolling from there.”

How do you method your perform? “First of all, I have to have to come across out what their profession is. Particular professions could want to appear much more critical. I want to portray their character. So, I speak with them. … As a basic rule, anyone desires to appear approachable, expert, trustworthy. Self-assurance is super critical.”

For instance, if you had been shooting a auto mechanic? “I’m not going to photograph him in a suit, all critical, with a tie. I’d just go with his surroundings, at his (auto repair) shop. I want to see them in action.”

So, it can be much more than a headshot? “Exactly. … I could do a headshot. but I usually suggest a couple of shots of them in action.”

Do you recommend what they put on? “I send them a digital guide that has some basic guidelines about which colors perform.”

Do you take pleasure in your job? “Oh, my goodness, I appreciate it. … I just joined the Naperville (Region) Chamber of Commerce. It is a good resource.”

How did the virus influence your company? “Two weeks immediately after the pandemic began, I discovered out I was pregnant. For a couple of months, we had been not permitted to do something (for the company). It worked out completely for me. The purpose was to not get sick with COVID. Here’s the lockdown. It worked out.”

How’s the infant? “He’s good. Two years and 3 months. Maximilian. We joke that we chose the longest name that exists.”

Is it excellent to be primarily based in Naperville? “We are proud to be a Naperville company. … We definitely appreciate it. It is incredible.”

How do you come across customers? “Word of mouth is my greatest supply. But, also Google.”

When are you busy? “The final quarter and the starting of the year. … Summer season, also. Great climate puts men and women in a excellent mood. ‘Let’s do this.’”

Any challenges? “There are a lot of photographers in the location. Nevertheless, I’m not afraid of any competitors. … They do not have my qualities, my character.”

What about pricing? “I’m on the greater side. These customers who perform with me worth excellent photography. … Essentially, it is a $300 session. Photos are separate. They are $one hundred every single. So, if you want 1 headshot, it is $400. … If it is much more of a branding photo, complete physique, it is $one hundred much more mainly because it requires a small much more time.”

Any future plans? “I’m in the course of action of finding a studio. There are precise needs. Space. Lighting. Higher ceilings, preferably.”

What’s your suggestions for somebody beginning a company? “Make connections. As lots of as doable. Network as a lot as doable.”

If you know of a company you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business enterprise, get in touch with Steve Metsch at metschmsfl@yahoo.com.

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.