Inspiring Conversations with Cindy Quinn of CMQ Headshots

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Quinn.

Cindy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had an interest in photography. I had taken classes in High School and College, but I was raised in a family that believed it was a cool hobby but not a career. When I met my husband, we both enjoyed photography and would plan our vacations around places we liked to photograph. Both my husband and I have had our work published in books and magazines, but it was always a hobby. Fast forward to 2011, I lost my oldest son quite suddenly in an accident. He was 25 years old. That’s when my life changed completely. All I had left of my son were the images that I had taken of him. It also made me realize that tomorrow may never come, and I should be doing what I loved to do most. I am very fortunate, to have an understanding husband that supported my decision to make photography my full-time career. That was 2011.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My biggest challenge was learning how to run a photography business. I had some help from the local Score organization, some local photographers, and Peter Hurley Headshot Crew. After three years of being a Headshot Crew member and a full-time photographer, I have reached the highest level called Associate. Peter Hurley only bestows this title on photographers that he believes can produce work at the highest level consistently. There are only three of us in all of Phoenix. It was a great honor to achieve the title of Associate.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about CMQ Headshots?
I now focus my business solely on professional headshots and portraits as I really love working one-on-one with my clients to capture their true natural expressions in the best light. It is a great joy to see my client’s face light up when they see what I have captured. They are always pleasantly surprised at how good I can make them look. My company specializes in high-end professional headshots either in my studio by appointment or at a business’s office location. My website makes it easy for individuals to book online when it’s convenient for them and for companies to request a custom quote. My 20-years of experience in corporate America enables me to understand business needs and priorities. I have set up my company to make it as easy as possible for them to have their staff photographed for their website or marketing material. I am known for being professional, creative and very good at helping my client to relax quickly. I know they are going to be nervous when they arrive, so I spend time explaining my process and reassuring them that are in good hands and that they have a say in the process. My artist ability to advise my clients on what will look best for their skin tone, hair, and eye coloring sets me apart from other photographers in creating a high-end headshot that gets them notice as a professional in their field. My client’s all say how much fun they had and how I helped them to relax. I think it’s because there isn’t much I haven’t seen or dealt with in the past. I am always prepared for any outfit malfunctions or last-minute clothing mishap.

We have clothing tape, static guard, a steamer, hair straighter, blow dryer…. You name it we probably have it for our clients. We also keep some jackets and tops for my clients to wear if what they bring doesn’t work. I send my clients an email with information on what works best in the way of make-up, jewelry, and clothing for their headshot session. I give them examples of outfits so that they get some inspiration for what to wear. Also, I provide some videos for them to watch so that they have time to practice in the privacy of their own home. I have been in my client’s shoes. I never liked having my picture taken. I know how nervous I was. I share my experiences with my clients, and how I overcame it. I think that helps them to connect with me. I am relaxed and confident that I will know how to get the best expressions out of them. These attributes and my corporate world experience enable me to understand what they are trying to accomplish and what they need their headshot to say about them.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
CMQ Headshots was directly affected by the COVID-19 crisis as my business is located in my home. I personally have health issues that I had to protect myself and the others that live in my home. We had to close the studio for six months. We did not qualify for unemployment insurance and we did not receive any PPP grant money. Luckily I didn’t have to pay studio rent, which I believe saved me from going out of business. Several long-time clients paid us for sessions in advance and this helped us pay our monthly bills. We adapted our headshot sessions so that we could work in a large conference room to ensure at least a 6-foot distance, and we wore a mask. We found a way to adjust to stay in business.

Pricing:

• A headshot session is $300
• Each image purchased that is fully edited is $75.00
• On location staff images are custom quoted

Contact Info:

• Email: Cindy@cmqheadshots.com
• Website: https://www.CMQHeadshots.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmqheadshots
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/cmqheadshots

Image Credits
@CMQHeadshots