Client Stories: Stanford Friench & Italian Professor Marisa Galvez

Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about what you do? 

I am a Professor of French and Italian at Stanford University. I specialize in medieval literature and culture, especially poetry. I also teach broad humanities courses to undergraduates and am Faculty Director of a Program that is a liberal arts college within the university for first-year students (the Program in Structured Liberal Education, SLE). SLE is the longest-running first-year program. Students live and learn together in a residential college.

What motivated you to get a new headshot?  How old was your previous headshot?

I like my headshot that you took of me years ago, It's time to get a new one. I've noticed how much a good headshot conveys authority, respect, and a certain personality. In an era where everyone can take a selfie with their phones, good headshots really stand out. As I take on new leadership positions (I just signed on to be the Director of the Stanford Center for Poetics) in the next few years I would like to have a headshot that embodies a new stage in my career.

How did you feel about your old headshot, and what were you looking for in your new one? 

Stanford has taken headshots of me for articles and I replaced it with my current S72 one and it has stood out. I always want a headshot that I feel conveys my sense of self, character, personality, and professional outlook.

In what ways do you think your new headshot has impacted your business, visibility or job search? 

I do alot of public facing lectures, external review committees, and podcasts for a broad audience. People have told me that when they found me on the internet they were drawn to my research speciality but also my headshot and what it conveyed. So it has impacted the visibility of my research and my ability to reach a wider audience.

Have you received any feedback or comments on your new headshot?

See above! People always say it's a great profile picture and they are eager to use it for their publicity.

How important do you think a professional headshot is for someone in your field? 

As a woman of color in academia and humanities, professional headshots are important. I'm also a minority in my field of medieval studies. When people look to recruit diverse leadership headshots that convey someone's personality and presence are significant. I would like to be able to shape this profile as much as possible.

What advice would you give to someone considering getting a new headshot? 

To be yourself and imagine what kind of first impression you would like to give to someone who just met you in a professional setting. What is natural but conveys charisma or authority, or anything else about yourself that is you? How can this photo show that something animates or drives you?

Were you nervous or uncomfortable with the idea of having your photos taken and if so how was the experience in the end? 

No I wasn't because I used to study photography and I know the extent one has to take many photos and edit to find 'the one.'

How did you prepare for your headshot session, and do you have any tips for others on how to get ready for theirs?

I brought options for outfits and did research on the best kind of color that works for me, and the best makeup for photography.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or the impact of your new headshot?

It really makes a difference. Really!

How was your experience working with S72 for your headshot session?

Great: relaxed, professional. I liked being able to feel that I was a collaborator.