VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Luis Gomez and Sean Voges, two local photographers, will be taking professional headshot photos for people recently laid off or furloughed due to the recent coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19.
The two are scheduled to set up their photoshoots on Wednesday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lynnhaven Mall in Virginia Beach.
Gomez and Voges’ efforts are part of a nationwide effort where photographers from across the nation will take headshot pictures for those looking for their next job. The effort is called “10,000 Headshots,” and like the name suggests, the goal is to take a total of 10,000 headshots.
Gomez told News 3 that a professional headshot could set someone apart from other candidates.
“For a potential employer, to be able to see a professional headshot while they're looking to recruit somebody, that's the first impression. That's the first line,” Gomez said. “So when they see something like that, that photo can say a lot about the individual and if it helps to get their foot in the door then that's what we want to do."
In a press release, Gomez said, “The base price for a high quality, professional headshot starts around $250.”
As for Voges, he said he was recently furloughed from his day job for two months and knows the experience and struggle firsthand. He said he hopes this event serves as inspiration.
"10,000 people is a huge amount of people across the country to help get their jobs back and knowing that I was out of work and finding it hard to kind of provide for me and my wife and my household, that was the biggest push,” Voges said. “That was the initiative for me, let's see what I can do to help other people get back to work as well."
Voges said those attending a photoshoot are asked to dress as they would if they were going to a job interview – dressed professionally. The two said clients will get their pictures that same day.
Appointments are required for the photoshoots and the two said each session should last about 10 minutes. You can click here for more information and to sign up for an appointment. You will be asked to select your state, location, and time. The next closest photoshoot location will be at Short Pump Town Center in Richmond.
You are asked to wear a face mask to your appointment, but will have pictures taken without it. Gomez and Voges said social-distancing guidelines will be met.
