Shopping center to provide free headshots for job seekers

LAKELAND — With millions of Americans out of work because of the COVID-19 crisis, the manager of a Lakeland shopping mall is stepping up to provide free professional headshots to aid people who are looking for a new job. 

In conjunction with Headshot Booker and local photographers, Brookfield Properties will host the “10,000 Headshots” initiative on July 22, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Lakeland Square Mall, 3800 U.S. Highway 98 N., Lakeland.

According to a press release, 10,000 Headshots aims to provide free, professional-quality headshots — a service that can cost as much as $250 — to job seekers across the country. It’s the brainchild of Tony Taafe, who co-founded Headshot Booker along with portrait photographer Peter Hurley and national event photographer Lauren Lieberman.

“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,” Taafe states in the release. “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.”

Headshots are open to anyone who is unemployed, the release states, but participants are asked to schedule an appointment via HeadshotBooker.com. Photographers will follow specific protocols to ensure safe distancing and hygiene practices throughout the day.

“We are proud and excited to host the 10,000 Headshots initiative across our portfolio,” Brookfield Properties Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Snyder states in the release. “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.”