Corporate Headshots LA – Blog by Vanie Poyey
Corporate headshots are an important part of your branding and marketing; they help to create a first impression for you and your company. But how do you GET professional corporate headshots? In this blog, we will explore the process of finding and shooting with the right photographer so you can get the best headshots for your business.
First, you’ll want to determine what type of headshot you need. Is the headshot for your website, business or for your company’s internal use? Will it be used for marketing materials or for press? The answer to this question will help your photographer determine the style and look of the headshot to clarify the line of work you’re in! For example, if you work in a more corporate environment such as law or finance, I recommend a more traditional backdrop with either a light gray or dark gray depending on how conservative you want the messaging to be. However, if you work in a creative field, such as fashion or advertising, then a more contemporary backdrop such as white or textures may work for you.
Once you have a solid idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to find the right photographer for the job. A good business headshot should convey confidence and show that you’re approachable, so it’s important to find a photographer who understands how to direct you behind the camera and can bring out organic expressions. Be sure to look at potential photographer’s portfolios and see if their style is a good fit for the type of shot you need. Try not to ask for styles that don’t exist in their portfolio. The photographer will not have practice with that style which means the photos will not turn out as well as what you see in their portfolio. Typically what you see in their portfolio is what you should expect to get as a final product for yourself. In addition to making sure their style is a good fit for you, you’ll also want to make sure you’re clear on what’s included for the price, and what you may need to purchase separately. Always ask for an itemized quote in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later.
Prepping your wardrobe. Again, take a moment to consider the type of headshot you’re going for, and plan a few outfits with pieces that help clarify the message you want to send. When it comes to clothing, there are no rules that apply across the board for everyone. For example, if you’re in a relatively conservative business, you’ll want to stay away from loud colors and patters. However, if you’re in a more creative space, not only can you wear loud colors but you may also accessorize with bigger jewelry.
When you book a session with us, we provide you with a wardrobe guide with some do’s and dont’s to help you figure out what you should bring. If our guide is not enough, it may be helpful to consult with a personal shopper or stylist.
Makeup and hair. Now is also a great time to think about whether you’ll want your hair and makeup professionally done. If it’s in your budget, I always recommend having us provide a makeup artist for you who will also include light or full hair in their service. Strobe lighting tends to create shine you don’t see with the naked eye and having a makeup artist present during your shoot mitigates a lot of that shine as well as helps even out skin tone and under eye circles. I feel it “levels up” the look of your photos and makes it clear to the viewers that you are a pro invested in your career.
Follow your photographer’s direction! It may be tempting to try to hold back or control your expressions in an effort to look “professional” as you’ve practiced in mirror.😉 Believe it or not, this usually has the opposite effect, and you end up looking tense —likely not what you’re looking for. Instead, focus on staying in the zone with your photographer and be open to being directed to get those organic natural looking expressions. A good photographer will know exactly how to direct you to bring out the end result you asked for. In our case, we show you everything as we go so we don’t move on to the next look until you’ve reviewed your images and feel you have options you can use!
Once your session is complete, it’s time to pick your favorites! When picking your shots, be careful not to lean toward choosing the “pretty” or “handsome” expressions- a trap everyone is susceptible to. While these photos do make you look good, they are usually the ones that don’t communicate warm and approachable essences. Something which is super important in business if you want to be taken seriously. If you’re having trouble deciding (good problems to have) be sure to ask your photographer for guidance since they’ll be approaching their choices from an objective point of view.
If you’re in need of a great professional headshot, don’t go to just any photographer. Make sure to find one who specializes in corporate photography and understands how to deliver your specific needs. By following these words of advice, you can be sure that your next headshot session will be a success.
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