Corporate portraits are essential to represent a good image of your company. It is important to think about the message you are trying to convey and dress to match. For example, a law firm could choose to wear a suit and look more serious, while a creative business owner might prefer something more casual and fun with his head shot. Portraits help humanize your business, whether editorial or professional. In order to prepare for your headshot photography session it’s worthwhile to have a look at photographers’ portfolios. Check out Schmittat Photography for a good overview of different corporate headshot photography styles; what to wear, your posture and other elements that will help give the best possible impression.
Generally speaking, solid and neutral colors work best for head shots, since you want to avoid anything that distracts people’s faces. If you are looking to achieve a formal style, make sure everyone receives the message and remember to bring formal work clothes with them. Men often forget their jackets, so for a consistent appearance, try to have a spare one on hand, even if you need to trim it on the back. If you have time with a person, ask him to bring some clothes. Remind them to also iron their clothes.
Best Lighting & positioning
For headshots of companies and actors, I tend to illuminate fairly evenly. There are some circumstances in which the images are discrete, but for the most part, they are illuminated evenly. A classic beauty lighting setup works well, with a light above and a second light, or a reflector that is filled from below.I make sure that the subject is turned with his body 45 degrees from the camera and towards the main light source (if his lighting allows it). You may need to guide people to look directly at the goal. It is surprising how many people look outside the camera, flash or somewhere random.
Beautiful Smile
Most people know if they smile with their teeth or not. Even for professional head shots, smile with and without teeth, so smile in the way you feel most comfortable. A forced smile is not good and could even make you look fake. You should be able to recognize a “real” smile through a person’s eyes. Suggestion: think of someone or something that makes you laugh, this will relax you and give you a great genuine smile!
Your posture
Body language is the key to looking confident. Keep your back straight and don’t bend your shoulders, think about the posture a ballet dancer has but don’t overdo it or it will look too stiff. Do not put your hands in your pockets or cross your arms, this is a closed body language and will immediately make you seem inaccessible. Think about your company’s core values or morals and tell the photographer so they can help you portray them through your body language.
For Men: Choose your favorite outfit in a preferably dark color, such as gray or navy blue. The striking patterns and colors, as well as bright ties, detract from the face and may seem unprofessional. If you don’t wear a tie, it is better to wear a sweatshirt or a jacket or some other type of cape to break it and prevent it from looking like a floating head!
For Women: Choose a professional outfit or a classic office attire. Do not choose bold or distracting patterns, however, small touches of color here and there may be fine. Avoid short sleeves if possible; This may seem unprofessional and also detracts from the face. For jewelry, anything subtle and classic is a yes, but anything bright or flashy is a no. We don’t want to see your jewelry in front of your face!
Talha Ali is your tech generalist, covering a wide spectrum of topics within the ever-evolving world of technology. With a curiosity for the latest innovations, industry trends, and breakthroughs. Whether it’s hardware, software, emerging technologies, or the intersection of tech with daily life, Talha’s articles provide readers with a well-rounded perspective on the dynamic landscape of the tech industry.