Professional Headshots: A Guide To Arranging A Corporate Photoshoot

Don’t underestimate the pivotal role brand image plays in your company’s success. How prospective customers view your business is a vital factor in their decision to buy your products or hire your services. So, how can you portray a positive, strong brand image that appeals to consumers?

For starters, a professional corporate headshot of you and your employees is a step in the right direction. By showcasing the human side of your business, you demonstrate that your organisation is more than an abstract entity, enabling you to gain a potential customer’s trust and boost your company's reputation.

While the temptation is to get this over and done quickly to avoid disrupting business continuity, a rushed process can produce less-than-ideal results. In fact, a study shows that we make a decision to trust someone within 100 milliseconds of seeing their face. Talk about the importance of creating a positive first impression.

So, to create the perfect headshots, you will need to arrange a productive and successful photoshoot. However, various factors can influence the organisation of a successful corporate photoshoot. To help you streamline the process and achieve the best results, read on to learn how to arrange the ideal corporate photoshoot.

PART 2 – PLANNING YOUR CORPORATE PHOTOSHOOT

2.1. Why A Corporate Headshot Is Essential For Your Brand

When it comes to marketing your brand, there are always talks of humanising your business and establishing a personal connection with your target audience. That is because the last thing entrepreneurs want is for customers to view their organisations as abstract entities without any real people behind them.

Instead, you want your clients to be able to “meet” your business face-to-face and develop a subconscious relationship with your team. The idea of corporate headshots plays into this thinking as well. However, if you are still on the fence about this idea, perhaps what we share can convince you to reconsider your stance.

Reason #1: Builds Trust Among Customers

While building a healthy, growing customer base is challenging, it is far from impossible. However, that comes with prioritising your clients and ensuring they feel comfortable with your business.

Smiling pictures of your employees are an excellent way for them to connect with your company. When someone browses your website and sees a cheerful staff, it creates a positive connection in their mind. This empathy is directly linked to the first impression they will have of your business.

Reason #2: Reinforces Your Company’s Values And Identity

Providing images and photos of your employees is a vital part of communicating your brand to your audience. However, what is the message you want to convey? The right pictures can help establish your company’s values and identity, giving consumers an idea of who you are.

Conversely, choosing pixelated, low-resolution photos gives customers the impression that your business is sketchy and unprofessional. A corporate headshot derived from a professional photoshoot can help convey your best intentions, so when a customer encounters your business, they see a brand they can trust.

Reason #3: Boosts Customers’ Perception of Your Brand

As any advertiser can tell you, photography is a powerful branding tool. With the correct lighting, angle, dressing, and posture, your staff can portray a unique image that customers will automatically associate with your business. Trust us! Few things can engage visitors effectively and boost their perception of your brand like a great corporate headshot.

Reason #4: Improves Customer Relationships And Generate More Leads

When customers trust your brand and perceive your business in a positive light, they are more confident and willing to do business with you. Once the relationship has been established, it is easier for you to launch new products and encourage them to make a purchase. As customer loyalty increases, they are more willing to spend money on your brand. Everything kicks off with your corporate headshots.

2.2. How To Prepare For Your Corporate Photoshoot

Evidently, there is plenty to benefit from having corporate headshots of you and your employees. But whether you prefer individual headshots or a company-wide group shot, you may wonder how you can prepare for the photoshoot to ensure the images turn out perfect. Fret not! By keeping these simple tips in mind, you can ensure you lay the proper prep work for you and your employees.

Tip #1: Know Your Brand

While the emphasis is on portraying a professional image to customers, a corporate photoshoot is also a reflection of your company’s branding. Whether you wish to keep things casual or prefer that consumers view your brand in a serious light, it is vital to understand the image you want to portray ahead of time. This knowledge will enable you to achieve the results you desire.

However, if you are on the fence about the brand image you wish to convey, consider keeping your company vision or mission statement in mind. Generally, most businesses prefer to keep the photos in line with what their business stands for. Alternatively, gather several sample shots online as references and ask your photographer if they can replicate them.

Tip #2: Take The Time To Practise Your Pose

Unless you and your employees are models familiar with posing, chances are your poses are not going to be photogenic. So, while you might feel awkward initially, practising how you want to pose in front of a mirror beforehand can help you identify the best position to portray your best side during your photoshoot.

Regardless of your desired pose, try to be as natural as possible. Pay special attention to your body language, and avoid overdoing it, as it can appear stiff and unnatural. Remember to keep your back straight and your chest out at all times. The same applies to your smile. A genuine smile – teeth or no teeth – is more approachable than one manufactured for the camera.

Tip #3: Get Sufficient Rest The Day Before Your Photoshoot

There is a reason why we call it a beauty sleep! Getting sufficient rest the day before your photoshoot will ensure brighter eyes, better skin complexion, and reduced puffiness. That, in turn, minimises the appearance of fatigue and results in a fresher, more vibrant look in your photos.

Tip #4: Plan Out Your Outfit Beforehand

You are what you wear, and you will want to put your best foot forward for your corporate photoshoot. We recommend attire that is comfortable yet professional – something with more muted and solid colours that fit your body nicely. However, avoid anything too flashy or revealing. Even clothing with a subtle stripe or pattern design is a no-no as they may cause image distortion, a phenomenon known as moire.

If you are planning a group shot, coordinate with your staff beforehand on what everyone should wear for the photoshoot. The last thing you want is individual attire clashing or an employee wearing a different coloured shirt than everyone else, causing them to stick out like a sore thumb in the photos.

Meanwhile, don’t neglect your personal grooming. Business portraits and corporate headshots tend to feature a clean, neat look. So, you don't want your clothes to look wrinkled or have several strands of stray hair covering your face in the photos, as that will convey an untidy, unprofessional image.

Tip #5: Communicate Your Preferences To Your Photographer

Nobody knows your preferences better than yourself. So, don’t hesitate to discuss your vision for the photos with your photographer. Doing so will ensure that everyone is on the same page and that you can achieve optimal results. Some things to establish beforehand include the personnel involved in the photoshoot, where you want the photos to be taken (either at your workplace or elsewhere), and whether there are any particular images you want to capture.

PART 3 – HIRING A PROFESSIONAL STUDIO TO SHOOT YOUR CORPORATE HEADSHOT

3.1. Why You Should Hire A Professional Photography Studio

Are you ready to arrange a photoshoot after learning about the importance of a corporate headshot and how to prep for one? Excellent! In that case, we recommend hiring a professional photography studio to help with your corporate headshots.

Trust us! In a competitive business landscape where first impressions are more critical than ever, you will want the photos to be of the highest quality to convey your brand in the best light possible. A professional photo studio can help with that. How so? Read on to learn more.

Reason #1: The Studio Can Help You Look Professional

Sure, Bob from IT may know how to operate a camera. But does he know how to frame a shot? What about finding the best lighting and angle to showcase your best side? These details can make or break your corporate headshot. Remember, blurry images and inconsistent visual display speak as much volume about your company as an excellent photo, just not in the way you want, and it is clear which you prefer.

When you hire a professional photo studio, it shows that you value quality and take your brand image seriously. Whether you prefer a studio photoshoot or outdoor photography, the studio brings a level of expertise and professionalism to deliver polished, well-lit headshots for your entire company. Contrary to popular belief, many do judge a book by its cover. When your customers see professional, well-taken images, they form an idea of an authentic and trustworthy business in their minds.

Reason #2: The Studio Has The Appropriate Tools To Produce The Best Images

The level of quality you wish to achieve with your corporate headshot is not something you can achieve with DIY photography equipment or amateur photographers. From state-of-the-art camera lenses to lighting, there is a lot you need to present yourself and your employees in the best light. These tools don’t come cheap.

Fortunately, you have instant access to high-quality equipment and experienced photographers when you hire a photography studio. Under the guidance of a professional who understands the technical aspects of photography, from lighting and composition to post-processing, you can expect sharp, well-lit images that are perfectly framed.

Reason #3: The Studio Knows How To Capture You And Your Employees In The Best Light

Capturing the perfect headshot is not just about having the correct equipment. You also need a photographer who understands how to bring out the best in their subjects. When you work with a professional photo studio, you are also working with a photographer who can ensure everyone looks their best.

In addition to teaching you and your employees the proper angles and poses, an experienced photographer will know how to foster a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere to alleviate any nervousness or awkwardness in front of the camera. The results are natural, flattering headshots that paint your team in a complimentary light, making them look approachable and confident.

3.2. How To Select The Right Photography Studio

Now that you are aware of the importance of working with a professional photography studio, you may be wondering, “How do I find the best photographer for my corporate headshot?”. Don’t worry! We have got you covered with the following tips.

Tip #1: Have A Clear Goal In Mind

While we understand your eagerness to start your search as soon as possible, we recommend taking some time to consider what you hope to achieve with your corporate photoshoot. What is the aim of the photos? Do you want the images to appear formal or casual? Understanding your objectives can help define the type of photos and photographer you need, making it easier to screen potential photography studios.

Tip #2: Review The Studio’s Portfolio

A photo studio’s portfolio is the best way to understand its photographer’s style and approach. Keep your objectives in mind when reviewing the portfolio, and look for one that matches your needs and vision for the photos. You also want to pay attention to the image quality. Are they blurry and poorly composed, or well-lit and sharp? These factors play a vital role in the decision-making process.

Tip #3: Plan Your Budget

While you don’t want to skimp on quality, it is still wise to have a budget and stick to it. A reputable studio will seek to work with your budget in mind and propose a solution that works for both parties. Most importantly, ensure you have a good idea of the cost and what is included in the package, such as editing, the number of images provided, and retouching, before signing the dotted lines.

Tip #4: Enquire About The Studio’s Communication Style

Good communication is pivotal in any business relationship. As the one bringing your ideas to life through their lens, you will want to work with a photo studio that is easy to communicate with, responsive, and attentive to your needs. Don’t hesitate to enquire about the studio’s availability and communication style during your search. Doing so will allow you to get a better idea of what it is like working with them.

Tip #5: Ask For Recommendations

No idea where to begin your search? In that case, reach out to others and ask for recommendations! Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, and if someone you trust has positive things to say about a photo studio, chances are you will like their choice too. You can also peruse online reviews from past clients to get a better understanding of the studio’s approach and reputation.

3.3. How To Organise A Seamless Corporate Photoshoot