Good corporate portraits are a powerful way to market yourself. Regardless of whether you’re a business owner or a model, an influencer or an artist - or you just need new profile images for your social media pages, a professional portrait will set you apart. But let’s face it, it can be daunting to stand in front of the camera and pose for this type of image, as they can be quite formal! However, with some forward planning and a bit of communication with your photographer, you’ll be nailing your corporate portraits in no time!
1. Consider Your Requirements, Style & Branding
The style or type of portraits you choose will determine how your audience sees you, and should reflect both your personality and brand. A traditional head and shoulders against a blank wall is more formal than a portrait shot outside, or against the backdrop of your office or workplace. Often referred to as environmental portraiture, this latter style is better suited to a more casual, laid back vibe than a formal corporate portrait, which is, well, more corporate!
However, your requirements will also influence the style you choose, so consider the end use of your images. If you need profile images for social media or the About Us page on your website, a head and shoulders portrait may be best, but if you’d like your images to communicate something about your business or lifestyle, an environmental portrait would be better.
Your branding may also affect the style of portraiture you opt for. If your brand is sleek, professional and corporate, a traditional head and shoulders against a blank wall will tie in well. But if it’s more earthy, natural and laid back, an outdoor background or environmental portrait may be better.
2. Think About Your Clothing
Clothing is a form of expression, so choose something which reflects your personality, business and brand – and remember, first impressions last!
Generally speaking, the simpler the better. Solid neutral colours and tones such as black, white, beige, tan, olive, pale blue and grey work best. Avoid outlandish items (unless that’s really you!), patterns, stripes, and irrelevant logos or slogans. And if your branding is orange and black, don’t wear that purple blouse!
Avoid tight fitting clothing. A blouse or shirt that fits correctly allows the viewers focus to remain on your face. And if you normally wear glasses, it’s ok to wear them for your shoot. Oh, and iron your clothes before the day – creases are difficult to Photoshop, and they will sit better and look more professional.
Consider any group portraits that will be taken (you don’t want to clash!). And bring a couple of additional items such as a jacket or change of shirt, in case your photographer feels they will work better, and/or so you can mix it up a bit.
3. Consider Your Hair & Makeup
You probably don’t want to do this too often, so go the extra mile and book a hair and makeup artist, so you look extra fabulous in your portraits.
Or if you’d prefer to do it yourself, keep the makeup simple and natural, and do your hair the way you normally would, so you feel like ‘you’ when you look at your images.
Keep the weather in mind if your portraits will be taken outdoors. Bring a hairbrush and hairspray on the day, and consider an ‘up-do’ if the wind will be a problem, as flyaway hair is almost impossible to Photoshop! Same goes for 3 day growth, gentlemen, so if possible, shave the morning of the shoot.
And don’t be scared to have a final look over yourself in a mirror, just before and throughout your shoot – your photographer will get all the tech stuff right, but he or she is not to know that you hate your hair if the part is not dead centre, or a wisp falls over your shoulder.
4. Discuss The Details
Your photographer takes great photos – that’s why you chose them, after all! But it doesn’t matter how good they are if they don’t know anything about you, your business or brand, or what you want from your portrait shoot.
The more information they have prior to the shoot date, the more likely they will be to achieve your vision. So discuss the details, both at the time of booking, and as the shoot approaches.
Share links to your website, business and branding. Tell them what the images will be used for, and what impression you would like to create amongst your audience.
Share examples of images you like (and don’t like!) and discuss what you did and didn’t like about any past corporate photos you’ve had done. Oh, and mention it if there is something you don’t like about yourself – they may be able to minimise it with clever angles and posing.
5. Allow Time To Prepare
The more prep you do, both mentally and physically, the better your photos will be! Get a haircut the week before, if you’re due for one, or have a facial if it helps your skin look good.
Spend some time practicing your poses and expressions in the mirror. It may feel awkward, but if you have some idea of what looks good, it will be a big help to your photographer on the day.
Spend some time trying clothes on, to make sure they fit correctly and look good on. Select a few outfits, check for stains and marks, then wash, iron and hang them ready for your shoot date.
Discuss your thoughts and ideas with both your photographer and your staff, and ask for their input. Ensure staff are familiar with the timeline for the shoot day, and understand what is required of them. And share the tips on clothing, hair and makeup with them too, so they can prepare and feel their best on the day.
Finally, get a good sleep the night before, and arrive with plenty of time to spare on the day, so you don’t feel stressed or under pressure at the start of your shoot.
So there you go, my five tips to ensure you get awesome corporate images for your business or brand!
Now, relax and have fun, and let’s nail those corporate portraits!
