CONSIDER COMPANY’S BRAND, PLAN PHYSICAL LOCATION, EMAIL INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE BETTER IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS
When organizing professional headshots for larger teams, an effective plan keeps small issues from snowballing into big problems.
For my process, these are the things that I find to be most helpful to keep the business headshots day running smoothly while avoiding common pitfalls.
If you haven’t read Part 1 of “Planning Your Company’s Headshots” click the link below.
1. BUSINESS HEADSHOTS COULD ADD VALUE TO YOUR COMPANY’S BRAND. SO PLAN ACCORDINGLY
A company’s brand is its identity, and it is one of key parts of any business.
Because of weak/outdated brand lots of companies often miss on opportunities and profits.
Your company’s professional pictures play a big part in your company’s brand identity. So, take a couple of steps to figure out how to connect your company’s brand to the look and feel in your photos.
Your company’s professional pictures play a big part in your company’s brand identity. So, take some time to figure out how to connect your company’s brand to the look and feel in your photos.
First, think about who exactly your intended audience or client is. What are their expectations for your team or general industry?
Ask yourself how does your team’s appearance play into your company’s brand?
Secondly, consider few words that describe the attitude you wish to present to your audience. Approachable and Competent? Easy going and Energetic? Powerful and Tough?
Exploring this dynamic from both angles will influence your business headshots mood, clothing, and backdrop choices.
All above allows me to plan lighting setup. It also helps direct subject’s pose and expressions during the photo shoot.
Consider building a vision board if you are looking for a particular aesthetic and don’t have a strict style guide.
2. CONSIDER PHYSICAL SPACE TO SET ASIDE FOR A PHOTO SHOOT
To build an on-location business headshots studio, the minimum space needed would be about a 12×10 ft area, with preferably 10-12 ft high. This ensures enough room for light stands, backdrops, media cart, etc.
Though, depending on the headshot crop, dimensions smaller than 12x12x10 can still reasonably work.
Also consider the privacy, safety, and efficiency provided by the space.
During the photo shoot, you want subjects in front of the camera to feel relaxed and safe. Therefore, an area that has no foot traffic, is free of clutter, and is not in view of onlookers works best.
During the photo shoot, you want subjects in front of the camera to feel relaxed and safe. Therefore, an area that has little or no foot traffic, is free of clutter, and is not in view of onlookers works best.
Additionally, photo location should be out of the way of regular operations while avoiding high traffic or hazardous areas.
For bigger photo shoots I usually stop by beforehand to talk details and scout the best spot for on-location photo studio setup.
3. PUT TOGETHER AN EMAIL WITH BUSINESS HEADSHOTS INSTRUCTIONS TO YOU TEAM
Once your marketing team discussed how business headshot look can contribute and elevate your company’s brand and you’ve got spot for the photoshoot figure out, its time to put instructions list for your team.
APPEARANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Aside from your brand aesthetic for clothing choices (i.e. business vs casual), there are some best practice guidelines that are recommended for your staff adhere to:
- Keep hair and make-up simple and natural.
- Consider getting your hair and/or make-up professionally touched up beforehand*
- Clothing should fit well, be in good repair, and favor low-key colors and patterns.
- Make sure you check ahead for pet hair, dander, etc. on clothing.
- Take care not to overdo accessories. Character is good, but avoid distracting from your face.
*Bringing in a makeup artist is available for an additional fee.
SCHEDULING
Normally I provide marketing team with a link to an online scheduler.
Consider sharing scheduler link with executives (or people with the busiest schedules) first, to make sure they can pick time for headshot session that works best.
Afterwards, the rest your team will be able pick the time slot, sign up, and receive automatic reminders about the upcoming headshot session.
Individuals’ corporate headshot sessions usually take about 10-15 minutes*.
Also, I strongly encourage individuals to arrive few minutes earlier for final check on their appearance.
* As a result, teams larger than 35 people would benefit from a two-day photo shoot.
PHOTOGRAPHER EXPECTATIONS FOR STAFF
I will give directions in regard to posing and facial expressions.
The headshot photography workflow I use will allow your team members to see large, high-res previews on computer screen in real-time.
While using these previews, I will collaborate with each individual to review pictures, make quick adjustments, and select their final photo.
My goal during business headshots session is to help my subjects to relax, have fun and look like their best selves.
DO YOU NEED GROUP OR LIFESTYLE BUSINESS PHOTOS?
Team photos and lifestyle/ behind-the-scene photos helps to further build a connection with your audience.
Below are key benefits to including lifestyle photos along with your company’s headshots package:
- Staff already have had a chance to become comfortable with the photographer and being in front of a camera.
- With a photographer on location, it is less expensive than hiring them for a separate session.
- Using the same photographer for team, headshot, and lifestyle photos will help create visual cohesion.
If your company has a strict style guide, your package can include a pre-session test shoot. This would ensure that all requirements are met before committing to the entire team photoshoot.
All above are general rules and suggestions. After all, business headshot planning is dictated by each client’s particular needs.
To discuss best approach for your coporate headshots, give me call at 608-239-4199 or use this contact form.
