Five top tips for an excellent corporate portrait photography session!
Creating a great corporate portrait takes more than just showing up and smiling on command. Check out our five top tips for having a great session.
As in business, photography…
1) Location, location, location!
No matter the photography style you want to go for, you need enough space for your portrait photographer to work, as well as the right conditions.
Avoid spaces which can’t be kept at a normal room temperature (keep the sweaty look for the gym!) Avoid rooms where there are too many windows which the photographer will have to shoot against. White walls are good, purple bad! Make sure the lights can be switched off or on. Low ceilings are a nightmare, restricting the ability to use lights and backdrops. The best bet is to have your photographer pay a visit prior to your shoot to help get the right location.
There’s never enough, but sometimes too much…
2) Allow enough time.
Getting a good portrait photograph takes time. Too short and the photographer can’t establish a rapport, and won’t have time to fine tune for the individual’s own unique look, too long and the sitter will get bored and uncomfortable. Minimal time for even a simple portrait should be ten minutes per sitter, however if you want a variety of photographs or set-ups then allow more time. Again advance consultation with the photographer will guide you as to what’s possible within a set time, or how much time is needed to fulfil your needs.
“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, but not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy, for the apparel oft proclaims the man..” Polonius was right, and his advice doesn’t just apply to his son, but also you…
3) Dress well.
Don’t wear fine patterns such as herringbone suits, which can cause weird patterns on monitors. Don’t wear clothes or accessories you don’t like, or don’t feel comfortable in. Bring a change of shirt and or jacket. Think about how the colours you’re wearing will look on your website, brochure or social media profile.
Because no one likes to be rushed…
4) Think about the schedule.
Don’t schedule the session at a time or on a day when folks are not at their best. Friday at 4pm is unlikely to be a popular spot! Same goes for Monday at 8am. Allow time for the photographer to set up. If the session is lengthy ensure that a break is built in for the photographer. Rushing the photographer will not help get a good result!
AND ALWAYS….
5) Have fun!
Getting a corporate portrait shot isn’t the same as having teeth pulled. Relax and enjoy the experience. If you’re relaxed and having fun, you’ll get a better picture!
Contact us for your next shoot!
