The Corporate Business Portrait

Corporate portraits, headshots, avatars, profiles, and publicity shots are as valid now as they have ever been. Except instead of only using it to send in to the local paper when you are doing something new or newsworthy, these photos are being used in blogs, on social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook and in apps for mobile media, such as Bump on the iPhone.

More than ever, what you look like, the image you present, impacts directly on your life. Have you ever googled yourself? What about googling the person you are supposed to be meeting with in a few hours for business?

Like any other image that I am involved in, my first question when getting ready to create a headshot is what kind of image are you looking to create? Ultra modern? Traditional with a twist? Something that shows off your warmth, respectability, professionalism, etc? Do you want to do it at your office? In front of your sign? Make up a background? Make it look like a magazine cover (so that, perhaps, it will become one!)?

We can create a custom business portrait, designed to meet your specific goals.

Contemporary Business Headshot Tips

Contemporary business portraits can be quickly and easily created at your location and can be easily adapted for use on web sites, e-newsletters, press packets, brochures and presentation posters.

What should I wear for my headshot?

The simple solution is to choose cloths that you feel good in. They can be formal or informal based on the audience that you are targeting with the picture. In most cases, you won’t go wrong by being a little conservative.

Choose cloths that you would wear to a meeting with a client or investor. Choose cloths that you know you look good in them. You can bring a few options to the shoot. But, don’t bring stuff that you don’t like.

If you are not comfortable in the cloths you choose, then you will not look comfortable. If you don’t look comfortable, the picture will not have the impact we want.

Hair and Makeup? What is a Groomer?

A groomer is a hair and makeup person for men.

“Do I need to use a Hair and Makeup Person/Groomer?” Short answer is that I recommend them. Almost any famous person you see on the cover of a magazine was at least touched up by someone who knows what they are doing for the camera.

“Do I have to?” No, of course not! But, it can give your image the polish and edge you want.

PreShoot Preparation

A few days before the shoot, pick out the outfit(s) and get them dry cleaned or at least ironed.  Get a good night’s rest before the session. Drink plenty of water so you are nice and hydrated. If you are going to shave, do so a few hours before the session.

If you are doing your own grooming/makeup, remember to bring some hair product (if you use it), moisturizer, and a hair brush or comb to the session.

Shooting a Session

The most important thing that I will work with you on is getting you to relax and be yourself. Believe it or not, that is what people really react to in a business portrait. The camera is not your enemy, it is simply a tool that we are using while we are having a conversation on set.

Don’t worry about how you look or how many frames I am taking. Just relax and smile and we will have a lot of great images to choose from.

©Matt McKee 781-329-4109