corporate headshots chicago Archives - Chicago Photography

Images do not only tell stories, they also sell products, ideas, brands and experiences. When shot well, your professional headshot can not only be used for business cards or website pages, but also for marketing collateral in the future. You have poured countless hours of work into your professional appearance and your business portrait is a great way to appeal to clients and customers. That said, it is important to find a headshot photographer who can help you better establish your personal brand.

Here are some tips for choosing the right professional headshot photographer.

Budget

How much are you willing to invest in your image? Answering this question before you start looking will help you focus on professionals that suit your budget. Keep in mind, though, that the saying “you get what you pay for” applies when considering a headshot photographer.

If you want quality photos, be prepared to pony up some dough.

Check portfolio

Go online and spend some time looking at the portfolio of the photographer you’re considering working with. This will give you an idea about their style and ability. Take note of what you like and dislike in the various photos you see.

Field of expertise

Taking professional photos of an individual while capturing his or her personality is different from taking photos at a wedding, concert or sporting event. Be sure to choose a photographer that is experienced at taking thoughtful corporate headshots.

Experience

The more experienced the photographer is, the more extensive their portfolio is. Also, you can expect that they have better equipment as compared to those who are just starting out. Ultimately, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that they are capable of capturing great professional photos.

Not every corporate photographer works with models. As photographers, we often face the challenge of posing our subjects. Our clients may not have any idea about how to pose in front of the camera. We are here to help you look your best in your professional headshot.

Here are some tips for making your corporate headshot pop:

Lift the arm

When taking photos, most people would stand naturally and just place their arms on the side. No matter how relaxed the person is, he or she will look stiff and uncomfortable in these photos. Try to lift your arms slightly during your photo shoot.

Chin out and down

To hide a potential double chin, try to bring your chin forward and then down. Make sure, though, that the chin is not pressed closely against your neck.

Hands

Your hands are often a giveaway as to how your are feeling at the moment. You may look relaxed, but if your hands are clenched then you are going to look tensed. Make sure the hands are relaxed and do not overtake the shot.

If your hands are busy, try holding onto something. This provides a distraction to curb your anxiety. If you can’t seem to relax, your photographer should just focus on the face and upper body and not include the hands on the shots.

The relaxed look

Time and time again, we’ve encountered clients who would raise their chin and give some sort of blank expression. That’s how a model poses, right? Wrong!

Expression is important in portraits. A portrait without a real expression doesn’t connect with the viewer. Try to relax as your portrait is being taken. The photos will not look natural if your don’t feel natural.

G. Thomas Ward in Action – Corporate Headshot Process

Last year I had the privilege to take business portraits at ChannelCon 2015. Take a look at the video we recorded of the headshot photography process and peruse through our gallery of the final product below!

Posts

Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Headshot Photographer

Corporate Portrait Photography Tips You’ll Never Want to Forget

G. Thomas Ward in Action – Corporate Headshot Process

Sample Professional Headshots from ChannelCon 2015