I often get asked to do headshots as a brand photographer. You may picture your dad's LinkedIn photo when you hear the phrase "headshots": he's wearing a suit and tie, staring squarely into the lens, and there's a plain white or grey background behind him.

Non-boring headshots and branding lifestyle photos are my specialities. Any styling that conveys the personality of the subject I'm shooting may be used in these pictures. Due to the fact that they allow individuals to express their own brand identities, they are popular among entrepreneurs, small company owners, and creatives.

For customers looking for more conventional headshots, I can still add just a hint of professionalism and charm to their personality to make the typical chest-up image fascinating.

I create a shooting strategy with each of my clients. I produce better work the better prepared I am. Additionally, I've seen that if I include my clients in the process beforehand, they are more likely to relax and accept my guidance throughout the session. In order to organise a shoot that excites my clients, I follow the process outlined below:

Prior to the picture shoot

1. Make the correct enquiries.

I utilise a questionnaire to find out more about the various demands of my customers. How are the pictures going to be used? What attitude do they want to project? What shades are their logo? Which picture orientation do they favour? Do they like the way the void feels? Such enquiries assist me a great deal in realising the client's goal. Additionally, it makes the client feel more engaged in the planning and direction of the session rather than just receiving instructions.

2. Pick a fascinating area.

Any picture, including headshots, may be professional without being restricted to a sterile setting. In reality, customers are more likely to relax and project confidence in their photographs when they are in a setting where they feel comfortable. I locate and recommend sites to meet their use requirements and preferences based on the survey replies.

I often get social media picture requests from business owners and creatives, and we collaborate to create a setting that feels authentic to their brand. My favourite places include coffee shops, distinctive hotels, and leased studio spaces. Her favourite image from the whole album was one I took of an interior designer in the midst of a room renovation. Don't be scared to recommend a site that bucks tradition!

How to take contemporary corporate photographs that aren't boring for headshots


3. Seek advice about attire.

Clients are always grateful for advice on what makes the finest photos. We chose colours and styles that go with their brand since entrepreneurs and personal brands are allowed to show off their personalities via their dress choices. Three outfits may be changed during a normal hour-long session, and depending on the client's preferences, I often suggest one casual, one professional, and one fancy or fun dress. They often carry along a few additional alternatives, just in case, as the final clothing choices depend on the surroundings and the weather.


4. Examine the shoot schedule.

My shoot schedules contain a summary of the client's concept as well as specifics like the venue and a rough schedule for the session. When clients see that we are on the same page, they appreciate our attention to detail and begin to unwind.


How to take contemporary corporate photographs that aren't boring for headshots throughout the picture shoot

A short glance at Instagram could lead you to believe that all women are at ease in front of the camera, but I've discovered that this is often not the case. When subjects first feel exposed and intimidated, these feelings will be captured in the photographs if not addressed. I take my job as a photographer seriously and use the following advice to make my customers feel at ease.

5. Foster a playful environment.

I have to create the perfect environment for that attitude since the whole point of my photos is to bring out people's inner dork, pleasure, and laughing. Having a music at the ready, whether it's one my client designed or my own mood-boosting, go-to (Spotify's '90s mix does wonders!) helps individuals relax while being photographed. I frequently urge my clients to move throughout the session, and hearing their favourite music helps them loosen up. A client will seem more like herself in the finished photos the more at ease she is throughout the session.

6. Assign them a job.

One of the easiest methods to encourage a subject to relax is to have them concentrate on a specified activity. This may include utilising a prop in a manner other than its intended usage, such as typing on a laptop or taking notes on a pad. These kinds of photographs are often commissioned since they work well on social media.