Corporate headshots are becoming more and more necessary in today’s market place. The saying, “A picture paints a thousand words”, is always true, so making the decision to invest in corporate headshots is one that you will not regret. The finished product will help you to send your vision and message out to the public. That being said, below you will find helpful step-by-step tips on how to organize the process for yourself and your company. Let’s get started to make this process easy and efficient for you!

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET:

The first thing you need to decide on is how much money you want to spend on photos. If you plan to use the photos as part of your web design, then you definitely need to have professional high-resolution photos taken. Photos for this purpose need to be good quality so they send a professional impression to your potential customers. Photos that are taken on your cell phone will portray a home-made selfie look. These pictures should send a more corporate, business-like, and professional feeling to viewers. Decide ahead of time how much money you can allocate to this investment. If you work with a professional you will get it right the first time. With over 30 years of experience Alan knows exactly how to capture the essence and personality of your business. Keep in mind that these photos will most likely be used for the next 5 years.

GROUP SCHEDULING:

It is always necessary to plan your corporate photo shoot ahead of time. You will want to give your employees plenty of time to plan for their own picture choices with their hair style, clothing pieces, etc. We suggest giving them 1 to 2 weeks advance notice. More than this amount of time and people tend to forget the scheduled date because they keep assuming they have plenty of time before they have to make their own decisions. When this happens, the scheduled date will suddenly sneak up on unprepared individuals. Be sure to send out reminders once or twice so the date stays at the forefront of people’s minds.

In the reminders, it is also suggested that you include a few examples of the style you are aiming for, so your employees have a guideline to follow. Allow people to sign up for their specific time slots so the actual shoot runs smoothly. Hiccups are inevitable, so be sure to plan for extra time in case it takes longer than expected.

LOCATION:

You need to decide on whether you want to do the shoot in your office or in the photo studio. You can usually get a better price deal when you shoot in the studio. In this scenario, Alan and his staff do not need to include their travel expenses in your price. However, you may have an extra large staff that needs to get their corporate headshots taken. If this is the case, you may want to have the photos taken at your office space to be more efficient with the time. This way saves your employees time away from their work hours.

BACKGROUND:

After choosing your location, you will want to decide what type of background you wish to use. Do you want a traditional solid background behind your faces or are you looking for a more natural background with a blurred out backdrop? Some clients like shots that are taken outside, while others prefer an office setting. Background color is also a key element. Whatever your preference is, be sure to discuss your options with Alan and clearly communicate your likes and dislikes. Bring pictures of other corporate headshots you have seen to discuss your options and style choices. If you’re not quite sure, Alan is happy to guide you and help you make your final choice.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE:

During your photo shoot preparation, we highly suggest you make and print a list of everyone in your group who will be having their picture taken. Once the list is finalized, please make a couple of printed copies of this list. One will be for your records and the other will be for Alan. It is much easier for everyone to keep track of the process with a full list.

This list should include individuals’ names, a phone number where they can quickly be reached, and a timesheet with a specific time slot for each individual. Cell phone numbers usually work best for contact information. This way, if someone accidentally forgets their scheduled time, we have a way of swiftly getting in touch with them to keep on track with the schedule.

A FEW LAST TIPS:

• If Alan will be shooting at your place of business, please be sure to register his information with the security team in your building. This will allow him to come and set everything up on time without unnecessary delays.

• Consider bringing water and snacks for your team. People who are hungry or thirsty during their photo shoot may not take a relaxed and natural picture.

• Relax and enjoy the process. The more preparation you have put into the shoot, the smoother the actual day will go. And don’t forget to breathe and Smile!