Professional Headshots for Your Business

Whether you're updating your website, creating new marking materials or developing a company directory, your business can benefit from professional headshots of you and your employees. You might be thinking that you can simply grab your phone or digital camera and take business headshots on your own, but you might be disappointed with the results. A professional headshot session with photographers who know their business is your best bet.

What Are Headshots?

Headshots are a type of portrait that captures the subject from about the middle of the torso up with a focus on the subject's face. They're used to help put faces to names on everything from websites, business cards and marketing materials to job seekers' resumes and student profiles.

The Difference Between Headshots and Business Portraits

What we're referring to as headshots are actually professional business portraits. These days, headshots are often spontaneous snapshots that may be of low quality and don't take into consideration the background, lighting, poses or wardrobe of the subjects. Business portraits, on the other hand, are professional headshots usually taken in a studio so that they produce the best possible image of the subject.

Dos and Don'ts of Headshots

If you're planning a headshot photo shoot for your company, consider some important dos and don'ts. Give your employees plenty of guidance, but don't be too controlling. Many people who have never had a professional headshot photo might be hesitant, so advise them to dress in professional clothing, such as tailored suits for men and sweaters or blouses and blazers for women. Solid colors are typically best. Don't allow casual clothing or wild colors or patterns. Encourage your employees to look their ages rather than trying to appear younger. These photos should capture people as they are, so they don't have to try to cover up wrinkles or fake a perky look.

Encourage each employee to present their best face and their most friendly, approachable attitude for their headshot. Don't let them think they have to look stern or powerful. Be open to suggestions from the photographer, too, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Remember that all this advice applies to you and your employees.

Benefits of Headshots

Business headshots come with plenty of benefits. For one thing, having a professional headshot photo helps a person present an image of professionalism that may be lacking in other pictures. This kind of portrait can help boost careers, promote businesses and their employees, create connections between people and increase the confidence of potential customers or clients. You might even notice aspects of your employees, job candidates or yourself that may come as a pleasant surprise.

How to Prepare for a Professional Headshot Session

Preparing for a professional headshot session doesn't have to be a nerve-racking undertaking. Talk to the photographer ahead of time to share ideas about what you want. Also, communicate with your employees well ahead of the scheduled session date so that they have plenty of time to make choices about clothing. Refrain from planning too many other activities for the day of the shoot so that everyone can focus on keeping their photography appointments and looking their best. Encourage your employees (and yourself) to get plenty of sleep the night before the session and to groom and dress professionally as described above. If you follow these few simple tips, you may end up with professional shots you'll be pleased to use and share.