How to prepare for a corporate photoshoot

If your boss has just announced that they’ve booked a professional photographer to take portraits of you and your colleagues…Or, if you’re a small business owner, and you’ve decided to commission a photographer since you need portraits of yourself for your marketing, then keep reading.

As an experienced corporate portrait photographer, I’m here to help you prepare for your upcoming corporate photoshoot.

Hopefully, you’ll come to realise that with a little forward-planning and preparation, the experience of being photographed at work may prove far more enjoyable than you might first imagine!   

What is corporate portrait photography?

Before I get onto my tips about how to prepare though, firstly, lets clarify what a corporate photoshoot is. Essentially, these are portrait sessions done in a business/corporate setting, usually in your workplace.

The objective is to capture portraits of individuals and team members - the people behind the business – and within their normal working environment. These portraits help to tell the story of the business and are useful visual assets for any company.  

During a corporate photoshoot, I usually capture both corporate headshots and relaxed individual and team portraits. The result is a great variety of images for you and your company to use as you wish.

The portraits are usually intended for sharing on a company website. Individual headshot portraits are also ideal for use on social media channels such as LinkedIn, and as a business card portrait.

Related reading: Need new headshots for LinkedIn?

How to prepare for a corporate photoshoot

So, how can you prepare for a corporate photoshoot?

Well, there are many things to consider in the lead up to a photoshoot day, and I’m sharing five top tips below. However, if you were only to take one thing from this article, my main piece of advice would be to take the preparation side of things seriously. I promise you, it does make a difference!

1.       Communicate with your photographer

The first tip I have for you is that it's important, in fact essential, to communicate with your photographer before the shoot to discuss your vision for the photos. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that you get the results you're looking for.

Because this is so important, I always set up a pre-shoot call, or meeting, with my clients to ensure that I have a good understanding of what you’re hoping to convey in the photos. During this call or meeting, we discuss all aspects of the shoot, and this is also your chance to ask me questions about the process if you have any.

Among the things I aim to establish is who is to be involved, where the photos are to be taken (we can be either at your workplace or elsewhere), and whether there may be particular photos that you consider essential for me to capture. Together, we’ll agree a time for shoot and a plan for how the session will go.

Great planning is an important part of the preparation process!

2.      Plan your outfit

Before any type of professional photoshoot, you should plan your outfit carefully. The clothes you choose to wear will have a significant impact on the final results.

My advice is to always choose clothing that's comfortable yet professional looking, and to avoid anything too flashy or revealing.

Great general advice is as follows:

·        You may not need or want to wear a formal shirt or tie but do ensure that your shirt or top of choice has been ironed,

·        Check that your collar is sitting correctly,

·        Do up the buttons at the top of the shirt,

·        Wear something that’s fitting but not skin-tight,

·        If you work in an office environment, a smart blouse and/or jacket always look great on camera. 

Of course, the outfit you choose to wear will depend on your profession though, so do what’s right for your individual circumstances. Naturally, a personal trainer would wear fitness clothing for their corporate photos so the tip above about tight-fitting clothing would not apply.

In terms of colours, unless you have to wear a specific uniform or outfit for your work, I suggest that you choose shades that flatter your complexion and that ideally also tie in with your corporate branding. Another tip would be to stick to a limited palette of just two or three colours in total.

Solid, neutral colours tend to work better than busy patterns or bright colours as they can be distracting to the eye, and they can also date the photographs.

3.      Pay attention to personal grooming

Although your workplace may have a relaxed dress code, do ensure to dress smartly for your corporate photoshoot.

Remember that these photos will be shared online and may be used for several years and seen by many people during that time. Therefore, wear something that will stand the test of time and that present you in the best possible light.

You might also want to use the occasion of your corporate photoshoot as an excuse to have your hair cut and styled or, anything else that might make you feel confident, such as a manicure or having someone do your make-up.

It’s these small details that can make a big difference to how you come across in the portraits. I always say to my clients that when you are feeling good, you will feel more confident in front of the camera.

4.      Rest the night before your photoshoot

Another tip would be to prepare for a corporate photoshoot by getting a good night’s sleep the night before.

When you are properly rested, you’ll feel refreshed, and you’ll look the better for it. You’ll also feel more confident in front of the camera.

5.      Relax and leave everything to me!

My final tip on how to prepare for your corporate photoshoot is to try to relax.

I know it can feel quite nerve-wracking having your portrait taken but hopefully you will actually enjoy it and even have some fun on the day!

Remember, the photographer is there to help capture you looking your best and a corporate photoshoot need not be scary or overly formal. In fact, I pride myself on my laid back and stress-free photoshoots.

Relaxed corporate headshot photography

I hope that these tips on how to prepare for a corporate photoshoot have helped and have put your mind at ease if you’re nervous about your photoshoot?

One thing I can assure you of is that if you were to hire me as your business portrait photographer, you can expect to receive flattering and relaxed business portraits; photographs that are 100% professional but also packed with personality.

In the time we have together, my aim is to make you feel completely at ease and as relaxed as possible in front of my camera. That’s because when you’re relaxed, this will shine through in the portraits and the results will be far better!

Related reading: Three reasons to book me as your business portrait photographer in Leeds

Corporate photographer, Leeds: Book your photoshoot today

As a photographer who specialises in headshots and corporate portrait photography, I’d love to hear from you if you’re looking to invest in professional business imagery this year.

My corporate shoots are ideal for small businesses based in North and West Yorkshire including solopreneurs and small to medium sized enterprises. I travel anywhere in and around Leeds, Harrogate and York (anywhere within a 20-mile radius of Boston Spa is included in the fee, although I can travel further, upon arrangement).

For information about this service, please visit my corporate photography page, then either complete my contact form or call me on 07762 111 818 to enquire and/or book.

Andrea