Corporate photography step by step guide

looking for a photographer to do your company's headshots? Here are some useful tips for you on how to organize the whole process step by step

-1- Budget

First of all, let's start with the budget. You need to decide on how much money you're ready to allocate. If you need lifestyle photos/or photos for a small team overview page (thumbnails) then you can do it yourself, simply with your phone. But if you need photos as a part of the website design - you definitely need professional high-resolution photos. The price of the shoot usually includes pre-production consultation, photographer and assistant services, travel expenses, editing services (postproduction). Please keep in mind that it's hard to calculate the fixed price per person without the final details, that's why photographers usually provide the price for the whole package (that includes all the above).

• Can you do it yourself?

• Do you have a photographer friend who can do it for almost free?

• Invest what you can afford, photos are good for the next 5 years

-2- PHOTOSHOOT SCHEDULE

It's always better to plan the shoot in advance, at least 1 - 2 weeks before, we recommend you select some sample photos your like from our website, so we can better understand your ideas and preferences.

• At least 1 - 2 weeks before

• Book an extra few hours in your calendar as it can take longer than expected
  
  
  

-3- Studio vs On-location shoot

You need to decide whether you want to do the shoot in your office or in the photo studio. You can get a better price deal when you shoot in the studio since it doesn't include travel expenses for the photographers. But if you have a lot of people that need their headshots done than it's definitely better to schedule the shoot in your office space.

• Better setup in a studio

• More convenient in your office

• Better price if no travel is involved

• Would you like to do it outdoors?
  
  
  

-4- Background and the Final Look

It's always better to plan the shoot in advance, it will give your team members enough time to prepare, plus you will have enough time to decide on the final look for the photos/ determine what background color you want to do for the headshots. Background color is one of the the key elements. If you have a certain website style and you just want to replicate it, just make sure to communicate it your photographer.  On the other hand, if you're not quite sure on what background/style of the headshots you want to do, we will guide you and help you to make the final choice. You can also always browse through our website Corporate Page and see what background color you like the most.

What type of photos do you need?

• Headshots

• Full body

• Up to the waist

• Horizontal, vertical or square?
  
  

What for do you need photos?

• Website

• Social media

• Print materials

• Ad’s
  
  

What is your message?

• Friendly and Approachable

• Fun and Creative

• Modern and Dynamic

• Professional, Serious and Competitive
  
  

-5- RIGHT SPOT IN YOUR OFFICE

Make sure to pick the right spot in your office for the shoot. Today photographers don't really need a lot of space since they have portable equipment. You can even set it up in a hallway. Don't worry about the natural lighting, as the photographers have the portable lighting set up. On the other hand, it's always better to have an allocated space,  like a conference room, cause it will be more comfortable for your team members. As some people prefer privacy so they can feel more relaxed during the shoot.

• Can even set it up in a hallway

• Conference room is the best option

• No windows is ok

• No freight elevator or access to a outlets needed
  
  

-6- The exact number of people

We suggest you prepare and print the final list of all the people for the shoot, as it is always easier to keep the track of the process with the list.

• Print list of people

• Create a timesheet with a specific time for each person
  
  

-7- Outfits for the shoot

Depending on your company style, you can do a conservative corporate look (jacket/tie for men and a jacket and a blouse or dress for women). Or you can go with a more modern, "startupish" look. There are a lot of stereotypes, do’s and don’t’ about what to wear for a photoshoot. Some might say that it is not a good idea to wear narrow stripes, busy patterns or layers of the same color because the camera does not pick them up well. We say throw these old ideals out of the window, it is an outdated way of thinking and it’s not a problem for a modern camera anymore. If you want you can wear it (and of course if it represents the style of the shoot)!

• Do you have a corporate color?

• Make sure your clothes are pressed and clean

• Try new clothes on before photoshoot

• Do not wear baggy, bulky, saggy or otherwise ill-fitting clothing

• Bring a few different jackets, shirts and ties and our team will assist you with selections

• Glasses are cool but make sure that it has anti-glare coating

• Have a nice watch? Think if it’s a good idea to show on a photo

• Get a fresh haircut

• Sleep well before the shoot
  
  

-8- Makeup and Hair Services

Individual shoots usually include makeup and hair services, it's a different story for corporate shoots, especially if you have a lot of people. That's why photographers usually ask you to be prepared and come with makeup and hair ready for the shoot. You can hire makeup artists for light touch up for each person, but please make sure to schedule the timing properly (lock the time slots for each person).

Prepare:

• Mirror

• Finishing powder

• Lint roller

• Blotting paper
  
  

-9- Reminder

Please don't forget to send reminders to your employees the day before the shoot. Just a quick tip in this regard, we suggest you don't plan shoots after the corporate events, so all of the employees look nice/fresh and sleep well.

• Send a reminder day before

• Sleep well before the shoot

• Do not plan shoots after corporate dinners
  
  

-10- Photographer's Information

Please make sure to register the photographer's information with the security in your building, in order for them to come and set everything up on time.

• Register with security in your building

• Do you need COI?

-11- Time for the Set-Up

It usually takes about 20 minutes for the photographers to set everything up, we always come 30 minutes before the shoot to make sure we're all set and ready to go on time for you.

• Extra time to set everything up

• Offer water and snacks
  
  

-12- Some tips on how to relax and feel comfortable during the shoot

We do understand the photoshoot can be a stressful experience, especially with a corporate set up but we always make sure our photographer guides the clients. We heard thousands of times people saying they are not comfortable and they look terrible on the camera. But there is nothing to worry, it's normal to feel this way. We will tell you exactly what to do with your hands, how to pose, what angle works better and so on. We also always playing some light lounge music on the background and start casual conversation with some jokes and complements to make sure that people feel more relaxed and comfortable during the shoot.

Photographer will help with:

• What to do with your hands

• How to pose

• What angle works better
  
  

-13- TEST PHOTO

We will do a series of test photos before we start the actual shoot to make sure that everything looks exactly as you desire.

• Do a test photo

• Confirm with your boss if he/she likes it
  
  

-14- Timing

On average, it takes about 7 minutes per person. To be more exact about 5 minutes for men and about 10 minutes for women. It all depends on the setup.

• 5 minutes for men

• 10 minutes for women
  
  

-15- FINAL PICTURES SELECTION

We always bring a computer on all our photoshoots, we connect camera and review the photos in real-time to make sure that you got the picture you like and we can mark it for retouching.

• Each person selects the best photo

• External screen is a good option

• Retoucher can select for you if you don’t have time
  
  

-16- PHOTO EDITING PROCESS

Our retouching services include making any necessary adjustments to skin texture, removing any imperfections, adding brightness to teeth, hair editing, outfit adjustments, body sculpting (if needed), background corrections and everything else that you would like us to do. If you're planning to use these photos for your corporate website, we can even work directly with your web designer to make sure all the requirements are met.

• Removing any imperfections

• Outfit adjustments

• Body sculpting (if needed)

• Adjustments to replicate existed style on your website

• Extra B&W and additional crop versions provided
  
  

-17- EXTRA OPTIONS

We can always provide extra options for you, such as candid and group shots, that you can use as marketing materials. Just let us know if anything else is needed.

• Candid and group shots

• Product shots

• Video testimonials
  
  

-18- TURNAROUND TIME

Our turnaround time is usually 5-7 days. But we can do it faster if you have a specific deadline, we don't charge extra for that. All the services are included in our packages. We'll send you a link to download all the digital files.

• Takes a week to edit 30 people

• The same day is doable if needed 
  
  

-19- How to get your photos after the shoot

Photographer will send you a link to preview and download the photos from the shoot.

• Do you have DropBox blocked on you corporate computer?

• Can you receive files via email?
  
  

smile :) it’s done!

We recommend to prepare for the shoot in advance, as all these little details make a big difference!