Kevin's Social Blog: Preparing for business portrait

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Preparing for business portrait

"If you’re like most people, the idea of a closeup photo of your face is about as compelling as smashing your thumb in your car door. Repeatedly." ; o )

CLOTHING

Style choice

Friendly and nurturing, like a coach or a therapist?
Strong and able to take care of any problems like a broker or a lawyer?
Artistic and elegant like a gallery owner or sculptor?
Classic corporate
Casual: choose polished statement

If not sure, bring several ~~outfits~~ tops

Something professional

definitely want a nice suit jacket for the professional look
I recommend sticking to solid colors
Something that will stand out against a darker suit jacket
consider the overall tone as somewhat neutral
Add splashes of color (power tie)

Something casual

Avoid:

Overly bright colors
Lots of white/black
Big or complicated patterns
Large, reflective jewelry
Caps
Tee shirt length sleeves

Personality, professionalism, and success
Gray background: select blues, reds, greens, purples
Suit:

Button top button
Texture works best (for example, pin-stripe)
Men look great in a light blue shirt and blue suit

HAIR, MAKEUP, ETC.

Look natural
Look like the person you truly are
Do not get a new haircut--at least one week, in advance
If going to a stylist, maintain existing look
Shave
Men: Don’t be afraid to have light make up applied by a professional
Oil-mattifier: controls shiny skin (really light lotion that soaks up oil without leaving any residue)

SETTINGS

Studio setting

Head and shoulder picture
Best for:

Press release
Newsletter or program
Web site
Business card

Studio setting works best
Typically small and serve primarily to provide a means of personal recognition rather than to convey a particular expertise.

Environmental setting

Conference room, library, or office setting
Best for:

Corporate brochure or newsletter
Larger format on your website

Communicates knowledge, proficiency,and warmth

Blurred background: don’t have any context that gives away the location
Alternative: three-quarter or full length view
Natural light photography

Very flexible in regards to weather, time of day, and location
“Worst” time to shoot is high-noon (or whenever the sun is at its peak height):

The sun is most “harsh” at this time
Most natural light photographers won’t even attempt it

For individual sessions, I like to get at least three different locations/environments, and with multiple outfit changes

Artificial light photography
Winter / early Spring shoots typically have the fastest turnaround
Location ideas:

Wilder Ranch

EXPRESSION

Purpose: encourage the viewer to bring his business to you
Jaw: Forehead out and down, to tighten skin over jawlines..."feels weird, looks good" (link)
Focus on the eyes (link)

LOGISTICS

Sleep: get lots of it
Set aside one-half of a day
Items to bring:

Comb/brush
Toothbrush

Just sit there and look "pretty"--let the photographer do all the work
Time:

10:00 a.m.:

Most convenient time for people
Enough time to settle into work
Still look “fresh” from the morning

One person: 15-45 minutes
Variables:

Location(s)
Outfit changes

SHYNESS

In good hands
Photographer directs
Very quick

POST-SHOOT

Touchups:

Tired eyes
Stained teeth
Blemishes
Wrinkles

Chris definitely retouches purchased photos and, upon request, pre-purchase photos

USES

LinkedIn

Standard headshot
Generally cropped pretty close in – say, mid-chest height

RESOURCES

Chris:

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