We’ve all heard the saying “a picture is worth a 
thousand words”. Photography is a powerful vehicle in terms of promoting your brand or business. The images used to represent your business can create an immediate and lasting impression.
Whether you are considering professional photography for your company’s website or perhaps for future media opportunities, the style of your headshot constructs perception of who you are as a person and how you conduct business.
Before you arrange photography, it is essential to keep the following considerations in mind.
What is the purpose of the photoshoot?
The purpose of the photoshoot will determine the nature of the photographs you take and guide the decisions you make when directing the shoot. Photographs taken for professional profiling will greatly differ in style to those taken for PR and marketing purposes.
Once you have determined the purpose of the shoot, you can start planning the types of images you believe are suitable and best align with your brand and business.
Be sure to have a discussion with your photographer and openly communicate what it is you would like to achieve. Briefing your photographer will help provide them with the understanding they need to capture what you have visioned.
Finding a location
The purpose of your shoot will determine the location you choose. If you are after corporate profile images, then the office may be an appropriate location. Or perhaps you would like to convey a more personable side of yourself, where a more relaxed outdoor setting would be more appropriate.
Take the time to scout out the perfect location. It Is also important that the background is not distracting and does not dominate the shot.
When deciding the location, it is also worth considering the time of day you arrange your photoshoot, as the harsh midday sun is not ideal for lighting.
Planning your photography shots
Practising poses and planning your shots is a great way to help the day run smoother, as it is likely your photographer will only shoot for an allotted duration.
It is best to take a range of different shots for variety and to capture different expressions and body language. Remember to include a range of headshots and ¾ body shots.
When practising poses, consider what you wish to portray. Are you a leader who is modern and charismatic? Or a business owner who is personable and trustworthy? Make sure to reflect these traits in your stance.
For an idea of how to emulate these traits, take a look on publications you hope to be published in and take note of the photography they have used to accompany the story.
Don’t neglect your appearance
On the day of the shoot, it’s important to make sure you feel and look good. Appearance is everything in the world of photography and the way you present yourself will communicate a clear message about your business to your audience.
Careful planning is required when choosing your wardrobe for the shoot as there are certain pieces of clothing that do not photograph well and should be avoided. These include:
- Graphic logo t-shirts: These can often come across as unprofessional and tacky.
- Ill-fitting clothes: Make sure your clothing is a tailored fit and does not appear oversized.
- Avoid patterns and stripes: Distracting patterns are notoriously responsible for unflattering photography.
With these points in mind, it is best to stick with wearing simple block colours that don’t create too much contrast.
If you’re wearing makeup, remember to keep it simple, as natural look will always work best. To keep your appearance neat, take a hairbrush and hairspray along with you to the shoot to help tame fly away hairs
For glasses wearers, give your glasses a good clean and make sure they are spotless. Otherwise, the build-up of dust and fingerprints are likely show up in the photos.
Capturing the right photograph can build trust and rapport with the people who are important to the success of your business. Remember to consider these tips in the planning of your next photoshoot to make sure your photograph communicates a meaningful impression.
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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.PublicRelationsSydney.com.au.
