There are Mainly Two Types of Corporate Images
Two kinds of portraits
There are two different images you might come across as a corporate headshot: an editorial one or a professional one. There’s a distinct difference between the two, but you can do only one type of corporate headshot. Read on to find out if you use editorial or professional.
1. Editorial Portrait
Editorial headshots are taken from an original angle, portraying the subject in a setting that is commonly seen, but is rarely portrayed. This angle serves as a creative look into a personality that the reader can readily connect with. For example, an editorial portrait taken in a chef’s kitchen, wearing chef clothing, or holding a chef’s hat, would place a unique and interesting spin on an editorial portrait, allowing the reader to instantly connect with you.
2. Professional Portraits
A professional headshot shows the subject in a portrait style used to study a person’s appearance. It’s usually done at a photography studio with a neutral background and bright, (usually) natural light. In terms of framing, the subject’s shoulders are visible, but the neck and bust is not. Office-wear can be smart or casual depending on what the company and the image expected to portray. These are good examples of professional headshots, which are commonly used for LinkedIn.
Professional portraits are often used by large companies to present employees for potential promotions or new employees. It also ideally serves as a profile picture on social media, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, as a connection tool with other professionals and as a showcase of the skill set and education the candidate has acquired..
There are also other aspects to consider when taking a headshot, such as the way the person stands or the angle his face is shot. A headshot should show professionalism, but also capture a little bit of the person’s personality. Below are aspects to keep in mind when taking a professional headshot, so you’ll be sure to capture their attention!
There are also other aspects to consider when taking a headshot, such as the way the person stands or the angle the face is photographed. A headshot should show professionalism, but also capture a little bit of the person’s personality. Below are aspects to keep in mind when taking a professional headshot, so you’ll be sure to capture their attention!
When taking your next professional headshot, make sure you bring the following elements with you:
1. A portrait photographer won’t just point the camera at you and take a photo. They will give you some guidance to help you look your best. She’ll examine the person’s facial features and give advice on how to make them appear more natural. For example, she might ask if you like having one eye smaller than the other, or if you want your forehead to look narrower.
2. Smile.
Most people know whether or not they smile with their teeth or not, though you may want to double check that during your next professional headshot. Even smiling with both teeth and without can lead to a memorable headshot, so don’t worry about smiling a little “unnaturally” if it makes you feel more comfortable.
3. What to wear
But what if I like classic?
For the guys: Choose a dark-colored suit, and wear it with a plain, light color shirt. Bold patterns and colors in shirts, as well as shiny ties, detract from the face, and can look unprofessional. If you don’t wear a shirt, go for a light-colored button up over your suit, or a sweatshirt—which is yet another way to break it up.
Little touches can make a huge difference. For women, a simple suit or business outfit with subtle jewelry will do the trick. Subtle pops of color and
patterns can be effective as long as the overall picture isn’t too distracting. For short sleeves, it may be best to keep them
out, as it’s not professional and can detract from the face.
If you aren’t supposed to wear uniforms or get dressed up for work. You can wear what you like as long as it reflects your company. In startups, for example, a more relaxed style is adopted—jeans, t-shirts, and trainers are allowed.
4. Your posture
Body language is the most powerful tool you have to project confidence. Keep your back straight, but not rigid. Slouching will make you look nervous and stressed. Hold your head up, but don’t manipulate your neck to look bigger. Think about the posture a ballet dancer has—she stands up straight but relaxed. Don’t put your hands in your pockets or cross your arms, as this closes you off and so signals that you might be unapproachable. Think about your company’s values or morals and tell the photographer so they can try to help you portray them through your body language.
5. Hair
Don’t dye or cut your hair right before the shoot, this rule is especially imperative for men. Dyeing your hair a couple weeks before the shoot allows the color to fully settle in, and will ensure a super vibrant look for the camera.
6. Make-up So, you’ve ordered your portrait, and you’ve asked your photographer if hiring a make-up artist is a good idea. They probably said yes, as they know how important it is for your portrait to be easily recognizable. As for whether you should hire a make-up artist, it is completely up to you.
A good rule of thumb is to think about what sort of make-up you would wear to a nice dinner out, where the steak costs $30 but not $70. Choose an experienced make-up artist, someone who has a lot of experience with portraits and make-up, and who will enhance your portrait but not overpower it.
At first, personal headshots are a simple photo portrait taken of a person in business attire. However, the benefits of corporate headshots go far beyond just giving potential customers confidence when seeking information about your business. They also reassure clients that there is a real person behind the services you provide. It gives clients a visual reminder, your logo AND you.
To give the right, and a positive, impression, choose an outfit and posture that reflects your company’s values. Other than that, all you need is a happy and relaxed attitude to the photoshoot!
