Advice from a Professional Headshot Photographer in Richmond, Virginia.
Gone are the days of department store studio portraits. You know the ones, painted blue fabric backdrops with velvet arm rests. Only good for bringing back nostalgia of the last few decades of the 1900s. Not so good for presenting your staff and team to the public in the modern age. It’s also not great to show up to a stranger who may or may not even have any photography education. And who doesn’t help you prep or get paid enough to care. So let’s avoid that problem and talk about choosing the best photographer for your company Headshots!
You already know you need high-quality, professional portraits of your company team members. Lucky for you, there are more options than ever for Headshots! I often get phone calls that go something like this – “We’re a corporate company, and we need headshots, but we don’t want them to look outdated and stuffy.“ Good news – I hear you, I agree with that, and I got you!
I specialize in creating Headshots that make sense for your brand, your company culture and the way you want to be seen by your clients. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to Headshots that properly represent your company. I like to call them “modern” Headshots, but they really are simply strategic portraits that I help you coordinate based on what actually works for you team. For some, that is the classic white, clean backdrop. For others, it’s going outside. And for many, it’s using your actual space to create environmental headshots that show your team in their element. This is my favorite option. And if you want to use your space, but don’t like the background and want the clean backdrop, I provide that service with a portable studio setup. I have everything I need to bring the studio to you!
Things to prioritize when choosing the best photographer for your headshots.
I understand that finding and choosing the right photographer for your Corporate Headshots can feel daunting. Here are a few things to think about when searching online for the perfect person to bring your vision to life.
First off, why I think I am a good fit for you: All of the above and below… but also, I worked in Creative Marketing for 14 years, and part of that was taking Headshots for the on-air Talent, News Anchors and all of our staff. I have been photographing people for about 20 years at this point. Starting with weddings, families and events, so I know how to work with a diverse range of locations, situations and people.
I know my equipment very well (which is so important!) When I come to you, you’re not waiting long for me to setup and mess with settings. I have it down to a science, because I want this to be as easy as possible for you, so you can get on with your day and your business. If you are taking the time to schedule your entire team, and pay someone to come in and photograph them, which probably does not happen often, you want someone who will come in and do it right the first time.
How responsive and professional are your first interactions with the Photographer?
When you reach out to a photographer online, especially if it is through their website, they should have a simple and easy way to inquire. And a website that clearly sates what they do with plenty of examples. Typically, a contact form that puts you in their inbox. Once you do that, you should hear form them to set up the next steps. Which for me, is sending information and asking if you want to jump on a quick phone consultation to make sure you know exactly which package works best for you, and answer any questions you may have. A quick discussion also give your reassurance that we will be a good fit for each other.
Red Flags: If the website makes it difficult to contact them, or you do contact them and don’t hear back within a reasonable amount of time, or your back and forth feels unprofessional, or they cannot answer your questions clearly and easily.
How does the Photographer’s Portfolio look?
You cannot overlook this, it is so important. Make sure you look through the example photos they have on their website or social media to ensure they have the technical skills to create good work. Experience with a variety of people, businesses, locations and lighting scenarios and that there is consistency in their work. This is also a good way to see if they are a good fit for the type of photos you want specifically for your company.
Red Flags: Do they only shoot outdoors and don’t know how to use proper lighting? Do they not have a portfolio at all? Do the images seem outdated and unprofessional? Does it look like all of their photos are from “styled shoots”, or workshops, where they clients were not booked by them? Do they advertise Headshots or Commercial and Branding work, but they only show family )or another type) of photos in their portfolio? This can show inexperience in the expertise in the type of photos you need.
Is their work diverse yet consistent?
Ideally, a good photography portfolio shows people of all ages, sizes and races. This will help you see if they know how to photograph and light diverse body and skin types. Diversity in location also matters if you want them to come to you. You need to make sure they can work well in any environment. A good photographer will have a consistent style, while being able to show it no matter where the photos were taken. This also includes how they pose and work with people Are they able to guide, pose and make people feel comfortable? You can usually tell this by looking at the photos, do they feel awkward or relaxed?
Red Flags: The people in their photos look uncomfortable and like they weren’t given posing guidance. If the angles are just bad (I see this a lot). They only shoot in a studio, but you want to your headshots on location or outdoors, they might not be a good fit. (studio photos are not a red flag, just something to consider if it’s not what you are looking for) If all of their photos are from one shoot, they may not have much experience. If their lighting is all over the place, they may not know how to use their equipment. If they look more like a hobbyist than a professional.
What are their policies?
When you book with a photographer, they should send you a contract to sign. If they do not, that’s a red flag off the top. The contract protects both you and them before, during and after the photo session. Also check on their rescheduling policy, what to do in bad weather, what do do if people do not show up etc. A professional will have all of these things in place and should be able to answer any questions you have.
Red Flags: No contract, and not able to answer your questions about the above.
What happens with new hires?
Getting your entire company together on one day for staff Headshots is always the hardest part. A good photographer will give you options about both reshoots, and what to do when you have new hires. When you want them to come back to keep the photos consistent. I have a special rate I offer companies to come back and photograph new team members, or no-shows.
Mistakes companies make when choosing a Photographer:
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in the perfect photographer for your company headshots, here are some mistakes businesses may make. Or things they may overlook when choosing their photographer.
Focusing on price over everything else
Yes, we all have a budget, but if you are going to put in the effort of getting your entire team together, making them prep, show up and get their photo taken, you need to remember you get what you pay for. Professional Headshots are an investment in your people and your company and price should not be the main determining factor. Especially since this is typically a once a year or even less than that situation.
Always ask your photographer for their package options and how they price the photos. Consider their experience, expertise and professionalism overall.
Not discussing your brand aesthetic and vibe
A good photographer will ask you about the “feel” of the photos, the values of your brand and company, and the culture. Do you need to look very serious and buttoned-up, or are you more laid-back and fun? It’s important for the photographer to know this information, so they can properly help you choose a background, wardrobe and posing that will make sense for your team. Corporate lawyers should not have the same setup as construction workers. This is something I find a lot of companies don’t consider upfront, and they greatly appreciate me asking, because they then realize how important it actually is.
Red Flags: They don’t ask you anything abut what you want the photos to look like. They only shoot one way, and that’s what you get.
Hiring someone unexperienced with large groups
Working with a company or a team, there is a lot more to it than just photographing people. You have to know how to communicate with whoever is in charge, know how to have good rapport with management, and make each person that walks into the room feel comfortable and cared for. And if shooting team photos, be prepared to pose, light and manage a large group. My experience working in news helped develop these skills. I not only had to manage big personalities, but large groups of people under short deadlines, and communicate often with corporate and management. This is also a skill that wedding photography taught me, dealing with large groups and often loud, unruly people (which hopefully wont be an issue with your team, but there are often big personalities to contain.
Red Flags: The cannot organize and control a group, and don’t have warm communication skills with each person that comes in.
Overlooking Personality
The last thing you want is for your while team to have to deal with someone that makes them feel uncomfortable, “off”, or awkward. I know I’ve said awkward a few times already, but it really is an important factor. You want a photographer who has a positive attitude, can make your people feel comfortable, and work with you to create what you want, not what they want. I recently had a client tell me that their friend worked with a photographer who argued with them the entire session, because they thought they knew best on everything and didn’t consider any of their ideas or desires. That’s awful and I would never do that to you.
Red Flags: During your initial conversation, they don’t take into consideration your ideas, the chat feels awkward, or you just don’t feel good about them.
Not asking enough questions
Make sure that before you book a photographer, you ask a lot of questions about the process. See all of the above for help with that. Ask about packages, pricing, process, posing, preparation, what you need to know before, during and after the session. This way you know exactly what to expect and can properly prep your team, and yourself for any issues or challenges that may come up.
Not assigning a point person
This is crucial to ensure that the session goes smoothly. Have one person who has a list of everyone who needs to be photographed. Have them in the room with me, or nearby the entire time. Since the photographer doesn’t know everyone on your team, or their schedules, they will need someone who can “people wrangle” and keep the session flowing.
Now that you know what to look for in a Headshot Photographer for your Company Headshots, here are a few signs you are ready (or overdue) for that photo session!
These are some common indicators I get from Richmond businesses when they inquire about a Headshots for their Team:
- You want consistency in your team and staff headshots for your About page
- You’re about to launch something new, such as a product, website or new offer
- Your business has grown or shifted, and the team has changed
- You aren’t featuring your team on your website. People want to know who they will be working with before they book your service
- Your team webpage is a messy collage of selfies and amateur photos
- You need an internal directory with photos of your staff
Next Steps:
If you are ready to elevate your company Headshots, I’d love to help you finally get the consistency and visuals that you crave.
Start a conversation by emailing me, signing up for a free phone consultation, or learning more about my Headshot and Commercial Photography here to find out if I’m the best option for your team. Email me at hello@tinatakemyphoto.com or click one of the links below!
You can also always reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn and Instagram – my favorite platform for building connection, education and (attempting) to entertain you 🙂
I serve the Richmond, Chesterfield, Chester, Midlothian, Bon Air, Central Virginia, Northern Va, DC, Williamsburg, New Kent, Short Pump, Henrico, Goochland, Hanover, Charlottesville, Newport News, Norfolk areas, willing to travel throughout the state.
Thank you for reading! You may also like:
5 SIGNS IT’S TIME FOR NEW BRAND PHOTOS!
HOW TO ENSURE A NON-BORING SESSION
SMALL TEAM BRANDING SESSION INSPO
Have questions? Want to chat or say hi? Send me a message with the form below!
