Choosing Excellence: A Guide to Hiring a Corporate Headshot Photographer
You’ll benefit from more polished results, a consistent look for your team and someone who will be efficient with your time
Ready to book a session?
or have a question?
✉ photo@paulstreit.com
Click my email address, it will open an email on your computer / phone – click the phone # button to call me from your phone)
My guarantee – if you’re not satisfied with your headshots, I’ll reshoot your session at no charge!
Did you know that corporate headshots go a long way in representing a company’s core values, professionalism, and commitment to quality service?
Imagine yourself as a client walking into a company and you see uniform headshot photos of the company executives and staff on the reception wall labeled with each person’s position or office. Even without talking to anyone yet, this gives you the impression that this is a company with strong organizational principles and one that takes its image and business seriously.
As an entrepreneur or business owner, having a high-quality portrait photo that aligns with your brand identity can help you build trust and credibility with business partners and potential clients.
After several years of taking company headshots for entrepreneurs and professionals around the San Jose area, here are my pro tips on how to hire the best corporate headshot photographer for you or your company. I hope you find them useful.
Why Choose a Professional Corporate Headshot Photographer?
The way new businesses, companies, and personal brands are popping up in our world today has led to an increasing demand for professional corporate headshots. However, this is not just your average passport photo that you can take in front of a plain background with your phone camera. There is a massive difference in quality when you work with a professional corporate headshot photographer.
For starters, a professional headshot photographer like me knows the right lighting options and background color to use and how to get the best angles to give you a polished, yet natural look. I always use lighting and background colors that match my client’s company aesthetic and brand identity.
I pay attention to the little details like your facial expression and wardrobe choices. In my experience, it’s the little things that make the big difference. My service also includes professional retouching and editing where the magic happens. This is where I remove blemishes, highlight your key features, and make sure you look your best.
One of the common questions I get is; What are the qualities to look for in a corporate headshot photographer?
When choosing the right portrait photographer, there are some essential qualities to look out for. You should ensure the person has experience taking company headshots. The person should also have good communication skills, attention to detail, consistency, and most importantly, proven proficiency in photo editing and retouching.
When taking company team portraits, I employ these four essential tips for great corporate team headshots. Whether it’s for the About Us page on your company website, your LinkedIn profile, business card, company email campaign, or press release, you can be rest assured to get the absolute best.
READY TO book a session?
or have a question?
✉ photo@paulstreit.com
Click my email address, it will open an email on your computer / phone – click the phone # button to call me from your phone)
My guarantee – if you’re not satisfied with your headshots, I’ll reshoot your session at no charge!
The Process of Choosing a Corporate Headshot Photographer
Here is a four-step process to choose a business headshot photographer:
- Having a Clear Understanding of Your Requirements
It will help you help you achieve the desired results and identify who can handle your task.
Ask yourself the following questions:
• What is the purpose of this headshot?
• How fast do I need the photo delivered?
• Is this photo going on my LinkedIn profile, website page, or newsletter?
• Do I need a professional or casual style portrait?
Having clear answers to these questions can help you identify which qualities you are looking for and what you want the final image to look like. - Researching and Creating a Shortlist of Potential Photographers
Next, you want to research and create a list of potential photographers who can understand your vision and requirements. Start by searching online using target keywords like: “Corporate headshot photographer near me” and “Professional business portrait photographer” to see who pops up in the search result.
Do you have a colleague who has a stunning headshot photo that you like? You can call them for recommendations. You can also browse through different headshot portfolios of photographers around your area to see their existing jobs and if they have the experience and skill required to deliver what you want. - Setting Up Consultation Meetings
The next part of your process is to schedule a meeting with your photographer. This is where you get to know more about the person’s style, approach, and personality. Do you have questions about their creative process or deliverables? This is where you get answers. The discussion goes both ways as you get to communicate your needs and requirements as well.
You should talk about lighting requirements, background, and location options. I always give my clients the liberty to choose where they want to take their photos because it’s important to make them feel as comfortable as possible in their environment. So, we can book a session in your home, office, outdoors, or in my studio. - Pricing and Contract Terms
Finally, you want to discuss the price structure and contract terms. Are there payment options? Can you afford the fees? Do you have to pay in full upfront? Is there a percentage discount that you qualify for? These are all questions you should discuss before committing to a contract.
Also, how long before you get the final image? Is there a reshoot or refund clause in case you are not satisfied with the results? Discussing all these points will ensure a smooth headshot experience.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Corporate Headshot Photographer
Here are common mistakes people make and you should avoid when hiring a corporate portrait photographer:
- Ignoring the photographer’s specialization: Always go for someone who specializes in what you need. If you want a casual-style portrait, then go for a photographer who specializes in casual portraits, and vice versa if you want a professional-style headshot.
- Prioritizing price over quality: It’s a common practice among people to try and cut costs but in my experience, prioritizing price over quality means you often end up with a poor result and have to pay to reshoot.
- Neglecting to discuss the specifics of the shoot: You already know the importance of communication in a photo shoot. Ensure to be as explicit and clear as possible as to what you want including the background, location, date, and timeline.
- Overlooking the importance of post-production: Post production is just as important as any other aspect of the shoot because this is what determines what your final image will look like.
- Ignoring reviews: Always take existing reviews and testimonials into account when choosing a corporate photographer. The best way to know about the person’s service is to read what previous clients are saying.
So, what is the bottom line?
The importance of a corporate headshot photo cuts across companies, businesses, and personal brands. A well-lit, high-quality, and warm portrait can convince a potential client or business partner about your expertise and competence even before they meet you. Understand your requirements, research and list out potential photographers, schedule a meeting, and discuss pricing and payment structure with the photographer of your choice.
Remember that first impressions matter in the world of professionalism, so be sure to prioritize quality when choosing a company portrait photographer and ensure alignment with your brand’s image.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Then call or email me today to book your business headshot session and let’s get started on upscaling your business.
