How to choose the right headshot photographer.

“Ugh…We’ve got to have our photo taken at work tomorrow…” -  a sentence that’s been said by many (probably over a stiff drink) with the same level of dread we have for a long over due trip to the dentist. While other genres of photography have moved and progressed over the years,  the bulk of corporate headshot photography remains stale, unflattering and characterless. It doesn’t have to be this way!

Understandably, most of us aren’t a huge fan of being photographed. We’re all our own worst critic and can be extremely hard on ourselves when our physical appearance is being put in the hands of someone else, regardless of whether they’re a professional photographer or not. But I’ve noticed a major difference between peoples’ confidence (or lack of) when they’re being photographed for a work headshot vs being photographed for a magazine article. Both of which I’ve carried out for years. 

This first scenario reminds us of having our picture taken at school or for a family portrait. Both are situations that were forced upon us and we were likely criticised by a teacher or family member for not doing it right. (Mum….I’m sorry but this is just the face you gave me, now just take the damn picture). This is where the dread started for most of us!

This second type of shoot has always featured far less worry from my subjects. Being photographed for a magazine seems cool, modern, stylish and likely centered around praise for your achievements. Also…and this is the main take-away here…magazine portraits look good, they look flattering, they’re designed to give the subject some hero-status. So… when hiring a corporate headshot photographer……

…find yourself an editorial portrait photographer instead!

This method is going to land you with a photographer who shoots stylish, charismatic and modern portraits and they’ll be flexible and experienced enough to help you design a style that works perfectly for your brand/company. Their lighting skills will always be better and their methods will always result in something far less cheesy than the age-old work photo. Their mental library of photographic inspiration features the work of the best photographers in the nicest magazines around the world, not just a career spent shooting only one outdated technique.

There’s another major reason to hire a corporate headshot photographer with an editorial style. If a magazine, blog or publication wants to write about your business, you’ve already got the right kind of photograph for the article, one that says “New York Times Magazine” and not “Lawn Mower Maintenance Monthly”.

Our small band of photographers have shot portraits for mainstream publications around the world and still continue to do so. Whether it’s being given 3 minutes to nail a covershot of a rockstar or a socially awkward politician in an ill-fitting suit, we’ve been there and pulled it off!