5 Simple Steps for a Successful Corporate Headshot Photo Session

An outdoor, natural light professional Corporate headshot of a business woman in a dark suit.
©Photo by Val Westover Photography - Orange County California & Salt Lake City Utah. All Rights Reserved.

5 Simple Steps for a Successful Corporate Headshot Photo Session

You’ve made the right decision; you’re going to jump into the wide world of using a professional photographer to complete your corporate headshots. The hardest part really is over, but there are still some things to consider before the big day arrives.

Hair and Makeup

Now is not the time to get experimental with your look. You’re spending money to produce quality headshots for professional purposes, so look like you do every other day of the week. There would be no point going crazy only to be unrecognizable to your clients and customers. Don’t go for a haircut just before your photoshoot- do go to a stylist if you wish. Don’t go crazy with eye shadow and blush, do choose the right foundation. Even guys might want to get in on that act as it will reduce the shine on your skin. Don’t apply your makeup heavily, you don’t want to look like a clown! 

Angles

Do you know which side is your best side? Or an angle that you believe is particularly flattering. A photographer will capture plenty of different looks and angles, but don’t leave everything up to them. You should know exactly what it is you want to express through your photographs and explain it to them clearly so that they can direct you to achieve the best results.

Outfits

With any photoshoot taking a change of clothes if necessary. You might think you look outstanding in a certain color, or a certain outfit. Pictures might just tell a different story, so arrive with options so that if the photographer tells you something isn’t photographing well then you have something to change into. Solid colors are good, because they photograph well. If you work in the corporate world, then wear a suit. If you work in a more relaxed industry, then wear something that is smart, like a collared shirt. You want to look and feel professional, because that is what you want your potential customers to see you as.

Good night’s sleep

You want to go into this process having had a great night’s sleep, ready for whatever life throws you. Sure, photographers can be touched up later, but you don’t want to give them that big of a job! Avoid giant bags under your eyes and tired eyes by getting a good rest. The eyes are the window to the soul, after all.

Do you

Just like you didn’t experiment with your hair and makeup, don’t try out a new smile or pose here either. You want these pictures to look natural, because if they look and feel over posed then that is the message you’re sending to your clients. Just relax and be yourself.