When it comes to running a successful corporation, it is essential to have a professional image. This means having a strong brand identity, a solid online presence, and a team of employees who are all representing the company in the best possible way. One way to ensure that your team members look professional and approachable is by having high-quality corporate headshots taken by a New York Headshot Photographer.

Professional Business Headshots or Portraits are something we all truly need in today’s online world. They help you stand out, stay consistent and look professional and put together. When you are planning to get new photos taken to use for your business, you want to go into it as prepared as possible with a clear vision of the types of images you want that will best portray your personality and your brand.

But if you have absolutely NO clue what types of images you want, that is okay too! I hope this list will help inspire and navigate so that you can give your photographer and yourself some direction in order to achieve the best possible images that will work for you, not against you.

You can absolutely just sit and smile for the camera, but going in with a plan is the first step in getting great images.
Use the following examples to help shape the feel and attitude you want to show off in your photos:

Tips for choosing Clothes, Hair, Makeup and Props.

The key is to think about what will align best with your brand.

– If you know your Brand Colors, add pops of that into your outfit, props and other elements to emphasize brand recognition.

– Hair Makeup: Stay Authentic to yourself. Now is not the time to try something out of your comfort zone. Don’t get a haircut right before your session, especially if you are trying something new.
– If you have never gotten your makeup done before, and typically do not wear a lot of it, I recommend doing it yourself. If you’ve used makeup artists before and love a glamorous look, then yes, go for it!

1. Looking Your Best

– Have good posture. This is essential to exude confidence and professionalism.
– But also, Loosen Up! You don’t want to look completely stiff and awkward. We do want to see your authentic self come through.
– Get enough Sleep the night before. This avoids looking overtired and uninspired.
– Drink plenty of Water and eat breakfast. This not only impacts your skin, but your well-being. If you’re hungry, grumpy and tired during your session, we’ll notice.
– Don’t forget about your fingernails. Women, if you wear polish, is it chipped or fresh? Be sure that if we do see your nails, they are looking nice and clean. Men – this matters for you too. Make sure your nails are clean, filed and trimmed.
– Glasses. If you wear them, please make sure they are clean of smudges and dust as that sticks out in a photograph and makes your eyes look unclear.
– How to Pose. Your photographer will definitely help you with this. But know that people always look better slightly at an angle to the camera, no straight on shoulders. Don’t put your hands behind your back or let them both hang loosely.
– Your Best Side. Not everyone has or knows their “best side”. But most people definitely have one. If you do, please let me know! Or if you are curious to find out, we can try both sides and typically you will see a difference in one. The way you part your hair and the fact that faces are not perfectly symmetrical all play a part in this.

2. How to Choose Wardrobe

– Dress how you would when meeting a new client.
– On-brand colors if applicable. If not, colors that look great against your skin tone.
– Avoid distracting patterns. Unless that is specifically part of your brand or who you are!
– Quality, well-fitting fabrics makes a huge difference in appearing put together and professional. (Stay away from tight and stretchy fabrics!)
– Layers and accessories are a plus and can be added and removed for variety.
– Overall, make sure you look and feel comfortable. And feel like yourself.

3. Props

Tools of the trade or personal items. Ex: Laptop, iPad, iPhone, notebooks, planners, pens, books, camera, artwork, flowers, mugs, seasonal items. Items that inspire you. Décor that you love. Things you specifically use for work.

– Think about tasks you do for work that you’d like to incorporate that could be easy to set up and photograph. Giving a presentation, taking a phone call, packing client gifts, writing notes, recording a podcast, hanging up a sign, etc.