How to Prepare for Corporate Portraits and Headshots

(Pre-Shoot Tips)

So you need to get your corporate portrait or headshot taken. Below you will find a few tips to make sure you look the best you can in your portrait.

Many people people hate getting photos done, if you the approach the shoot with a fun or easy going attitude you will get much better shots.

Clothes

  • For multiple staff members, aim for consistency. Company shirts, all with suit jackets etc.
  • Wear what you’d wear to see your best clients or customers. Ties and jackets for more formal looks, no tie and jacket for less formal.
  • Check suit jackets still fit (many people only wear their jackets once a year).
  • Clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free – it can be difficult to remove in Photoshop.
  • Solid colours are great – or keep patterns simple. Best to avoid overly bright or fluoro colours.
Full suit for a more formal corporate look.
No tie to make it a little more casual.

Hair

  • Bring a brush and some hair product (gel/hairspray) with you to calm strays.
  • Cut hair a week in advance (this will allow hair to settle)

Makeup and Face

  • For Men – if you shave, do it a few hours before to avoid red skin (irritation). Use moisturiser to minimise skin irritation & dry looking skin.
  • Use just enough make-up to cover blemishes.
  • Bring translucent powder to minimise shine.
  • Bring lip balm or lip gloss to help keep lips looking shiny and soft.
  • Don’t do facial peels, tanning or extensive exfoliating before a shoot – your skin can look red.

During the Shoot

  • Try to relax. Don’t worry, I’ve seen it all before.
  • Follow the photographer’s directions, even if it sounds silly. We generally know how to get the best headshots out of people.
  • If there is something you want to hide, although it may be embarrassing, try to tell the photographer so they can minimise it.
  • You will get the chance to review the images as we shoot and provide feedback.

Photoshopping

We always get asked if we can photoshop this or that. Double chins, crooked smiles, yellow teeth, arms, wrinkles.

Whilst some of these things can be photoshopped, the photographer will always do their best to minimise any of these issues at the time of shooting. 

If you do want extra retouching, we have options to fix common problem areas for an additional cost.

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