Business Branding Photographer

I find the business owners who have the most successful business branding shoots are those who have prepared as much as possible. I don’t just mean by getting their hair done and choosing the right outfit for the day, but those who have prepared the groundwork in the office - and most importantly with their staff. Make sure your staff members know what to expect on the day, run through the schedule and talk about who will go first. It’s often a good idea to appoint someone to draw up this list and liaise with the photographer on the day. Try to sell it as a fun activity and reassure shyer members of staff that they can go last if they prefer. Also, tell them that they will be able to use their favourite headshot for their LinkedIn profile, this tends to motivate those who are less willing to embrace the shoot. Another key item to put on the agenda is stressing the importance of a business branding shoot for your company and how it can raise the company’s online profile and visually represent its values and help to build its brand, not to mention convey the all-important personalities of your team members.

Absolutely! There is nothing worse than investing a lot of money in a shoot and then your office is dirty. You may want to employ a professional cleaner the night before to deep clean the office. If not, ask staff to clean their desks before they leave. Hide any clutter, dust computers, and remove any personal items like family photos and post it notes with personal details like names and numbers before the shoot. Tidy up cables and coats from the back of chairs and handbags on the floor, so your office is clean, tidy and inviting.

Ensure that all staff are wearing any company uniform, if appropriate. Remind your staff to make sure that their clothes are clean, tidy and ironed. If your staff don’t wear uniforms, ensure they arrive in clean, ironed and smart clothes that relate your company message. Block colours are best, so avoid any busy patterns. Don’t forget to make sure your hair is neat and tidy and if you’re a woman makeup is recommended, slightly more than you would normally wear during the day so you look your dazzling best under the lights. And whatever you do, don’t forget to have tidy nails!

There is no need to be nervous. I try to make it fun for everyone. I know most people hate having their photo taken. (Me included!) so I make it very simple and straight forward. I give direction and three simple poses for headshots. I run through this with everyone before I press any camera button. I always try and set up in a different room so there are no lookers on, and take my time and make sure everyone is relaxed and happy. For editorial shots around the office, I ask you to pretend I’m not there don’t worry about posing or looking at the camera, simply carry on as normal.