10 tips to prepare for a business photo shoot

A business photo shoot is all about underlining your brand with the pictures and highlighting its qualities. It doesn't matter whether it's a business photo shoot for start-ups, established companies or retailers. The images convey the brand message. To make the business photo shoot a success, my clients can prepare for the big day with these 10 tips.

1. the meaning and purpose of the images

Even before you go to the photographer for a first meeting, it should be clear what purpose the pictures will serve. This gives me as a photographer an idea of the necessary equipment, style and possible locations. The earlier the purpose of the pictures is communicated, the better.

2. be careful when choosing a location!

The location has an enormous influence on the effect of the pictures. The location should be explicitly planned. Ideally, it should underline the style of the picture. The more professional the pictures are to appear, the more clearly structured the background must be. Since the people are in the foreground in a business shooting, it is helpful to choose a setting that is rather neutral and, depending on the industry, also modern. For clean business portraits, for example, this could be light sandstone walls or modern buildings with lots of glass. If it is a gardening business, however, this is inappropriate. Therefore: the location should always be chosen in harmony with the identity of the company.

3. what should I wear?

In the case of a business shoot, this will exceptionally be a question not only primarily asked by the women. In any case, it is important that the models feel comfortable in their clothes. If the choice of clothes is particularly difficult, the general recommendation is: wear what you would wear to a meeting with an important client. Of course, you should dress up, but no more than you would on an office day. Also to keep in mind: Ironed clothes also look better at the shoot.

4. make-up - what is there to consider?

Especially for a business shoot, the make-up should be as natural as possible, but also professional. Too much make-up can give the wrong impression if the picture is supposed to express a certain seriousness. Here, too, the rule applies: it is best to wear make-up that you would normally wear to the office. It is best to take a small bag with the most important make-up equipment with you to the shoot so that you can apply make-up at any time. It is also advisable to always have a powder with you to avoid shiny spots on your face. If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to make-up and styling, we are happy to recommend make-up artists who specialise in professional business make-up.

5. be careful with the glasses

People who wear glasses should decide before the shoot whether they will be photographed with or without them. If you change your mind during the shoot, unsightly marks from your glasses on your temples or nose can disrupt the harmony of a portrait photo. Also make sure that your lenses, if you want to wear glasses, are well anti-reflective.

6. what is actually wrong with the hairstyle?

For a business photo shoot, hair is best worn freshly washed and lightly styled. This applies to both men and women. Overly elaborate hairstyles quickly look contrived and contradict the authentic impression that is to be communicated. If you dye your hair regularly, it is best to do it three days before the shoot so that you have enough time to get used to the new hairstyle. The same applies to a new cut.

7. for the gentlemen...

Suit wrinkles can be seen in every picture. These are not impossible, but they are very difficult to retouch. Especially with indoor lighting, places where the suit doesn't fit so well come to the fore. By the way, the same applies to suits that are too small - tight areas are just as noticeable as areas that are too wrinkled. Just make sure that the suit fits well. The best way to do this is to try it on a week in advance so that you can remedy any problems.

8. help, the skin!

If skin blemishes appear out of nowhere on the day of the shoot, my clients don't have to worry about it. An old tip says that in the days leading up to the shoot, it's best not to come within a metre of a mirror. Redness is easy to cover up, but scratched areas are not. Any irregularities are simply blotted out.

9 Practice makes perfect

If you are unsure about how to behave at the shoot, you can easily practise different poses in front of the mirror at home. Each of us knows our own face best and knows which side is the chocolate side. Observe yourself in different body positions with different facial expressions in front of the mirror and apply this knowledge at the shoot. In addition, it is of course part of my job as a photographer to give you the best possible tips and instructions on posing during the shoot.

10. have fun at the business photo shoot!

A business photo shoot stands and falls with the mindset. Prepare yourself mentally for a great shoot, I'll take care of everything else. It's the photographer's job to create a relaxed and natural mood and then capture the best moments in between. Nervous? Then just take a deep breath. From my experience with many clients over the last 8 years, in most cases it only takes a few minutes to warm up and then the tension falls away completely.

Are you still looking for a photographer for expressive business portraits for your website, team photos or portfolio? Let us make you a personal offer.