Getting a corporate headshot is an important way to create a first impression with potential clients, business partners, employers, and employees. The reality is, we all judge a book by its cover, whether we want to admit it or not. You only have one chance to make a good impression, and today that can mean a photo on social media or a website.

The usage of hiring potential through LinkedIn is increasing as hiring manager’s lean towards the professional social media platform to look for job candidates. Social media profiles with a photo are seven times more likely to be clicked. And professional-looking headshots make it easier for recruiters to remember who you are!

Along with social media, headshots can be used on company websites to introduce their team. This can create a first impression from your potential clients! Headshots are also used for newsletters, press releases, and annual reports.

Below are some ways to prepare for getting a corporate headshot:

Location, Location, Location!

Decide on the appropriate location. There are usually two different options when it comes to where your corporate headshot should be taken: inside or outside. You have multiple color options for backdrops when having your headshots taken inside, however black or white appear more clean and professional. Getting your professional headshot taken outside adds a more natural feel to your photo, without taking away from your professionalism. If you are getting a headshot for your company, they may have a preference of the shooting location.

What To Wear

Deciding what to wear is an important factor when taking corporate headshots. It shows a level of professionalism and can raise perceptions of your capability and influence. Check out our previous blog posts of what to wear during a corporate headshot for men and women.

Know Your Angles

Not knowing how to act in front of a camera is normal, so don’t worry! Before your corporate headshot, practice in the mirror. Know which side you prefer and what makes you comfortable. But don’t forget a mirror flips and a camera does not!

Don’t Forget To Smile!

Don’t treat getting your headshot as a chore; it will affect the end results! Treat your headshot session as if you are meeting someone for the first time. The most important thing to avoid is dead-eye syndrome; where your mouth is smiling but your eyes say, “I’d rather be somewhere else”. If you’re not into, people will be able to tell through your photo.

Lastly, don’t forget to update your corporate headshot at least yearly! Switching out your headshot when your physical appearance changes maintains your creditability and the appearance of self-confidence.

From the amount of time it took to plan, schedule vendors, set up tables, and prepare yourself for your upcoming event, don’t forget to book your photographer! After all your hard work in preparing your event, you’ll want to have evidence after it’s over. No matter what your event entails, hiring a professional event photographer gives you a lot of benefits to, not only your event, but also your guests and future business development.

Making Memories

Many guests would love to remember all the best parts of the event, which can be difficult. Having professional photography at your corporate event allows having these memories to look back on. Prints of these moments can also be used as gifts if there are special speakers at your event. If there is a high profile speaker, you’ll want professional quality photos!

Professional Product Shots

If your event focuses on launching a product, you will want it to look the best it can. Professional quality photos of your products can always come in handy!

Future Marketing Content

With digital marketing being a huge factor in business today, the incorporation of images into content is more ideal. Viewers take in visual images more quickly than plain text, and it allows for them to remember the content for a longer amount of time.

The photos that you receive from your event can be used to promote your business in the future. Professional event photography delivers results that you’ll be able to post great quality photos on your website and social media!

Here’s a few ways to utilize your corporate event photography:

• Social media! Images from your event is the best way to keep your social media active.
• If your event takes place yearly, you can use your photos for invitations! Weather you print them, make them digital, or use it into a Facebook event; you’ll have the perfect base for your content.
• Using event photography can enhance the professionalism of your website and keep it freshly updated.
• If you, or your business, have a blog, this is the best time to use your event photography! You can recap all of the moments that you had, and post a nice picture of it. This will also boost your SEO.

We use photographs as a time capsule to look back on the past and capturing these moments is important!