How to… organise a headshot or portrait session
Do you have to coordinate many people into the one day and some of them are reluctant to commit?
Let me know and I’ll send you a range of available dates you can choose from. You can let your people know that all temporary blemishes and signs of tiredness will be removed from their chosen image with the retouching package. Your people will be able to see the results of the shoot as it progresses and make any immediate hair/clothes changes if necessary.
Advice to give your people ahead of the shoot
Many people feel apprehensive ahead of a photography session as many are facing their biggest critic…themselves. Ask them to consider the sitting, not as a photo shoot, but as a meeting with their most important client, a presentation panel on stage, or just being present in a significant meeting. These are more familiar situations where we put on our most professional appearance - and this is all the camera is after, that already public and professional self.
How long to schedule for each person?
Headshots: 10 minutes
Portraits: 20 minutes per background/location
A good headshot typically takes about 7 minutes to accomplish. However, some people need up to 15 minutes while others are done in 5. Give everyone a ten minute time slot and the photographer will keep the schedule running smoothly.
A portrait will have a more complex set up so requires more time to get to a different location with all the equipment. The logistics of this would be sorted out ahead of the day.
What background to have in your headshot?
Here are some examples for you to consider and help you decide:
What’s the difference between a headshot and a portrait?
A headshot is just a specific type of portrait, a formal representation of the subject in a professional setting. Flattering lighting is used to show the face at its best while the background is quiet enough not to distract from the person.
A portrait is to capture more of the person’s personality or to tell a specific story. Elements in the background and foreground will help with the visual narrative while more creative lighting and image crops can be used. Whereas with the headshot the cropped end result will be mainly just the head and shoulders, with a portrait there is much more artistic freedom and flexibility.
Do you have a bigger story to tell? Have a look at my editorial work.