The Guide To Having Your Business Headshot Taken By A Photographer

So, you've started a business, and you need some really nice, professional images of yourself for your new website! 

Or maybe you've been in business for a little while, and you're bored of your current headshots and want some new ones? Whatever the reason may be, getting your photograph taken for business purposes can be pretty scary, so I'm hoping that this guide will make the whole journey less scary, and far more fun! 

1. Find your photographer.

Ok, this is an obvious one, but the reason I'm including it is to encourage you to spend time doing your research. Look at the portfolios of photographers in your area, and really spend time searching. There are millions of photographers all over the world, and most of us all have very different styles. It's important that you go with a photographer who's work you not only love, but who also looks on brand! Is your business really bright and colourful in its branding? Then you'll probably want to go for a photographer who shoots very bright and colourful images - not someone who shoots really dark and moody.  

This is Anna, the blogger behind " The Cornish Life " and owner of web design business " ByRosanna. " Anna and I regularly go out on walks together along the Cornish coast, and I'm always snapping photos of her along the way. These images often get used in blog posts where Anna shares her life living in Cornwall. They're the perfect illustration of what Cornwall is like - and how I like to work! Out in nature, walking and talking, and having fun the entire time. Yes, I'll admit, sometimes my job doesn't feel like hard work at all!   

2. Ask them questions

Once you've found a few photographers you like, I'd recommend emailing them all, finding out what they charge, and ask them what their process is. Ask them when they're next available (some of us get booked up months in advance, so make sure you get in touch with plenty of time to spare!), and let them know about any specifics that you have in mind, or need for your business. 

Here is Anna, once again, only this time, this image has been used for her web design business, ByRosanna . The branding for ByRosanna is very different to that of The Cornish Life - it's much darker, more modern and slightly moody. These headshots of Anna were taken on a walk during Winter. By converting the images into black and white, the vibe was taken from being a bit too "lifestyle" for her brand, to much more formal, whilst still keeping the friendly, relaxed vibe that Anna maintains throughout her business!   

3. Don't be put off by price

A lot of people tell me they're shocked when they hear how much photographers charge for photoshoots. Don't worry, we aren't judging, but if you want to read an in-depth article on why photographers cost so much, I wrote a blog post all about it! The truth is, you're not just paying for the hour or two that you're with the photographer - you're paying for the pre-shoot preparation they have to go through, the actual photoshoot, the level of talent and skill your chosen photographer has, as well as the time spent in post production. All of this adds up, but I guarantee you its money well spent. These headshots will be the face of your business, and will be what allow YOUR customers to connect with you. Don't you want them to be amazing images? 

4. Plan Your Shoot

Your chosen photographer will guide you through their process, but I recommend giving them a detailed list of what you're aiming to achieve with your images. Do you want a more lifestyle vibe to your photos? What kind of locations are you hoping to shoot in? Do you need any specific props? Get super detailed, and help your photographer know exactly what it is you need. 

5. Take Time To Feel Good

This is probably one of the most important parts of this blog post - It's so important that you FEEL good when you go into your photoshoot. The better you feel, the more confident you'll be in your images, the easier it will be for your photographer, the happier you will be with your photos! I recommend getting your hair done, if you're a lady, get your nails done, maybe hire a professional make up and hair stylist. Go all out! You want to look and feel amazing for this - and always keep the end goal in mind: to help you to further grow your business. 

Oh hey, it's me! Yes, this is a self portrait, and I actually took these images last year to accompany a blog post I had written, but they also make really good business headshot's and illustrate really well how a "working at my desk" image can be happy, carefree, but still professional. 

6. What Is It Like Having Your Headshot Taken By Me? 

I had to throw this in there because... *shameless self promotion!* I'm super excited to offer business headshots to business owners in Cornwall! I love chatting to creative business owners, and other self employed people, so why not offer my services to all of you as well? I work in a very natural, chilled out way. I tend to take people out to the beach, or on a coastal walk, and as we walk and talk, we stop along the way to take a couple of portraits. There's no flashes, no awkward poses, no cheesy grins if you work with me - so if you're after something more formal and corporate, I'm probably not your girl. I also love getting into people's work spaces, so maybe you need some photos of you at your desk, working away; I'd be happy to help! 

And just because I thought it would be better for you to hear it from someone else, here is a little testimonial that Anna wrote me! 

"Olivia is my go-to photographer for getting truly stunning shots for my business and blog. Her photography style is so dreamy, and I love that she is always keen to get in the outdoors and focus on harnessing natural light when possible, which she captures so perfectly. When we first met I was quite anxious about having my photo taken, but Olivia made me feel totally at ease in front of the camera - something I never expected to feel comfortable about! She's always organised with a plan of action, knows exactly how to get the best shots consistently, and is super professional and friendly all at the same time!”

Are you interested in having your business headshot taken? Get in touch via the contact form below, and I'll send you my pricing guide!

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