The Art of Portrait Photography: Elevate Your Corporate Image

Out of Your Comfort Zone

Unless you are a model, you are completely out of your comfort zone. No one has a camera pointing at them, like a sniper, in normal life. You will be uncomfortable. This discomfort is entirely natural, especially when stepping into the world of portrait photography for the first time. Understanding this helps in easing into the process and embracing the experience.

So the photographer adds in all the lights flashing, other unfamiliar gizmos like reflectors, snoots, and softboxes, and then puts you in odd positions; you really are in unfamiliar territory. The environment is filled with professional photography equipment, making the whole setup appear overwhelming. Then if you’re on location, there will be people walking past and looking at you… that’s weird – they’ll be looking to see if you are famous! This added attention can amplify the sense of being out of your element, but it’s all part of the journey to capturing the perfect corporate portrait.

Relax – It’s Only a Camera!

As the shoot progresses you will start to relax. Photographers see it every shoot. An amazing build-up of confidence that comes as the rapport builds. Rather than feel scared of the lens, it will, unconsciously, become your friend. You can do what you like and it never answers back – and a good photographer should recognise what you enjoy, and encourage it.

Photographer gives you constant feedback, showing you the shots on camera. You start to see how you are coming across, that your fears were unfounded, the effect the lighting’s creating something you can never visualise whilst posing. This feedback loop not only improves your comfort level but also allows for real-time adjustments to enhance the final portrait. As you become more at ease, your natural personality shines through, making for a more authentic and engaging corporate portrait.

It Takes Two to Tango…

This is also your opportunity to say what you think – if the clothes are not working, or you see something you need changing, we can take that on board and adapt, then check the results again. Collaboration is key in portrait photography, ensuring that the final images truly represent your personal or corporate brand.

It’s a happy feedback loop – the more you see the results, the more honed we can get the look. Also, the more you realise that what seems “uncomfortable” when posing, actually looks great on camera; so you are far more willing to expand on the ideas. This iterative process helps refine the poses and settings, leading to a more polished and professional outcome. The collaborative effort between you and the photographer ensures that the final portraits meet your expectations and serve their intended purpose, whether for personal branding or corporate use.

In the Zone!

Towards the end of the shoot, you’re in the zone – some call it “flow” – as soon as the photographer has found a new location and set up the lights, you’re in position waiting for him. This state of flow is where creativity and confidence merge, leading to the most natural and striking portraits.

Earlier, you were stood with your head down and hands dangling forlornly at your side – now you’re standing with great posture, using your hands and shades to add energy to the shot. You’ve forgotten you were ever nervous about the camera and hardly need any direction from the photographer. This transformation is the culmination of the rapport and trust built throughout the session, resulting in photos that truly capture your essence.

The Magic Moment

It’s at this stage where the magic always seems to happen – everything comes together and you get the “real you” in the photos. This magic moment is when all the elements align perfectly, showcasing your true personality and professional image in a way that resonates with your audience.

And then the shoot is over! Not because we end it when things start to flow, but the time flies by so fast the session seems over so quickly. This rapid passage of time is a testament to the engaging and enjoyable nature of the process. The final images are a result of this dynamic and collaborative effort, leaving you with portraits that you can be proud of.

That’s a pattern I’ve seen over and over again – especially with longer shoots that take in multiple locations. Each new location is a new beginning, a new space for you to occupy and gives you a new set of ideas. This diversity in settings not only adds variety to your portfolio but also allows for different aspects of your personality and professional image to shine through. The end result is a comprehensive and visually appealing collection of portraits that truly reflect who you are.