When I first ventured into corporate photography, it was a rather stressful time for me. As someone who started out photographing families, couples and babies professionally, I soon realised that corporate photography is an entirely different ball game. For a while, I struggled with finding the “right” way of speaking and directing the photoshoot – after all, I cannot be giving instructions to a bank CEO the same way I would have done for a two-year-old toddler.
As I got more acquainted with corporate photography, I started learning how body posture plays a critical role in creating the mood and feel that the subject wishes to convey through the portraits. For example, a subtle head tilt, eye contact, or looking away from the camera all helps to portray different moods and confidence levels. Do not underestimate the power of a corporate headshot – it not only enables you to stand out from the crowd but also tells your story.
How I Photograph My Corporate Clients
Unknowingly, I’ve been photographing corporate profiles for close to ten years now and have certainly come a long way from my earlier days. One of my favourite things about my line of work is that I get to meet people from all walks of life. Through corporate photography, I have met yoga teachers, gurus, fitness instructors, chefs, Japanese cooking instructors, translators, and the list goes on. Each individual has a different personality, and it’s my job to capture that through pictures.
I always make sure to set aside time to chat with the client before each photoshoot. I start by getting them to introduce themselves to me to get to know their line of work. It is also an opportunity to discover their preferences and the kind of portraits they are hoping to achieve. By the end of the chat, we will have worked out at least two different background settings that complement their personality and profession.
My Top Tips for Nailing a Corporate Photoshoot
Contrary to popular belief, you absolutely do not need to be dressed in white or put on a stiff expression when taking a corporate profile picture. Go ahead and put on your favourite outfit for the photoshoot!
There is no need for arm-crossing, either! You can still look professional in your corporate portrait while in a relaxed position, like this:
If looking into the camera doesn’t work for you, don’t worry! Deliberately looking away from the camera also works perfectly for corporate portraits. In fact, you will find that doing so projects a completely different type of vibe. So, it really depends on what you’re looking for in your corporate headshot.
You can even bring along props for your photoshoot if you feel that they are relevant to your profession! For example, this Korean chef that I photographed brought along cherry tomatoes because they’re her favourite food ingredients:
As I’ve mentioned earlier, you can choose to have your corporate photos taken against at least two different types of settings in a 20-minute photoshoot session. For example, you can first have some photos taken against our classic studio backdrop:
Then, we’ll proceed to our light-filled studio for lifestyle shots like these:
If you’d like a touch of nature in your corporate headshots, we can head to Oh Dear Studio’s private rooftop with lush greenery:
I have had the pleasure of photographing different corporate clients over the years, and I have learnt so much from listening to interesting stories about their lives and careers. Today, I can confidently say that I truly enjoy corporate photography! If you need help with your next corporate photoshoot in Singapore, do not hesitate to reach out to me.
