How to Plan a Photoshoot for Your Business

While you might think your product or service is the real star of your business, the fact remains that people buy from people. That’s why you can’t discount the power of a professional photoshoot. By highlighting the person or team behind the brand, you can create a personal connection with your audience, inject personality into your brand and build instant trust to encourage sales and conversions.

However, it’s not a case of just posing for a few photos and leaving it there. To get the most from your investment, you need a plan to ensure you get the right photos to boost your brand and your business. As branding specialists (and veterans of planning our own photoshoots), the Poppy Seed Media team is here to give you all the info you need to plan the perfect photoshoot for your business.

Understanding the importance of the corporate photoshoot

Many people are not comfortable in front of the camera and would literally rather do anything else than be a part of a corporate photoshoot. While that’s completely understandable, there are many reasons why corporate photoshoots are vital to your business and brand and why you need to be brave and put yourself out there!

First, being part of a corporate photoshoot shows who’s behind the brand. Most buyers need to know, like and trust you before they’ll consider parting with their hard-earned cash. If they see and relate to a real person behind the brand through corporate photos, it’s going to be easier to convert them from visitors to customers.

Second, branding photos from a corporate photoshoot can set the tone for your business. If you need to be seen as a trusted authority in your space or want to show your fun and funky side, professional photos can make that happen. This can help you create a consistent online presence on your website, social media channels and other marketing assets.

Finally, corporate photos can instantly set you apart from your competition. If you have photos showing how you can use your products in everyday life, while your competitors only show stock images, you will stand out from the crowd. A well planned corporate photoshoot has the power to take your business to the next level and give you the edge over your competitors.

How should a business prepare for a photoshoot?

To get the most from your photoshoot, you have to be prepared. Like everything in business, ‘failure to plan is planning to fail’. As you’ll be investing valuable time and money into branding photography, ensure you get maximum value for money by following these steps.

Step 1. Make a list of your goals

It's important to be clear on what you’re hoping to get out of the corporate photoshoot before lining up a photographer or doing anything else. To help you out, here are some key questions to help tease out your goals so you can get maximum value on your investment.

  • What are you hoping to get out of the photoshoot?
  • Why are you investing in branding photography?
  • Where will you use the photos?
  • How do you want you and your business to be perceived?
  • What type of photos do you need?
  • Who needs to be part of the photography session?

The answers to these questions will provide the foundation for your photoshoot and help you get the most from the session.

Step 2. Create an inspiration board

To help you become clear on what you want and share your vision with your photographer and team, create an inspiration board. Whether this is done online via Pinterest or a scrapbook or poster you create offline, an inspiration or mood board will help crystallise your vision and make it easier to plan the shots and the look you want on the day. This also makes it easier to share your vision with the photographer, so you have a greater chance of getting your dream photos.

Step 3. Find the right photographer

There are a few ways to find the right photographer for your corporate photoshoot. One way is to ask for referrals from friends, family and colleagues. You can then check out the social media feeds and websites of the recommended photographers to see if you like their style. You can also search for local photographers online and use Instagram to find the right photographer for your needs.

Photographers in Newcastle

As a full-service marketing agency, Poppy Seed Media can organise photoshoots for your business. It’s important to find a photographer you resonate with, but we’re lucky in Newcastle to be spoilt for choice, so you should have no difficulty finding the right one to suit your needs.

Videographers in Newcastle

We love creating quality video content for our clients too. Working with a range of professional Newcastle videographers, we can deliver exceptional video content to meet your needs. We also recommend the following businesses, as we are all about collaboration over competition.

Step 4. Choose a location

Choosing the right location can make all the difference when it comes to your photoshoot. While you can host the shoot at your workplace, office or in a studio, you might not be able to achieve the look you want there. In that case, you can liaise with your photographer to come up with a different location. This could be in an outdoor setting, in a funky warehouse, cafe or historic location or in a rented house (you may be able to rent a luxury Airbnb home for half a day).

Newcastle photoshoot locations

There are some incredible spaces for photo and video shoots here in Newcastle. Check out some of our favourites:

  • Rethink is the perfect backdrop for an office shoot with a difference. The lighting in their boardroom is simply incredible!
  • The Edwards provides the perfect location for coffee shots with beautiful, textured backgrounds
  • Common Circus in Hamilton has an amazing space for hire that makes for some truly unique shots.

If you are looking for something a little different (and free to use), there is no shortage of street art throughout our city. Check out this list of the best murals and back-alley street art.

If you do plan to visit a local business for your video or photoshoot, make sure you call ahead and get approval first. There may be additional fees involved depending on the location, so get the all-clear before you start setting up.

Step 5. Consider your props

Props can help tell your story, inject personality and add to the richness of your brand. Think laptops, coffee cups, flowers, stools, stationary, product samples and home decor items. Some props can help illustrate what you do (digital professionals often use laptops as a prop), while others are used to incorporate brand colours or add a bit of fun into the scene. Think carefully about the props you want to use and make sure you have them ready to go on the day.

Step 6. Select your outfits and plan for hair and makeup

Planning a photo or video shoot for your business is very exciting (as well as nerve-wracking!) so don’t forget to invest in yourself by hiring a hair and makeup artist for the session. Feeling your absolute best means you will be more comfortable in front of the camera and will help you ooze confidence (something your audience will be looking for!)

Ensure you have a few different outfits to choose from on the day to give you lots of variety in your photos. Changing up accessories like jackets, scarves, jewellery and even your hairstyle can instantly change your look and give you even more photos to choose from.

Newcastle Hair & Makeup Artists

We have worked with some seriously talented hair and make-up artists over the years including:

How do I prepare for a professional photoshoot?

If it seems like there are lots to consider when planning for a professional photo shoot, well you’re right - there is! To help you out, here are some ways you can prepare yourself for a corporate photoshoot to ensure the best possible result.

  • Ensure you plan your day around the shoot so you’re not rushing to the shoot or missing crucial meetings afterwards. Give yourself a 30 min buffer on either side.
  • Get your props, outfits and accessories ready the night before so you don’t forget anything on the day and feel more in control and less stressed for the shoot.
  • Pamper yourself the day before. If you spoil yourself, you’ll feel more confident, happier and less stressed, which is a great combination for a successful shoot.
  • Create a schedule for everyone to follow to ensure you know what needs to happen and everyone else does too. This will make sure everything runs smoothly.
  • Put together a shot list before the day so you and your photographer know exactly what you need from the session and you can get all the shots you need.
  • Bring along your mood/inspiration board so you and your photographer are on the same page. This is a great visual reminder for everyone, plus it’s a huge motivator!

What do you wear to a company photoshoot?

What you wear to your photoshoot will depend on your business, your goals and your shot list. If you’re planning a professional corporate shoot with members of your team, it’s a good idea to coordinate colours and ensure everyone sticks to simple, conservative and classic styles.

The best colours to wear for a headshot are solid colours in blue, green, wine and purple because they generally flatter everyone. Flesh tones (cream, beige, pastels, peach or yellow) are not the best choice as they lack contrast and don’t always look the best in photos.

Whatever you choose to wear, make sure your clothing feels good and fits well. If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, this will be obvious in your photos. Make sure you wear outfits that make you feel and look like a million bucks!

How do you pose for a corporate headshot?

Looking for a winning pose for your corporate photoshoot? Lucky for you, there are a few to choose from. From formal to relaxed, these poses can help cultivate your brand and help your headshot to grab attention. Your photographer will also be able to guide you on the day, so don’t stress if you’re not sure which one will work best for you.

  • Standard pose - In this classic pose, straighten your back, turn your chest 10 to 45 degrees from the camera and lean slightly forward.
  • Arms crossed - Create a powerful impression by crossing your arms but don’t forget to add a smile to create a strong, yet friendly impression.
  • Hands at hips - More relaxed than the standard pose, place your hands on your hips to give the impression of being hard at work, yet human and approachable.
  • Over the shoulder - Add personality to your headshot with a candid over the shoulder shot, creating the impression that the photographer “snuck up on you”.
  • Hold a prop - Add intrigue by holding a pair of glasses, a cup or another prop for a more candid and thoughtful pose.
  • Lean sideways - Similar to the over the shoulder pose, lean against a wall to create a candid vibe for your headshot that’s a little more formal.
  • Lean in - With your hand under your chin, lean toward the camera while seated to appear confident, relaxed and thoughtful.

Should you smile in a professional headshot?

This depends on your industry and how formal your headshot needs to be, as sometimes a smiling headshot is not appropriate. However, where possible, it’s always best to smile. This warms your face, helps connect you with your audience, builds trust and makes you look more friendly and approachable. Remember, people buy from people!

Things to avoid before a photoshoot

We’ve talked a lot about what to do to prepare for a photoshoot, but what should you avoid? Steer clear of these things to ensure your photos end up being as fabulous as you are.

  • Don’t try a new skin product the day before your session. You don’t want a rash, swelling or another unsightly reaction to take centre stage for your photoshoot.
  • Photoshoot day is not the time for a new hair colour or radical new style. You want to feel confident and look comfortable. Test drive any new styles before the day.
  • Avoid wearing loud patterns, bright colours or clothes that don’t match your brand. These may wash you out and won’t suit your branding or marketing.
  • Try not to be too stressed or anxious on the day. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable this will be obvious in your photos.
  • Don’t leave planning to the last minute. You will forget a crucial prop, become flustered and not get the most out of this amazing opportunity.

While planning is key, don’t forget to have fun. Done well, a branding photoshoot is an enjoyable experience, especially if you work with the right photographer. Trust us, it won’t be long before you feel at home in front of the camera and ready to show off yourself and your brand.

Looking for a little extra help to organise that perfect company photoshoot?

Poppy Seed Media offers professional photography and videography to help you and your business shine. Whether you’re looking for formal company headshots or wanting to personalise your brand, our team is ready to help organise the perfect company photoshoot to capture the true essence of your business. Contact us to find out how you can take advantage of our full-service marketing expertise and take your business to the next level.

Author Bio

Michelle Trimble is a degree qualified marketing specialist who is passionate about breaking down the barriers business owners face when it comes to digital marketing!

After nearly 10 years working in the industry, Michelle decided to start Poppy Seed Media with the mission to provide more accessible marketing services.
Every business has the right to incredible marketing!

Michelle has provided marketing training to hundreds of individuals, working with businesses around the world to improve their overall strategies. Outside of the working world, Michelle is a mum to three young boys and loves any opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

If you would like to book a free discover session with Michelle, please reach out.

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