Corporate portrait photography

How does the corporate photography process work?

Firstly, is obviously the process of enquiry, quoting and acceptance.  Part of this having a clear idea of what you want and conveying it. For the sake of this article we will say that the client requires relatively standard business portraits in a style that will match their website.

Second is the actual shoot, starting with setup.  For a new client we generally allow an hour for setup.  For a repeat client that might be reduced to 30 or 45 minutes provided we’re duplicating a previous job.

Space is frequently a problem; the video above has an unusual amount of room. Far more common is a more cramped setup like that shown below. We often have to work around boardroom tables but we’ll find a way; all we ask is that we’re given the maximum space available.

Once everything is ready it’s time to bring in the first subject. Incidentally, please schedule people at intervals rather than all at once - usually an audience does not help the subject relax.

The exact time per person depends on whether we’re selecting images on site or afterwards. For the former, about 20 minutes/head and for the latter about half that. Occasionally we’re limited to a shorter space of time per head - we are happy to discuss what’s required and work within the time available.

Our preferred method is to record images on a laptop and show the subject on site.  That way they can choose their favourite shot then and there. If time doesn’t permit then we’ll select a short list and send through proofs later.

Afterwards comes the post-production.  Selected images are fine-tuned to make sure that colour and brightness are just right.  Sometimes the subject is deep-etched (cut out from the backdrop) and sometimes there is some re-touching done.

Some clients specify a file format and resolution so that images can be dropped straight into a website or document - we are happy to meet those requirements, but otherwise we save them at high and low resolution. Once complete the files are uploaded to the client.