5 Ways To Photograph Client’s Personalities Quickly With Headshot Minis
As a full time branding specialist and photographer I’ve shot thousands of brands, but I rarely shoot simple headshots.
Simply because as an all inclusive agency I like to get to know my clients and creatively direct so much more than just photos. I am in the trenches with my clients. Working with them for hours often before shoots to curate their brands needs. I also like to understanding their goals, getting tuned into their personality, directing location, poses, and seen wardrobe because its’ all VERY important for a successful brand shoot.
However, I’ve recently had a lot of clients needing something very simple- a headshot.
For a new corporate position, a work or linked in profile shot, or even getting a new offering started but they don’t have the budget for a brand shoot yet. Maybe they just want to see how I shoot without investing in the big package. And while I do actually offer a simple “headshot” package- it still starts at $800. This Is because the studio rental cost, and I am still commuting to the studio & back, plus set up and tear down time, and post shoot production like culling, editing, metadata, uploading, etc the list goes on of what actually goes into a photoshoot. AND on top of that I still think it’s REALLY important to nail a shoot by meeting with the client and having creative direction no matter what the shot it for. So I can’t really go very low for any package.
My favorite packages are the brand shoots that allow time for these things and get them more than 1 or 2 quick in and out looks. It’s VERY hard to nail a photo of someone when there is no time for creative direction or pre-production.
All of this being said- I decided- hey it’s SUMMER. It’s slow enough that if I book a block at the studio. I can open up a mini back-to-back day like I do for my holiday family minis.
And with this structure I can provide a lower rate and open up the the clients that need something very minimal and to membership clients who needed a quick add on session.
I was a little nervous I would fall on my face. I know I’m good at what I do because of what I do. And it I only have 15-30 minutes to capture a client ti could end up terrible and a lot more awkward than my shoots where I build a relationship BEFORE the shoot.
But hey- it’s worth a shot to try something new. So I did!
In just 15-30 minutes per client, we aimed to create compelling headshots that would capture their authentic selves and provide shots they would be proud of. In this blog post, I will share some insights into how we managed to quickly and effectively showcase their unique personalities even without doing my typical processes. Mostly because i’m pretty darn proud at how well I did! haha.
1. Creating a Comfortable Environment:
To capture genuine expressions and natural poses, it is crucial to create a relaxed and comfortable environment. The Good Vibe Studio provides a warm and welcoming ambiance, helping clients feel at ease from the moment they stepped in.
Of course I had Taylor Swift playing and my bubbly can-do personality ready to meet new faces. Between the studio staff, my friendly assistant, and myself we were mostly able to instantly put the client in the right frame of mind (“hey this is going to be fun!”) allowing their true personalities to shine through.
2. Preparation and Communication:
Time is of the essence during a mini headshot day, so efficient preparation and clear communication are key. Prior to the shoot, we were sure to let each client know where the studio was located. Also how to contact us day of. It’s good to set them up for success by suggesting coming a bit early and waiting for their slot to open.
While we didn’t have time in this package to do what we normally do like understand their brand, industry, and target audience, we did make time to create a mood sheet of different lighting set ups. We also showed visuals of other clients in the space to help them get a visual understanding of where they were shooting and envision themselves in the space so they were not walking in blind. Then we took a few minutes to attempt to turn into their needs when they arrived. This allowed us to tailor the session to their specific needs. Also direct light and outfit pairings to ensuring the resulting headshots truly reflected their professional persona.
3. Guiding Poses and Expressions:
With limited time, it is crucial to guide clients through a series of poses and expressions that convey their authentic selves. We provided gentle but fun directions and constant movement to help clients find their most flattering angles while ensuring their personality remained at the forefront. Quick tips on posture, facial expressions, and body language helped us capture a range of shots that showcased their individuality.
4. Creating Connection
Establishing a connection with clients in a short amount of time can be challenging but vital. By taking a genuine interest in them when they arrived and trying our best to find those angles, ask about their lives, complement them (because we see all our clients beauty- why keep it to ourselves!- encouragement and feedback is key!) We tried our best to foster trust and connection so we were just all people with stories & lives just getting to know each other and hanging out. This allowed clients to relax with less pressure and feel more comfortable during the session, resulting in headshots that exuded confidence and authenticity.
5. Attention to Detail:
Even with limited shooting time, we paid careful attention to details that enhance the overall image. From adjusting lighting and composition to fine-tuning poses, checking wardrobe, hair and jewelry, every element played a role in capturing the essence of each client. These small but crucial adjustments contributed to the creation of impactful headshots that stood out in the crowd.
Well friends in conclusion these headshots were a whirlwind of creativity and efficiency.
By fostering a comfortable environment, preparing in advance, guiding poses and expressions, creating connection, and paying attention to detail, we successfully captured the unique personalities of each client in just 15-30 minutes per session.
I hope these headshots become powerful tools for personal branding, showcasing authenticity, and making a lasting impression. We also hope these clients work with us again as we loved them all so much!
If you’re looking for a quick and effective way to capture your professional persona, consider participating in a mini branding day if we ever host them again or book a branding package to get a full fun experience with us – you might be surprised by the depth of personality that can be captured in just a short amount of time.
5 Ways To Photograph Client’s Personalities Quickly With Headshot Minis
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