9 Fundamental Tips to get the Most From a Portrait Session with Your Photographer

by 55knots | Apr 4, 2019 | Photography

We often get asked similar questions before and throughout every shoot, and so we’ve gathered nine fundamental tips to help you get the most out of your next portrait session.

1 – Wear Simple Clothes

Wear simple clothing to your session, think simple block colours, with minimal prints. If you want to opt for a print or pattern, make sure it’s not crazy in fine detail and that print or pattern is large enough to be seen from a distance—small lines and fine details can create some odd looking effects on the finished photograph.

2 – Wear Neutral Colours

We find neutral block colours come out the best when shooting portraits, think black, white, navy or beige. Neutral tones ensure the pictures will work across many different social & commercial channels as a polished product.

3 – Bring More Than One Outfit

There is nothing worse than arriving at the shoot, and the photographer isn’t thrilled with your outfit choice, and you have nothing else on hand. It doesn’t hurt to bring multiple outfits for a quick outfit change if the look isn’t coming together as expected.

4 – Wear Fitted Clothing Over Free Flowing

We frequently experience subjects that aren’t overly confident in front of the camera or with their overall appearance, and so they’ll want to opt for something free-flowing to hide their bodies. However, it’s essential to create negative space to accentuate the body’s shape; otherwise, your photos are at jeopardy of looking a little unflattering.

We encourage everyone to wear clothes that show your body shape, for the ladies, that’s curve-hugging clothing and the gents its fitted shirts and suits.

5 – Bring a Jacket (or two)

Jackets can be fun; they make great props, something to play with and can dress up or down a look in seconds, they’re excellent for making multiple looks quickly.

6 – Accessorize

Add a pop of distinction with some subtle jewellery, a nice watch, a pair of earrings or necklace, just don’t over do the bling , the goal here is to be subtle.

7 – Trust Your Photographer

It’s in your photographers best interest to make you look great, so trust them; they’re the experts, they know what angles and what poses will look best for you.

8 – Share Inspiration Ahead of Time

If you have a certain look you’re trying to achieve, share this with your photographer ahead of time — you may be asking for something out of the scope of the photographer’s expertise, equipment or space.

Share some sample photos before the shoot to make sure you and the photographer are aligned on your desired outcome.

9 – Have Fun & Relax

This tip is probably the most important, we’ve encountered many people who have been required to have a corporate headshot for the company website (and they’re not thrilled about the prospect).

We strongly believe you get out what you put in, so if you don’t want to be at the shoot and you don’t take the guidance of the photographer — it will show up in your photos. Relax, smile work with the photographer and you will get a smashing portrait you’ll be proud to show anywhere.

If you’re after a new portrait for your social channels or commercial materials, you can find out more about our portrait packages here.

Why you Should get a Professional Headshot Taken for Your Business

by 55knots | Mar 27, 2019 | Photography

Bad profile photos and homemade headshot selfies just don’t cut it in this competitive business world. Sure, there are times where casual and personable employee/owner pics can be good, but not for your first-impressions on your website, social media accounts, or LinkedIn, for example. It is stated that on LinkedIn if you have a professional headshot, you will receive seven times as many views than those who do not. This fact alone should be enough motivation to get a headshot done by a professional photographer.

Serious Style

You don’t have to forgo personality or style in order to have a professional face on your headshot. Any photographer worthy of his title will know how to shape your headshot into a personable, yet professional look that will feel inviting for anyone viewing your website or profile. The key is in quality photography and presenting yourself that says you mean business and that your time taken in making your headshot presentable means you do not cut corners.

Keeping Up Appearances

Your headshot should be an accurate reflection of who you are right now. If you have an old picture of yourself or one that shows you in an old hairstyle/grooming, people are going to feel a bit taken aback when they interview you. You should have your headshot updated at least every couple of years to keep things from feeling dated.

Legitimize Yourself

It should not be underestimated how valuable a headshot is, showing that you are official in the professional world. There are a lot of phony businesses out there or business startups that are only one by name with no material existence. Some even try using stock photos to legitimize their veneer. By having a professional headshot done to place your face and name with your brand, it legitimizes you for future clients looking for people they can trust.

Update the Resume

Last, but not least, you should seriously consider getting a new headshot taken if your business has changed in any significant way or if you’ve reached a new achievement. Companies do this all the time in various industries, it has a very big psychological purpose of generating that “new” fresh feeling to a brand we’ve already become familiar with. The same goes for updating your headshot when you’ve switched gears and now serve less corporate or new international clientele. Looking your best is a universally-understood expression that you care and that you will do what it takes to be successful for your customers and clients