Category Archives: executive portraits
Headshots vs. Portraits
Headshot Portrait
Now that we have officially confirmed you need a headshot, I guess anyone reading this might agree it’s time to move on! LOL. So, let’s talk about something that might be confusing to some, and that is what the heck is the difference between a headshot and a portrait. The term can be used in many ways. Business portrait. Executive portrait. Professional portrait. And headshot. Also used in many ways. Sometimes just “headshot.” But isn’t that an “actor thing,?” Like in actor headshot? Or do folks in the corporate world need headshots too? Well? Of course they do.
At “Dallas Headshots” for the sake of clients to understand what they are getting when they hire us, we define it two ways. “Headshots are defined as “head and shoulder” shots with our supplied background.” And portraits: “Executive portraits are defined as “your office or off-site location” shots (can be 3/4, full frame, cropped tighter, cropped looser, etc.) using appropriate backgrounds relevant to your business or the shot itself. Need large space, hallway, lobby, etc. We can both get creative with this type of shot.”
In this conversation, though. Let’s just talk traditional headshots.
I am officially coining a new phrase, here today. The “Headshot Portrait.” Since “the headshot” may be seen as the portrait’s poor cousin, and could be viewed as one of lesser quality than a portrait, I say we (as photographers) should strive to step it up a notch and make beautiful headshots, and not just “mugshots.”
How is this done. Well, first things first is you need a decent photographer. One who is adept at the art of interaction with total strangers, and one who can walk into any room from small company to huge corporate client location and make not only the rank and file feel comfortable but the top brass as well.
Then, of course your photographer should be well equipped, with the right gear and double / triple backup so as to not slow things down under pressure if things go wrong. These are givens. Most importantly your headshot portrait photographer should be good with lighting and posing.
This photographer should be one that walks into your office location, and tries to make a killer headshot portrait every time, not just “the typical” headshot that we have all seen on company web pages. You know what I am talking about. Boring lighting. Flat. Uninteresting poses. No life. No sparkle.
So I say make a “portrait” out of your “headshot” and let’s call it (at least I am) a “headshot portrait” which refers to the highest level of quality attainable for your corporate and executive photos. Next, more on portraits.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
Also posted in how-to headshots, Portraits
Tagged headshot, headshot tips, Headshot-Portrait, need a headshot
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Still Need A New Headshot. Read On (part five)
What’s the next thing in trying to choose the dream-photograher? Well, how about “look at the pictures” as a client so simply informed me the other day at a photo-shoot where I was honored to be chosen do do her company’s headshots. I had simply asked her how she found me and she said she searched for “dallas photographers.” Fine, so far. But finding a corporate headshot photographer amongst all the choices on the internet is convenient yet can be scary if you make bad choices.
So, I just asked. Why me? I know there are other good photographers. But, to that she said, yeah, Sal, BUT there are bunches of them that just are not that hot. How can you tell I asked. Well? She said, “just look at the pictures.”
Now, being a full-time professional photographer maybe my mind is geared in a different direction. Sure I look at other photographers work, but I see it from a different point of view. Maybe more “technical” like any photographer would.
So, it was nice to hear a simple, traditional POV that intuition and good taste still has value. I think as they young lady was trying to tell me, she breezed through various dallas photographers websites and easily picked up on what was “consistent.” And I had to agree that those two things (intuition in consistent quality) is something clients should consider when finding a photographer who will do to produce the business portraits and / or headshots that will represent their company for what could be a long time.
I have a bullet point in my FAQ
11. I found someone who provides “the same service” for less.
“Well. What can I say? You are going to put “your best face forward” on the internet for the world to see. Pease consider that saving a few bucks here might not be money in the bank for you.
Rather the opposite, actually. Folks can spot a “cheap headshot” a mile away, and (at that point) it can only reflect back on you, not the photographer.”
Obviously we “are not all created equal” and none of us can provide “the same service.” But hopefully, the process will begin with finding the photographer that has “the right stuff” and not just “the same service.”
More later…..
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
Hey Turkey! You need a headshot. Now what? (part three)
Dallas Attorney Headshot
Well, it’s Thanksgiving! And after _way_ too much turkey, I thought I would try to ”talk turkey” instead. Headshot photo on the left is a new, local Dallas attorney who was one of three I shot this week at their office. To continue the conversation for folks who may be new to business or experienced corporate types just needing to update their business portraits. Sixth. Be on time! What can I say? I know it’s not easy. At Dallas Headshots one of our goals is to be cognizant of your time restraints. We know you are busy professionals, as are we. We can get you “in and out” of a session and on your way to doing what you do best, but please keep in mind that sometimes your being too early or late cuts into someone else’s session, and of course all we would do is ask you to call ahead so you can plan.
If we are shooting you at your office, normally your office manager will have you set up in increments. We can do as many as 10 headshots an hour at your office. Approximately 3 every 15 minutes. It will be quick as we have a very efficient setup and are adept at guiding you through the process.
So, _don’t be nervous_. Permission to relax. We will have fun with you. I mean, not too much fun, IYKWIM, but we want you to feel comfortable. I had a (somewhat nervous) client the other day say to me “Hey! This is the first time I ever did this.” And I explained to her that for 99.9% of my clients it is the first time _they_ ever did this as well. So, remember. I am more afraid of you than you are of me! That should ease your pain.
Please let me know if there are any questions or topics you would like to discuss. I would like to open this up to folks in Public Relations, Human Resources, Corporate Communications and other Corporate Types that handle Marketing for their companies in Dallas and beyond.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
You need a headshot. Now what ? (part two)
Recent Headshot / 11-09
Fourth. Are you going to the headshot photographer’s location or are they coming to you? Either way you want to know what background they are using, and what color it might be or not be. You do not want what you are wearing to clash or worse be the same. For example, blue background? Of course, as mentioned, a “dark suit” always goes well and is the standard for corporate portraits. Dark clothes are always a good choice as they put the emphasis of the headshot on the face.
But, if you want to spice it up a bit a nice choice (headshots for women) might be something like a red, pale pink or yellow suit jacket. Or even a neutral color, like a tan. What you want to _avoid_ though would be wearing a blue suit (with a blue background.) Make sense? So, don’t be afraid to ask the portrait photographer or the person coordinating the photo-shoot. I’m sure your photographer would ask you to bring some options with you and take a look when you arrive.
Fifth. Things to avoid? Big jewelry. Turtlenecks. Short sleeve shirts (please, please, please.)
Let’s switch gears. For the sake of this conversation let’s talk about headshots for men. Guys. If you have a heavy beard please get a good shave right before you come over. If you are going to want more than one look, like business corporate and casual, please bring a few changes on hangers. Stuff that looks great for men’s casual are classic button down, classy golf shirts, etc. I’ll say it again. Classic. Classy. You know what I am talking about. Keep it to those two things and you can’t go wrong.
Avoid loud stripes and patterns. No herringbone please. Solid colors work best. I always find it best to have you look at what your counterparts at your particular company are wearing and go with the flow. And, I mean look at the good ones! LOL.
Everything we talked about here is regarding headshots. Meaning the headshot photography service you employ will be bringing the backgrounds to you. So, all you have to do is know in advance what background they are bringing and ask your corporate meeting department, Public Relations counselor, HR department or whoever is heading up the session about any instructions the photographer might have forwarded.
Sal Sessa /Dallas Headshots
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