A picture is worth a thousand words. I’m sure you’ve heard this saying a thousand times. Without a doubt, this is a truism that you should always keep in mind when planning and carrying out a photo shoot for your brand or company.
Image plays a crucial role in the perception of our company or brand by customers, partners and/or the general public.
A well-planned and executed corporate photo shoot not only projects professionalism, but can also be a powerful tool to strengthen brand identity and enhance our reputation. Attention to detail is crucial to achieve professional, high quality and aesthetically pleasing material that can be used, among other things, in media collaborations.
Basic recommendations prior to the session.
Define the objectives and the scope of the session.
Before starting any photo shoot it is essential to be clear about what you want to communicate with the images. Is the aim to introduce the management team? Show the working environment? Highlight specific products or services? Defining these objectives will help you to properly guide the photographer and determine the style of the photos as well as ensure that the message is consistent with the company’s identity and values.
Select a professional photographer, not everything goes.
The choice of photographer is one of the key decisions for a perfect corporate photo shoot. Hiring a professional with experience in corporate photography is essential, as they will understand the specific needs of the business environment and know how to capture the essence of your brand through their lens.
Tell the photographer what the objectives of the photo shoot are and what exactly you need and what you need it for, not forgetting to put the photographer in context before the shoot. Explain what the company does, what sector it works in and what you want to convey with these photographs. Working out objectives and expectations prior to the session is important to ensure that the collaboration with the chosen professional is successful.
Plan and prepare the session in advance.
Planning is also important for a perfect and smooth corporate photo shoot. Some things to bear in mind:
- Choose the location: whether in the office, in a factory, outdoors… the location also affects the image you want to project. The location we choose should be uncluttered and not too distracting and, if possible, should somehow integrate the organisation’s logo or corporate image. Make sure that the chosen venue is clean and well organised before the session. It seems obvious, but often such considerations are overlooked and then the photos show details that we have overlooked.
- Day and time: choosing the right time can significantly influence the quality of your photos. On the day you choose, you should make sure that the people to be photographed have enough time to be relaxed and that they spend enough time with you. And, with regard to the time, although the professional will take it into account, you should also think about the light. Natural light is often the best option, so sessions in the morning or at dusk can provide the best lighting for a good result.
- Logistics: coordinating in an orderly and organised way the participation of all the people to be photographed will be key so that everything flows smoothly and takes as little time as possible.
Recommendations for the day of the corporate photo shoot.
The appearance of employees in corporate photos should be aligned with the image of your company or brand. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind:
Define the type of clothing.
It is important that you define a clear dress code that all participants must follow. It can be formal, business casual or work uniform, depending on the type of company and the message to be conveyed. The most timeless clothing is the most advisable so that the photos can be used for a longer period of time. Once decided, share it with the employees to be photographed before the shoot. Avoid plaids, stripes, bright colours or excessively flashy accessories.
Special attention to personal care.
Ensure that all employees are well groomed, with appropriate hairstyles and make-up, if necessary. It is important that everyone feels comfortable and confident in their appearance.
Watch the visual consistency of the photographs.
Consistency in the style and tone of images is essential to maintain a strong visual identity in keeping with your company or brand. Ensure that the colours used in clothing and surroundings match the brand colours or at least do not clash. Neutral colours are the most recommended, without prints or glitter.
Watch out for non-verbal language.
Always look for naturalness but don’t forget that the body language is essential in a corporate photo shoot. Do not force your posture or gesticulate excessively. Don’t pose with extreme seriousness either: a half-smile is ideal. If possible, avoid folded arms.
Choose the photographic style.
Decide whether you prefer a more formal, posed style or a more relaxed, natural one. Whatever style you choose, give directions so that it is maintained throughout the session and with all participants.
Take the opportunity to take several shots.
At least several close-ups and medium shots should be taken. However, you can also take advantage of this to take some American shots (cut above the knee) and a general shot of the site. Remember this with the photographer and make sure it is repeated with all participants in the shoot.
Consider the composition.
Work with the photographer to create compositions that are not only visually appealing, but also convey the values and culture of your company or brand.
Recommendations after the photo session.
Ask for files in various formats.
Ask the photographer to send you all the photographs in various formats. One that is of high quality (required for print publications) and one that is of moderate quality and can be easily shared, e.g. by email (valid for online publications).
Don’t abuse retouching and filters.
Editing is a crucial part of the photographic process. A good photographer will know how to retouch the images to bring out the best aspects without losing the naturalness. However, it is important not to overdo it with filters and effects in order to maintain the authenticity of the photos.
Review and feedback from participants.
After the session, it is important to review the photos with the people who participated in the session. Receiving feedback and making adjustments, if necessary, will ensure that everyone is satisfied with the final result and that the images meet the objectives previously set.
Image rights and usage.
Make sure you have all the necessary rights to use the photos on different platforms and for as long as necessary. It is also important to inform employees and obtain their consent to use their images in corporate materials.
If we fulfil all these premises, it is very easy for the corporate photo shoot to be perfect. A well-executed photo shoot can be a powerful tool to enhance a company’s image and strengthen its brand identity. If you follow these basic recommendations, your corporate photos will not only be visually appealing, but also effective in communicating the values and objectives you had previously set out.
