A corporate headshot or a business headshot will be the face of your brand, on your company’s website, social networking sites like LinkedIn, and printed promotional materials. It must capture you as you are and confidently say to potential clients that you are a trustworthy and approachable expert in your field. 

 But as a business professional, and not primarily an actor or model, chances are you are not comfortable in front of a camera or probably even familiar with all that a photo shoot entails. Scheduling your headshot could be the very last thing on your To Do list because you simply don’t want to do it. So you need a photographer who understands that, will work with you to dispel those concerns, and has experience photographing professionals outside the entertainment industry. 

 Here then is a list of the top 4 things you can do to ensure your best corporate headshot and photo shoot experience: 

 1. Do Your Research 

 When browsing a photographer’s website, look specifically for a portfolio of corporate headshots. While any photographer can take your picture, not every photographer will be able to deliver the results you need as a business professional, especially if they do not have experience working with non-actors/models. Email or call with any and all questions. This is your opportunity to find out more about your potential photographer, how he or she works, and what to expect on the day of the shoot. Remember that a photo shoot is a collaboration, so make sure you are both on the same page before the actual shoot day. 

 2. Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe 

 A conversation to have well before the morning of your shoot. Ask questions, discuss options, and share any concerns with your photographer. For hair and makeup, you may need to do less or more than would be usual for you. Remember that the camera sees more than the human eye. If you would rather not concern yourself with doing your own makeup, your photographer most likely has a makeup artist that he or she can recommend and works with often. As for wardrobe, what you wear should be appropriate to your profession and industry, but should also complement features like your eyes, hair color, and jawline. 

 3. Don’t Rush Your Shoot 

 It can take time to get comfortable in front of a camera and under lights. Schedule your shoot and the time you have around it accordingly. If you feel rushed, you will look rushed. 

 4. The Approachability Factor 

 Once all the pieces are in place, your only job left is to come across as the best version of yourself. Relaxed, natural, approachable. As obvious as that sounds, sometimes the most difficult thing to do in front of a camera is nothing at all. An experienced business headshot photographer will be able to work with you to achieve a corporate headshot that is simple yet striking, professional yet uniquely you. 

 If you are interested in further discussing corporate headshots for you or your team, please contact me with any questions or to schedule a consultation. I have been shooting headshots in New York City for over 15 years and regularly work with a range of industry professionals, including executives, physicians, lawyers, professors, business owners, real estate agents, and entrepreneurs. My Image Works NYC studio and is conveniently located in Midtown NYC near Penn Station and FIT.