Adding Headshots To Your Photography Business with Barbara MacFerrin
Today’s marketing and social media has made it nearly impossible to have an online presence without a professional headshot. Your clients (and even YOU) need a headshot that will stand out. Here are some scenarios for headshot needs:
- Corporate headshots
- Business branding
- Dating
- Social media
- Author portrait
- Modeling/actor portfolio headshot
- Musicians/album releases
If you’re not offering headshots in your business, you are leaving money on the table. Headshots are a nice addition to your portfolio and often are much easier than other types of sessions. Headshots are always in season and they’re a great way to build a relationship with those clients for other types of sessions. If they’re happy with their headshots, they will likely remember you when they’re ready for family photos and will likely return when they need to update their headshots later on. Here are some tips for taking great headshots:
1. Know what your client’s needs are
Make sure you have a pre-consultation with your client, whether it’s on the phone or in person. Ask them what they’re looking for and if they have any requirements such as background color, wardrobe colors, etc. Do they want the session taken outdoors, on location or in your studio? Do they want a typical, corporate-style headshot or something more creative or more casual? The more information you have up front, the easier it will be to plan the session and to satisfy your client’s expectations. Ask them for inspiration photos if applicable. The example below is of a recent university graduate who wanted a more casual headshot that he could use for social media.
