How to Get Great Casual Business Photographs
With the advancing technology of digital cameras and photo editing software, you may have a friend or associate who can step up and take a publicity photo for you. However, unless your friend has professional equipment and a trained eye, it is unlikely that the photo will rival the quality of a studio portrait.
If you need a photo in a hurry, this is a good option. I recommend going for a casual look, then, rather than trying to simulate a portrait. Again, unless you’re dealing with a pro, there’s just too much left to chance.
Consider a photo shoot showing you in a more casual environment – playing sports, relaxing, traveling, in the middle of a presentation, etc. These are good environments for a friend to take the photo. Remember, though, that a lot of work goes into making photos look casual, and you need to plan on investing time and effort into the process.
Since you will not have a studio or stylist working with you, here are some basic suggestions for you to consider as you prepare for the photo shoot.
Pay attention to your eyewear. If you have tinted lenses, they may look too dark in the photo. If the lenses don’t have an anti-reflective coating on them, they may have too much glare. Can you go without your glasses for the photo? Or maybe you will want to check with an optician for a pair of frames (without the lenses) to wear for the photo. While many of the challenges presented by glasses can be resolved in a studio setting, it’s tougher with photos are taken by an amateur.
Don’t switch to contact lenses just for the photo. If you’re not used to wearing them, you’ll spend you’re whole time squinting and uncomfortable. Most people find a photo shoot uncomfortable enough as it is; you don’t need to add stress to the day.
Women should apply make up as usual, with the possible addition of an extra coat of mascara. (Since the eyes are typically the center of the portrait, this will help make them pop.) Beware, however, the long spider-lashes look. This is a professional photo, but you don’t want people wondering just what profession you are in.
Men should avoid make up all together. While it may work in the studio, it doesn’t in candid shots.
Wear appropriate clothing for the setting. Is a suit appropriate for the setting? If so, you’d best be wearing one. But if you’re on the tennis court with a racket, you’ll look pretty silly in a suit. A good rule of thumb: you want to look like you fit the setting, not sticking out like a sore thumb.
Be patient. If you’re lucky, your photographer friend knows what they are doing, both behind the camera and in the editing process. If they’ve taken a lot of photos there are bound to be a couple of go-to shots that they know they can deliver. Rely on their knowledge, and take their suggestions. Make it easy on them, and you’ll help make sure that you get the shot(s) that you need.
It’s been said that the greatest photos of people occur when the person looks like they are having a love affair with the camera (or the photographer). While it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to bring this aura to your photo, you should strive to make it look like you’re having fun.
Next up: What kind of photo do you need? (The technical stuff)
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1 opinion for How to Get Great Casual Business Photographs
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Nov 27, 2006 at 10:38 am
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