I’m a corporate headshot photographer in Ottawa. A big part of my work is with companies who need headshots of their team. This post is about:
How to book a team corporate headshot session:
The first thing I do when you reach out to me, and after discussing with you what it is exactly that you need, is send you a proposal. That proposal includes not only the cost but also some hints on how I can help you ensure the process is smooth and trouble free.
Let’s dig deeper:
Reviewing the proposal:
Search Headshot Photographer in Ottawa on Google. Have a look through the top four or five websites that rise to the top. In my mind you’re looking for photography that matches what you’re hoping to have yourself. I would also pay attention to what you read and how it sounds. Does that photographer’s web page resonate with you. Can you see yourself working with that person. Reach out to the photographers you like and ask for a proposal. Professional headshot photographers will provide a written proposal. They are going to need information about how many people you have. When you need this completed. Where you are and what you would like to see in the final product. Give some thought to how those photographers respond to you. How quickly? What was their tone? Did you get a feeling about that person’s work? Their way of doing business? Remember. Photography is a creative/subjective product. Try not to let the price be your only determining factor. Price is what we use when we can’t see the difference between products.
Choose the look you want:
Just because you don’t see the ‘look’ you would like that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. That said… a photographer’s style is their ‘style’. Trying to get someone to photograph your team in a way that they are not comfortable with is not good. It’s like asking the the steak chef to give Indian food a try. They can probably do it but it’s probably not their speciality. Also decide upfront which type and colour of background you can visualize using. It likely won’t make a difference to the cost of the work but the photographer will want to know in advance. Different backgrounds provide different feelings in the work as well.
Have a telephone conversation:
Email is the thing these days but I really do suggest that you get a ‘feel’ on the phone for the person you’ll be working with. You can tell a lot about someone by having a conversation with them. This is a big project. Everyone will be watching. So make sure you’re comfortable with your choice by speaking to your photographer in advance.
Pick a date and time:
Depending on the number of people and the type of business you are there are better times of the day to have your shoot. Discuss this with your narrowed down list of photographers. Also.. think here about your staff. When is everyone available? When is the least disruptive to your business? How long do you need per person and so on.
What can your headshot photographer do to ease your pain?:
Team headshot sessions with small and large groups are something we do everyday. Your photographer will have advice on how to present the project to your staff. No one likes having their picture taken. What can the photographer do to help you to organize everyone so that it’s a positive experience in the end? I have a PDF that I send out. This not only answers the question “what do I wear?” but it also introduces them to this stranger who will be pointing a camera at them. It helps people when they know what to expect.
Shoot day should have minimal disruption to your business:
I owned a twenty-six person business for many years. Nothing was more disruptive than having staff focused on something that wasn’t a normal day. Picture day can be minimally disruptive if done right. Ask questions about how this will work. What is required and how long will the shoot last?
Get a commitment on when you will receive your images:
I’ve heard a few horror stories from customers who hired the wrong person. They went through the shoot, and then never heard from them again. What? Get your photographer to agree to a delivery date for your images. Also get a commitment as to what format and size these images will be delivered to you in.
Finally:
Hopefully I am not making this sound like it is a bigger project than it is. To a pro it should be pretty much like clockwork. But if you’re speaking to someone who doesn’t walk you through these steps you might want to ask the questions. The last thing you want is to have everyone from the CEO down see this day as a big disappointment. It shouldn’t be. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help and talk to you about your project. You can reach me at the bottom of this page right page right here
