Every time I get a telephone call enquiring for a passport photograph I politely turn it down and direct them to the nearest walk-in photography studio.
Last Sunday I got a similar call from one gentleman enquiring for passport photograph and I said to myself not again and started explaining to him how I am a freelancer and do portfolios and stuff and how it would be economical for him to seek services from the round the corner photo studio. But, then he insisted saying he also need to get some profile pictures of himself and his wife done. On further probing, he said he needed good pictures that he could use in his business website & social media accounts including LinkedIn.
Business headshots or corporate headshots is a relatively new concept in India unlike in the west where photographers specializing in this genre are in demand and clients are willing to pay $200 -$300 for a session. Here in India, a typical mugshot would cost Rs 120/- ($2) with 4 print copies so you’re typical client would expect the same even for the business headshot and I will not blame him for the gross ignorance. I would take it upon myself as an engineer & MBA educated person with experience of working with fortune 500 companies who has taken the mantel of becoming the change in the field of Photography
And now was my chance, I was excited about the likely assignment and started educating my prospect on the difference between a mugshot and corporate headshot. How a mugshot with a ‘stunned rabbit caught in the headlights’ expression is the thing of the past and is only limited to visa application pictures which requires you to be stern face, look through the camera with both ears visible, white background & flat 1:1 lighting. On the other hand, a business headshot would be more elaborate unbinding and would bring out the personality which would be helpful in his personal branding, especially in today’s online world. As a photographer worth your salt what is stopping you from creating a photograph which would show you client as a successful businessman or a corporate head honcho worth featuring in the fortune 500 business magazine. Just to reemphasize my argument just dig deep in your wallet and have a look at your photograph on the employee ID card or your driving license the only thing missing is a slate in hand with your details on it. Haaa…..
How the session pans out totally depends on the skill of the photographer and a pre-plan he would devise and of course on the cooperation of the client. Being well groomed on the day of the shoot is a no brainer, set of casuals & formals (dark suit) clothes for variety is good. You can further improve on your creativity by going in for environmental portraits which includes more of the body, an expression/portrayal of the individual’s personality within their environment, and allows for more artistic license from the photographer in general.
So are you ready to up your Corporate Quotient with a professional Headshot?
Hi My Name is Amol Patil & I am the founder of Masterpics – professional photography agency at Thane-Mumbai. For any query you can reach me at 9967544378