A high-quality headshot can significantly enhance your online presence and brand image. With the rise of online professional networking on sites like Linkedin, headshots aren’t just for aspiring actors anymore – they’re for anyone looking to stand out online and craft a personal brand. A professional headshot, tailored to your personal style and industry, can serve to instantly set the right tone.
However, deciding what kind of headshot you want, booking a photographer and knowing what to expect from your photo session can be a bit daunting, especially if you’ve never been in front of the camera before. In this article, we’ll give you the low-down on headshot photography services in Canberra.
Why Choose Professional Headshot Photography?
Professional headshot photographers in Canberra do more than just take a photo – they capture your personal brand in a way that viewers can instantly understand. A polished headshot gives an impression of attention to detail and professionalism, setting a positive tone before you even meet someone.
As your headshot is often the first impression people have of you and your brand, it’s crucial you take the time to decide on a headshot style and location and find a photographer who ticks all the boxes for you. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional in a corporate setting, or a creative individual, your headshots need to reflect your values, vision, and message.
Choosing Your Headshot Style
Your headshot options go beyond just a shoulders-up picture against a white wall. It’s important to be open to exploring creative or different solutions – making your headshot more memorable than the stock-standard ones you commonly see being used. Your options vary from the classic black-and-white headshot to a classic portrait style or duotone studio shots. The choice depends on what kind of industry you’re in and how you want to represent yourself online.
We have a guide to some different headshot styles you might want to try to give you a headstart.
Choosing The Right Photographer For Your Headshot
Once you’ve decided on a headshot style, you need a photographer with the right expertise to execute it. This is the most important step of all! No two photographers are the same – aside from having different styles, they might also have very different pricing and ways of working with their clients. Here are the steps to take and what to look for:
1. Researching And Comparing Photographers’ Portfolios
Begin your search by exploring the portfolios of different headshot photographers in Canberra. Look for the style, quality, and variety of their work, and assess whether their aesthetic aligns with the image you wish to portray.
2. Reading Client Testimonials And Reviews
Client testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into the photographer’s professionalism, work ethic, and ability to deliver on their promises. Pay attention to the experiences of past clients to gauge the photographer’s reputation and reliability.
3. Experience And Portfolio
Look for a Canberra based photographer who specialises in business headshots or professional portraits in the style you want. A deep experience in headshot photography services will be a great advantage – they’ll be better equipped to coach you through your portrait session. Make sure you take the time to go through their gallery of images and assess whether their style of imagery matches what you’re looking for.
4. Comfort And Rapport
Make sure you read any client reviews or testimonials before you make a decision. One of the most important things to look for is a Canberra photographer that’s easy to work with, and that makes clients feel comfortable and relaxed. Being able to develop a good rapport with your photographer will result in a more enjoyable experience and can make a big difference to your expression and how relaxed and approachable you look in your headshots.
5. Good Communication Skills
‘Easy to communicate and collaborate with’ is also one of the biggest green flags to look for when you’re going through reviews! It’s important that your photographer is responsive and a good listener – they need to develop a clear understanding of what you expect from your headshot shoot in terms of style, location, and editing. This will make the whole process as fuss-free as possible and give a better guarantee you get the results you’re looking for.
6. Communicating Directly With The Photographer To Discuss Your Needs
Once you’ve shortlisted potential photographers, reach out to them to discuss your specific requirements. Communication is key to a successful collaboration, so ensure that the photographer understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable and confident in their ability.
The Importance of Location and Setting
Studio vs. Outdoor Shoots
Your options are almost limitless in terms of locations for headshots in Canberra, from dedicated headshot studio setups to natural outdoor backgrounds or iconic Canberra backdrops like the brutalist architecture of the National Gallery. Consider what backdrop best suits your image and the message you want to convey.
One benefit of choosing a photo studio rather than an outdoor location is that it allows for a more highly controlled, seamless photoshoot – the lighting can be perfectly tailored, and you don’t have to worry about background distractions or unpredictable Canberra weather.
Whether you choose a studio or a more natural setting, make sure you consider how accessible and convenient the location is for you and the photographer, including parking and ease of getting to the venue.
The Corporate Headshot Session: What To Expect
A professional headshot photography session typically involves a few key stages, including consultation and planning, the session itself, as well as the review and selection of images.
Consultation and planning the session: Prior to the shoot, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your requirements and preferences with the photographer. This may include the style of headshots, the background and lighting, and any professional retouching or editing requests for the final images. The more you plan and collaborate with your photographer, the more likely you are to nail your shoot!
The photography process and poses: During the session, the photographer will guide you through various poses and expressions to capture a range of images. They will direct and communicate with you to ensure that the shots reflect your personality and convey the professional image you seek to portray. Make sure to be punctual to get the most out of your shoot!
Reviewing and choosing your images: After the session, you’ll have the opportunity to review the images captured. The photographer might give a selection of proofs for you to curate, and you can discuss any additional editing or retouching requirements before the final images are delivered.
Depending on how many final images you choose and how much editing the images need, the turnaround could be anywhere from a day or two to a week – make sure you clarify your expectations with your photographer in advance and let them know if you have a time crunch.
Headshot Photography In Canberra: Pricing
Pricing for headshot photography in Canberra can vary based on the photographer’s experience, the length of your session, and any additional services, like studio hiring or having your pictures professionally retouched. It’s important to understand what’s included in the pricing, like the number of retouched images you’ll receive and what your usage rights are.
While pricing is an important consideration, remember that an exceptional headshot from a talented photographer is an investment in yourself and your personal image. Choosing a photographer whose style aligns with your brand and who can deliver quality results that reflect your standards will result in a better headshot and a higher return on your investment.
Branding Photography And Headshot Photography In Canberra
Futuretheory is a Canberra digital marketing agency specialising in websites, design, marketing and branding. Whether you’re looking for an individual headshot or a branding session and corporate headshots for your whole team, we have the expertise and experience to help you present better online. We’ve been honing our craft since 2008 and have worked with clients across Australia.
We’re happy to come to your office and capture you in your element, or you can choose to make use of our 126-square-metre studio in Canberra. Having such a large, fully equipped studio on hand means your options are limitless, and you can be as creative as you want when it comes to your business headshot, ensuring you stand out even more. Get in touch with us today if we sound like the right option for you. We’d be happy to provide an obligation-free quote and discuss your options with you.
