Toronto business portraits

Business portraits or business headshots are probably the most common and most effective type of corporate photography. It's the quickest, easiest and best way to connect with your customers.

These portraits can be used on your web site, blog, social media, e-mail signature, business cards, press releases, announcement notices, conference programs and any time you want to make business a bit more personal.

There's no reason not to have a good business portrait of yourself.

Portraits that mean business

Every photographer will say they can do business portraits. But that's not entirely true. What is true is that every photographer can shoot some sort of headshot.

"Business portrait" consists of two words and both are important. This means the picture has to serve a purpose other than just looking nice. The portrait has to mean business.

A business portrait should show a polished version of yourself and help you earn the trust of your customers.

Business portrait message

A successful business portrait is one that conveys your business message. What are you trying to say about yourself and your business?

Honest and friendly is a common message. But you might choose to convey authority, tradition, creativity or whatever best suits your marketing goals.

A good business portrait photographer will ask about the purpose of your portrait and will know how to create the needed look. This requires a knowledge of posing, lighting and maybe even some behavioural psychology. It's not quite as simple as one might think.

Portrait psychology

Behavioural psychology helps to understand how and why people look at a photo, in this case a portrait. Knowing how to guide a viewer's eye movement through a photo and how to influence their opinion are key ingredients in an effective business portrait.

The best way to convey trust, confidence and honesty is to look directly at the camera. Eye contact with the camera is equal to eye contact with the customer. It also helps to smile at least a little bit.

If a company executive doesn't or won't look the customer or investor in the eye then you don't need a psychology degree to know something is wrong.

A portrait where the subject looks off-camera may be fine for a model or actor or in an editorial portrait. But it will often have negative connotations in a business portrait.

Some people may need both a business portrait and an editorial portrait. The tone of a press release or the story you're trying to tell may require something other than a business portrait.

We will work with you to achieve the portraits you need.

What's Your Style?

A business portrait is usually a vertical, head-and-shoulders style of picture against a plain backdrop. The reasons for this are:

This look is timeless.
All attention is on the face.
Strong eye contact.
Easy to use in a variety of page layouts and other media.

But having said that, don't feel you're stuck with this format. Depending on your business and what message you're trying to convey, a business portrait can take on many different looks.

Decide on what you're trying to say with your portrait. There are no wrong answers.

Actually there can be a few wrong portrait ideas but it depends on the expectations of your customers. Remember that your business headshot is not for you, it's for your customers. What do they need to see?

Perhaps you're trying to say "stable, conservative and trustworthy." Maybe it's about being "honest, friendly and approachable." Or perhaps "fun, casual and creative" describes your business.

Here are some suggestions about what to wear for a business portrait. But it's up to you and your business.

A good business portrait is the easiest and best marketing advantage you can have no matter what your business.

One more thing

Is it better to save your money and not bother with a professional business headshot? Please read this blog post.

Don't think you look good in photos? Science has you covered.

There's a reason why every politician has a business portrait. Their portrait earns them votes.

We instinctively make instant decisions based on how someone looks. Is that person a friend or foe? Can I trust them?

A portrait will always influence our thoughts no matter what we may have heard or read about someone. We always trust our eyes first.

You may not be running for public office but every day you need to win the vote of your customers.