Toronto portrait photography

The most popular type of photography is, of course, people photography. This is simply because we like looking at other people.

We need to subconsciously identify with something in a photo before that picture can win our interest. We always identify with other people.

A smart company will, as much as possible, use people in their corporate photography. For example, a product shot is okay but a photo of someone using that product will be far more effective.

Corporate marketing should include not only business portraits but also environmental and editorial portraits.

An environmental portrait shows someone in their normal work surroundings. An editorial portrait usually shows someone doing something that appears to be unposed and spontaneous.

The best way for a company to convey trust, confidence and honesty is to have the subject look directly at the camera. A smile doesn't hurt either.

If the subject looks off-camera, the viewer will look around the picture and see what else is happening. When done correctly, this is used to direct the viewer's attention through the photo.

Having the subject do something, even something as simple as talking or gesturing, can convey a sense of capability and competence. This is why politicians love to be photographed talking and purposefully gesturing.

Photographing an employee in a working environment, rather than in an office or photo studio, helps provide more information about that person and what they do. This also makes the person appear more capable and knowledgeable.

Compared to business headshots, editorial and environmental portraits have more human interest which means they get more reader attention. They also get published larger in the news media simply because of the human interest value. Editorial and environmental portraits make for the best public relations photos.

Remember that editorial and environmental portraits can require more planning and effort than a standard business portrait.

Editorial and environmental portraits have such a strong effect on reader attention, news media usage and conveying a business message that it's well worth it for a company to have such pictures in their corporate library.