A professional portrait tells your prospective client you care about your image. It also indirectly states that you'll take care of your client as well.

If you’ve been considering having your headshot or portrait done, or updating the one you now have, this article will be of interest to you.

Recently I’ve been asked to create headshots and portraits for various types of companies. Franchisees, law firms, big insurance co’s, creative outfits, actors, authors, public speakers and more. Depending on the requirements of the company, the headshot can be a standard-type image using a seamless backdrop, or perhaps there’s opportunity for an environmental portrait (where we see the individual in their working environment), or something more creative. Either way, my job is to help YOU – my client, look fantastic in your marketing materials in such a way that garners respect in your particular profession, makes you look approachable and competent.

Different looks can be created of a person for their portrait.

In my opinion, aside from creating a great image of you by making the process enjoyable, giving direction, post image enhancement, and making it look easy, it also includes providing useful information such as how to prepare yourself, warbdrobe tips, hair styling, makeup and more.

The pin stripe, power suit Executive Portrait.

I speak with my clients in detail about what is required for their image, and often will speak with their marketing firm etc., so I know exactly what I need to deliver. Often, the people I’m creating portraits of aren’t well-versed in photography lingo: such things as colour management, files types, deliverables, etc. And why should they be? It’s my job to deliver what you and your company needs.

An environmental portrait uses the person's working environment, as in this portrait of a residential interior decorator.

It’s amazing how often I hear back from clients who tell me they’ve been receiving compliments on their new headshot / portrait, whereas before no one said anything about their previous headshot. People generally won’t tell you how terrible your headshot looks, but they just might comment if they think it looks great. Or at the least, they’ll think to themselves what a professional-looking headshot you have. In the end, it’s often the unspoken things that we need to know so we can better present ourselves to the business world. A great headshot or portrait tells the business world you care enough about your professional image to have hired a professional to create it. Without so much as saying so, it also implies that you’ll take professional care of your clients, too.

Business portraits can be creative and completely suitable for your business.

If it’s time for your portrait or headshot, I’d be happy to take the time to speak with you, and learn what is important to you and your company. My direct telephone number is 416.628.4312.

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