You've got a business portrait scheduled--now what??

With quite a few upcoming editorial business portraits coming up, I thought perhaps it's a good time to chat about how to prepare for having your business portrait taken.

Business portraits give a human face to the people behind a company.  And in these days of always connected, your image is always ON and OUT there--on LinkedIn, company websites, company directories, social networking sites--and you never know WHO (or even WHEN) is looking at your profile.  It makes sense to give your image--your brand--your company--the respect it deserves by preparing for your portrait in advance.

I suggest that preparation for your business portrait begin well ahead of time, giving it the same importance that you would give to an important meeting.  This is a portrait that will represent you (and your company) for a bit--give it the attendance it deserves.  Think about your hair needs--do you need a haircut, your roots done, your eyebrows trimmed?  Do it a week ahead so your hair has time to relax into the cut.  Keep smoking or alcohol to a minimum in the days before your session and begin drinking plenty of water to hydrate so your skin looks its best and lines and wrinkles will be minimized.  Get adequate sleep, particularly the night before your session so you appear rested and relaxed.

While there aren't definitive rules for what you should wear and how you should present yourself, your company culture or profession should be your primary consideration.  Obviously, a business portrait for a banker would be very different than one done for a creative.

My top ten tips for clothing selection, hair and makeup preparation:

1.  Prep your clothing beforehand--Clothing should fit well, be clean and pressed.  (Mind the gap in a blouse!)
2.  Solids look best--avoid bold or loud patterns (patterns or prints can sometimes create strange looking patterns on camera or distract from your face. Moire anyone?)
3.  Darker is slimming.  (Did you know black is my favorite color to wear?  And now you know why!)
3.  Watch that your neckline isn't too revealing and at the other end of the spectrum stay away from turtlenecks--they are difficult for even the longest of necks!
4.  Men--watch that a shiny or reflective tie doesn't compete with your face or that your undershirt is peeking out.
5.  Women--stay away from sleeveless blouses and jewelry that would distract from your face.  It goes without saying to wear well fitting undergarments.  (You--it's all about you!!!)
6.  Check your facial hair.  Trim neatly and check for strays.
7. Check your smile, brush and floss beforehand.  (It's great to have a little snack before we shoot so you aren't cranky with hunger, but make sure you check your smile!)
8.  Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows because shiny makeup reflects light and can be distracting in camera.
8.  Bring a bit a smoothing product for hair and light smooth down any frizzy stray hairs.
9.  If in doubt, uses professional makeup artist or hair stylist.  (You'll look so good, you'll want to go out afterward!)
10.  If you wear glasses all the time--wear them.  You can consider having your optician pop the lenses out for the session.  And if you'd like we can shoot with and without them.

And finally, just between you and me--can we get up close and personal a minute?  Don't forget a few last minute checks: stray eyebrows, wayward nose hairs, dry lips and inner eye gunk!

Yes, I'll admit to retouching.

And do I retouch your portraits?
Absolutely.  My goal is to capture the best you using posing and lighting so that you'll look your best straight out of the camera.  However, with all the talk about photoshop these days, here's my take:  In real life, when we are face to face with someone, we see the whole picture--not just a face, but a personality, mannerisms, voice and even smell--and our brain puts it all together to form our image of that person.  When we look at a two dimensional photograph of someone, we have only our visual sense to interpret it.  I believe in presenting the very best image of you, so yes, I'll admit to retouching--if you have special retouching concerns, please ask!

Your business portrait should reflect a confident, relaxed and approachable you.  Schedule yourself accordingly so that you arrive relaxed and on time.  Now that you've done your prep work, you can relax, have fun and let me do my job!

I can't wait to see you!