What Exactly Are Editorial Corporate Headshots?

The genre of editorial corporate head shots are becoming more and more popular--looking fresher and more modern when contrasted against traditional studio backdrops and lighting.

But what exactly ARE editorial corporate head shots?  While I certainly didn't coin the term (I'm not sure who to credit on this) I have definitely embraced it to describe my style when it comes to my headshot work.

An editorial photograph supports a story or an article in a magazine or newspaper. An editorial corporate headshot supports a company or brand in telling clients or viewers about their brand.  A fashion editorial photograph has a look or feel about them that may be inspired by a theme. An editorial corporate headshot is inspired by a company's branding--inspired by it's look or feel.

Editorial corporate head shots are often shot on location.  The location isn't the primary focus of an editorial corporate headshot and most certainly can be shot with a backdrop,  yet location does support the story about the company. It's all about capturing the personality of the subject.

And they are sometimes shot with a team--a hair stylist, a makeup artist and even a stylist.  I find that because my subjects look amazing and feel better, the shoot gets elevated.  Most of my subjects (although I've had a few that actually have been models!) are not models, making them feel like they are on a fashion editorial shoot from the get-go creates an experience which yields much more engaging and inspired portraits.  

Creating an editorial corporate portrait on a unusually dark day in Dallas required me to add a little light of my own.

Editorial photographs are sometimes minimally lit.  Often, I use available light on editorial corporate shoots, but if I need additional light, I try to keep it simple, so that my subjects aren't intimated by big lighting setups and the focus can be directed to making a real connection with my subject to produce a genuine and real portrait that captures their spark and personality.

Finally, editorial shoots are often done on short time frames.  With busy executives, I must give good direction, make quick decisions about what's working and what's not at the same time creating real connections with my subjects on a relatively short time frame.

Editorial corporate head shots are one of my most favorite types of shoots, allowing me more editorial freedom to produce engaging images that connect and engage.

Loved this image of Anna--an intern, new to Madison Avenue.

Do you have questions about what type of head shots are right for you and your company?  Drop me a line and we can talk about it!
Talk to you soon!