Posts Tagged ‘group photo shoot’
How to get the BEST out of your Profile and Team Photos
What to talk about with your photographer
A natural team photo for Networking WA
A natural team photo for Networking WA
The messages you want to send to your target market through your business or personal brand should determine what your people photos look like. Here are four points to talk about with your photographer.
1. Photographic Style
There are various styles of photography and some photographers specialise in one in particular. I have my preferred styles that I believe have the best and most impact in today’s business world, but I will also consider the individual brand first and the context (such as the design of the website and marketing materials where the photographs will be used). Some examples of styles for people shots are natural/candid, editorial, theatrical/dramatic, quirky/left of centre.
2. Mood or tone
Colour, black and white, shadow, framing and angle of view are techniques the photographer will use to create certain effects in the photograph’s mood or tone, which in turn affects how the audience will react to your business. This is especially important in profile and team photos, as these are the first impression and the make or break of the potential customer’s connection with your business. You don’t have to decide on these technical choices, but be able to articulate the feeling you want people to get when they look at photographs of your team.
3. Location
I rarely work in a studio, as I believe that people connect with photographs that tell a story, and this is best done through the use of scene – a location to suit your brand. This can also include use of props! Photos in your work place tell a story about your business, or you may choose an outdoor or urban location to tell a story about you in your community. Your photographer should be able to make suggestions and even organise location and props for you.
4. People styling
The clothing, hair and make-up choices you make for you and your team will have a big impact on the photos. It’s really important that you look your best, and make-up for ladies can go a long way in projecting a professional image – so consider this, even if you don’t normally wear make-up. Freshly washed hair is essential (yes, I actually have to say this). For clients who are unsure about clothing or make-up/hair styling I send them a tip sheet and offer to book a stylist for them. I’ve written a lot more on this topic and included articles from styling experts – check out the articles below.
Assessing your current photos
We offer a free DIY Photo Health Check, where you can assess the photos in your current marketing through a checklist addressing image quality, impact, relevance and placement. You can access this on our website.
Need more help?
We also can provide a $75 Creative Consultation – creative ideas to get you started thinking about the photography in your marketing. This is a one-to-one, obligation free consultation where we look at what is and isn’t working in your current marketing, and come up with a creative concept for your photographs. And if you choose to book the photography with us, the consultation fee is credited towards your shoot.
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Our clients’ photo stories
Here are some of the true stories of our shoots, and some comments straight from our clients!
Studio snapshots
Lila’s breathless voice on the phone told me she was lost. Rushing from work, she’d hopped off the bus a stop early and now found herself walking through a suburban park in the growing darkness. The studio booking was only for two hours and the first hour was almost up, so I suggested we make it another day. ‘No, no, I’ll get there,’ said Lila, so I wandered out to find her, trying to direct her over the phone while standing on the street corner.
By the time we were settled in the studio we had 40 minutes to work. Lila had changed into basic blacks as directed, and now I handed her a long piece of stretchy blue fabric, which revealed a slight sheen as it moved. ‘Hold it over your head,’ I said, ‘and stretch it slowly in different directions.’
I snapped away and it wasn’t long before Lila had the idea and was making up her own shapes using her body and the fabric. She looked like a dancer as she played, tilting her head this way, stretching her arms wide. The contrast of the shimmering fabric and the black clothing created clean outlines against the white backdrop.
In 40 minutes we had some great shots and I was keen to get Lila to model again, impressed with her ability to relax on her very first photo shoot! Since then Lila has featured in some stunning art and fashion shoots at various locations.
Partying like a VIP
I pulled out the camera with its heavy flash to a chorus of oohs and aahs by the girls at Katie’s party. As I set up the first shot, a simple group gathering, everyone smiling and drinks in hand, other people in the bar started to look in our direction. They didn’t mind moving aside as I circled the group, getting party shots in groups of two or three. ‘Move aside people! I feel like a VIP!’ said one of Katie’s mates as she posed, hand on her hip.
The bar had a gorgeous lounge area that was perfect for more stylish photographs. I directed some of the guests to the lounge, where they posed amid chandeliers, antique furniture and satin wallpaper, looking like fashion models in their cocktail dresses and heels.
‘This was such a fun party, Katie!’ I heard one girl say as she was leaving, later that night. It certainly stood out and I had a lot of fun photographing it.
Bubbles, sequins and satin heels on the beach
I popped the champagne as I saw the girls arriving. I’d promised them a bit of bubbly before their shoot on the beach, to calm jittery nerves. They’d been instructed to bring a couple of favourite dresses and their shiniest bling for my art shoot, which centred on the idea of daydreams. It was going to be full of sparkle and fun.
‘What do we have to do?’ asked Alison and Fiona, as they dumped the ten dresses they’d each brought and reached for a glass of champagne. ‘Just splash about in pretty dresses while I take pictures!’ I replied.
We started with some shots on the sand, close-ups of their glittery make-up and jewellery. I then asked them to move a little way into the water, and I followed with the tripod, its legs stuck in wet sand, to get some beautiful blurred shots of the girls twirling and jumping. I’d brought a couple of back up dresses and even some satin heels from my trusty costume box, so the girls wouldn’t ruin their own pieces, but they were soon enjoying themselves so much that they didn’t much care if their clothes got wet!
People walking by on the beach casually stopped to do up a shoelace, but really they wanted to sneak a peek at the photo shoot. This always makes my models laugh! Two little girls moved in for a closer look at the costume pieces, no doubt wishing they could play too. It sure was a little girl’s daydream!
Is she going to a ball?
As Natalie sheltered from the wind in the shadows of the Indiana Teahouse on Cottesloe Beach, I set up my equipment and sought the perfect spot. Once I had it, I coaxed Natalie out into the sun, directing her to stand against a sand-coloured wall. The sun picked up the brilliant colours in her dress, an old ball gown she’d picked out for the portrait shoot. Simple gold jewellery and softly tangled hair completed the look.
As I clicked, struggling to keep the equipment upright in the wind, a family walked past and stopped briefly for a look. ‘It’s a wedding!’ said one child. ‘No, she’s going to a ball,’ said her sibling.
We made our way down to the sand, where the sea curves into a pocket at the end of the beach. After a few fun shots running up and down the steps to the jetty and posing on the rocks, we tried some quieter shots underneath the row of gazebos. But I soon had competition: I turned around to find a tourist happily snapping away at my model!
After braving the elements – and the public – fish and chips were definitely in order and we sat at one of Cottesloe’s cafes to look at the photos as we merrily munched away.
What clients have said after their New Work shoot…
“I hate having my photograph taken and hardly ever take a good photo. New Work changed all that, and made the experience pleasurable and fun. And on top of this I ended up with some great photos for my business promotional material. I can recommend New Work for your photographic needs.” – Wayne
“Julissa is a complete professional and able to relate and put her clients/subjects at ease to get the best possible photos. I highly recommend her services.” – Fleur
“I was so impressed by how professional it was. Everything was coordinated perfectly and the photographer really cared about other people’s input into what the shoot would look like.” – Cara
“I signed up for a photo shoot and even though the nerves were incredible, the photographer made me feel so relaxed, and really helped to guide me through the entire process.” – Janine
Make the most of fashion season and save 15% on fashion-inspired shoots for individuals and groups of friends when you book during September. More examples and information here.
Don’t be shy! The camera will love you
Many people will tell you they’ve always wanted to have a professional photo shoot done, not just for the fun of the experience but to see themselves in a different light… to see what more they can be.
But everyone’s had a bad photo taken, everyone’s had a bad hair or skin day, and most people have at least one hang-up about their looks! The idea of posing in front of a camera under bright studio lights is too much to bear!
Or maybe you’ve seen a bunch of traditional glamour portraits of others and don’t really fancy having your hair boofed up and lying semi-naked on a fur rug. Maybe just once you’d like to see what you’d look like as a model on the cover of your favourite magazine, or have photographs of yourself and your loved ones that you could call a piece of art, something to hang on the wall without your house starting to look like your grandmother’s!
Despite the worries, at the back of your mind you’re thinking you should get your portrait done so that one day you can look back and say, ‘Wow, I was good-looking and I didn’t know it.’ So what are you waiting for? Here are some encouraging things you might not know about professional photography…
What you might not know about a professional photo shoot
1. An individual photo shoot is not like a family shoot, classroom photo or wedding shoot. It’s just you and the photographer, who hopefully has taken the time to get to know you and what you want. It should not be rushed but make you feel comfortable – most portrait photographers do this very well.
2. A portrait photo shoot can take place anywhere. Some people find the blank canvas of the studio becomes a neutral place where they can express themselves in front of the camera, a playroom for grownups to try being someone else! Others find they are more comfortable in their own home and want their environment to be included in the photographs, because it says something about who they are. Still others like the adventure of an on-location shoot – my personal favourite! Together with your photographer or stylist you can come up with a theme or story, and a location to match, much like a magazine fashion shoot.
3. Studio lights work wonders for your looks. There is a reason photographers spend thousands of dollars on huge lights for their studio. As any visual artist knows, a painting, portrait or any other visual form is predominantly about light. Where the light is placed and the quality of light can create mood, colour, special effects and can sculpt the face and body. No red eyes or flat tone here! Professional photographers know a lot about how to maximise your looks using special lighting.
4. You don’t always have to spend huge amounts of money or even buy prints. Photographers are now changing what they offer you, in response to the digital age. As photographs, printing and good equipment become more accessible to all, photographers are looking for new ways to create value for their customers. Many photographers are reasonably priced and can offer some very good deals. Look for transparency: if you feel the photographic agency is being up front about costs and expectations, you are probably on to a good thing.
5. And you don’t have to go it alone. Ask about package deals for you and a small group of friends or your team. New Work Photography has some great-value packages for fashion, commercial and corporate shoots.
Check out Our Clients’ Photo Stories, to read some real-life accounts of posing under the bright lights! And if you have an experience you’d like to share, or a maybe a question that’s been bugging you, contact us or visit our Facebook page. Let’s encourage our gorgeous friends who’ve been thinking about a photo shoot to take the plunge!
