The corporate portrait - it is time to redefine.
The traditional definition of a business portrait has been limited to a narrow perspective. If you ask most people, it is usually defined as a bust or head shot similar to a personal portrait, except that it is used for business purposes. I think it is time to redefine the business and professional portrait used in today's diverse market place.
As a portrait photographer, I get to see and review a lot of
portraits. Unfortunately, what I see are a lot of common themes. The
expressions are typically the same. Nothing unique; nothing that speaks to the
business or industry; nothing that sets the executive apart from their
competition.
Yet when you talk with business leaders, their needs
are as wide ranging as the market itself. Now more than ever, business leaders
need to have more options for different situations. The standard bust shot is
great for some specific situations, but every executive should have more than
one or two images in their public image toolkit.
Today’s executive has to have a presence online,
blogs, press releases, brochures, marketing & promotional materials. Each
market is different and the images should reflect these differences while maintaining
consistent branding and messaging.
- Your office portrait – should be regal and
inspirational.
- Your bust shot – great for press releases and academic
publications.
- Your blogging and social media image – more pleasant,
inviting and conversational.
- Images for brochures, marketing & promotional
material – specific to your industry & audience.
- Images for annual reports – tailored for shareholders and
investors.
Executives represent different industries and serves
different stakeholders even within the same industry. A dynamic portfolio of
images can be one advantage that can pay enormous rewards. A good professional
photographer will know how to get someone to relax in front of the camera, evoke
the best poses and provide suggestions for accentuating an individual's
positive features and traits.
Professional photography is your foundation to a solid visual
marketing program. A portfolio of high quality images are engaging and presents
a very visible reflection of you and your business and your brand – make it the
best!
