What to Tell Your Portrait Photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area
A professional male executive in an environmental portrait photo outdoors in the San Francisco area.
Portrait photos have power. They can perfectly evoke a moment, mark a milestone or convey your unique personal brand in ways that leave a unforgettable impression. They can also be works of art within themselves. From Steve Jobs’ sleek minimalist black and white image to the photo of Sharbat Gula, the green-eyed “Afghan girl” on the 1984 cover of National Geographic, excellent portraits stay in the public’s consciousness. If you want a striking image with staying power that helps with your brand’s storytelling, here’s what you need to tell your portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Purpose of Your Portrait
The most important information to share with your photographer is the purpose of your photo and what you want to convey. Our clients often hire us for portrait photo sessions for the following reasons – perhaps you fit into one or more of the below categories.
Brand storytelling – You may be a new business owner or entrepreneur and you’re trying to tell a story of your new venture and build trust with clients and leads.
Market differentiation – You may be a freelance consultant competing in a crowded market and portraits are part of your marketing toolkit to gain a competitive advantage
Dating profile photos – You want photos that represent your interests, appearance and personality in the most flattering light possible.
Ceremonies and events – You’ve got an upcoming personal milestone, be it an engagement, wedding, graduation – and you want to preserve the memories.
A professional female executive in an environmental portrait, striking a pose sitting down on stairs, with hands on knees. Photo taken in the San Francisco area.
The Mood & Story You Want to Convey in Your Portrait
Your professional reputation is everything, and portraits help represent your character. Let your portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area know what sort of mood and image you want to project, and what story you want your photos to tell. For example, do you want to appear friendly and empathetic, or polished and authoritative, calm or energetic, serious or humorous, or unconventional and bold.
A professional male executive in a portrait in his office, striking a pose with arms crossed. Photo taken in by one of our portrait photographers in the San Francisco area.
The Background or Location
The purpose and the story you want to tell in your portrait photo will help determine the background. You can share your ideas with your professional photographer and expect them to bring a few creative recommendations to the party too. Here are some options:
The Photographer’s Studio: Ask your photographer if they have a choice of background colors such as white, black, grey and so forth.
Your Workplace: Having your photographer take a portrait of you in your workplace can be a great visual storytelling tool and help your audience to connect with you.
Outdoor Locations: You may wish to have your portrait taken in an outdoor location such as downtown, Golden Gate Park, Marina or other hotspots. To achieve the best lighting and minimize wind and pedestrian traffic issues, ask your photographer about the best time of day and a possible contingency plan in case it rains.
A flattering outfit and complementary accessories can make your portrait more eye catching and convey your style and personality. This is an indoor environmental portrait of a professional female executive wearing a patterned blue blouse and silver drop earrings. Photo taken in by one of our portrait photographers in the San Francisco area.
Your Wardrobe, Accessories and Hairstyle
Your clothes, accessories and hairstyle must be styled to fit the mood and character you’re trying to show in your photo shoot. Your portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area can provide you with advice, so have a conversation about your style ideas.
Your Facial Expression & Body Language
We’ve previously posted a simple guide to posing for headshots and much of the advice can be applied for portrait photos. Your photographer is likely to help demonstrate poses and give advice about what poses will match the character you’re presenting.
Your business portrait should ideally project a confident and relaxed pose. A photo of a professional male executive seated with hands clasped at a table. Photo taken in by one of our portrait photographers in the San Francisco area.
From there, your portrait photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area will make decisions with you about lighting and angles. They will also decide on camera settings and framing. Your professional photographer is your creative partner, so come ready to collaborate, present your ideas and ready to cooperate with their recommendations. Portrait photography requires more time and set-up than headshots, so communication and preparation are the keys to a great session with memorable results that paint you in the best possible light.
Slava Blazer Photography has been taking eye-catching headshots and portraits of professionals in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 12 years. If you’d like to work with a true partner who will help to market your skills and experience, contact us today.