Representing the Man: Smart Corporate Photography

Corporate photography is no longer just a handshake and a smile on the cover of a brochure. Companies around the world are using professionals to help capture the attitude and personality of their employees for both print and web use. Here's how to make sure that your company has the best returns when hiring a photographer.

The Natural Headshot
Getting the right executive headshot depends entirely on your company's culture and attitude about corporate photography. Law firms tend to opt for traditional headshots, with the men in suits and ties and the women in formal blouses. Internet startups go for more modern looks, with odd angles and alternative backgrounds that vary from employee to employee. The most important factor in any headshot is to create a favorable first impression for clients who are using web and print resources to determine the look and feel of a particular company.

Group Photos
Corporate photography almost implies the need for group or team photos. Avoid asking your employees to dress alike for the shoot, as nothing says, "cog in the wheel" quite like a bunch of office workers in matching shirts and pants. Showcase the personality of your company by using non-traditional locations for the photos: on the company roof, in the corporate kitchen, or hanging out at a local sporting stadium.

Hire for the Long Term
If you find a photographer that you like, consider keeping him or her on a corporate photography retainer. As your team grows more comfortable, your photographer will be able to capture the essence of your team at holiday parties, yearly meetings, and retreats.

Act Natural
If you really want to catch your employees at their most natural, consider not telling them about the upcoming corporate photography shoot. Have your photographer arrive one morning and start shooting from an unobtrusive location. Eventually your employees will figure out what's going on, but it will allow you to get a few shots before people start rushing to the bathroom to freshen up.

Cliches to Avoid
There are several cliches in the world of corporate photography. You've probably seen them all before and thought, "that is so cheesy". Save your company from the same fate by avoiding the following shots:

1. Man shaking another man's hand as they both turn to the camera and smile.
2. Obvious "rainbow shots" that purposely showcase the diversity in your company (ie: all of your female employees huddled together working on a project as a male secretary takes notes.)
3. Shots of employees working diligently at their computers.
4. Shots of a customer service representative ?ready and waiting? to take calls.
5. Uncomfortable executive portraits that feature unsmiling men and women who appear as if they're headed to the guillotine instead of going to work.
6. Group shots in which all of the employees stand in a single straight line.
7. Two employees eagerly looking at a PowerPoint or some other presentation.

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