Portrait Office
Corporate Portrait Guide
How to prepare for your portrait
Thank you for trusting us with your portrait. Our goal is a portrait that is authentic, sincere, and of high quality, and we want you to walk in prepared and confident in your appearance.
Take a few minutes with this guide. It offers proven tips for showing up ready, so you can relax and enjoy the session.
You will look great :)
The short version
If you read nothing else
Do
- Solid, mid-tone colours: navy, charcoal, deep blue, burgundy
- Clothing that fits you today, tried on days before
- Hair clean, dry, and the way you like it
- Bring a second option: shirt, tie, jewellery
Don't
- Busy patterns, checks, plaids, or logos
- Bulky, showy jewellery that catches the light
- A brand-new haircut on shoot day
- Keys, wallets, or anything bulky in your pockets
The session
What to Expect
In and out in about 20 minutes. We direct, you relax.
Your individual session takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will be in and out quickly, no need to block off your afternoon.
On arrival
We will greet you and spend a few minutes getting you camera ready.
On set
After making sure your clothing and accessories are smooth and in place, we will take a few test shots. Your photographer will direct you through some variations in poses to find what suits you: what looks most natural, poised, and confident. You do not need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. That is our job.
Before you leave
Together we will review the angles and pick your favourite photograph, which will be retouched and sized for wherever it needs to live: your team page, LinkedIn, print.
Wardrobe
Styling Notes
Solid colours, clean fit. When in doubt, bring options.
Your outfit should reflect who you are. Wear what makes you feel like you, while keeping professionalism in mind. Seasonally neutral garments with sleeves photograph best. If your workplace is business casual, the same principles apply: solid colours, clean fit, sleeves.
Does your favourite suit still fit?
Clothing that is too big collects folds and wrinkles; clothing that is too small reveals gaps and bulges. A fitted shirt is best under a jacket, and shoulder seams should align with the edge of your shoulder. Jackets look best with the top button done up, but not if it pulls. Sleeves should show half an inch of shirt cuff and fall just at the wrist. Try everything on a few days before your session, not the morning of.
Colours
Colours read differently on camera depending on the lighting. Solid colours always photograph well, mid tones especially: navy, charcoal, deep blue, burgundy. Avoid busy checks, plaids, and logos; they pull the eye away from the point of the photo, which is you.
Ties
Avoid tight or busy patterns. Solid colours or bold stripes are best. Bring a selection and we will pick the strongest one together.
Accessories
A classic, understated piece of jewellery always photographs well. If you are not sure about a tie, a pocket square, or jewellery, bring options. We will help you choose.
Glasses
With or without, both work. We will handle the glare. And since we crop at the hips, your shoes are your call.
Getting ready
Hair, Makeup & Grooming
Come as your everyday best self. Nothing brand new on shoot day.
Hair
Come with your hair clean, dry, and styled the way you like it, and keep it off your face so we can fully see you. Do not try something completely new on the day of the shoot.
Haircuts
If you are getting a cut or a trim, do it a few days before your session, not the morning of. Fresh cuts can look a little stiff on camera; a few days lets everything settle. The same goes for facial hair.
Makeup
If you wear makeup, apply it as you would normally, but keep it fresh and light. Bring your essentials in case we need to add a touch of powder or colour for our lighting.
Shine
Cameras and lighting exaggerate shine on skin. A touch of powder fixes it on set, and it is easily removed after your session. Gentlemen without beards: please take time for a tidy shave.
Finishing
Retouching
You on your best day, not someone else.
Every portrait goes through our standard retouching process, which may include slight teeth whitening, softening of lines, and similar refinements. The goal is you on your best day, not someone else.
Additional retouching
If you would like anything specific addressed, mention it during your session. Complex retouching, such as adjusting garments or re-shaping hair, is not included in the standard service but can be arranged.
Delivery
Finished portraits typically follow within a few business days, delivered to you or your organization in the sizes and formats you need.
The result
The goal is not perfection. It is to feel comfortable, natural, and confident.
What you will get back is a portrait that looks like you on your best day: professional, approachable, and something you will be glad to have on your business card and your team page for years to come.
If your organization wants a specific look, branded colours or a particular background, let us know ahead of time so we can plan for it.
