Step 1 - Be Clear About your Target Audience and Branding

To get the best headshots for your business it’s important to first be clear about what your brand is. What is it about you/your business that you want to convey? Most businesses want to convey professionalism, so that’s a given – so a high quality, professionally composed and shot headshot is a must – no iphone selfies, or people in the parking lot , in their living rooms or at the country club wearing sunglasses , or backgrounds that distract the viewer.

Beyond professionalism, it’s important to understand who your target audience(s) are – are they customers, investors, partners, potential new employees – all of the above? And within that audience, what is it about your business that you want to convey. For example a law firm involved in litigation or criminal law is targeting a difference audience than an e - commerce services company. The branding for the law office is likely one that conveys power, competence, the ability to fight/win, and a level of seriousness and confidence that says to the viewer we are winners in areas where the stakes are high.

On the other hand, the e - commerce services company likely wants to convey energy, competence, an understanding of the internet/social media along with technology, and creativity. You want them also to convey that they are approachable and easy to work with.

There can also be more subtle differences – an experienced software consultant may want a more casual yet professional look that’s a bit more serious, whereas a career consultant may want a look that is more energetic, yet still professional both are consistent with their defined branding.