Ten steps to perfect modern business portraits (Part Two)

Modern business portrait – head-shot not mugshot

Naturally, you want to look good in your business portrait, so what are the top 10 things to think about to ensure your photos are great? In the second of this two-part blog, we are going to look at five things you can do to make yourself look great, from what you wear through to how stand in front of the camera…

1. Outfit - For your killer business portrait I would always say wear something classic, especially if you aren’t planning to get your portrait re-done every year. Imagine you are going for a job interview, you want to be the very best most polished version of yourself and the same goes for your shoot.

For the guys - A simple white or pale blue shirt and blue/grey blazer works well for a more corporate look, open collar no tie looks much more modern than a tie or suit. An ‘I mean business’ look is a shirt, open collar, rolled/pushed up sleeves, nice chunky watch and no jacket. This works well but if you are carrying more than a few extra pounds you many want that jacket on to streamline your look. Avoid anything heavily patterned like hounds-tooth and checks - it just makes the viewers eyes go funny.

For the ladies, again, classic is best. It depends on your business and the image you are looking to portray. Whatever you choose it needs to be well fitting - baggy clothes and shapeless tops simply make you look bigger in a photo, so more structured and tailored always looks more polished. A crisp white shirt looks awesome, again avoid heavy pattern and anything that will date quickly. Black can look a little harsh so always try to soften black with something coloured and more feminine. Jewelry works well here - something bold and with a bit of colour can often pack a punch, looking contemporary and stylish without dating too quickly.

Whatever you wear it should be something that you feel good in, empowered and attractive.

One thing to note is that if your shoot isn’t first thing in the morning, then take a spare top/ shirt with you, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve turned up to a shoot to find the ‘model’ has spilled their (usually ‘his’) lunch down their front. Not a good look.

2. Hair and make-up – Ladies, your make up should be worn slightly heavier than usual, although a natural make-up look is always pretty timeless. It’s a good idea to take your make up kit and hairbrush with you to the shoot that way you can apply extra if needed. Loose powder works well to stop any shine, (think of the news presenters getting their noses powdered moments before going on air, male and female). You will most likely have a favourite side to your face, perhaps without even realising it.  If you have an off-centre parting, it’s likely to be the side with more hair. Ensure you have photos taken of both sides. Your photographer should be able to see which looks best but ask them to take both sides anyway. Guys, get a haircut in advance if your hair needs it. Don’t wait until the day and then suddenly remember. Brushing your teeth prior to the shoot is always a good idea.

3. Posing – The most flattering angle is always ¾ to the camera. To achieve  this, stand with your feet at 45 to 90 degrees to the camera, then twist from your waist towards the camera.  If you can shift your weight into your back hip that will make your hips and legs look slimmer. Think about all those celeb photos, they twist, they pose and they shift their weight back away from the camera. You want to do the same in a less obvious way. If your weight is in your back foot you will know, you will be able to lift the foot closest to the camera and still maintain your balance. It’s always going to be more flattering if the photographer is slightly taller or a little bit above you.

4. Facial expressions – Try to remember to keep your chin down a little. It’s a natural instinct to try to minimise a double chin (or the worry about one) by looking up and trying to ‘stretch’ your chin out. This has the total opposite effect in a photo, it simply highlights the chin area. Remember in a photo, whatever is closest to the camera looks the largest. We want your eyes and smile to look largest, so chin down a little (think Princess Diana and those puppy eyes in a less dramatic way). Another top tip is to push your forehead forward just a little, not too much, but a little can tighten the jawline and skin wonderfully!

5. Hands – This is a funny one. Your hands are about the same size as your face, go ahead, try it. If you have your hands in a shot in the foreground they can look even bigger! To avoid giant hand syndrome. You want those hands tucked out of the way, certainly relaxed and with your fingers together. The only exception to this is the ‘talking heads’ type shot where you want some hand movement as if someone is in conversation or being interviewed. In this case, it’s important not to have any pointing, or aggressive looking hand gestures. You want to aim for a gentle explaining type hand movement. Try resting your elbow on the table and keeping your hands up fairly close to your face.

If you are having a head and shoulders shot, it's good to remember that as soon as your hands move up, say if you put your hands in your pockets, then your shoulders become more hunched and the line of your neck and jaw is altered (in a bad way!) If it’s a ¾ length shot then a hand low on the hip can create a nice shape to your waist and an interesting line through the image.

Liz Carrington is a professional photographer, founder of THE informal SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY and likes straightforward people and almond croissants. Find her at www.informalphotoschool.com and www.lizcarrington.com and follow her at https://www.facebook.com/informalphotoschool/

These shots were all taken by Liz in natural light on location to demonstrate the ten steps. Thanks to our wonderful model Katie, interior designer extraordinaire, who can be reached via katie@atelierinteriordesign.co.uk.

Ten steps to perfect modern business portraits (Part One)

Naturally, you want to look good in your business portrait, so what are the top 10 things to think about to ensure your photos are great? In this two-part blog, photorgrapher Liz Carrington looks at the right environment for creating brilliant portraits, identifying five key points to consider if you want ‘head and shoulder’ portraits for corporate or professional use.

1.Photographer – it goes without saying  that a fabulous photographer is the first thing you need. With the best will in the world, if you have a fusty old photographer, who has been doing things the same ways for donkeys years, your portrait is unlikely to look fresh and modern. Similarly, if you have an inexperienced photographer, or perhaps a friend or colleague taking your photo, it’s unlikely they will know the tricks to ensure your portrait is as flattering as possible. Grab yourself a fab photographer with a style you love and off you go…

2. Time – One of the keys to creating a wonderful portrait is to allow enough time. Now I know you are busy and I know there is work to do but trust me, you need a little time for the magic to happen. I would allow at least 30 minutes but more likely an hour, especially if you’re going to be shooting in multiple locations and aiming for a few styles of photograph. An hour is enough time for you to relax into the shoot, without clock watching, enough time to try a few different poses, styles, lighting arrangements, backgrounds and expressions. With a good photographer, an hour will pass very quickly. Give yourself the best chance to have a flattering relaxed-looking portrait. You will be glad you did.

3. Natural light – This is an easy one. If you are having your photo taken, natural light is likely to be the most flattering light. Use windows and light-filled spaces to bounce the light all around and fill in any shadows. If it’s a super bright day and you want to avoid the harsh sunlight, bounced light works best - this is why photographers use reflectors and shade. However, there are times when you will be photographed with studio lighting - a little more intimidating perhaps, but the even lighting gives a great glow. 

4. Location – Its important to get a good selection of shots from your shoot, as time is precious and whilst you are doing a shoot, you need to get good value for your time. I would recommend at least 3/4 different set ups and looks for one shoot. Your photographer will scout these locations out in advance and have an idea what will look great. Windows work well, interesting walls and walkways with perspective are good too, as are stairwells. You will need to trust the photographer on this one, but be prepared to move around and try a few things.

5. Style and feel – Are your shots to be used on a corporate website, are they for Linkedin and social media? Do you need more than one look and can this be achieved by simply using several set-ups and taking your jacket off and rolling your sleeves? Professional photographers know that you are likely to need different shots for different media and different PR purposes. You don’t want the happy smiley shot used for a news story about redundancies, nor do you want a serious shot for a lighthearted piece about a fun charity event for instance. You will know what type of shots are most relevant to your work, but ensure you get a selection as your PR or Marketing team may need something else too.

Liz Carrington is a professional photographer, owner and tutor at THE informal SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY and likes straightforward people and almond croissants. Find her at www.informalphotoschool.com and www.lizcarrington.com and follow her at follow her at https://www.facebook.com/informalphotoschool/

These shots were all taken by Liz in natural light on location to demonstrate the ten steps. Thanks to our wonderful model Katie, interior designer extrordinaire, who can be reached via katie@atelierinteriordesign.co.uk.

Watch out for Part Two of Ten Steps to Perfect Modern Business Portraits ... on Wordville's blog. 

Who would have a dog in the office?

Our PR agency has a four-legged ‘employee’ and we couldn’t do without him.  PR Pooch (aka Cosmo) comes into work every day and our visitors are very happy to see him.  He's quite a remarkable dog and has just the right temperament for a office dog.  He came from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home four years ago and is a wonderful ambassador for that great institution.   However, having an office pooch is something that needs to be well thought through.  It's more than a novelty stress reliever - it could actually change how you run your business. 

So here are some things to ponder if you're thinking of implementing a pet-friendly office:

1.     Not every landlord is going to be happy with having a dog in the office.  Once you’ve got the pet and committed to having them at work, you’re also committing to staying in working premises that are pet-friendly.  Dreams of a super-slick, high rise city boardroom might be out of the question as they can be strict about furry staff.

2.     Not every individual likes – or can deal with - pets.  We realised that every person we hire from this point on has to be comfortable with a dog in the office.  People with allergies wouldn’t be able to work here easily and that could potentially limit our intake of talent. 

3.     Visiting clients and suppliers generally love the dog.  Although many organisations now have dogs in the office, it’s still rare enough that every visitor is surprised and usually delighted.  Our dog runs down the stairs when the buzzer goes and brings up guests.  It’s quite a helpful way for them to find our reception which is on the second floor of the building.

4.     Having a dog forces you to take a break.  In busy work spaces lunches can be forgotten – but you can’t ignore a dog who needs to go for a walk.  Forcing people away from their desk, whatever the weather, actually helps reduce stress on manic days and keeps people moving.

5.     When it’s cold, our dog's a living hot water bottle.

6.   Our office pet has developed his own reputation.  His twitter profile PRPooch has followers and his tweets on dog-related news have been shared by the likes of Battersea Dogs Home and Country Life Magazine which helps the business's own profile raising. Follow him @PRPooch.

ARE YOU TOO SMALL FOR PR?

When is the right time to appoint a PR agent?  When is a retainer with a PR agency worth the investment?  Interesting questions that I’ve been asked more than once over the course of my career.  Let me be really clear, PR isn’t right for every company at every stage of their business.  If a PR agency says that they can make you a household name, but you are still working out of your bedroom, they might be more interested in taking your money than in building your brand.  Many bedroom entrepreneurs make it – Wordville itself enjoyed a few months in ‘duvet land’ before we got our office, built a team and created a proper organisational structure.  But start-ups survive or flourish because they don’t run out of money by spending their hard-earned pennies on things they don’t really need.

PR is not free/cheap advertising.  If you can’t afford advertising don’t think that PR is a less expensive alternative.  PR is a professional service and the skills of the agents, whether in a company or as individual consultants, are sold to you by the hour.  PR agents charge for the effort it takes to devise a plan, create content, find a suitable target and reach out to the press with consideration and persistence.

If you’re a young business and you really feel that being in the media will have an enormous impact on your business’s credibility and success.  Here are the questions to ask yourself:

1.     Do you have a website with contact details (email address and phone number) that people can find if they want to get in touch with you once they’ve heard about you in the press?  Seems obvious – but, believe me, lots of individuals put effort into launching a product or project without the wherewithal to record interest or sell.

2.     Do you have a spokesperson who is available, lucid, well-informed and can speak to a journalist about your company, its products/services and its clients?  If you don’t have a spokesperson how are you going to answer a journalist’s specific questions?  A reporter is going to want to personalise any company news to appeal to their own audience and will very likely want a quote that touches on a particular topic that relates to their area of interest.  If no one has time to help with this – or no one is happy about ‘putting their head above the parapet’ – then avoid PR for the time being.

3.     Do you have a client who you can reference, name drop, or call in to support what you say?  Approximately 600,000 businesses are launched in the UK every year.  Many never win the clients they need to go onto their second year.  The press is understandably cautious about featuring any business that might not be around in a matter of months.  They like to see you have credibility and you get that from the people who buy your products/services. 

We love working with start-ups and always have.  We are inspired by the energy, sense of purpose and flexibility of small business leaders.  So we’re always intrigued when a start-up approaches us with a request.  But we’ve worked long enough with established brands and newly-founded companies to know that to succeed in PR you’ve got to have the basics or you just can’t get in the press. 

If you’re reading this and thinking ‘oh no, I was expecting PR to help me sell products’ – then you probably need to go back to your business plan and look again at your route to market.  Eventually PR will help you grow your business – it’ll will amaze you how much PR can help – but once your business is ready to be helped.  

by Lucy George, Mayor of Wordville

picture souce: Ryan Jorgensen 

Wordville wins UK PR & Marketing Company of the Year 2016

Well, we're celebrating at the little village of Wordville after being told that we've won an award for outstanding work.  The bunting is out, the brass band is tuning up and the Mayor has had her hair done.  Thanks to all those who nominated us.  

Sponsored by the International Business Innovation Association, The Innovation & Excellence awards recognise businesses that have transformed over the past 12 months setting clear industry trends and advances.  

The judging panel at Corporate LiveWire considered the strengths of each shortlisted candidate, setting its sights firmly on the most innovative, groundbreaking and client-focused firms, teams and individuals who have transformed the way in which they do business. 

This year’s winners include Google, Uber, Airbnb Inc, Microsoft, and Wordville to name a few.

The full winners guide can be found at: http://www.corporatelivewire.com/innovation-and-excellence-awards.html

If it's a Show-Off Society, how are you getting your share of the stage?

The business world, despite the best efforts of best practice, doesn’t always reward those who put their heads down and get on with the job.  The best can rise through the ranks, climb the corporate ladder or get picked for the dream job – but they have to be spotted.  It’s not just about being creative, hard-working, conscientious.  It’s about being all those things and being seen to be.

The Mayor of Wordville, Lucy George, has written a book with business coach Barbara Greeenway, that outlines some of the principles of PR that can work for anyone.  Called 'Don't Work Harder - Just Get Noticed', the book is for individuals who are looking to be promoted.  Jobseekers looking to be selected for an interview.  Hardworking folks who are getting a little bored of sitting around waiting for the break because surely ‘it’s their time now’.

Championing the unsung, who suffer colleagues taking undue credit, the book incorporates positive ideas, and motivational stories. Don’t Work Harder helps frustrated executives focus on what they want to be famous for, guides them to the evidence to support their personal brand, and offers tips on the next step. It’s not about burning the midnight oil, or suppressing your own beliefs. It’s getting noticed that makes the difference.

Lucy and Barbara will be giving a sneak preview at the IAM Group on Wednesday 30th March in London.  To buy tickets for the event visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/charity-drinks-networking-dont-work-harder-just-get-noticed-tickets-18551354601

If you would like to pre-order Don't Work Harder - Just Get Noticed (published autumn 2016) please email dontworkharder@wordville.net