How to Choose a Corporate Headshot Photographer in San Francisco
A professional headshot is an excellent investment into your career, future and employment prospects. Research shows that LinkedIn accounts with professional headshots receive about 14 times more profile views and are about 36 times more likely to receive messages.
With that in mind, it’s vital to choose a headshot photographer who can help you make a strong first impression with sales leads, potential employers or investors and on LinkedIn! To stay competitive, you need to immediately project the right professional image. Here are my tips for choosing a good corporate headshot photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area.
1. Social Proof
Nothing beats a word-of-mouth referral from a trusted source. Ask friends and family whether they’ve had a stellar experience with a headshot photographer in San Francisco. If they can refer you to a surefire professional with the right expertise and skills, your search may almost be over. However, every photo shoot is different, and client needs and outcomes can vary. For extra verification, check the photographer’s online reviews, costs and portfolio.
Conversely, you can find a photographer by looking up lists by reputable consumer sites such as Yelp’s “Top 10 headshot photographers in San Francisco” or your top local business listings on Google. Carefully read and cross-reference the Yelp or Google My Business reviews to ensure the photographer that you’re considering has a consistent track record.
2. Specialist Experience in Corporate Headshots
Headshot photography is obviously different from a fashion shoot. Most headshot clients aren’t trained models who are used to posing on queue in front of a camera. It’s important to choose a photographer who has the experience and skills to encourage a natural smile and confident body language out of a non-model. Especially if you’re a little camera-shy.
3. High Quality Portfolio
When you’re looking through a portfolio, check that it includes the sort of photos you’d like your photographer to take of you. Do you like the photographer’s aesthetic – namely, the creative concepts, the look and feel, and the overall quality of their images? Do the individual elements of body language, facial expression, clothing choices and background all tie together to tell a cohesive story? Do all of the subjects look comfortable and confident?
4. Transparent Prices
Most headshot photographers in San Francisco are upfront about their costs. They will post their costs or a general range on their website, and are happy to provide quotes or a price sheet. Read their client reviews carefully and ask questions to help ensure you’re not engaging someone who will factor in hidden costs or attempt to increase their rates depending on who you are.
5. Knowledge of Good Locations & Ability to Offer a Studio Setting
There are many options for a background, be it at an office, a studio or an outdoors area. A reliable photographer will listen to your preferences of a photography location, while being able to provide you with advice about the best options to convey your personal brand.
If you’re after a headshot in a green space or urban setting, a photographer who is familiar with the area can provide essential in-depth advice. Whether it’s downtown, Golden Gate Park, Marina or other hotspots, a good headshot photographer in San Francisco will know the best time of day to achieve good lighting while avoiding peak pedestrian traffic and windy conditions.
If shooting indoors, the average open space office with its yellow fluorescent lighting and dark corners is not the best place to take a good photo. A photographer can compensate with the right equipment and technical knowledge, but it’s better to consider other options unless the office background is integral to the creative concept. A well-lit studio can often produce more flattering results in a more relaxed environment. If you’re interested in taking your headshot at a studio, ask the photographer whether they have on-site facilities.
6. Communication & Responsiveness
Observe how long the prospective photographer takes to return your call or email and their communication style. Do they listen to you, patiently answer your questions and ask follow-up questions in return? Are they upfront about their costs, availability, file formats and project delivery times? Do they provide helpful advice on the location, best time of day for shooting, hairstyle, clothes or make-up?
Lack of responsiveness and poor engagement early in the process is a red flag. It can provide an indication of the pattern of things to come. So, take note of the early communications and trust your instincts.
7. Customization & Personal Branding
Every photo tells a story. Every headshot projects an individual personal image. Whether you’re a jobseeker trying to convey a sense of competency and confidence or a business owner trying to project trustworthiness, your photo will help tell your brand story.
A skilled photographer will try to customize your headshot as much as possible, rather than taking a cookie cutter approach. They’ll collaborate with you to help achieve your goals.
Are you ready for a fresh headshot that helps propel you into the next stage of your career? Do you need a stellar new headshot for LinkedIn? Slava Blazer Photographer has 12+ years’ experience as a headshot photographer in San Francisco. Contact us today.