6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Professional Business Photographer
Table of Contents:
Mistake 1: Underestimating the Power of Good Headshot Photography Services
Mistake 2: Hiring a Photographer Without Corporate Experience
Mistake 3: Not Preparing Your Team Before the Shoot
Mistake 4: Ignoring Professional Lighting and Setting
Mistake 5: Not Matching the Photographer’s Services to Your Business Goals
Mistake 6: Overlooking the Brand Fit
Final Thoughts: Get More from Your Photography Investment
Frequently Asked Questions
Having a professional business photographer isn't just about completing a task - it is about investing in your company's brand perception. See here (Develop your marketing plan) guide for tips on building a strong visual identity.
No matter whether you are planning a corporate headshot, documenting a corporate event, or creating visuals for your personal branding, the right photographer can create or destroy that very first impression.
Unfortunately, many take the same pitfalls when engaging photography services. So, if you're planning on a photo shoot, here's what to avoid.
Mistake 1: Underestimating the Power of Good Headshot Photography Services
A good headshot is an absolute must.
Your headshot is typically the first thing clients or potential partners see on the web, whether it's your LinkedIn profile or your company's "About" page.
That's why it's a big deal to invest in professional headshots or headshot photography.
A great portrait or corporate photographer who knows their stuff will make you relax in front of the camera, capture your best side, and capture images that represent your personality and brand.
They'll choose clean, cool colours, soft backgrounds, or even just a simple white wall - those are all the visually appealing little things that shout style and professionalism.
Mistake 2: Hiring a Photographer Without Corporate Experience
Not all photographers are suited to do business jobs. Just because a person is good at doing weddings or portraits doesn’t necessarily mean they have the experience to do professional photography for corporate or commercial use.
A true professional business photographer understands how to take shots in all types of workplaces, adjust the light wherever they're working, be it an office or a studio, and mesh with teams across various industries.
They truly understand how to orchestrate group photos, manage large corporate events, and provide you with images that can be used in all manner of small business materials.
In short, you have to look at a portfolio with a variety of work, like headshots, group shots, and event work.
Because you're looking for a person who will bring out the best in all aspects of your business, you have to be careful from the beginning.
Mistake 3: Not Preparing Your Team Before the Shoot
If you want clients to feel connected with your brand, then your team needs to look and feel their best face on camera - and that starts even before the photoshoot begins.
Preparing your team properly helps ensure a strong corporate image, reinforcing trust and professionalism through every visual element.
Match colours to your brand, and wear solid or plain colours
No stripes or loud patterns that may show up in the photos
Hair and makeup need to be clean, natural and professional
Make sure everyone arrives early, calm and ready
The goal of headshot photography is to let your clients feel comfortable being photographed, which is not an easy thing to do if they're not used to working in front of a camera.
A professional photographer who sets the tone by trying to get to know your team and developing a rapport will be a game-changer.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Professional Lighting and Setting
Professional lighting has the power to amplify an image from merely decent to truly eye-catching.
Whether you are conducting an in-office shoot, hiring a studio, or booking an outdoor session, do not undervalue the importance of professional lighting.
A good business photographer will know how to make natural light work for them, and for you.
They will bring portable lighting setups to your event, choose backdrops that serve your brand, and even help you decide what time of day to shoot for maximum light quality, which is usually an often overlooked detail that can elevate the lighting from good to great for your images.
Mistake 5: Not Matching the Photographer’s Services to Your Business Goals
Are you developing personal branding photography, updating team portraits or starting on a new marketing campaign?
Depending on your goals, you may need different photography services.
For example:
Corporate headshots are best suited for a studio setting with softer ambient light and fewer distractions
Corporate event coverage is best suited for someone who can capture action photos in a fast-paced environment and get candid shots of your organisation. For best results, it's worth reviewing some professional event photography tips to understand what skills and techniques matter most
Commercial photography may require creative direction, props and/or models to accurately showcase your product or service
It's important to clearly articulate your goals so your professional photographer can accurately tailor their services and deliver the right imagery for your brand.
Mistake 6: Overlooking the Brand Fit
Your brand must align with your photographer's style, just like in any relationship of creativity.
The final photos should reflect your brand's business values, whether your tone is fun and friendly or sleek and corporate. After all, an impression has to be made on your audience.
Then experiment with different styles - soft versus sharp lighting, natural versus posed, colour versus black and white - and don’t hesitate to book a consultation.
The best match has pictures that are natural-looking, professional-looking, and unequivocally "you."
Final Thoughts: Get More from Your Photography Investment
Having a pro business photographer is not all about hiring someone who knows how to hold a camera.
It is all about partnering up with someone who will make your business, your staff, and all the services you have to offer look incredible.
At J-Aura, we've helped clients all over Canberra and even a little further away in snapping some fantastic shots and moments of themselves.
Whether it's a set of fresh corporate shots, a photo for your next campaign, or some trendy leadership portraits of your team, we've got you covered to look good and tell your story with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
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You could wear colours that are basic and lines that are clean, and avoid anything with a loud print or that has a logo on it. Choose the kind of outfits that are really more your style and are in line with what your tone of branding is, which will help push your confidence on camera.
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It's best to choose someone with substantial know-how in working with the corporate sector and who possesses an amazing portfolio that spans many different kinds of industries. Also, you should find someone who puts you at ease and allows you to be your best self in front of their camera.
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Corporate photography is often more focused on your team, office, or events, whereas commercial photography is mainly for whatever visuals are needed for advertisement, marketing, and bigger-picture campaign use.
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Of course! Lots of corporate photographers offer flexible services, whether you need professional headshots, a corporate event covered or studio work.
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Because good lighting will make you look fantastic, remove shadows, and ensure your photos are both sharp and clear online or in publications.
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Absolutely! A good headshot is very versatile and can be used on your LinkedIn profile, social media, and a variety of other places.
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This will depend on your purpose. Studios offer controlled light and clean backgrounds, but locations provide a context and can feel much more authentic.
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A relaxed team, the correct lighting, matching clothing, and most importantly, a photographer who has the ability to direct the group and also get people relaxed in front of the camera.
Author
Jaymie Dean is the founder of J.Aura and a passionate content creator based in Canberra. With years of hands-on experience in digital storytelling, she helps brands connect with their audience through creative, strategy-driven content. Known for her eye for detail and authentic style, Jaymie brings a fresh and professional approach to content creation in Canberra.
