How to get the best headshot: environmental, location, or studio? - from a top Toronto Corporate Headshot And Event Photographer
I know what you're thinking: A headshot is a headshot, right? Wrong! Where you capture that headshot is a crucial element in the final look and feel of the photos. When creating headshots for a corporate client or pitching a new set of corporate headshots, there are three types of settings to choose from:
Environmental
An "environmental" shoot is usually shot indoors in the subject matter's own environment. It could be a their office, it could be in a warehouse, a bakery, a kitchen, etc. -- wherever they spend their time. The idea here is that the subject will be at ease in their environment (and with being the subject of the photograph!). When shooting these types of headshots, the subject can either be engaged with the camera or it can be more photojournalistic (ie, capturing them in the moment or action). When I shoot environmental I tend to shoot both versions and let the client pick what they like as the final photo.
We don’t always get to see what all the in between photos are but I shoot them because many times a client will also like the alternative image that can be used on the company website, for example. Environmental shoots can be great for these types of natural "in between" photos that really capture the spirit of the subject matter.
On Location
A shoot "on location" is when the client goes to a location that is not their own. They could be in a park, or they go to a monument, or they are somewhere they like and want it to represent them -- but ultimately the location is not their own. This is what separates an environmental shoot from an on location shoot.
For example, an on location shoot could even be the subject with the downtown of their city blurry in the background blurry. This style of photo is frequently used when people want to give the feel of their offices being in a city or downtown. Images shot on location are mostly used for website content, though sometimes can be suitable for corporate headshots as well.
In a Studio
Lastly, and perhaps most versatile, shooting in a studio will provide you with a truly "multi purpose" photo. Headshots done in a studio can be used on the company website, can represent you and your company, but can also be used for speaking engagements when a neutral white or light grey background is all that is needed.
Determining which type of shoot is best will depend on the type of headshots needed and where those photos will be posted. When planning a shoot, I usually lay out these options very early in the process so that we can get our location picked out first and work on ideas and themes from there.
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Toronto Corporate Headshot Event and Branding Photographer and Videographer