How you brand your Corporate Headshots NJ sets the tone for everything you do afterwards: How you advertise, how you handle your customers… even the appearance of your business and its products. That’s because your brand is the personality and identity of your organization and everything reflects that identity… your logo, your advertising, your storefront. Think Apple computers: anytime you walk into an Apple store, the facility, its employees, the window displays… everything says “we’re cool, we’re creative, we’re on the cutting edge.” Go to any Cracker Barrel restaurant and everything says” “we’re homey, we’re country, and we serve grits.” This allows the customer to connect on a personal level.
Are you a glamour or bikini photographer who is interested in expanding into Boudoir Photography? Follow these guidelines, and you will be able to create beautiful, sensual images for your new boudoir clients.
First and foremost, always remember that a boudoir client is not a professional model. The mistake that many glamour photographers make is treating the boudoir client as if they are used to being in front of the camera. Most likely, they are not! The classic boudoir photography client has never been the subject of a photo shoot. They aren’t used to posing, working with lighting, and especially aren’t used to being treated like a ‘piece of meat’. They are both excited about the creating sensual, sexy images for their boyfriend, husband, or fiancé, and fearful of appearing unattractive, heavy, or old.
As the boudoir photographer, you must first create a comfortable, non-intimidating environment. Play soft but not sexy music (classical is great), have a female assistant by your side, and don’t physically touch the client. Have your female assistant rearrange hair or clothing that is out of place, or ask the client to do it for themselves. If you’re used to saying “You look Hot!” or “That is so damn sexy!” to a bikini mode, change it to “Your husband is going to love that one!” or “That smile is just perfect!” for the boudoir client. Remember, they are not used to being half-dressed in front of strangers, and need to be treated with the respect you’d give an executive for whom you are shooting a corporate headshot.
Technically, shoot the classic boudoir photography client with an open aperture, lighting that falls off from one side of the image to the other, and earthy, muted colors. This will help create a soft, sensual image that is flattering to your client. Create a wonderful, fun experience for the boudoir client, and you’ve found a new niche in which to expand your photography business!
The point of branding is to offer customers a distinct choice. If you hate country home cooking you stay away from Cracker Barrel. If you love fried catfish you know you’re in the right place. Good branding doesn’t try to please everyone, it let’s people know clearly what you are. Then buyers makes the right choice.
One of the best ways to convey the feeling of your brand is through photography. Images are able to project mood and values where words would fall short or seem contrived. Just like packaging design invokes “high-tech” or “intimate” or “elegant” a good product photograph lets someone know this item was made specifically for him or her. Miss the mark, or show the product in a poor light (or cheapened) and suddenly the customer has lost all interest.
In many cases, companies also like to put a face on the business; for example Dave Thomas with Wendy’s, or Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. Or Steve Jobs of Apple. And it’s no accident that in all these examples the business leaders are portrayed in a consistent way that is congruent with their corporate culture. If this is the case with your company, a personal portrait should be shot with the same care you would give in creating a logo or advertising headline.
Whether you are planning a shoot for your advertising, collateral material, or web promotion, think about the right look for your company. And the right message for your customers. Good advertising images build relationships and confidence. They should be visually appealing, yes. But they should appeal in a way that works for you! Ask yourself: “What are the qualities my customers seek?’ When photographing the people in your company consider: “What kind of look and expression will my customers relate to?” How should they dress? Leave nothing to chance and your photographs will tell a cohesive and powerful story.
