I have been photographing business professionals for over 14 years. I try to bring some of my editorial skills into my professional photography. I do this by using complex lighting schemes that best reflect each individual subject, while still creating some depth and emotion in the photograph. To make the session a bit more relaxed and enjoyable I ask a few quick questions about subjects; what they like to do or fun things about their family. This keeps their mind on positive things that we touch on throughout the shoot. The session is relaxed and personal for the subject, yet professional.
Why is photography so important for today's business owners?
Photography now is more important than ever. With all the social media we have access to, it is important to make a good first impression with a great photo. Instead of a business card or a firm handshake, it now starts with an Internet search of you or your business.
What is the biggest mistake professionals make when getting corporate headshots done?
Not taking the session seriously enough. Some subjects arrive disheveled and without a good idea of how they want to be perceived. A photo session does take a little work on the subject’s part. It is a good idea to put some time into yourself before you are photographed. Think about whom you want to connect with and the best possible way to do that. This will impact what you wear, how you smile, and your body language. I’m always happy to give pointers before a shoot and have prep sheets I often send clients.
What trends are you noticing today, David, in the world of corporate photography?
I see a trend towards Environmental Portraits as headshots instead of the typical headshot with a blank background. These shots tend to be a bit more casual, showing people in their work environment, being themselves. Expressions are more fun and creative. Another big one. Stock photography. It is everywhere. Don’t let yourself be the business that uses these generic photos. You settle for someone else’s ideas. You have the option to hire a photographer to take photos of you and your staff, your own building, in your own environment. You get exactly what you want without settling. And customers notice. Why not show you and your partner doing what you do best, instead of two “models” shaking hands with a canned smile?
What are the three biggest mistakes that drive you crazy when it comes to corporate photography?
Muslin backgrounds for headshots, Flat lighting schemes, and over-doing it on the postproduction and digital retouching.
What is your favorite kind of picture to shoot?
I love to shoot environmental portraits on location. These shoots are often more challenging which leads to more creativity. People also tend to be more themselves in their own office, for example, which leads to a better photograph.
What makes for a better picture - babies or puppies?
I have a one-year-old so I would have to say babies. Although both are equally difficult to photograph.
What are you tips for ANYONE planning to have a portrait taken - for work or pleasure?
Practice your smile in the mirror before the shoot. Take some extra time on your grooming that day. Visualize the photo shoot as being a positive experience and it will be. I cannot tell you how many of my subjects come in dreading the shoot and leaving saying, “That was really fun”.
What are your three best, most memorable, photo shoot experiences? And why?
Photographing Mitch Williams (former Phillies pitcher) promoting his South Paw Salsa. I convinced him to crush a tomato in his hand to emphasize his power.This guy is humongous and has these massive hands. He literally destroyed 2 tomatoes that exploded everywhere (except on him). We nailed the shot in 2 frames. I photographed an executive from Lockheed Martin. We were drawing the correlation between business and art in the community. I found a suit, tie and shirt at the Salvation Army and convinced him to wear it. Then I splatter painted the background and him with several colors of paint. This guy was a real trooper, which made for an amazing portrait. Each shoot is really memorable in its own way. That is the thing about this profession that I am drawn to… Each day is an entirely different, unique, memorable experience.
Now, David...how about your three WORST, yet memorable, photo shoot experiences? And how did you survive?
The worst photo shoot I can think of was for a Casino in Atlantic City. I was a very skilled, yet young photographer at the time. I lacked experience and maybe a little confidence too. This was a big deal shoot in AC where creative directors were flying in from Vegas for the shoot. I had to get about 50 shots done in one day. I was so nervous going in. All I could do was just apply what I knew to get the job done. In the end, I got the shots needed and all was well.
Another time, while I was still a photography student, I was contracted to photograph Angelo Cataldi for the Hard Hat Games. At the time I had very little experience with big location shoots, so I hired my teacher, Mimi Janosy from the Art Institue of Phladelphia as my assistant and she helped me set up the lighting scheme. Another teacher at the time, Phil Drucker taught me never to get scared off a job because it was too big. Figure out a way to get it done. That has always stuck with me.
Finally, we had a corporate shoot last summer where a CEO was being featured in Forbes Magazine and they needed shots yesterday. The day we shot was over 100 degrees and we were shooting on Broad Street in Philly. We had subjects in the hot, hot heat, with dark suits, cameras overheating, sweat everywhere, cars whizzing by… it was crazy. To get us through, I picked a spot by a hotel so the subjects could stay cool in the lobby between shots and quench their thirst with ice cold lemon water the hotel provided. That was a tough one on everyone. But again, we got a great shot in the end.
Share a quote you love...can be from anyone? And why do you love this quote?
Just Do It. It is self-explanatory. That’s one of the things I love about it.
If you could share ONE final tip when it comes to corporate photography, one final jewel of expertise to help get an entrepreneur or business owner thinking creatively, what would it be?
Just try to have fun and have an open mind. Sometimes things feel strange and awkward in concept but look incredible in the end. Trust the guy behind the camera.
ABOUT DAVID MICHAEL HOWARTH
David graduated from Monmouth University with a degree in Business Marketing. After graduation, he worked in sales and marketing. This job gave David the opportunity to travel for business and pleasure, learning a lot about himself and the world along the way. David picked up a camera to capture what he saw on his travels. He was hooked as soon as the camera hit my hands. David picked up photography classes, which ultimately led to a photography degree from The Art Institute of Philadelphia. After graduation, David was immediately signed on as Staff Photographer at SJ Magazine where I began working camera shutters until they broke. David has fun dragging his wife Dale with him on many adventures. David is also enjoying being a father to his one-year-old daughter, Brynn. Visit David, Dale and Brynn at www.dmhphotographer.com.
Images shared with permission of David Michael Howarth Photography.
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