E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Sounds like a high-volume, mass- production gig? An automated booking system sounds very high-tech and trendy but will work for you? Much depends on your business model and how you approach your portraiture.

"Headshots" is a buzzword that everyone seems to use. It stems from the "head sheets" that model agencies use to give to there clients- ad agencies and photographers. Theses were posters with dozens of closeup shots of the available models and it supposedly helped in selection modes for specific assignments. Nowadays the term is applied to business portraits and publicity portraits for publication and online usage, portrait images for business card and brochures, theatrical portraits for actors and musicians, photograh that accompany resumes and CVs and more.

Most of the aforementioned usages of the resulting images are representing a person's appearance, style, personality, and their position in their business or profession. Since most folks are NOT professional models and are going to prepare for their"headshot" as to clothing or costume, colors, makeup (if required), hair styling, etc., I usually do a pre-sitting consultation session to ascertain the usage of the image and prep the will all of the aforementioned elements. If there is no time for this pre-sitting session, at least I want to have had a live telephone conversation. I want to make certain that I know what is required and they know how to prepare. I don't wat dissatisfied clients because the had a bad hair day or the should have worn something else, etc. If at all possible, I like to see them so I can analyze their facial structure and plan lighting and camera angle. Basically, my business model is based on a very personalized service.

Admittedly, I am an older guy but I do use all the latest apps in my "device" but I still like to do my grocery shopping in person. I usually do no make major purchases online and I appreciate personalized service when I can access it locally. My favorite barbershop put in online appointments but I sill like to go in or call and make sure my guy is there. I know many of the younger folks wanna do everything online but I still have many younger clients and still do my bookings the old fashion way. Many folks are pleased and surprised wh the call and find a human being on the other end of the line and one that will promptly help them with what they need to know.

Personally, I have begun to hate voice mail and automated telephone menus when I am looking for service or information so I try not to inflict those on my existing and potential clients, I have voice mail on my telephone lines but I usually use call-forwarding when I am out of the office or studio. If ai ma ina shoot, I have a staff member look after incoming calls. I only switch on the voice mail after business hours.

So...my person approach aside, let's examine your plan. Is a 15-minute block of time enough to quickly prep a client, shoot, and process the images? Sound a bit hectic. I have done this kinda shoot for large organizations and it can get pretty crazy, What if someone is delayed and show up late? Not everyone can relax quickly, in front of the camera or pick their images in just a few minutes. Some might require more retouching than others. What happens if someone is not pleas with their results and needs a re-shoot?- happens?

How are you gonna arrange payment? Even processing plastic take some time. What about additional to sales of prints?

Are you gonna work from your studio or on location? How are you going to communicate with folks who may be delayed or want a last-minute booking?

Sorry if this seems pessimistic but I like to examine "worst-case scenarios" when setting up these kinda things or advising anyone. There are just suggestions and of course, you are in a better position to understand your situation, the clients and trends in your geographic location.

I hope this helps a little!

fotoman150

There are only fifteen potential clients and not all of them are expected to book a time. I have about 5 hours to shoot these. I have all the other details worked out.

You are very intuitive. What you are describing is something that you have been doing for awhile but has evolved. You may have heard of it. A closely related field called Personal Brand Photography. In this style of photography you try to capture a small business owner and how they relate to their product or service. It’s kind of business/lifestyle portraiture that goes beyond a head shot. Just google the term if you need to in order to get a more exact description. Very few people are doing it and it’s in high demand. You do a consultation like you said. It works well for bloggers, lawyers and doctors. Any entrepreneur. The pictures are used for social media content or website like you said but it goes beyond a simple head shot and involves a full portrait session and may even include products and the subject interacting with the products.

It’s done on location outside the home or inside or both depending on the product, personality of the subject or the weather.

My research has indicated that, depending on the area and the photographer, these sessions go for $800-$1000, or as much as $5000 and repeat every quarter or so as needed in order to bring fresh content to the website or blog.

Stlouisphotog

Looks like you have the eye to me. Nice work!

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Exactly :-)
I have done some real estate agent /mass Corp work etc but what I like to do is the personal brand work. Usually involves 2-3, wardrobe changes, internal studio "Corp" head, head/shoulder and 3/4 shots, and outdoor shots with 4-5 background changes and elevation angles (I have a ladder to do this). Its a lot of fun and the client is always really happy with the results. It sounds like this opp for you is NOT that but more of a traditional corp studio process. Please come back and tell us how it went in this fourmn !

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

What's missing on this forum is a "BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY section. Wahdayathigk- guys and gals?

There re many photographers, around here, that may be aspiring to a career in professional photography or want, at least to start a part-time paying business. There are some pros for sure! There are lots of disgruntled pros who complain that professional photography, in the digital age, has gone to "hell in a handbasket"- but aren't doing anything to improve their situation. There are many questions posed about pricing; "how much should I charge for...whatever? and many haven't a clue about how to create a viable business plan and construct a price schedule.

So many folks are too busy, counting pixels, continuously upgrading their equipment and not thinking about upgrading their bank account- and then they complain about the price of gear! Consumer of professinal photograhy don't buy pixels, you gear or your crazy-sharp lenses- the buy you talent, professionalism and flattering and effective portraiture!

In the so-called corporate portrait business, there are many opportunities to create a business, turn a fair profit and garner a good clientele, that is, if the photographer is willing to advance in fine portraiture techniques and market their services aggressively and effectively.

Where's the market? All you need to do is pick up a newspaper, look at photo-business cards, look at the "portraits" (mug shots) folks are using in their advertising and after you recover from the stomach ache that these images bring on, devise a marketing plan. Folks are using "selfies, passport pictures, photo-booth pictures, and mass-produced "portraits" that are not as good as kindergarten school photos- at least, in those school images, the kids are cute!

True enough, there are those offering and blogging about "personal branding" etc- new buzz words and I agree with that, however, it's a matter of something "old is new again". I've been doing that for many decades s and so are many of my cohorts, friendly competitors and colleagues and mentors- I did not invent it! Yup!- been, there did dat, still doin' that and willing to share!

There are many marketing approaches, too many for one post but here's a basic one. There are many potential clients who need a "headshot" and probably have no been photographed by a competent professional for a long time or perhaps never. Perhaps they have never seen a great image of themselves or had the experience of working with a pro. Nowadays, most folks are in this category and they make great potential clients, providing that you can convince them that they need to devote a little more time and effort in securing a good photography and that you are the photographer to look after their requirements. You are the photographer to bring out their personality, so them at there best, and the images you produce will represent them and their business, profession or talent in the most dynamic and flattering manner.

Think about it: Many of these people spend lots of time and money in selecting clothing and accessories, buying and using cosmetics, keeping fit, etc.- why should they y be satisfied with a "mug shot"? By the way, corporations spend megabucks on "branding" and creating an "image". The spend ultra megabucks on advertising. Good photography is a relatively minor expense in comparison.

Your personality, as a photographer, is important too! Many of my clients know very little about the intricacies of photography. Some re impress with my equipment- a few, others like my portfolios or display samples. I know, however, that am gonna have good sales, a satisfied client and many referrals when after the session the clients say that the had a good time, fun, enjoyed the conversation are looking forward to the final results.

Problem is- too many, even pro-shooters are lazy! The invest in a big website and sit in their office and wait for the phone to ring or for a knock on their door. They are oftentimes disappointed, so I ask them a question; "if you were gonna open up a brick and mortar studio, would you build or rent a space where there are thousands of other photographers, vying for the same customers on the same block or shopping area- all involved in a low-price war! That's a description of the Internet and many social media sites! it's good to be online to reinforce you other efforts but you gotta get off the old backside, get out there and see corporate customers, ad agencies, model and theatrical agencies, various organizations, religious and fraternal groups, business associations and attend business shows.

CREATE A PORTFOLIO. If you wanna get into the biz, quite shooting birds, scenery and macro shots of bugs and start photographing people! Do the nature photography as a hobby! Unless you pick up assignments from National Geographic, The Audubon Society or the Entomological Journal or are selling significant quantities of large prints of you work, you ain't gonna make any decent money.

Sadly, I doubt if a "business" section will garner many hits on this site. I manage and co-manage 2 kinda pro-sections that are open to all ( Professional andAdvanced Portraiture and Commercial and Industrial Photography) and I contribute to "Advice for the Pros". Very little traffic! In some cases, there is resentment toward professional photographers- many of the "artists" around here claim that pros are "cookie-cutter shooters". Some think making money from artistic endeavors is "crass". My philosophy is very deep and sophisticated- "lazy feet don't eat"! Folk will spend their hard-earn money with folks they trust and like and folks who the feel WANT tho to the work and WANT them to become customers. In the AMAZON and Big Box Store world, personalized service still sells! Some consider it exotic, speical, rare and will shell out the extra buck for real VALUE.

Also, shame on some of y'all- how many of us have a really cool avatar- right here on this forum. OK- if you wanna remain anonymous you can continue to display your cat, dog, or something else. If, however, you wanna show your face- DO SOMETHING CREATIVE!

fotoman150

I agree with you on shooting birds and stuff. I have never shot a bird, a bee or a flower. All I’ve ever done are weddings, portraits and such that actually pays.

fotoman150

Thanks! Anything you like in particular?

fotoman150

Thank you. Is there anything you like in particular?

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

I have nothing against shooting nature images- landscapes, bugs, animal, flowers, s and whatever you like. Nowadays, more than half of my business is commercial and industrial photography and many folks would be surprised at what I am called upon to do, however, for the sake of my business, my marketing is very targeted. Hey- if you know how to photograph a bug, you will also know how to make a billboard-size image of a tiny semiconductor! If you've ever photographed a ferocious lion or a grizzly bear, you learn how to cope with a grumpy art director, editor or an unhappy client- THAT'S A JOKE, FOLKS. If you don't have a quirky sense of humor- the business MAY drive you into a mental health facility!

Artistically and technically speaking, what is learned from doing other kinds of work, out of your normal box, can be applied to your day to day work in terms of new or different methods, concepts, and offerings. In my showroom, I have traditional portraits and kinda bread & butter commercial images but I add in some of my "off duty" stuff- makes for good conversation pieces and every now and again I sell one of my landscapes or wildlife shots. A change is also good for your head- ask any psychologist!

It's also a good business plan to diversify a bit so you don't undergo a really bad slow season or are suddenly affected by changes in the markets or the economy. In business you always gotta have something on the go. "Cashflow stoppages" are dirty words and should be avoided!

Stlouisphotog

I enjoyed the maternity shoot, very nicely done. The family shoots were very well done also.

fotoman150

Thanks. I'm afraid you are easily entertained. LOL