First impressions happen in a fraction of a second. High-quality commercial headshots instantly communicate your approachability and expertise, building crucial trust with employers and clients online. With business interactions increasingly online it is essential that contacts have a strong and valid mental image to work with.
Commericaial Headshot Photography Studio in Exeter
Early in 2018 we set up a dedicated headshot studio in Southernhay, Exeter in Barnfield Crescent, opposite the Barnfield Theatre. The studio was borne out of an increasing demand for quality headshots in an easy to get to location.
Nowadays we undertake the majority of our individual headshots from the Barnfield Crescent studio. Sometimes though the studio visits clients. This is often a pragmatic choice based on the number of people who are in need of headshots.
As a rule we only shoot commercial headshots and actor-performer images, we don’t do family shoots. That said the range of client sector groups is vast ranging from engineers to surgeons, property specialists to counsellors.
We Have a Massive Range of Photographic Equipment
We use high quality Nikon cameras and generally select one of a selection of suitable lenses. In truth, the lens choice, the settings and the camera rarely change. Colour is calibrated at the beginning of each shoot so one could be forgiven for thinking that nothing much changes. But, on each headshot session, a number of lighting modifiers may be used on a single face. We have a huge selection of beauty dishes, soft-boxes and frankly quite rare and obscure modifiers that will take the light and shape it to suit the face.
The differences may be subtle. Sometimes there are surprises, a particular modifier just makes the face light up.
Similarly there are a range of backgrounds. We have our own take on white background, hi-key, lighting. And then there is the lovely Oliphant hand painted canvas background cloth. It is very difficult to explain why a sheet of duck-canvas that was painted grey on a New York warehouse floor should be such a prized (and expensive) item, but it just does the job.
Ultimately though, it’s not about the gear, it’s about the brief photographer-client relationship.
Does the Approach Change For Group Sessions?
Yes, when multiple sitters are to be photographed the approach changes slightly. Many clients look for uniformity in their headshots. As such we will discuss ways of developing a style that can work for multiple subjects on location, but one which will also work for new recruits who can nip into the studio either alone or in small groups.
Why Studio Shoots Win
We can and will photograph outside of the studio, but, the lit studio experience is much more productive.
Many photographers in London offer outdoors shoots in part because studio space is so expensive. Whilst Devon offers a wide range of locations, many, such as city centres, have restrictions for commercial photography. Beyond that, Devon weather is unbelievably changeable. In addition, clothing changes can be a logistical nightmare.
In practice, lit studio spaces make for a good productive environment where the conditions and particularly the lighting and be controlled. As such, if numbers make it more viable to photograph on location we would rather bring a studio setup to you than attempt a quick unlit session by the board-room window.
What If We Need The Shoot To Be at Your Location?
To be clear, there is no reason why standards should differ wherever ‘the studio’ is created. When we set up on location we will bring everything that is needed to light to a similar quality as back at base.
Reconnaissance is everything though, generally a quick pre-visit to check the proposed space will answer most questions. I generally allow 1.5hrs to set up the studio on locations, and there will be what seems like a ridiculous amount of equipment.
Organising the troops is essential too. Getting everyone ‘on-board’, dressed on-brand and up for it is really important.