Photography Techniques for All Photoshoot Types

As a professional photographer, I am lucky to work with a variety of subjects – from corporate headshots to photographing buildings, interiors and products. I Simply adore the variety my clients provide me!

On the subject of variety – do you know your ‘candid’ from your ‘lifestyle’ shot, your ‘portrait’ from your ‘unposed’? Here I compare the different types of shoot available with examples to help you understand the power of each option and make it a piece of cake to brief your photographer. (Pick me!)

Commercial Headshot

Wikipedia defines the headshot as ‘a photographic technique where the focus of the photograph is a persons face’, sounds simple enough? But don’t be fooled!

Headshots are vital to your company portfolio, they will be letting people know about you and your staff before they even meet you – so capturing a true and approachable representation is key. You will be pleased to hear that headshots don’t have to be formal and rigid. Although there is a time and a place for traditional headshots, there has definitely been a move towards a more relaxed and candid, unposed style of shoot. You can also opt for lifestyle, black and white, portrait or white background shots.. The type of shot you choose will depend very much on what you want the images to convey. (Read more about the options in my headshots blog).

Product photography is aimed at showcasing your products in the best way possible.

There are two main types of product photography – the first is a ‘clean-cut’ product image, usually taken against a white background to create impact and minimal distractions. These images work best in e-commerce listings when you are trying to showcase your product and don’t want it to get lost amongst the background or surroundings.

Using a white background also means that the item can easily be cropped and re positioned for future use.

The second type of product photography uses lifestyle images, where products are photographed ‘in-situ’, i.e. in the environment for which they are intended.

The lifestyle style shoot works well for food and clothing shoots (and social media posts), where including the environment in the background gives greater depth and realism and encourages an emotional reaction to your products. After all, you want to make people hungry for your products..

Commercial and residential property photography requires the cunning use of angles and, in my case, natural light, to really capture the essence of a building.

When photographing industrial or commercial workspaces the architectural details can make the difference in what might otherwise be ‘just another’ work space. It can also work well to employ lifestyle techniques for property shoots – photographing people at work, using the space, or with props and dressings to create a particular vibe.

Photography should showcase your staff, products and property in the best way possible and choosing the right style for your project is key to its success.

I would Simply love to provide the benefit of my experience, knowledge and enthusiasm for your next photoshoot – get in touch!

Call me on 07775 851827 and lets talk through your unique requirements.