In today’s visually-driven business landscape, a headshot isn’t just a photo—it’s your digital handshake. Whether it’s for LinkedIn, your company’s website, a press release, or a keynote speaker bio, a professional headshot sets the tone for how you’re perceived. As decision makers in marketing, communications, and corporate branding, it’s essential to ensure your team’s headshots are done right. That starts with asking the right questions before the session begins.
At St Louis Corporate Photographer, we’ve guided countless organizations and professionals through successful headshot productions. Here’s our expert breakdown of the questions you should ask your photographer to ensure a productive, efficient, and brand-aligned photo session.
1. What Style of Headshots Do You Specialize In?
Different industries call for different visual aesthetics. A law firm may prefer a more formal, conservative portrait while a startup may want something approachable and relaxed. Ask your photographer about their style specialties—whether it’s traditional, editorial, lifestyle, environmental, or modern corporate—and request to see samples from similar industries to yours.
2. Do You Offer On-Location and In-Studio Options?
Flexibility is key. Some organizations prefer the consistency and lighting control of a studio setup, while others want images captured within their office to better reflect company culture. At St Louis Corporate Photographer, we offer both, complete with custom backdrops and mobile studio lighting to ensure consistency in any environment.
3. How Should We Prepare for the Shoot?
Your photographer should offer clear pre-session guidance. This includes wardrobe suggestions (e.g., avoid small patterns or reflective materials), grooming tips, and how much time to allow per person. We also advise clients on brand colors and how they translate to professional imagery, helping maintain visual consistency across your team.
4. Can You Match Our Company’s Existing Style Guide or Brand Standards?
Consistency matters across corporate materials. Ask your photographer if they can replicate your existing visual identity—lighting, background, framing, and color grading included. We often work directly with in-house marketing teams and brand consultants to ensure every image aligns with established guidelines.
5. What Is the Turnaround Time for Final Images?
Speed may be essential, especially if the images are needed for an upcoming publication or event. Get clarity on how quickly you’ll receive proofs and final retouched images. At St Louis Corporate Photographer, we provide a streamlined delivery process with prioritized post-production services available when needed.
6. Will the Images Be Retouched?
Not all headshot photographers include retouching. Be sure to ask whether images will be polished for blemishes, lighting balance, and background cleanup. We use high-end retouching and the latest AI-enhanced editing tools to make every image clean, crisp, and flattering—without looking over-processed.
7. How Will the Files Be Delivered?
Understand how images will be formatted, named, and delivered. Do you need high-resolution files for print and smaller versions for web? Are you expecting individual links, or a shared download portal for your marketing department? At our studio, we provide file sets in multiple resolutions and formats, organized for easy implementation across all media.
8. Do You Offer Group or Team Shots As Well?
If you’re planning headshots for an entire team, consider adding a group photo to your session. Ask if your photographer can arrange staff groupings or staged environmental shots that reinforce your company’s professionalism and cohesion.
9. What Licensing Rights Are Included?
Make sure you understand how you’re permitted to use the images. Are they royalty-free? Can you use them across all marketing channels? Are there time or usage limitations? We provide straightforward commercial-use rights with our corporate packages to ensure you’re covered for all internal and external needs.
10. Can You Help With Additional Visual Branding Needs?
A headshot session is a perfect opportunity to create additional visual content. Ask if your photographer can also capture b-roll, interview footage, or marketing stills during the same shoot. At St Louis Corporate Photographer, we often build hybrid packages that maximize value by combining still photography, short video clips, and even drone coverage—all within the same production day.
Why Partner with St Louis Corporate Photographer?
Since 1982, St Louis Corporate Photographer has provided comprehensive commercial photography and video production services for businesses, marketing firms, and creative agencies throughout the St. Louis region. Our full-service offering includes both studio and on-location shoots, editing and post-production, and FAA-licensed drone photography and videography.
We specialize in helping clients repurpose their photography and video assets to gain more visibility and ROI, and we’re proficient in all modern file types and editing software. Our expert use of artificial intelligence for media services ensures efficiency and consistency, while our private studio lighting and adaptable set designs offer flexibility for everything from headshots to custom interview scenes.
With the right equipment, a creative crew, and decades of proven experience, St Louis Corporate Photographer is ready to support every aspect of your visual branding—from a single executive headshot to full-scale team portraits and beyond.
St Louis Corporate Photographer 