It’s true what they say, a picture paints a thousand words, that’s why it’s so important to make sure any staff photos (or in this case, ‘doggy’!) photos you use as part of your marketing activities are getting the right image across.

Business photos for marketing purposes are used in a variety of formats including the website, social media profiles, brochures, annual reports and news releases.

Before you get your phone and your selfie stick out to quickly take some snaps, here’s some things to consider. These points should be obvious but, you do wonder when you’re flicking through people’s photos on LinkedIn!

• Dress code – dress well according to the type of work you do and the standards set for your profession (whether formal or informal). Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and not dishevelled in any way.
• Hair and make-up – ladies don’t usually need telling twice to look their best, but it is useful to make sure you touch up your make up (if you wear any) before you have your photo taken. Putting a brush/comb through your hair is also a good idea – even for you gentleman!
• Get the professionals in (or use an experienced amateur) – the image your photo projects will quite often be the first time business associates or potential clients ‘see’ you, so it’s important to make a good impression. A professional portrait photographer knows this and will spend time sorting out the lighting, experimenting with different poses – standing, sitting, fun poses etc. A good photographer will make the ‘subject’ feel at ease and will be able to get the most flattering photos of them. Most photographers offer a choice of coming to your premises or they have their own studios for you to visit.
• Take lots of photos – you’d be very luck to take one or two photos and come away with the perfect shot. Some photographers will take hundreds of photos using different angles, lighting and poses just so they are happy that they have got the best shot, so do make sure you take plenty and chose the best ones.
• And if all else fails, there’s always air-brushing!

Some businesses are moving away from the traditional head and shoulder shots, and this is where a professional photographer can help you experiment with different poses that they have seen working in practice. Alternatively, some firms take it to a different level and inject some humour and a bit of personality into their publicity ‘shots’ by having cartoons or caricatures done instead!

With reference to the ‘unofficial’ Board of Directors photo above, this was done at the end of my professional photo shoot and following the above points for dressing, hair and make-up, different poses and lighting – Teal, Blue and Angus are pleased with their results.

PS. The dogs sat just as you see them in the photo, in a row, at ease with the photographer and posing!