Getting the perfect picture for your business cards

After working in a photography studio for almost a decade and taking hundreds if not thousands of business shots I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get a polished portrait for your business cards and marketing materials. It’s sad to say but in a sea of faces in ads across a magazine spread a poorly lit or obviously outdated photo will likely get you more laughs than leads. In the end that’s just a waste of money so if it’s time for you to make the investment and let your good side show, here are a few suggestions to help you get the best pictures possible.

Keep it current - As a general rule adults should update their photos every three to five years. This accommodates for appearance and style change and keeps the photos fresh. If you change your hair color or style frequently you might want to update more often. Make sure you are true to you. If your card portrays a sophisticated professional that’s blonde, thin and young, that should be what shows up when you meet your client, not a chubby middle aged agent in sweatpants and a ball cap.

Value of variety – Use multiple outfits at your photo shoot. It might be in the 20’s outside but odds are it’s pretty warm in the studio. Don’t just bring a business and a casual look, include a lighter summer option as well. That way you can have a set of cards that doesn’t make people swelter to see you posing in a wool jacket when you hand it to them in the middle of July.

Props to props – Adding a sold sign in your frame can show clever creativity. It sets you apart from all of the other floating heads and tells people what you’re all about, selling houses. If you must have a bust shot, (and you must, don’t walk out of the studio without one) you can add an achievement pin to your lapel or sign it with your signature jewelry. Unless you work in a niche market you might want to down play the faith based trinkets you would normally wear with your daily wardrobe.

Take the touch up – Don’t be fooled, these are professional photos and as a standard professional photos are retouched. I’m an advocate for the authenticity of the casual shot but everyone knows these photos are under the allure of advertising. You don’t have to go overboard with the extensive air brush treatment where your skin appears plastic and your nose has somehow disappeared, the basic option is more than acceptable for most people.

Know your copyrights - Different studios have different copyrights options and fees. Be sure to ask about them when you schedule your appointment because printers won’t produced the cards with out signed authorization from the studio.

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By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer, business owner and a work-from-home mom.