Question on shooting corporate head shots?

I've been asked to take some corporate head shots for a local insurance agency here and I was wondering what sort of set up would you typically bring. Are you using a white wall for backdrop or are you bringing a portable backdrop? Any special lighting would you recommend or would you just go with off camera flash from head on?

I'm doing this for a flat rate of only $200 for 23 people, just to build up some experience. I'm wondering in the future would it be best to charge by the hour or by head for this sort of job?


Thanks in advance!

As the client what they want for background (white or black is common). I would just charge them flat rate. Regarding lighting, again ask the client what they are after. Make some suggestions and see what they like most.

More often than not:

Backgrounds are usually black, dark to medium gray, or blue. I lean to black as it's easier to match over time, should they call you back for additional shots.

I think a single flash is ill-advised for interior shots. You will probably want 2 light sources that you can manipulate. I disagree about asking them what they want; they won't have a clue. Get your lights together, find a stand-in model, do some research into corporate headshots via Google images, and figure out your lighting setup before you ever walk in. For 23 folks you will likely end up with very similar poses and shots for everyone. Which is OK. You can mix it up by having the bodies turned one way or the other.

The victims may have opinions about their "best side" so respect that. I believe that the convention is that the best side is opposite the handed-ness.

You will want to figure out whether you want them face-on () or slightly turned (). I prefer slightly turned, myself. The challenge here is to manage shadows. This is a good example of bad shadow management, IMO. Way too dark on the left.

Also, you can consider shooting from slightly above, having them lean slightly forward and ensure their chins are raised. This can elongate the neck and help manage the impression of body size. If you are doing heads only this is less of a problem than head+upper body.

Again, practice, practice, practice before you show up. Do not waste their time or your time trying to figure out what you're doing. Even for $200, as their time is money as well.

Do you have a contract? Does it spell out licensing rights? Have you discussed portfolio releases?