I'm very new to OSP, this is my 2nd post, woo!

Anyway, I was wondering if any of you have seen or posted some creative head shots, group shots (law firm / conservative business) or would like to share some work? A friend of mine works for a small firm and is trying to jazz up their website; he asked me to do some outdoor head shots. I have been researching online, but without much luck as far as "inspiration". He wants something good but can't be too far out there, after all, these are Alabama attorneys...

Any ideas or images are appreciated!

Jessica

What about like fountains or something? Or maybe something in front of the courthouse? You know, like traditional, but not in front of a gray background.

Good ideas! Thank you. I was even thinking maybe dragging a wing back chair outside (on a lawn or something) but I don't know if they will go for that.

Yes definitely find out what they would consider 'jazzier' Even fairly young law firms tend to have a pretty narrow view of what that means. Their business is the law rather than PR, so just go easy on them creatively until you know how much they will stretch.

ummmm... you could really freak them out with that one. seriously - i've lived and worked with attorneys for over 20 years - they work very hard to acquire the professional profile they have in the community - they are going to be quite rigid in their photo requirements, even if they do want to jazz it up - that could mean well.. not much.

good luck!

My thoughts exactly! Just taking it outside instead of the grey backdrop might be as crazy as they get!

Thank all of you so much for your advice! I will talk to my friend at length before the shoot to make sure I don't overstep. Don't want to freak anyone out, ha!

Jessica,

How is your studio light skill set? I have yet to see a law firm use natural light for the images. Not to say it can't be done. I just haven't seen it.

If you think you can get them to do natural light I would be tempted to use Kevyn Major Howard's style.

http://www.kevynmajorhoward.com/


If it was up to me I would back light with a vertical strip light on each side pointing towards opposite shoulders. A hair light from behind and above. A reflector in front on the ground bouncing into their chin and a ring light a stop under the backlight.

Watch your lens choice if you do this. A lawyer doesn't like the idea of a short lens making their nose look bigger.

Best of luck. What ever you do, it would be cool to see results.

-Bill

I just had a group of 8 that wanted headshots. They gave me 30 minutes and wanted something different. Well... My idea of different and theirs wasn't anywhere near close. Turns out wanted something pretty traditional but outdoors. This is what they ended up wanting.

I love these! Thanks for sharing. I am going to ask if this is something they would like. They seem pretty open to an updated feel, but we will see. Thank you for all your input!

Try using your composition to create the "feel" of something different. These types of clients are used to the 'sit on the stool and smile' shots. For example, for one shot, leaning against a column, arms crossed, placed on the right side of the image with the rest of the columns filling up the center and left parts of the image. You can have him or her smiling at you, or have them place their left hand up again the column, right hand in pocket, and looking off to camera left. No smile.

Just some random thoughts.