How to Get Safe Business Headshots during the Pandemic

Small businesses are the backbone of our community…but things haven’t exactly been the easiest for them during the global pandemic.

While we aren’t quite out of the woods yet, things are looking up. As a business owner, now is the perfect time to put your best face forward—figuratively and literally—by updating your online business profile. Whether you require professional photo retouching services or professional business portraits, virtual professional headshots and/or socially distanced photo sessions are a great way to freshen up your online image, while still adhering to health and safety regulations. 

Here are some tips when getting professional headshots done. 

Choose Outdoor Photo Sessions

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), individuals are at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 when in confined spaces indoors compared to when outside. This may be particularly due to poor air circulation inside of homes and businesses, and the inability to maintain a distance of more than two metres. 

An outdoor photo session may be more beneficial for the following reasons:

• It’s easier to maintain social distancing
• Masks do not need to be worn
• You can make use of natural lighting

Plus, taking photos outside might actually give you peace of mind knowing that you’re in a safer environment. Peace of mind leads to feeling more at ease, which makes for much more natural-looking photos!

Draft a Detailed Schedule

To ensure a smooth photo session, another helpful tip, particularly for more than one subject, may be to have a detailed schedule planned for the day of the photo session. Both photographer and model will appreciate knowing what is expected of them and how to safely be in each other’s company. 

A schedule may include a preference on date, time, location, length of photoshoot, colour and background choices, appropriate poses, and COVID-19 policies and any precautions that should be adhered to.

Maintain a Safe Distance

Whether you choose a studio or outdoor photo session, it is important to adhere to all COVID-19 regulations recommended by your local health authorities. Depending on the situation, the use of masks, disposable gloves, sanitizer, disinfectants, frequent handwashing, and social distancing may help.

Keeping a safe distance may seem odd with a professional headshot session, but with an array of professional camera gear (e.g., zoom lenses), it is possible.

Opt for Virtual Headshots

If in-person photo sessions are a safety concern, virtual headshots are a fantastic option! There are methods to capture one’s essence without being in the same room. With a pre-session discussion and a virtual tour of the location, you and your photographer can plan a fun and effective photoshoot.  

In fact, Bonnie Dickson Photography offers the experience and talent to navigate the safest route to produce virtual photography in Toronto and southern Ontario. She offers virtual headshot workshops and sessions. Bonnie adheres to all COVID-19 recommendations to keep everyone safe while producing first-class professional headshots.