Ditch the Suits, Embrace Your Humanity: The New Wave of Corporate Portraiture
The world of corporate portraits is undergoing a radical transformation. Gone are the days of forced smiles, stuffy suits, and generic backgrounds – a new wave of visual trends and aesthetics is taking hold in the post-COVID landscape.
This shift reflects a broader societal change. The pandemic forced us to re-evaluate work-life balance, professional attire, and how we present ourselves. This translates to corporate portraits that prioritize authenticity, accessibility, and approachability.
The Post-Pandemic Portrait: A Shift in Focus
1. Dress Code Revolution: Rigid clothing expectations are fading. Companies embrace individuality and self-expression by allowing employees to showcase their style. While ripped jeans and band t-shirts might not be the best choice, professionals are encouraged to wear what makes them feel confident and comfortable.
Ditch the tacky ties and ill-fitting suits that scream conformity and replaceability. Instead, make thoughtful wardrobe choices that reflect who you are and demonstrate your passion for detail through tailoring and color. Think classic yet unique cuts, bold but professional colors, and accessories that tell a story. Investing in a few well-fitting pieces that flatter your body type goes a long way in creating a professional and polished image while allowing you to express your personality.
2. Authenticity Takes Center Stage: Forget the cheesy grins and forced poses. Today's portraits capture genuine human connection and approachability. Think natural smiles, relaxed postures, and environments that reflect the individual's work environment. Move away from the tired tropes of corporate photography like:
Attorneys posed in front of overflowing law libraries.
Politicians standing stoically in front of flags.
CEOs perched behind polished mahogany desks.
These clichéd setups do little to showcase the personalities and values of the individuals or the companies they represent. Instead, embrace authenticity by capturing individuals in a way that reflects their true selves in their work environment.
3. Accessibility Becomes the New Norm: The historically elitist visual representation of the corporate world is being challenged. Modern portraits embrace diversity and inclusivity by showcasing authentic representations of the workforce. This means featuring individuals from different ethnicities, backgrounds, gender identities/ expressions, abilities, and body types. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating a visual landscape that reflects the company's reality and our world.
A Shift in Lighting Techniques
Corporate portraiture no longer solely relies on traditional studio setups' sterile, harsh lighting. Today, photographers embrace a more natural and nuanced approach, often inspired by cinematic lighting techniques. This includes:
Natural Light: Utilizing natural light creates a softer, more flattering effect that complements modern portraits' relaxed and authentic nature.
Cinematic Lighting Inspiration: Incorporating cinematic lighting techniques can create depth, dimension, and mood in your images — emulating the subtlety and drama often seen in films. This can also include introducing colored lights to add drama and character to corporate imagery when a bit of edge and excitement is appropriate.
Environmental Storytelling: Lighting plays a crucial role in highlighting the workspace itself. By thoughtfully illuminating specific details using natural and artificial light, photographers can create a sense of context and atmosphere reflecting the company's culture and environment.
Stepping Out of the Studio: The Rise of Environmental Portraits
The traditional studio portrait, often associated with a plain background and controlled lighting, gives way to environmental portraits. These portraits capture individuals in their natural work environment, showcasing their workspace, colleagues, and even the tools they use daily. This approach offers several benefits:
Enhanced Authenticity: By photographing individuals in their natural environment, the portraits capture a more genuine and relatable representation of who they are as professionals.
Storytelling through the Environment: The surroundings become part of the narrative, revealing insights into the company culture, values, and collaborative spirit.
Brand Consistency: Integrating the workplace aesthetic into the portrait creates a sense of visual cohesion with the company's overall branding.
The Takeaway: Embrace the New Wave
The landscape of corporate portraiture is changing. It's no longer about conformity and power plays; it's about embracing authenticity, accessibility, and individuality. Ditch the outdated expectations, embrace your style, and let your portrait truly reflect the confident, unique professional you are. In today's business world, being yourself is no longer a risk; it's an advantage.
