Attorney headshots

[JohnT]

I have a headshot session next week with an attorney, who wants something for his web site and other online uses. The photos will be made against a black and/or white background. I'm open to any advice regarding poses and lighting (main light will be my Photogenic 320 monolight). Maybe even some examples of images you've done if possible just so I can study the lighting.

[CaptainTom]

I've got a bunch, but I don't seek permission to use them so I can't show you.

There's usually a conference room that has a big table and nice chairs.
Set up in there and shoot them standing, sitting, sitting with some props (folder, file, book, phone) standing with props, standing behind the chair.

I tell them to pretend they are addressing a room full of jurors and how would they stand to show their 1-power 2- friendliness 3- seriousness 4- lighter side.

[L Stegall]

Texas Monthly publishes an annual listing of "Super Lawyers" with zillions of images that fit the bill. Lately it seems many were shot sitting at a conference table or standing with their arms folded (the typical realtor pose I see so often in ads). Another popular one is grouped around a stair case (if a firm) or lobby or conference table. Really, I'd find a copy of that mag and it will have tons of samples of poses they can opt for. I don't think folks are going so much with library books behind them anymore...I guess cause no one uses actual books anymore.

[kenw]

Headshots? Like Pirates and Navy Seals?

[JohnT]

Thanks, Tom. This guy is just starting out in a small office, which he says is nothing nice enough where he'd like photos taken. So he's coming to my house for some basic shots against a white and/or black background.

[L Stegall]

Here's a link the SuperLawyer website: http://www.superlawyers.com/

You can just look around and see some headshots of various people. The ad pages people buy usually have more than just a headshot, though. I have plenty of issues from years past if you want to see some.

[brad]

Lawyer images are about strength and confidence.. even power. Pose needs to show those things.

This is one I did recently of an actor with that style in mind..

[123canon]

Originally Posted by kenw

Headshots? Like Pirates and Navy Seals?

HA HA HA!!!! (that's what i was thinking)

[ttusa]

Originally Posted by kenw

Headshots? Like Pirates and Navy Seals?

LOL!

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by kenw

Headshots? Like Pirates and Navy Seals?

Not quite.

JohnT added 2 Minutes and 27 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Thanks everyone for your input and Brad for the example. I wish I had someplace else to do the shoot; not real excited about having clients into my home. I might try to talk to him again about using his office. My home really isn't designed for studio shooting.

[brad]

The setup for my example is dirt simple.. and is strobist in nature. It is two battery operated flash heads... on in a soft box in front of him..and the other close to the background, pointing at it, behind his head (to make the circle of light).

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by brad

The setup for my example is dirt simple.. and is Strobist in nature. It is two battery operated flash heads... one in a soft box in front of him..and the other close to the background, pointing at it, behind his head (to make the circle of light).

That's pretty much what I thought. It's a nice image. Very strong.

[humminboid]

Headshots are best...you might just wound them, otherwise!

Whaddaya have when 25 attorneys jump from the same airplane? SKEET!

[David Whatley]

To do a proper head shot on an Atty, it should be right between the eyes, and it never hurts for a followup shot to make sure. :)

[Jeff Lane]

Headshots? Like Pirates and Navy Seals?

Headshots are best...you might just wound them, otherwise!

Whaddaya have when 25 attorneys jump from the same airplane? SKEET!

To do a proper head shot on an Atty, it should be right between the eyes, and it never hurts for a followup shot to make sure. :)

I only opened this thread to get those kind of affirmations for my colleagues and myself.

PS - David Whatley shot me for future Web site use. He tried to get right between the eyes, but obviously, he missed.