@marthadimeoThe Corporate Executive – Portrait Dilemma
“Make me look better when my face is projected across a conference room.” This is how the conversation began.
I received a call from a client about his headshot; the photo he uses professionally. He was pleased with how it looks small on his social media profiles. However, when it came to seeing the same photo projected on a 20-foot wide screen—at the point in sales presentations where the management team is introduced—he said, “I cringe!”
Naturally, with portrait retouching —and retouching for executive portraiture specifically—a service ChromaQueen provides, I was delighted to help.
Another Happy Client
The end of the story is a happy one. My client was so pleased with the results, I retouched his business partner’s portrait and others on his management team.
Your LinkedIn Profile vs The Corporate Presentation
When Should a Portrait Be Retouched?
Arguably, every portrait needs retouching. There are subtleties that go unnoticed in real life, but when captured in pixels, become glaringly obvious.
Can a portrait that is used small—such as the thumbnail on a LinkedIn profile—skip retouching? Certainly. But, notwithstanding the fact that small images have different requirements, specifically relating to contrast and tonality. When reproduced small, photos appear darker, so headshots that are used small are adjusted to maintain proper brightness and clarity, ensuring the image remains engaging and professional.
Unequivocally, any portrait that will be seen at billboard-size, in a corporate presentation, should have the benefit of a skilled retoucher’s hand.
Every pore, every crease, every blemish, and every out-of-place strand of hair, is magnified 1000% times. Details that would never be seen in a 150px x 150px rendition of the photo are now revealed and amplified.
Why Retouch?
Portrait retouching—whether for corporate communications or your family photo collection—is about creating a flattering likeness. The photograph should present your best rested-self, on your best hair day. But most importantly, portrait retouching is about instilling confidence, and making you feel terrific about yourself.
The Take-Away
If your portrait will be showcased across social media platforms, featured in marketing collateral, or projected in a conference room, and you’d like a consultation to ensure you’re putting your best face forward, let’s talk. ChromaQueen can help.
About those 10 pounds that the camera adds, yes, I can help with that too. 🙂
Portrait Retouching Gallery
Visit the Portrait Retouching gallery to see the Before/After of these portraits.
Professional Photography Recommendations
Looking For a Pro Photographer to Shoot Your Portrait?
Located in greater Boston? See the work of Sylvia Stagg-Giuliano. She specializes in executives, families, and children. Sylvia did my portrait. (The photos are at the top of the 30-Second Bio and The Long Story pages.)
Located in Rhode Island? Check out the work of photographer Scott Indermaur. He excels at environmental and studio portraiture.
For a national database of pro photographers, visit the American Society of Media Professionals (ASMP) Find A Photographer page.