Expanding headshot photography to accommodate over 100 models in a day can be a logistical challenge, but employing an onsite editor in tandem with a photographer can streamline the process and elevate the efficiency and quality of the final output.
Firstly, pre-planning is crucial. Outline a detailed schedule, allowing specific time slots for each model. This ensures a smooth workflow and prevents unnecessary waiting times. Coordination between the photographer, editor, and models is key to maintain a synchronised process. A9K Photo has refined this process into a complete online booking system capable of offering fixed or flexible time slots for each person. We would suggest a typical model requires between a five to ten minute slot. Humans by nature are a varied bunch and some people will be in and out in under 2 minutes, whereas others might need a little more time to relax into the situation.
On the day of the shoot, we set up a designated area for photography and editing, arriving well ahead if time. Space is all prearranged with the client but we don’t necessarily require a site visit. All lighting is provided so you don’t need to worry about the randomness of UK natural light. The photographer captures the headshots while the onsite editor works adjacent, receiving the images in real-time. This immediate transfer enables the editor to start post-processing without delay and present the finished headshot in almost realtime.
Communication between the photographer and editor is essential. We establish a predefined style guide for consistency in editing. This includes aspects like lighting preferences, colour grading, and retouching techniques. Having a clear vision ensures uniformity across all headshots despite multiple models. This is a discussion we’ll have with you, the client, well ahead of time to make sure the look and feel of the finished photograph aligns with your corporate look.
We utilise industry standard Photoshop and Lightroom editing software in “tethered mode” to prep and retouch onsite. Tethered mode means the camera body is plugged in directly to one of the edit machines so the models can look at the images immediately on a large format screen and not have to hunch over the camera to view. High-performance computers facilitate speedy post-processing. Keyboard shortcuts, presets, and batch editing techniques expedite the editing workflow, enabling the team to handle a larger volume of images effectively. Moreover, we prioritise a rapid but quality-oriented editing approach. Focus on key aspects such as exposure, colour correction, and minor touch-ups to maintain a professional look and not create a caricature of the real world.
We also maintain a backup system to safeguard against technical glitches, ensuring that data is consistently backed up to prevent any loss of edited images. The last thing you need when herding large chunks of the workforce into a specific calendar entry is a hardware breakdown. You can relax in the knowledge that our kit list includes a “live” and a “spare” of everything involved in the hardware chain.
Scaling up headshot photography to accommodate over 100 models demands meticulous planning, seamless collaboration, and the effective utilisation of technology. By incorporating an onsite editor alongside a photographer, you can significantly streamline the workflow, maintain quality, and successfully manage a high volume of headshots within a structured timeline.
If your business has always struggled with the associated costs or time it would take to capture a larger workforce, why not call us to plan out an efficient use of our large group headshot system. Our usual work locations are Peterborough through to Cambridge and London but we cover the whole UK with a touch more planning. Ready to get your team facing the public, looking their best?