Corporate Headshots Melbourne: Natural Portraits for Camera-Shy Leaders
Most people I photograph would rather be somewhere else. Several clients have said with complete sincerity that having a flu vaccination is a preferred alternative. Which is totally understandable. And although most people don’t enjoy the thought of having their photo taken, many have later told me it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. And importantly they are happy with the final result.
I’ve been taking corporate headshots in Melbourne for a few decades, for more than 10,000 camera-shy people (and one Cuban tobacconist, but that’s another story). I come to your office, you can come to me or we find somewhere nearby like a co-working office or outside (weather permitting). No production line, no heavy filters, no being told to “just relax.” Just a natural, well-lit portrait.
Your Headshot Is Working Harder Than You Think
Now for the potentially awkward bit. Most people have seen your photo before they’ve met you. On LinkedIn or your website, in the speaker program, or the pitch document your client forwarded to their CFO. Long before you’ve said a word, a small square image has already done the introductions.
So if that image is a cropped wedding photo, a photo taken by a Security guard with strange yellow lighting on your first day or a headshot from 2010 and you no longer recognise yourself… it’s quietly saying something. Usually not the message you’d prefer it to be conveying.
Having a good corporate headshot isn’t about vanity. Think of it as a type of digital handshake or hello before someone’s met you: on LinkedIn, in a proposal, on the speaker program, over and over, without you needing to be there. It quietly tells people you’re current and serious about what you do. And, more than anything, it tells them you’re someone they’d happily sit across a table from.
That last one is the hardest to fake and the easiest to lose under a stiff pose and a forced smile. Which is exactly why I don’t do stiff poses.
What to Expect From Your Headshot Session
You’ll probably arrive and looking forward to getting it over and done with – and leaving. Most people do… perhaps feeling a little tense, distracted, quietly running through where they would prefer to be and what they’d rather be doing.
For the first few minutes, you’re not really being photographed at all. I’m positioning the light correctly for you and we are usually having a brief chat. About your weekend. The AFL. The traffic on Punt Road. Why your colleague insisted on going first. It’s less a technique and more a chance for your nervous system to work out that nothing bad is going to happen here.
In a few minutes you will generally relax, even if it’s just a little. You start being more like yourself and you may not even be aware of this. And that’s all I need.
I’m giving you the right amount of direction and we’ll look at the back of the camera together as we go, so you can see what I’m seeing. You will also receive a few different images to look at. No pressure to pick a photo on the spot or waiting weeks to find out whether you’re happy with your portraits.
Here’s what 10,000-odd sessions have taught me:
Confidence isn’t something you need to bring with you. It tends to turn up after you’ve been properly seen. Witnessed, even. You don’t have to feel ready. That’s my job.
What a Corporate Headshot Costs in Melbourne
This is usually the first thing someone asks so let’s get that to that straight away.
Single Headshot,
from $340 + GST
For when you just need one great photo for LinkedIn or your work intranet. And we can get this all done during lunchtime or another time convenient to you. You’ll receive some styling instruction and get a selection of images to choose from, plus your favourite professionally retouched.
Branding Experiences,
from $830 + GST (one hour)
If your website, LinkedIn and speaker profiles all need something new, a single photo won’t stretch far enough. A branding session gives you a whole set of images: different looks, locations and moods, all consistently you.
Photographing the whole team? Every team is a different size, so tell me about yours and I’ll put together a quote.
Where I Shoot in Melbourne
Wherever the light is kind and you feel most like yourself. Usually that’s one of three places.
At your office
The easiest option for busy teams. I bring the lights and backdrop, set up in a meeting room (ideally one with a door, so Jenny from Accounts doesn’t wander in mid-shot), and you duck in between meetings. I’ve made headshots happen in some very small boardrooms across Melbourne, from the CBD to the suburbs.
At my studio
A quiet, private space in Mordialloc, with no one from work watching and no rush. I offer the options of the natural environment or neutral backgrounds. Or both!
Out on location
For headshot and personal branding sessions, Melbourne itself makes a great backdrop. The laneways and heritage facades around Collins Street give you something polished with a bit of city edge. And then there are the parks, beaches and café lifestyle of Bayside. Or co-working spaces right across Melbourne. We’ll choose somewhere that suits your brand and conveys the right messages.
Not sure which suits you? Tell me how you’ll use the photos and I’ll point you in the right direction.
What Clients Say
A few words from people who walked in nervous.
So easy and so much fun! Getting professional photos taken might not be everyone’s idea of a fun time, but Alese was amazing. She was professional, time efficient, and gave simple, easy to follow guidance of what to do. I think I spent more time laughing than I did posing, and best part – final images were perfect.
Daniel
Founder of South Eastern Active Health
“This was the second time she has photographed me, the first being back in 2010/2011 when she was brilliant, and now she is absolutely incredible. From the moment we started, Alese made me feel completely at ease… I’ve received so many compliments on the photos from friends, family, and colleagues. They captured exactly what I had hoped for and more.”
Tania
Head of Delivery, Bailey & French
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a headshot session take?
A single headshot takes around 15-20 minutes, plus a few minutes for me to get the light right. Headshot Experiences run for an hour, which gives us time for a couple of looks and for you to properly settle in. For teams, I’ll map out a schedule so nobody’s away from their desk for long.
Will you help me work out what to wear?
Always. Before your session I’ll send you styling suggestions, so you’re not standing at the wardrobe the night before second-guessing everything. The short version: wear what you’d wear on a day you feel good about yourself, and bring a second option. There’s more detail in my free guide. Enter your details to get the complimentary guide
I’ve had terrible photos taken before. How will these be any different?
You’re in very good company. Most disappointing headshots come down to a rushed session, poor lighting, and being told to “just smile” with no direction. I take the time to light your face, gently position you so your best angles do the work, and we check the back of the camera together as we go. You’ll know it’s working before you leave, not weeks later.
How much does a corporate headshot cost?
Single headshots start from $340 + GST, and Headshot Experiences from $830 + GST for an hour. Team sessions are quoted to suit your numbers and location.
What's the difference between a headshot and a branding session?
A headshot is one strong, simple portrait for LinkedIn, your team page or a speaker bio, and it’s quick and efficient. A branding session is longer and gives you a variety of images across different looks and settings, for your website, social media and marketing. If you’re not sure which you need, tell me how you’ll use the photos and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Do you have a studio?
Yes, at my home studio in Melbourne. It’s calm, quiet, and nobody from work is watching. I also come to your office, or we can head out on location around Melbourne.
I want to lose a few kilos first. Should I wait?
Please don’t. There’s always a reason to wait, and meanwhile your old photo keeps doing a worse job than a new one would. Lighting and positioning make a far bigger difference than a few kilos, and I’m not going to take the unflattering shot in the first place.
I haven’t had a photo taken in years, and I’m not sure I’ll like what I see.
That’s one of the most common things people tell me. Your best years aren’t behind you; your experience is exactly what the photo should capture. Most clients are quietly surprised by how much they like the person looking back at them.
Will you retouch my photos? Will I still look like me?
Yes and yes. I’ll tidy up the temporary things, like a stray hair, a blemish or a shiny forehead and of course if you have some specific requirements, I will look after this too.
Do I need hair and makeup?
I recommend it but plenty of clients come exactly as they are. I do recommend a little make-up, as it works well with the lighting and generally elevates the results. If you’d feel more confident with a professional, I can recommend a hair and makeup artist I trust.
Can you photograph our whole team so everyone matches?
Yes. I’ll keep the lighting, backdrop and framing consistent, so your team page looks like it belongs to one company rather than twelve different LinkedIn profiles.
Do you also shoot in Sydney?
I do. I work across Melbourne and Sydney regularly. Corporate headshots in Sydney
Ready When You Are (Even If You’re Not Quite Ready)
You don’t need to feel confident to book, and you certainly don’t need to enjoy having your photo taken… that part’s my job. Just tell me a little about what you need, whether that’s a new LinkedIn photo, a full refresh, or the whole team lined up and looking like they work at the same company. I’ll come back to you with the best option and a time that works. No hard sell. Just a conversation.
