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Full-Day Corporate Headshots On Location: Complete Guide for Businesses

Learn how an on-location full-day corporate headshot session works, what to expect, how to prepare your team, and how businesses benefit from consistent professional portraits.

The Complete Guide to a Full-Day, On‑Location Corporate Headshot Session

When your company needs updated headshots for the entire team, an on‑location corporate headshot day is the most efficient, professional, and brand-consistent solution. Instead of coordinating individual appointments or asking employees to travel to a studio, a full‑day on‑site session brings the photographer, lighting, and professional expertise directly to your office.

Below is a comprehensive guide you can share with your team, HR department, or leadership to make your next corporate headshot day smooth, organized, and impactful.

Why Choose an On‑Location Corporate Headshot Day?

A full‑day, on‑site setup offers several advantages:

1. Consistency Across the Team

Every employee is photographed with the same background, lighting, and style, resulting in a unified brand image.

2. Convenience for Your Staff

Employees simply step away from their desks for a few minutes. No travel, no rescheduling, no hassle.

3. Efficient and Scalable

With the right setup, a photographer can typically photograph 30–70 people in a single day.

4. Improved Company Image

Strong, professional headshots elevate your website, LinkedIn pages, press features, and marketing materials.

What a Typical Full‑Day Setup Includes

A professional corporate headshot photographer will bring everything needed to create studio-quality images at your location.

Lighting & Equipment

  • Studio strobes or continuous lighting

  • Softboxes or umbrellas for flattering light

  • White, gray, or branded background options

  • Professional camera + lenses

Space Requirements

Most companies can host a headshot day with:

  • A 10x12 ft conference room or open area

  • Access to outlets

  • A small waiting area for the next employees

How to Prepare Your Team for Headshot Day

Preparation ensures employees feel confident and look their best.

1. What to Wear

  • Solid colors work best

  • Avoid busy patterns or logos

  • Choose colors that complement your brand

  • Bring a backup outfit if unsure

2. Grooming Tips

  • Hair should be neat and styled

  • Men should trim or shave as preferred

  • Light, natural makeup is recommended

  • Avoid shiny moisturizers (they reflect light)

3. Accessories

  • Keep jewelry minimal and clean

  • Glasses are fine — clean lenses!

  • Bring any company-branded attire if needed

What the Day Looks Like (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a typical timeline for a full-day corporate session:

1. Setup (10-20 minutes)

Photographer arrives, loads in equipment, tests lighting, and prepares the shooting area.

2. Individual Sessions (3–6 minutes each)

Each employee steps in for:

  • A quick posture and pose adjustment

  • A series of headshot angles

3. Breaks & Flex Time

Natural pauses help employees who arrive late, need touch-ups, or prefer retakes.

4. Wrap-Up & Breakdown

Photographer packs equipment and confirms delivery times.

What’s Included After the Photoshoot

Depending on the package, your company typically receives:

✔ Fully Retouched Final Images

  • Blemish removal

  • Skin smoothing (natural)

  • Color correction

  • Stray hair cleanup

  • Background cleanup

✔ Individual Files for LinkedIn

Optimized for social media and professional profiles.

✔ Consistent Cropping & Branding

Perfect for your website’s team page.

✔ Optional Team Group Photo

If requested, a group portrait can also be arranged during the session.

Tips for HR & Office Managers to Keep Everything Smooth

A little preparation goes a long way.

1. Create a Sign‑Up Schedule

Use Google Sheets, Calendly, or internal scheduling tools.

2. Send a Reminder the Day Before

Include clothing tips, directions to the shooting area, and timing.

3. Keep a Mirror or Grooming Station Nearby

Employees appreciate a place to adjust hair or collars.

4. Encourage Employees to Relax

A good photographer will guide expression, posing, and posture.

How to Make the Most of Your New Corporate Headshots

Once delivered, your company can use the images in many ways:

  • Website "Meet the Team" page

  • Press releases & speaking engagements

  • LinkedIn updates for all team members

  • Company brochures & proposals

  • Badges, directories, and internal profiles

Final Thoughts

A full-day, on-location headshot session is one of the most efficient branding investments your company can make. With professional lighting, a streamlined process, and preparation tips for your team, you’ll end up with a polished, cohesive set of images that strengthen your company’s identity across every platform.

LETS START PLANNING

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For on location sessions in action, click on the blogs below.

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The Complete Guide to Planning a Branding Photoshoot

The Complete Guide to Planning a Branding Photoshoot (With a Client Checklist)

A branding photoshoot is one of the most powerful investments you can make in your business. Whether you're a coach, creative, real estate agent, barber, or CEO, the right visuals can immediately increase trust, increase perceived value, and help you stand out in a crowded market.

But most people don’t know how to prepare and that’s where this guide comes in.

Below is everything your clients need to know to plan a successful branding session, plus a step-by-step checklist they can save and use.

Why Great Branding Photos Matter

Before the checklist, it helps to understand why these photos are so valuable:

  • People decide if they trust you in 0.05 seconds

  • Consistent visuals can increase revenue by up to 23%

  • Your headshot is often someone’s first impression of you

  • Branded images make your website, social media, and ads look professional instantly

A great branding session creates images that tell your story, build trust, and align your visuals with your message.

How to Plan Your Branding Photoshoot

1. Define Your Goals

Before the camera comes out, you should know:

  • Who is your target audience?

  • What emotion do you want them to feel?

  • Where will these photos be used? (website, LinkedIn, Instagram, ads, product packaging)

  • What message do you want the visuals to communicate?

This shapes everything — outfits, props, lighting style, colors, expressions, and backgrounds.

2. Build Your Brand Mood Board

Mood boards help clarify direction. Include:

  • Photo style (clean, moody, vibrant, corporate, lifestyle)

  • Color palette (your brand colors)

  • Example headshots or poses you connect with

  • Props, outfits, or locations you want included

  • Competitor or industry inspiration

3. Choose Outfits That Match Your Brand

Pick 3–5 outfits that represent your personality and industry.

Tips:

  • Avoid loud patterns

  • Choose brand colors or neutrals

  • Bring layers (jackets, blazers, sweaters)

  • Make sure everything fits well

  • Steam or iron your clothes the night before

  • Don’t forget accessories: watch, jewelry, glasses

Outfits should look like the best version of your everyday professional self.

4. Select Meaningful Props

Props help tell your story visually.

Depending on your business, bring:

  • Laptop, notebook, phone

  • Tools of your trade (camera, makeup kit, drafting tools)

  • Product samples

  • Coffee mug, bag, planner

  • Books that match your industry

  • Branding elements (logos, packaging, merch)

Props shouldn't clutter — they should enhance.

5. Choose Your Locations

You can choose:

✔ Studio

Best for clean, controlled, consistent images.

✔ Lifestyle (office, café, workspace)

Adds personality and storytelling.

✔ Outdoor

Great for natural light and approachable visuals.

Your photographer can help choose what suits your brand.

6. Prepare Your Look

Grooming:

  • Men: trim beard, fresh haircut 2–5 days before

  • Women: light makeup touch-up or full glam (your style)

  • Nails clean and simple

  • Hydrate the day before

  • Don’t try new skincare right before the shoot

Sleep:

A good night’s rest matters more than people think.

7. Plan Poses Ahead of Time

No one needs to be a model — but having ideas ready helps.

Poses can include:

  • Confident seated posture

  • Hands-in-pockets standing

  • Walking shots

  • Smiling, serious, and “thinking pose”

  • Working at a desk

  • Lifestyle interactions

Your photographer will guide you, but inspiration helps.

The Official Branding Photoshoot Checklist

Some photographer take offence when you come with ideas, props, and a plan. That never made sense to me. You want what you want and my job is to bring that to life with my skill.

✔ 1. Goals

  • What message am I communicating?

  • Where will these images be used?

✔ 2. Mood Board

  • Photo style

  • Colors

  • Example poses

  • Inspiration images

✔ 3. Outfits (3–5 options)

  • Tops

  • Bottoms

  • Shoes

  • Accessories

  • Layers

  • Undergarments

  • Jewelry

✔ 4. Props

  • Laptop

  • Notebook

  • Tools/products

  • Branding items

  • Personal items (mug, bag)

✔ 5. Grooming

  • Hair

  • Nails

  • Makeup

  • Skin

  • Rest & hydration

✔ 6. Logistics

  • Confirm location

  • Confirm start time

  • Pack outfits & props

  • Steam clothes

  • Bring water and snacks

Final Tips Before Your Session

  • Arrive early so you feel unrushed

  • Bring music you like — it helps energy

  • Relax and breathe — your photographer will pose and guide you

  • Remember: the shoot is about telling your story

Need Help Planning Your Shoot?

If you want images that match your personality, industry, and business goals, I guide you through every step — from mood boards to posing.

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Benefits of Branding for Bars & Restaurants

How Restaurants and Bars Benefit from Branding Photography

In today’s visually driven world, your restaurant or bar’s first impression often happens long before a guest walks through the door. It happens online. Branding photography isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s a strategic tool that can transform how customers perceive and connect with your business.

1. Captures Your Atmosphere and Story
Every restaurant and bar has a personality, from the lighting and décor to the way cocktails are poured and dishes are plated. Professional branding photography helps communicate that unique vibe, giving potential customers a taste of your ambiance before they arrive.

2. Builds Trust and Professionalism
High-quality, consistent images across your website, menus, and social media show that you care about quality. Customers associate polished visuals with a polished experience. That trust can turn casual browsers into loyal guests.

3. Boosts Social Media Engagement
Visual content drives engagement. Posts featuring beautifully styled dishes, inviting interiors, and candid moments of your team can attract more likes, shares, and followers. This translates directly to more foot traffic and reservations.

4. Supports Marketing and PR Efforts
From press releases and digital ads to seasonal campaigns, having a library of professional photos ensures you’re always ready to promote your brand in the best possible light. Consistent imagery helps create a cohesive brand identity across all platforms.

5. Highlights What Makes You Different
Whether it’s your craft cocktails, farm-to-table ingredients, or local live music, professional photography draws attention to what sets you apart and makes customers want to experience it for themselves.

In short, branding photography is an investment that pays off in visibility, credibility, and customer connection. For restaurants and bars looking to stand out in a crowded market, stunning visuals aren’t optional…. they’re essential.

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Branding FAQ

Branding FAQs

Branding photography is the images used to represent your business. It showcases your product’s quality, your team’s approachability, and your professionalism through elements such as headshots and well-designed logos. This is made with product photography, headshot photography, lifestyle photography, and graphic design. Here are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to branding.


What makes a GR Design & Photography branding session different?

Branding photographers will get your business amazing photography to put on your website. A graphic designer can make a great logo, brochures, and set up advertisements for your marketing. I can do both. There is no need to search for multiple vendors when one will suffice.


Where do I start?

So you’re a new business but aren’t sure where to get started, or you’re an established business but don’t know how to revamp your look. I can guide you through multiple options the average business needs. From something as small as a business card to something as big as setting up ads for billboards, magazines, and websites.


What are some of the things included in branding sessions?

Some things include in branding sessions are as follows: Headshot, corporate half/full day sessions, product photography, bts or lifestyle photography, and graphic design. Graphic design elements include: logos, advertising design, brochures with pricing or business info, and more.


In conclusion…

Branding photography and design can raise the value of your business. If you have a great service based business but no images of you in action, you’re missing opportunities to connect with clients. If you have a remarkable product, but have cellphone images poorly displayed on your website then potential customers will click back on Google search and find something that does look professional. Quality photography and well executed graphic design can lead to more leads. More leads can snowball into more sales and that is everyone’s goal in business.

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What is Branding Photography?

What is Branding Photography?

Branding photography is the practice of creating and using images to establish and reinforce a business's brand identity. It involves capturing visuals that showcase the values, personality, and uniqueness of a brand. These images are used across various marketing materials, such as websites, social media, advertisements, and brochures, to communicate the essence of the brand to the target audience.

Sure, that’s the book definition, but what does that mean? Think of Nike. It’s a sneaker and sportswear company. The branding photography for Nike, 9 times out of 10, is fit people exercising. Carhartt has blue collar men (and women) working hard at their blue collar job. Apple is sleek. The images focus on the sleek lines of their “high end” products.

Branding photography is important for businesses because it helps to create a strong and memorable brand presence. Visuals are often the first thing that potential customers notice about a brand, and high-quality, cohesive images can make a significant impact on how the brand is perceived. Consistent branding photography helps to build brand recognition, establish credibility, and differentiate a business from its competitors. It also helps to evoke emotions, tell a story, and create a connection with customers, ultimately leading to increased brand loyalty and sales.

In conclusion, hire a professional. Give them your ideas. Someone with experience will know how to turn your ideas to reality. AI isn’t there yet so I would stay away. Once your branding is established it is up to you to give the costumer experience to match your branding. Good luck out there.

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What Makes an Effective Logo?

logo design

What Makes an Effective Logo?

A well-designed logo not only visually represents a brand but also communicates its essence to the viewers. An effective logo is a powerful tool that can instantly grab attention, create a memorable impression, and establish a strong identity for a business or organization. So, what are the key elements that make a logo truly effective?

Simplicity & Memorability

The first and foremost characteristic of a successful logo is simplicity. A clean and uncluttered design allows for easy recognition and makes a logo memorable. A simple logo is versatile and can be easily reproduced across different mediums and sizes without losing its impact. Think of iconic logos like Nike's swoosh or Apple's bitten apple logo; their simplicity is what makes them instantly recognizable worldwide.

Reflecting the Brand's Identity

An effective logo should capture the essence of the brand it represents. It should visually communicate the organization's mission, values, and characteristics. The color palette, typography, and visual elements used in the logo should align with the brand's personality. For example, a fast-food chain might choose bold and vibrant colors with a playful font to convey a sense of energy and fun. The logo should create an emotional connection with the audience and leave a lasting impression of what the brand stands for.

Versatility & Timelessness

An effective logo should be versatile and adaptable to various applications. Whether it's being used on a website, a billboard, or a business card, a logo should remain impactful in different sizes and formats. Additionally, a logo should strive for timelessness. While trends come and go, a logo should aim to be relevant and visually appealing for years to come. A logo that stands the test of time helps to build brand recognition and instills trust and loyalty among consumers.
In conclusion, simplicity, memorability, reflectiveness of the brand's identity, versatility, and timelessness are the key factors that make a logo truly effective. A successful logo represents a brand at a glance, leaving a lasting impression while telling a coherent story. By carefully considering these elements, businesses and organizations can create logos that captivate audiences and build strong brand identities.

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Graphic Design & Photography

Benefits of a Jack of All Trades Artist.

The quote most of us have heard is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none.” I am guilty of thinking this was the entire quote just like you probably did. The full quote is, “A Jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one.”

Learning the full quote set me at ease. Society tells you niche down and pick one thing to focus your business on. I graduated college with a major in graphic design and a minor in photography. I felt, deep in my soul, I needed to do both in my business. If you pay attention to what clients want, it is easy to merge graphic design in a photography business.

As a portrait photographer I started integrating graphic design into my photography by designing custom holiday cards for my clients. As I have shifted into branding for businesses, my skill set has shown to be invaluable. Clients are delighted when they realize I am all they need for logo design, menu design, headshots, product photography, and bts photography.

This is the benefit of a jack of all trades artist. Stop letting the masses say an artist cannot be great at multiple things. I understand wanting a niche photographer for a wedding but branding is a much more creative area to work with. It is much more beneficial to work with one person good enough to make your logo, photography your product, and extract the most confident version of you for your business.

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What is Branding?

What is Branding?

Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a business in the mind of your target audience and consumers. At the the most basic level, branding is made up of a company's logo, visual design, mission, and tone of voice. The end of the year is a perfect time to rebrand your busniess. Luckly with GR Design & Photography all the things I listed for rebranding can be done with me.

The Madelyn is a restaurant in NYC I worked with. They needed an identity. A logo fit for a high end fusion restaurant. This went on their website, menus, marketing, and vinyl lettering for their glass storefront. Photography for the website was also needed and they appreciated that they were able to get all these services from one vendor. How did I do?

J’adore Fashion is a clothing brand. I was asked to make the logo fun and classy. We used 3 models to photograph their inventory which also was fun and classy. What does this brand, as a whole, say to you?

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