Davita Healthcare Corporate Portrait Project – Environmental Alternative to Corporate Headshots
Environmental Portraits as an Alternative to Corporate Headshots
I am a corporate headshot photographer in Los Angeles, photographing hundreds of people each year. My clients are beginning to ask for more meaningful options than the simple headshot. Often it’s environmental portraits, other times it’s personality-driven studio portraits.
When the conversation includes the word “different,” it’s time to show clients alternative galleries beyond the traditional corporate headshot, because clients often want to demonstrate authenticity uniquely.
My client, Davita Healthcare, was hosting a woman-centered corporate event and asked if I could shoot portraits of their executives there. They liked the examples of outdoor portraits lit with silks that I presented— large translucent sheets that soften harsh sunlight. The setup creates a natural, editorial look, usually framed by architecture or landscape, and allows for more authentic interactions with my subjects.
Editorial-Style Corporate Portraits for Executive Teams
To help the executives feel comfortable, the client asked me to bring a female assistant. That made me the only male in a group of 75 women — unusual but rewarding. Everyone responded positively to the experience, and the resulting portraits felt fresh and authentic.
We shifted the silk frame throughout the day as the sun moved, so each executive ended up with a slightly different background. For this setup, I photographed with everyone with a Nikon 50 mm 1.2 lens for an ultra-soft depth of field. Usually, I would shoot studio portraits with a 24-70mm lens. We also applied makeup where needed, played music, and shot to an iPad so my subjects could see their images immediately. The atmosphere created a buzz, which increased participation in the portrait sessions.
I love this kind of work. If you’re looking for authentic corporate headshots in Los Angeles or creative executive portraits, this style of corporate photography delivers both professionalism and personality.
FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between an environmental portrait and a standard corporate headshot?
A: Environmental portraits include more context and feel more authentic, while standard headshots are more traditional and studio-based.
Q: Do companies use environmental portraits for LinkedIn or press releases?
A: Yes. Many modern brands prefer them because they feel more authentic and align with current design trends.
Q: Can you shoot these portraits at our office?
A: Yes. I can set up environmental portraits on location in Los Angeles with light control, silks, and reflectors.
