Necessity is the mother of invention.

We got a call from one of our corporate clients that our postponed shoot prior to the August lockdown needed to happen as they were very near their deadline. This situation forced us to think outside the box when we got a call to do shoots in 3 different cities around the North Island. We had to do it in a short amount of time and figure out how to do the shoots when we cannot leave Auckland. 

Before we were even presented with this problem, we have been on the verge of testing the app that the Vogue photographers used during Europe's very strict lockdown. 

For many of our colleagues in a face to face business process, many have all but abandoned their trade or added a completely different income stream. But if you are an established publication like Vogue magazine, presenting amazing images is your bread and butter. But what to do during a pandemic where face to face businesses like portrait and headshot photographers are at a halt? Innovate. But innovation does not mean abandoning your core competency. 

When we discussed the idea of doing a virtual shoot via the app, both our client and I agreed that the main competency Identity Headshots brings to the clients is our ABILITY TO DIRECT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA AND DETERMINE THE BEST ANGLE THAT SUITS THE PERSON. That conversation got Allan and I think of what we bring to the table with our headshot business. We both agreed as well that selfies won't cut it as the images look unnatural, and at times distorted. So prior to agreeing to the project, it was fair to show our client how the app works and more importantly, the result.

The photo below was a result of our initial test shoot. This was taken in our friend's home in Manila - more than 8,000 kilometres away from us. 

With the viability of the process, we proceeded with the virtual shoots for numerous people scattered around the North Island last week. It was not like the studio image, but it was close and a success nonetheless.

Now, we can take the next step in offering our headshot or portrait service to anybody in the world.  

When our client saw the result, we then proceeded to do their shoot. Because we have proven we can have the results even on a remote shoot, we can now offer this service to any person in the world under certain conditions. 

Here are some learnings we gathered during this shoot. 

1. The model of the phone plays a part. Our app only works with certain iOS and Android versions. 

2. The source of the light varies because of the location of the client. This is where the skill of the photographer in lighting is put to the test. 

3. Engagement is the same as face to face. The clients found it helpful that we were there with them, guiding them every step of the way. 

4. The wifi signal can hamper the flow of the shoot. 

5. Most clients found the experience fun and most of all, we delivered the results. 

The pandemic forced our industry to adapt. The app broke the location barrier in our headshot business and opened doors that were not present before. Of course, nothing beats the face to face experience. But with the advent of Zoom and other teleconferencing platforms, one needs a decent, professional photo for their profile. Otherwise, if the person they see on the video is VERY different from the profile photo, then it raises questions. 

Contact us if this is a service that may suit you or your company.