You’re looking for a job? Take care of a professional business portrait and increase your chances

Are you looking for a job or maybe just thinking about a change and career advancement? No matter what stage you are at, your CV should be the starting point. You’ll probably start updating your education and experience information, but do you remember to include a recent photo? A professional business portrait will emphasize your care for your image and distinguish you from other candidates.

Most recruitment processes now start online – initial decisions are made before a face-to-face meeting. That’s why it’s worth taking care of your image. It is important that the business portrait you use on LinkedIn and in your CV is up-to-date and presents you in a way that will increase your chances of interviewing a recruiter.

I wrote more about why it’s worth taking care of having a photo on your CV here: Business photography and the recruitment process

First impression – what does the research say about it?

First impressions largely influence how people perceive us.

Research shows that after just a fraction of a second, when we look at a person or a photo, we draw conclusions about the person’s features based on their appearance[1][2]. After an exposure lasting only 0.1 s, we draw conclusions about whether someone is trustworthy, competent, likable, attractive or aggressive. The same study indicates that there is a strong correlation of results. when the observation time of each photo is 1 s or longer. Judgments made based on facial observations are very quick, effortless and intuitive.

Attention! The process of changing a previously created “first” impression takes much longer and requires more effort from us.

Another study, which involved predicting the attractiveness of people based on photos in MBA school yearbooks and verifying the further professional fate of these people 10 years after graduating, leads to important conclusions. People considered attractive perform better on the labor market, earn more and hold higher positions[3]

Jakub Ananicz – Entrepreneur
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Paulina Mazur – Employer branding strategist, HR consultant

What conclusions can be drawn from the above-mentioned research?

It is difficult to assume that automaticity in thinking and acting may concern how we are assessed, but – importantly – we also use this mechanism and evaluate other people. It is difficult to escape from this, since these behaviors are so deeply imprinted in our psyche. By being aware of these processes, it is worth maximizing your chances of success. How? It is enough to take a good photo or business portrait in places that are used every day and affect the image, especially in documents that are submitted to companies when looking for a job.

Find out more: How much does a business portrait cost?

Business portrait… so what it is?

I probably don’t need to explain what a business portrait is – you may encounter them every day when browsing industry magazines or social media such as LinkedIn. They may be associated with school ID photos, but business photos are something more. This professional photography is intended to show you at your best and evoke specific, positive emotions. At the same time, it should indicate that you are a professional person and worth hiring.

Portrait photography is, on the one hand, an art because it focuses on capturing a person in the right way – their face, features and facial expressions. On the other hand, it is a technique in which the person being photographed looks directly at the camera.

It is important that the photo presents you as true and undistorted as possible. A photo for your CV or profile photo on LinkedIn is supposed to make the right impression on the recipient. We have a whole spectrum of possibilities here, because the human face can express very different emotions, which should appear in a true and natural way. Therefore, my role as a photographer is to take care not only of making a business portrait in accordance with art, but above all of the conditions in which I will have to portray you.

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Joanna Grącka – Sales manager at Nord Serwis Sp. z o.o.
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Piotr Cichocki – Communications Officer at European Commission

How do I make a business portrait?

Most of my clients don’t like being in front of the camera. Therefore, from the first contact, I will guide you through all stages – from preparation for the session to the selection of optimal images. I will help you tame the stress that may appear at first. I use my own method here – I can bring out what is true and natural in each person. Moreover, the images I create are not overly retouched, which further emphasizes their authenticity.

It is important for me that the person in the photo looks good and at the same time is recognizable in face-to-face contact.

At the stage of preparation for the session, I provide advice and assistance. I suggest what outfits are worth taking to the session and how to prepare for the photos. A properly selected style should match the nature of the work and the position for which you are applying. It is supposed to help build a good impression, but it is not the main subject of the photo and should not dominate. Remember that a properly selected outfit also affects how you feel in front of the camera.

Read also: 7 secrets of successful business portraits

I make it clear: I have time for you. This means that on the day of the session I am focused on you and we work until the received images meet your expectations. But let me assure you – for over 25 years I have been perfecting the way of working with the person being portrayed. Thanks to this, I have the knowledge and experience how to achieve perfect results in a short time.

I provide ongoing advice on how to pose, what to do to relax, and what to pay attention to. We evaluate the photos together, which allows us to quickly make corrections, e.g. changes in outfit, body position or facial expression.

Remember that I am only assisting in selecting the strongest shots. You choose the portraits during the session! The finished photos are the result of previously established image goals.

During the session, we evaluate the photos on an ongoing basis, which allows us to quickly make corrections – e.g. changes in outfit, body position or facial expression.

To sum up: it is worth ensuring that your image harmonizes with your professional experience. This is the goal that a professional business portrait is supposed to achieve.

Let’s talk about your image needs.

BOOK VIDEO CONSULTATION »

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[1]Willis J., Todorov A. (2006). First impressions: Making up your mind after a 100-ms exposure to a face. Psychological Science, 17, 592–598.

[2]Judith H. Langlois, Jean M. Ritter, Lori A. Roggman, and Lesley S. Vaughn (1991) Facial Diversity and Infant Preferences for Attractive Faces. Developmental Psychology, 27(1), 79–84.

[3]Irene Hanson Frieze, Josephine E. Olson, June Russell (1991).Attractiveness and Income for Men and Women in Management. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 21, 1039-57

Testimonials

  • I had the pleasure of using Krzysztof Zaleski's services - a business portrait and I am absolutely delighted with the results. Krzysztof is a true magician behind the lens - I have never looked so good in a photo! His professionalism, attention to detail and ability to create a relaxed atmosphere during the session are invaluable. If you are looking for a photographer who can capture the best of you, I highly recommend Krzysztof. Thank you for a great experience!

    Krystian Lewecki Head Of Legal Affairs

  • Full professionalism and remarkable commitment to work. The photo session took place in a calm, warm, empathetic atmosphere. Mr. Krzysztof is a very nice person, and at the same time a great specialist. He provides valuable advice and guidance. This makes you feel confident and at ease in front of his lens. The effect of the session was delightful: beautiful portraits that show emotions. I am grateful and cordially recommend!

    Beata Rubanowicz Ophthalmologist

  • I definitely recommend Krzysztof Zaleski - for years, at various stages of my career, when I need professional photos, and not only business ones, I have been using his services. Krzysztof is a professional in the full sense of the word, with a perfect understanding of business needs and goals, who is also characterized by flexibility and speed in actions. I recommend it to all those who are looking for something more in their photos.

    Michał Świderski Marketing Manager, Management Advisor

  • An excellent Professional is focused on working with people and not merely on the technical side of photography. Thanks to this, the quality and credibility of the photos is high. Krzysztof is able to bring out the character of a person and emphasize his or her best features. Great pleasure to work with such a Professional. Thank you.

    Palina Romaniszyn General Manager at STADA Group

  • I heartily recommend Krzysztof Zaleski. I have worked with many photographers, but Krzysztof Zaleski has one unique feature - he works until he gets a WOW effect for the client. I sincerely recommend!

    Sergiusz Trzeciak Expert in political marketing, public image shaping and personal branding

  • Working with Krzysztof is fantastic - stress-free and relaxed, but at the same time very professional. Even before the session, we received detailed tips: what clothes to take, what patterns or colors to avoid - it was very helpful. During the photoshoot, Krzysiek gave specific advice, but at the same time, there was room for our own inventiveness and time to fool around. Through numerous conversations and detailed questions, we managed to determine the nature and atmosphere of the photos. Krzysiek is a very considerate and cultural man. I recommend him to anyone who does not stand in front of the camera on an everyday basis and wants to have professional and cool, but not necessarily obvious photos.

    Aneta Stawicka Communication and Education Manager Rekopol SA

  • Photographing myself is, to put it mildly, not my favorite pastime. The photo session with Krzysztof was comfortable and quick. In addition, the effect is good in my opinion. Professional approach to the client. I highly recommend to everyone.

    Andrzej Kotfis Andrzej Kotfis SME/SOHO Sales Director Orange Polska

  • Photographer, Krzysztof Zaleski, was recommended to me by my friend some time ago. I am really glad that I finally managed to use his services - Krzysiek made several business portraits for me, which I am very happy with. The photoshoot went really smoothly, in a pleasant atmosphere and with full professionalism. I am glad that I had the opportunity to work with a man full of passion, and at the same time extremely warm and accessible. I recommend him to everyone, because the image is something important, and Krzysztof knows how to get the best out of the photographed person.

    Beatrice Bouchet President of the Management Board B&B Hotels Poland.

  • I asked Krzysztof for a couple of business photos. Working with him during the shooting was a distinct pleasure. Krzysztof was very friendly and welcoming — we immediately connected. Krzysztof has shown a rare devotion to detail and a relentless pursuit of the best possible results. Krzysztof delivered the final photos promptly and they were of outstanding quality, both from technical and communication point of view. I highly recommend Krzysztof for any business photo job.

    Marek Kowalczyk MANDARINE Project Partners

  • Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski has run several business-related photo sessions for MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o. Each time a session was carried out in a professional manner and with commitment. Thanks to his interpersonal skills, Mr. Krzysztof is able to build up a kind and friendly atmosphere and photographs the way it highlights the photographed person's character. Additionally, we value good communication with Mr. Krzysztof, both via phone and e-mail, which positively influences our cooperation. With pleasure, we recommend Mr. Krzysztof Zaleski as a reliable, competent and passionate photographer.

    Małgorzata Janic Sales Support Specialist at MGW Corporate Consulting Group Sp. z o.o.

  • If you are looking for someone who will not only take beautiful pictures of you but also will take care of every detail during the session, I recommend Krzysztof. A sense of style and positive atmosphere during the session guaranteed.

    Weronika Jelińska Legal counsel

  • I strongly recommend Krzysztof Zaleski's services. I value his professionalism, flexibility and endless kindness. From the first contact and stage of working on details, we could count on perfect communication, openness to our needs and understanding. As the result, we' d managed to have a photo session for 20 people run smoothly. What distinguish Krzysztof is his great empathy and understanding of both the business aims and a fantastic approach to photographing people. The same relates to a selection of photos and post production, in which Krzysztof puts lots of effort. We're greatly impressed by the professional service, taken photos as well as Krzysztof's attitude towards the session and customers. Thank you, we certainly recommend!

    Katarzyna Gorczyńska PR Manager at Plej Advertising Agancy

  • Meeting with a photographer who likes himself, people and what he does often brings results that significantly exceed the customer's initial expectations. This was my case, for which I am really thankful.

    Tomasz Chodkowski President in Grenevo Polska Sp. z o.o.

  • We've worked with Krzysztof at many business sessions, both for individual clients and company teams. Together, we implement the project of “Lawyer through the lens.” I was also pleased to stand in front of his camera myself. What happens during these sessions is difficult to describe. You just have to experience it! Let’s be specific. It’s the atmosphere. As well as patience and individual approach. Everyone is just as important, the most important at the time. Each portrait helps build a business image. To anyone. I am glad that I met on my way a person, photographer, who knows that a good portrait is our asset and shares this knowledge with others. No just in business. It also helps in self-awareness that what we do is important and how we communicate is important; that in the modern times of the Internet and marketing 2.0. people around us will get to know us on the net and that we can influence how they will perceive us during this first contact. It also helps to smile at the thought that this lady in the picture is pretty cool! He is also surrounded by professionals who care about how we look and feel in the picture. I am thankful for that and recommend Krzysztof to everyone who sees measurable value in quality and appreciates professionalism. To anyone who wants to enter a higher level. See you at the next session!

    Monika Muracka Development Manager, Marketing for Lawyers

  • The need to build a professional image appears at different stages of career. In the past, the only formal image necessary to take care of was a passport photo – nowadays for more and more people it isn’t enough. For several years I had photos taken by magazine and news paper photographers who publicated them as illustration to my articles. Usually, these half-hour or hour sessions were guick but professional. However, I was lucky enough to meet Krzysztof Zaleski on my career path – a passionate photographer. According to Krzysztof the portrait of a professional should reflect personality, interests and life mission of the photographed. Such final effect demands time for conversation and collecting necessary information about the person - Krzysztof was very engaged in this task. After a long conversation he prepared several conceptions in cooperation with graphic designer. Having discussed and chosen one of the options, Krzysztof started making it real. It wasn’t easy though – I would probably give up encountering such odds, but not Krzysztof, he succeeded. The session took place and finished according to arranged schedule. I highly recommend cooperation with Krzysztof – it was a real pleasure and a fascinating adventure.

    Grzegorz Turniak Owner of Akademia Rekomendacji

  • I had the pleasure to cooperate with Krzysztof Zaleski in an advertising project which involved major clients of my company. The project itself was a very difficult issue because individuals participating in the session needed to be treated with particular sensitivity and at the same time the desired effects had to be achieved – session circumstances demanded full adaptation to the working conditions in the printing (the production was in full swing). Krzysztof successfully completed the task creating a pleasant atmosphere, which allowed to save the stress of my clients as well as their precious time. Professionalism, as shown by Krzysztof, resulted in a series of perfect photos that decorated both the covers of professional magazines and the stand of Agfa Graphics company during the fairs „Poligrafia 2007” in Poznań. I highly recommend cooperation with Krzysztof Zaleski!

    Paulina Suchodolska AGFA GRAPHICS