Wardrobe
For Men: Collared dress shirt, tie, jacket
For Women: Blouse or collared shirt, suit coat
Color
In terms of color, it is important to stay away from patterns on the fabric, because the patterns can detract from your face. So, don’t choose a shirt with floral print, checkers, polka dots, stripes, or any other type of pattern on the fabric. These patterns will make the photo too “busy” and they can be very distracting. Stick with darker colors instead of lighter colors, because the darker or mid-tone colors tend to put more emphasis on your eyes and smile, instead of the clothing. Always avoid lighter colors that are too similar to your skin tone, because they can make you appear washed out.
It is best to wear colors that are contrasting to your skin, so if you have medium or darker colored skin tones, then you should avoid the earthy colors that are very similar to the color of your skin. You may consider selecting a color that can help to bring out the colors in your eyes. For example, if you have blue eyes, then you may consider a blue or grey shirt. Or, if you have brown or green eyes, then earthy tones can be very complimentary to your eye color.
If you choose to wear jewelry, please make sure that you choose jewelry to add a nice accent to the outfit, without detracting from the overall appearance of your photo.
Wardrobe Changes
Generally speaking, provider headshots are recommended in the following combinations:
- Above wardrobe, without lab coat
- Above wardrobe, with lab coat. Lab coat can be with or without embroidered logo and/or name, whichever you prefer.
- In scrubs, where appropriate. Scrubs should be without markings, except for embroidered or screen printed logos that are affiliated with the site.
Poses
We need headshots with each of the combinations:
- Facing:
- Directly front
- Face front with body turned left
- Face front with body turned right
- Hands clasped in front at waist
- Arms crossed at chest
- Seated
- Facing directly front
- Face front with body turned left
- Face front with body turned right
- Arms clasped
- Arms closing jacket
There are 12 total poses that should be taken, for each wardrobe choice (with/without lab coat and scrubs) - total of 36 shots if all poses and wardrobe choices are used.
Specifications
- Eyes 1/3 from the top of view
- Portrait orientation
- Ample background showing on top, left, and right of subject
- Kind smile/welcoming/warm/confident
- Head forward, tilted down just a bit, straight on
- Eyes in the camera
- White or Green screen background (white background preferred)
- Approximate time needed: 10-15 minutes per headshot (once gear is set up by photographer)
Recommended Action Shots
- Doctor interacting with adult patient in exam room
- Doctor interacting with child patient
- Doctor interacting with infant patient
- Doctor interacting with patient family
- Nurse talking with patient, maybe laughing, a friendly relationship
- Patient interacting with reception staff, singing in, a look as if they know each other by name
- Two doctors talking to each other
- A technician running a test or using equipment
- Candid shots of doctors walking, in motion
- Doctors reviewing charts, at work
- Doctor using equipment in surgical suite with patient
- Doctor(s) posing with equipment
- Doctor using equipment in exam room with patient
- Any representation of the outdoor location with trees, flowers, sidewalk, water features, and or landscaping
Work with your Project Manager for the most appropriate shots for your practice and timeframe.
Model Releases
Anyone getting their picture taken, including all staff, providers, patients, patient-actors, nurses, receptionists, medical assistants, employees, and generally anyone getting their photo taken will need a model release signed. Releases must be signed at the photo shoot or before. See the PDF files attached below for the appropriate releases.
- Staff Release - for all internal personnel (providers, nurses, staff)
- Patient Release - for any patient and patient-actors