How to Run an Efficient Business Portrait Session in Under 45 Minutes
You don't need hours to capture great business portraits. I recently photographed Rana between her meetings - we had about 45 minutes, and the session went beautifully. She walked away with stunning portraits that perfectly captured her professional presence.
Here's what I've learned about making short sessions work without sacrificing quality.
Before the Shoot: Get Everything Ready
Talk to Your Client First
I always reach out before the session to understand what they're looking for. A quick conversation covers the basics:
Where will these photos be used? LinkedIn? Website? Press materials?
What's the vibe they want? Clean studio look, their office, or maybe outside?
How many outfit changes make sense?
Any company branding or colors to keep in mind?
I send them a simple prep guide about what to wear and bring. It sounds small, but when clients show up prepared, they're more confident and we hit the ground running.
My Gear Setup
I keep things consistent so there are no surprises on shoot day:
Sony A7 IV for the main camera body
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 and Sony 85mm f/1.8 for portraits
Four-light setup (two Godox AD200Pro units and two Godox V1 flashes)
Savage backdrops in black, white, gray, beige, navy, brown, and green
A good tripod and a monitor so clients can see what we're getting
Shooting tethered to a laptop is a game-changer. Clients can see their images right away, which speeds up everything and gets them excited about the results.
Setting Up Efficiently
Whether I'm shooting at my studio in Warsaw Wesoła or traveling to a client's office, I set up lighting and backdrops ahead of time. For on-location work, I arrive early to figure out the space and handle any curveballs.
During the Shoot: Keep Things Moving
Stick to a Loose Timeline
Having a rhythm helps, though I'm flexible if we need to adjust:
First 5-10 minutes: Getting comfortable, test shots, chatting
Next 10-15 minutes: Main headshots from different angles
Following 10 minutes: Full-body shots, more candid moments, environmental portraits
Last 5-10 minutes: Quick review together, any final tweaks
This keeps energy up and ensures busy professionals can get back to their day without stress.
Making People Comfortable
Most people feel awkward in front of a camera at first. I get it. To help them relax, I:
Start with casual conversation - asking about their work or weekend plans
Keep things light with a bit of humor
Give clear but simple direction: "Shift your weight to your back foot," "Let your hands rest naturally," "Think about something that makes you smile"
Show them previews early so they can see it's going well
Once they see a good shot or two, the nerves usually disappear.
Getting Variety Without Extra Time
You'd be surprised how much variety you can capture in a short window:
Small additions like throwing on a blazer or adjusting a collar
Changing up the lighting angle or switching lenses
Tweaking poses slightly—arms crossed, hands in pockets, leaning against something
Grabbing those natural in-between moments when they're just being themselves
After the Shoot: Fast Turnaround
Editing and Delivery
I work in Lightroom Classic for batch processing and basic retouching—smoothing skin, adjusting colors, cleaning up backgrounds. Nothing heavy-handed, just polished and professional.
Clients usually get a preview gallery within a day or two to choose their favorites. Final edited images are ready within five business days, though I offer same-day delivery if they're in a rush.
Staying Connected
After delivery, I send a quick follow-up to make sure they're happy and offer any tips on using their portraits effectively. If they're willing, I ask for a review or testimonial. And with permission, I love sharing behind-the-scenes moments on social media.
What Clients Say
Here's what Rana shared after her session:
"I would recommend Vova to anyone who wants their photos taken professionally. This was my first ever photo session. Vova doesn't simply take photos—he makes sure you understand the whole process and guides you throughout for the perfect outcome. It was super smooth and fun. I left knowing I would definitely come back for another session. I loved all my pictures 🥰"
Why This Approach Works
A 45-minute session doesn't mean rushing or cutting corners. It's about respecting your client's time while delivering work they'll be proud of. When you prepare thoroughly, keep things structured but relaxed, and guide people confidently, everyone leaves happy.
If you're in Warsaw and looking for professional business portraits that don't eat up half your day, I'd love to work with you. Check out my portfolio at Vova Khomenko Photography or reach out to book a session here.
