HOW TO PREPARE BUSINESS HEADSHOTS
How to prepare Professional Headshots
“You never get a second chance to make a great FIRST impression.”
Looking good in photos is rather a technique, and you can conquer it with a little help that will bring out the best look you already have. Often times, your photographer (me) will find your better side, perfect poses, natural expressions, most flattering light, and nicer angle for you. With this help, tools, tips, and tricks, you will feel confident in front of camera, just like cover models you see in the magazines.
I have been working with professionals and business owners creating images that shows their personality and their characters that shapes their first impression on line. In modern society, setting a confident and positive first impression is done through the screen. Whether it is your LinkedIn, Facebook, or a website, your image will set that impression of who you are. You don't want to use a cropped image from your last vacation family pic for your first interview!
WHAT TO WEAR?
Think of what you would wear to the first meeting with your dream client. You’d dress formally, but depending on where you work, formal can mean very different things. Depending on your audience’s demographics, your outfit choices may change accordingly.
If you are getting your social media headshot done at the same time, it is a good idea to prepare a set of business casual outfits, too.
Here is a great article about men’s attire for professional headshots:
MEN’S ATTIRE
NO BUSY PATTERN and EXCESSIVE JEWELRY!
Busy patterns and excessive jewelry will distract attention away from your face. You want people to remember you for how trustworthy, competent and confident you look, not your great taste in paisley scarves or loud ties. If you do go with patterns, make sure they’re subtle, and remember to pair them with solid colors. For example, if you go with a classic gray Prince of Wales Check blazer, pair it with a solid shirt and tie, and vice versa.
I would recommend to pick outfits with textures instead of patterns to make the headshot more interesting and different.
Accessories:
Belt, dark shoes, tie pin, cufflinks, watch are all important!
PICK COLOR THAT COMPLIMENT YOU AND THE MEDIUM?
Both men and women should avoid wearing black, as many people associate black with funerals or evening wear. Instead go with Navy Blue, Grey, or Charcoal as they are considered universally professional. Men should use the color of their ties to help reinforce their personal brand. Also it is smart to think about where the headshot will be used so that the color of the outfit will not clash with the medium. For examples, linkedin, facebook, website, news media…
WELL FITTED!
Your outfit must be well fitted to your body. Anything baggy, too short or long will distract your professionalism. A suit should be snug, but not restrict movement, and always remember to match the width of your tie to the width of your lapels! If you need more advice on how a suit should fit, this guide on Esquire.com has you covered. Pay attention to the fit! The shirt neckline, shoulder, waist, sleeve length of the shirt and jacket must be well fitted.
WEAR MAKE UP, LADIES~
According to a study from Proctor and Gamble, makeup increases people’s perception of a woman’s likability, trustworthiness, and competence. Smartly applied makeup can also help men look better in pictures. Don’t overdo it though; according to the study, people who wore “glam” makeup weren’t seen as trustworthy, and makeup should never be noticeable on men.
VISIT HAIR SALON and BARBER SHOP
Marie Papp, a professional photographer in New Jersey, recommends women have their hair and makeup professionally done before the shoot: She also recommends planning your hairstyle and makeup along with your outfit a few days in advance, and to stick with a style you know works instead of experimenting with a new look.
Men should visit their barber to tidy up their hair, and make sure facial hair is neat and trimmed. Remember to keep it simple. A dramatic change in hairstyle can make you feel less confident.
How to pose for headshots: basic tips
Rehearse your facial expressions. say "money" to bring your genuine smile.
Your eyes are important! Make sure you have no tired eye (red eye!~)
Relax and breathe.
Keep your back straight.
Practice chin awareness. Elongate your neck and push your chin forward.
Relax your hands and arms.
Practice hand placement.