4 Tips for Taking a Professional Looking Headshot
Do you need to have headshots taken as part of your job and want to make sure that you look great? It will help to follow these tips so that you make a great impression.
Wear Neutral and Comfortable Clothing
While colorful clothing can be great for a fashion shoot where you are highlighting the clothes, it does not work well for a professional headshot. It's always a good idea to make sure that you are the focus of your headshot so that you're highlighted, rather than the clothes and jewelry that you're wearing.
In addition, make sure that your clothing is comfortable to wear. Even if it looks good, an outfit that is too tight is going to result in photos that look like you are not comfortable. It should feel comfortable when standing or sitting so that you are prepared for all potential poses.
Do Your Own Hair and Makeup
While it may be tempting to have your hair and makeup done for a professional headshot, it may not be a good idea for a professional headshot. You want to look like yourself in your headshot, which is best done by sticking to the look that you have on a daily basis. Going all out with professional hair and makeup may result in a headshot that doesn't look like you because you'll never recreate the look.
Pick the Right Location
Think about what you are trying to communicate about yourself when you pick your location for your photoshoot. Do you want to appear in a business setting that is related to your career? Would it make more sense to be on a textured backdrop? Make sure that the background compliments the image you are trying to present, all while not being too distracting. However, while taking a headshot on a white sweep may seem safe, you won't stand out in a good way either.
Practice Your Facial Expressions
While you put a lot of effort into making sure that your clothing, look, and location are perfect, you may not have been thinking about how you will present yourself through facial expressions. It's a good idea to practice some facial expressions before your photo shoot and decide on what you want to do in the photos. For example, you will want to decide if you should smile with or without teeth, and if you should turn your head to one side or the other.
Reach out to your photographer for more tips on taking good corporate headshots.