Tips and Tricks for your Headshot Session
Having an updated professional photo of yourself for your networking sites, social media, or business website is incredibly important. After taking about 500 corporate headshots for US Foods with studio lights and a backdrop, I make it a mission to create a fun and relaxed atmosphere to get your headshots taken with me. I think the biggest problem I have with corporate headshots is that the feel stuffy and you don’t walk away feeling that you looked like you. So here are some tips for your next headshot session to get photos of yourself that you love!
When to Update Your Photos
If your current photo doesn’t look anything like you.
If you current photo is 5 years old or older.
If you cropped one of your wedding photos to hide your spouse.
If your photo is a car selfie (sorry guys! For LinkedIn, it should be a professional photo. For social media, thats a different story.
What to Wear
I think the biggest misconception is that you HAVE to wear a suit jacket or tie for your headshots. But my recommendation is to wear something that you feel great in. So, if you don’t normally wear a suit jacket or dressing up super fancy isn’t you or your line of work, then don’t wear it. Especially if you feel uncomfortable in it. Wearing an outfit you hate will show.
If you are nervous about finding the right outfit, I suggest wearing something simple and in neutral colors. These work with with any kind of lighting and backdrop so its a safe bet your chosen outfit will look good in a forest preserve or downtown.
Prep your Outfits
Make sure the clothes you chose are ironed and ready to go before the shoot. I can help a little with wrinkles but its best iron your clothes and keep them hanging until your shoot!
Location
This is something I can help you with. Depending on the background you are hoping for, I can send you a list of location ideas to choose from. Quite honestly, you don’t need an expansive backdrop. Most of these photos you see below were taken in a small corner or pocket of beautiful lighting. One was taken at the edge of a parking lot! I would say that lighting beats out location for headshots more often.
All About Angles
This is something for me to focus on. Your gallery will have several different angles for you to choose from. Everyone feels that they have their “best side” or an angle that is more flattering to them. So I make sure to shoot a variety of shots and you can choose the one you like best.
How Is This Being Used
If you are in need of some updated photos for your social media or website, we may focus on some options outside of a “traditional” headshot which is from the chest up. Its important to connect with your clients and tell your story and sometimes that is you walking down the street, or sipping coffee at a cafe. I will make sure to get a mix of close up portraits and full body shots.
If these photos are primarily being used on LinkedIn or Outlook, closer up portraits are the way to go. The photos on these sites are SMALL so you want people to be able to see who you are.
Haircuts
If you are getting a trim, do so at least a week before your session so your hair has time to grow out a bit and have a more natural look. If you are looking to do something totally new, I would recommend doing it a couple months before to make sure you love it or at the very least a few weeks before your session so you have time to get used to see yourself with this new look!
Have Fun!
I know it can be nerve racking to get your photo taken but I always word hard to make sure you feel comfortable and have fun. Portraits are a collaboration so if you have ideas or want to try something new, let’s chat. I want to help bring your vision to life!
