A Business headshot is such an essential part of your online professional presence. You are guaranteed to get great results by following these few simple suggestions. I have been photographing business headshots for over ten years, and here are some of my key recommendations. These tips will help you get the best results from your upcoming photo session. View examples of business headshots here.
WHAT TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE OF YOUR BUSINESS HEADSHOT SESSION
It’s always a good idea to arrive well-rested for your photo session. It does make a difference.
Make-up can help smooth your skin and brighten your complexion, but it is unnecessary.
Take time to choose your outfit in advance. Everything should be clean and wrinkle-free for your photo shoot. If you are hesitating between two outfits, bring both! One may photograph better than the other.
WHAT TO WEAR FOR A BUSINESS HEADSHOT
I recommend wearing what you feel good in and what you think looks most flattering.
The most important part of your outfit is the collar which is closest to your face. A headshot is usually cropped at the waist, but it is important to think about what will frame your face.
Simplicity is key. Your clothes and jewelry should not be a distraction.
The layering of textures and colours is a nice way to add interest to a photo. A pop of colour does make a picture more visually interesting. Consider a coloured blouse or tie, but neutral colours are also very nice. Go with something that suits you best.
It is very important to ensure your clothes fit well and that they are ironed without stains or wrinkles. Although, little details can be fixed in post-production with retouching.
A crisp white shirt under a suit is a very professional look. It’s considered a classic and never goes out of style. This is a great way to go if you are thinking of keeping your portrait for a few years.
How formally you dress is very specific to your industry. So consider seeing what other people have chosen to wear for their business headshot on LinkedIn or other social platforms.
Martin Nguyen is a Montreal-based physiotherapist. He wanted his portrait to include the massage table and also wanted his portrait to have a more approachable feel than a traditional standing headshot. This was a good direction for the type of work that he does and a great fit for his industry.
HOW TO POSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS HEADSHOT
I recommend leaving the posing to your photographer. Remember, you cannot see the exact angle that the photographer is shooting. So follow the directions and trust in the process.
Don’t forget about your posture; keep your shoulders back, and your back straight and stand tall. This confidence will translate in the final image.
I recommended that you look directly at the camera because eye contact shows confidence and connects with the viewer. This way, your final portrait will have an excellent direct gaze with the viewer.
Arms crossed or not? Some people want a more open feel with their arms down. But many clients choose a crossed-arms picture because it seems more approachable and relaxed as a stance.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMAGE FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
I always present a selection of images with different poses and expressions.
Take time to review each and choose the picture you feel represents you the best. There will always be an image that you will gravitate towards.
I send the photos for selection via a contact sheet (as a pdf). This way, you have time to consult with a family member, colleague or friend. I am also glad to suggest what image has the most impact.
Here is an example of the contact sheet from a recent photo session at my studio in Westmount. I will retouch the final selected image before sending it to back to the client. I also offer on-location portraits in Montreal.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR BUSINESS HEADSHOT
Take time to review the portfolio of the photographer you are considering hiring for your business portrait. Most photographers charge about the same amount, but their styles can be quite different. Make sure you choose a photographer whose style you like. For example, my photography style is natural and candid. Some photographers might have more stylized and dramatic lighting in their portraits. You can read some reviews about my work here.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE SHY OR DO NOT LIKE TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED
I want to make a special note here for those who are uncomfortable being photographed or simply do not like to be in front of a camera. Being uncomfortable in front of a camera is common. Rest assured that if you feel this way, you are not alone. Please share those concerns with me during the shoot, as I am always respectful of these feelings. If I know this in advance, I will make the session as short as needed and give you more time if that helps you feel more relaxed. I always tell clients that if they can follow my direction, the session can be done in just a few minutes with the same good results. If I am allowed more time, I can get more creative with angles, lighting and expression and offer you more options to choose from. I also tell my clients that they should feel no pressure to have the perfect expression or pose because, with digital photography, I take many pictures and offer the best of the best for their selection. The sign of a true professional photographer is their ability to capture the perfect expression without the subject even being aware of it. I will do a pre-selection from all the pictures taken to make your choice simpler. I can also advise which images I think are the best. And I do touch-ups on all the images before they are delivered.
IN CONCLUSION
A good portrait is always a collaboration between the photographer and their subject. My job is to help you get the best portrait possible and one that shows you in your best light and reflects your personality. My goal is to make the portrait session fun, quick and enjoyable.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions about scheduling a photo session.
I’m looking forward to working with you!
Kate