What Are Business Headshots

Business headshots are essential marketing tools for a company or individual. It’s amazing how many people avoid this to save a buck or because they hate getting their photo taken.

It’s time to take your organisation to another level. Since so much of one’s business is online today, you must get a professional image on all your available profiles. In case your headshot is bad, you look bad.

Tips For Getting The Best Business Headshots

Your headshot is today’s business card

You would like to be seen as a professional, not an amateur, so the way you present yourself on your profile is everything. If you would like individuals to take you seriously, you must have a good, quality, killer headshot.

Not an Apple iPhone pic, not a Facebook bio selfie of you outdoors with your kids, rather than a high school yearbook photo from 1997. Save those for your grandma’s fridge.

When people see your social network, web site profile, signature email line, or your LinkedIn profile. You would like them to state “I want to work with (buy from/follow/etc.) them.”

Spend the money. It’s worth it

Hire to a pro, who is trained, knows lighting, and takes headshots for a living. Don’t hire some buddy who happens to have a decent camera who “sorta knows a bit about photography.” Save those pictures for Instagram, and leave the business headshots to the pros.

Whenever you’re searching for a photographer to take your business headshots, don’t go with the first photographer you come across. Instead, take a look at their portfolio. It’s also wise to get comfortable with your photographer so that you can look happy and relaxed on your pictures.

Have a conversation with them, ask them questions and be yourself whenever you go to meet with them. There are hundreds of photographers available to choose from. Closely look at their portfolio, follow their social network feeds and determine whether their style matches the look you’re going for.

Go For Personality Over Photoshop

Ensure that your image looks fantastic. People like an attractive image, but don’t want to be startled whenever you show up for an interview looking 20 years older. It’s not only about looking good; it’s about representing your company, your character, and your brand. The headshot should look like you on your very best day.

A bit of photoshop is fine, but looking like a plastic 17-year-old doll when you’re 47, isn’t the look you want.

It’s All About The Eyes

Your eyes are the window to the soul. They should be absolutely in focus, look alive, energised, and inviting. I love to take pictures after I have asked a personal question or something. Your face tells a story and creates emotion when people look at you, even with a still image. Make your story great with eyes which reflect who you are. A slight squint and piercing eyes can bring an image to life and help it stand out from a pile of hundreds.

A headshot photographer knows how to bring this out of you.

Pay Attention To Framing, Lighting, And Background

Usually, proper corporate headshots are chest-up with good lighting on your face. Nevertheless, the social network world is more open to all kinds of images to work with for your bio. Decide in advance what your brand represents and communicate with your photographer about what kind of look you’re going for.

Overall, the goal of one’s headshot must be to place a face to your brand, which implies that there isn’t necessarily a right and wrong way to present yourself. It depends upon your brand image. For instance, an attorney might favour a very professional image with a suit and plain background, while a business owner might be a bit more casual and fun with their headshot.

Natural Light vs Studio

Some photographers do both, as they offer a very distinct feel and look. Natural lighting gives an authentic film-like look. However, outdoor natural headshots are somewhat less formal so (again) decide what your brand represents and what type of image suits your overall objectives.

Studio light tends to be a more polished, particularly with a white, black or grey backdrop. Both may be wonderful. Decide what works with your targets and brand and allow the photographer to know in advance. Another approach might be to have your photographer meet you at your workplace or another location where you’re more comfortable.

Getting some pictures where you work could assist them to appear uniquely distinctive and authentic to your brand.

Bring the right clothes

Ensure that it stays simple and classy and follow the guidelines we supply you with. Professionalism will get you noticed. A solid colour shirt that fits you well and matches your eyes ought to do the trick. No whites without any patterns or whatever you think might distract from your face.

Only include props if they fit your brand. For instance, you might incorporate some items which have something to do with your company. Like a desk, a pc or a camera. Ensure that those things aren’t distracting and only include them if they add something to the picture.

An excellent tip to consider is how you’d wish to present yourself to a brand new customer.

Don’t Go Crazy With The Makeup

For the women. Yes, lots can be done with retouching. There’s no need to put on tons of make-up. You would love to look like yourself on your best day, and not look like you tried too hard. If you layer on tons of make-up, that caked-on foundation might show up in photographs.

Don’t Get a Haircut Right Before

While it might seem like a wise idea to get a fresh haircut right before you get new pictures taken, we advise against it. Even for major events such as weddings. Photographers recommend that you will get at least one week before you might get accustomed to the new length. And if you’re getting a haircut, wait to get images taken so your hair could grow a bit and look more natural.

Have a mirror with you

Good idea to have a mirror with you. So you could quickly check your hair, make-up and clothing before you have your photo taken. This way you won’t have to wait to get your proofs back before realising you have a loose hair in front of your face.

Choose Timeless Over Trendy

For your clothing, hair and make-up, many professional photographers can advise you to keep it simple. Even when you think a particular hairstyle will look great right now, it might make your pictures look dated in just a year or two.

Relax And Loosen Up

Regardless of what type of photo you end up going for, good posture is essential since it exudes confidence and professionalism. Only sit with your back straight and your shoulders back. While posture is crucial, you don’t want to look dull and rigid in your corporate headshots. Particularly if you want your brand to seem interesting, creative or distinctive, it might be beneficial for you to keep the feeling relaxed and casual.

One way I help my clients unwind and be themselves through a photoshoot would be to bring a friend or co-worker to their shoot. A friend could make jokes, lighten the mood and make everyone relaxed and comfy.

Sleep, Water And Food

Hello to the buzzword: self-care.

Get a good nights sleep the night before and drink a lot of water throughout the day. It will keep your eyes bright, and your skin glowing. Like all things related to self-care, it not only affects your well-being, it’ll improve the general feel and look of your images as well.

Get Multiple Shots With Different poses

Regardless of what style of photo you’re going for, you’ll wish to have plenty of options to pick from in the end. Even when you’re sure of the style, angle and background for the photo. You should at least have a vertical and horizontal version so that it may fit with your website and publications. We all have an angle that looks more flattering than other angles. The more options you have, the more likely you’ll appreciate your result.

Get New Business Headshots Often

Lastly, once you get your headshots taken. You may notice that they no longer represent your brand in the way you envisioned months and years down the road. It’s never a bad idea to have corporate headshots taken regularly. This reflects the way you look and the way you want your brand represented through the life of your company.

The more variety you show on your various advertising and marketing materials. The more chances your customers and prospects have for getting to know, like and trust you.

If you are looking to get professional business headshots, please get in touch.