7 tips for nailing your business headshot.
It’s a digital world. From accountants to artisans, sales reps to sailors, a professional headshot can make a significant difference in establishing your personal brand and make a lasting impression. Whether you're using it for LinkedIn, your business website, or promotional material, nailing the perfect pose is crucial.
If your shoot is happening as a part of a corporate day, then you may not have long to get the shot.
Here are seven tips to help you shine in your business headshot.
1. Relax and Be Yourself:
The key to a genuine and approachable headshot is to relax and be yourself. Trying to appear formal can come across as forced. Remember, you want to connect with your audience, so embrace your natural expressions and let your personality shine through.
A good photographer will be coaching you through this before or during your shoot
2. Maintain Good Posture:
The way you carry yourself speaks volumes about your professionalism. Stand or sit tall with your shoulders back. Good posture exudes confidence and helps ensure a polished final photograph.
3. Find Your Best Angle:
Everyone has their best angle, so experimenting with different poses and angles is essential. With the guidance of your photographer, tilt your head slightly, turn your body a bit, or try different camera angles to find the one that enhances your features and makes you feel comfortable.
Your photographer should always be looking at what angles work best for you.
4. Mind Your Chin and Jawline:
A common concern in headshots is the appearance of a double chin or a less defined jawline. To address this, elongate your neck slightly by pushing your chin forward and down. I call it the ‘funky chicken’.
It may feel a bit unnatural, but this simple trick can instantly improve your jawline and prevent unwanted shadows. Add that to the ‘baguette’ and you’re on to a winner.
5. Pay Attention to Your Eyes:
Your eyes are the windows to your soul, it is where we connect with our audience, and they can significantly impact the effectiveness of your headshot. Engage your eyes by looking directly into the camera lens, and aim for a warm and approachable expression. Avoid excessive blinking or looking away to maintain a strong connection with viewers.
6. Dress Accordingly:
Choosing what to wear for your headshot is crucial for portraying a professional image. Opt for clothing that suits your business and industry, ensuring it is clean, wrinkle-free, and fits well. Avoid distracting patterns or logos, and stick to neutral colors that complement your skin tone and won't overpower your face.
You may find that neutral doesn’t work for your business. You can also have that in mind for your shoot. Bring a selection and be sure to speak with your photographer before your session.
7. Practice Makes Perfect:
Before the actual photoshoot, take some time to practice your poses in front of a mirror or with a friend. Experiment with different facial expressions, angles, and body movements to get a better sense of what works best for you. This preparation will help you feel more confident and comfortable during your session.
Remember, your business headshot should reflect your brand, professionalism, and approachability. By following these seven tips – relax and be yourself, maintain good posture, find your best angle, mind your chin and jawline, pay attention to your eyes, dress professionally, and practice – you'll be well on your way to capturing a powerful and engaging business headshot that leaves a lasting impression.
If you have any questions, then send me an email and I will be happy to answer any questions you might have about an upcoming shoot.