I’ve compiled my top tips to help you look your best in your commercial headshot or corporate portrait. Whether this photo will be displayed on your company website, set as your LinkedIn profile picture or attached to your name badge, I want you to be proud to show it off. Lots of new people will see this picture before they meet you, so make sure your first impression counts.
Using the advice below and very little effort, you can ensure that first impression is that of a well-presented, approachable professional.
Know your “why”
Why do you do what you do? What inspires you in your work? Getting really specific on your ‘why’ sends a clear message into the universe and into your energy field that will help attract people who resonate with your ‘why’. It will also help you feel and look more confident in your pictures because you’ll have a clear focus and intention for why you do what you do.
Know who your ideal client is
Knowing who your ideal client is really helps you understand a little bit more about how to market your products and services. But when you get your headshots taken, its also important to know who your ideal client is and here’s why. You have to think of the camera as being your ideal client, and you just met them for the first time. This helps you look and feel more natural in your photos because your mind isn’t focused on you getting your picture taken. Instead you’re focused on your client and creating a great first impression. This translates really well in your photos
Get a good sleep the night before
I know it’s tempting to stay at the networking event for one more drink. Or to watch just one more episode on Netflix. We all know that getting an extra hour or 2 will make a considerable difference the following day. If you’re feeling relaxed and positive, you’ll look that way for the photo session. This will also help reduce bags under your eyes and generally make you look more radiant.
What to wear
People can be unsure of what to wear for a professional photo shoot. I always suggest wearing what you usually would when meeting a potential client. Even though a headshot is just head and shoulders, wearing an un-ironed shirt, or a scruffy t-shirt will show in the photo.
If you usually wear glasses, decide whether you’d like to wear them in your portrait. If you aren’t going to wear them, or aren’t sure, take them off around 15 minutes before. This will allow enough time for the red marks on your nose to disappear.
If you wear makeup, don’t be tempted to over apply. This should be a fairly natural representation of yourself. If you usually choose a bold colour lipstick, go for it!
My advice would be to generally stay away from trends, be it fashion choices or hairstyles. Business headshots or portraits should last you at least two years. Nothing will date it faster than wearing something that was in fashion for a single season. Also stay away from busy patterns they don’t photograph as well as solids.
How to pose
Place your body at a 45º angle to the camera and head turned back towards the photographer. Don’t worry if this doesn’t make much sense now, a professional headshot photographer will be able to guide you through this during the shoot.
Keep your back straight. Imagine a physio is taking the picture. A poor posture could evoke a lack of confidence. Through a lens, the way you hold yourself reflects how confident you look, so stand tall and be self-assured.
Let your hands drop by your sides or place them in your pockets. Not doing anything with your hands may feel odd at the time, but it looks much stranger on camera when someone is holding their hands behind their back. Your photographer will guide you in this area, especially if the picture is a portrait and will include your hands or whole body.
Pushing your chin out slightly will separate your face from your neck and body, and define your jawline. To get this right, imagine you’re holding a grapefruit between your chin and chest. Your photographer may ask you to lift your chin or head up slightly, this isn’t because you have a double chin, it’s to ensure the light is hitting your face in the right places.
Look in a mirror
Rehearse your facial expressions. Everyone prefers the way they look with a certain expression. A full or half smile could work well for a young and passionate entrepreneur. Alternatively, a CEO or a board member in a professional industry may feel that a neutral expression communicates strength.
When posing, try squinting your eyes very slightly. Some photographers call it a ‘squinch’. This can help you remember it on the day. A mix between a squint and a pinch. When someone feels uncomfortable having their photo taken they can react with unnaturally wide eyes. Think of a deer in headlights, that’s what we’re trying to avoid.
Don’t be afraid to try different poses, and smile. There’s no harm in trying a few different expressions with the photographer so you can choose which you prefer afterwards.
To bring out a real smile and avoid looking forced or still in your business portrait, try thinking of something or someone funny. The real emotion will not only help with your smile, but also show in your eyes.
Relax
Relax and let the photographer lead the conversation. Most people feel at least a little awkward having their photo taken. A true professional portrait photographer will talk to you and build rapport to ensure that you’re relaxed so they can capture you at your best.
