6 Steps To Captivating Headshots

Mindset is everything.

Hi there, I’m so delighted to have the opportunity to serve you well! Today, I will share some tips on how to get the most out of your headshot session with me. Whether you need a headshot for your LinkedIn profile, website, or personal brand, you want to ensure that it captures your personality and showcases your best features. That’s why I’ve put together this guide with six steps to captivating headshots that will make you stand out. Let’s get started!

Choose the right outfit.

Your outfit is one of the most critical elements of your headshot because it reflects your style and professionalism. You want to choose something that fits well, flatters your body shape, and matches the tone of your industry. For example, if you work in a corporate environment, you might want to wear a suit or a dress in a neutral or dark color. If you work in a creative field, you might want to wear something more colorful or trendy. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s comfortable and clean, and avoid anything too busy or distracting, such as logos, patterns, or accessories.

Pick the correct location.

The location of your headshot can also make a big difference in how it looks and feels. You want to choose a location that suits your purpose and personality and has good lighting and background. For example, if you want a formal headshot, you might want to choose a studio or an office setting. If you want a casual headshot, you might want to choose a park or a coffee shop. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s not too crowded or noisy and that it has enough space for you to pose comfortably.

Prepare your face.

Your face is the focal point of your headshot, so you want to ensure it looks its best. You don’t need to wear much makeup or do anything drastic. Still, you want to take care of some basics, such as moisturizing your skin, grooming your eyebrows, and applying lip balm. You might also want concealer or foundation to cover any blemishes, dark circles, and mascara or eyeliner to enhance your eyes. If you’re unsure how to do your makeup, you can always ask me for advice or hire a professional makeup artist.

Relax and smile.

One of the most important things to remember when taking a headshot is to relax and smile. You don’t want to look stiff or nervous in your photo because that will make you seem unapproachable or unfriendly. You want to look confident and happy because that will make you seem trustworthy and likable. To relax and smile, try to breathe deeply and think of something positive or funny. You can also talk to me or listen to music to ease your nerves. And don’t worry about making mistakes or looking silly – I’ll guide you through the process and help you find the best angles and expressions.

Experiment with different poses.

Experimenting with various poses is another way to make your headshot more exciting and captivating. You don’t have to stick to the same pose for every shot – you can try different things, such as tilting your head, leaning forward, crossing your arms, or putting your hand on your chin. You can also change your direction, such as looking at the camera, looking away from the camera, or looking over your shoulder and finding a pose that feels natural and comfortable for you and shows off your personality and style.

Have fun!

The last step to getting a great headshot is to have fun! Remember that this is not a test or a chore – it’s an opportunity to express yourself and showcase your brand. So don’t be afraid to be yourself and enjoy the experience. You can also bring a friend or a family member along for moral support or feedback!

I hope this guide has helped you prepare for your headshot session with me. I can’t wait to see you soon and capture some fantastic photos of you. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me anytime. If you’re ready to book your session, click here!

Headshots: Your Visual Introduction To Potential Employers

Headshot Guide Series

I want you to know that my goal is to serve you well. The posts in this series will help set you up for success!

If you’re looking for a new job, you might wonder how to make a good impression on potential employers. One way to do that is to have a professional headshot that showcases your personality and skills. A headshot is a photo of your face and shoulders that you can use on your resume, LinkedIn profile, website, or social media. It’s a visual introduction that tells employers who you are and what you can offer.

But how do you get a headshot that stands out from the crowd? How do you prepare for a session with a photographer? And how do you choose the best photo for your needs? In this guide, I’ll share six steps to improve your headshot experience and maximize your investment.

Step 1: Find a photographer who suits your style and budget

The first step is to find a photographer who can capture your essence and make you look your best. Many photographers are out there, but not all specialize in headshots or have the same style. You want to find someone who understands your industry, goals, and personality. You also want to find someone who fits your budget and offers a package that meets your needs.

To find a photographer, you can ask for recommendations from friends, colleagues, or mentors who have had headshots done before. You can also search online for photographers in your area and check their portfolios, reviews, and testimonials. Once you have a shortlist of candidates, contact them and ask about their availability, pricing, and process. You can also ask to see some samples of their work and get a feel for their style and approach.

Step 2: Plan your outfit, hair, and makeup

The second step is to plan what you’ll wear and how you’ll style your hair and makeup. Your outfit, hair, and makeup should reflect your brand and the image you want to project. They should also be appropriate for your industry and the type of job you’re applying for. For example, if you’re in a creative field, you might want to wear something more colorful and expressive than if you’re in a corporate field.

Here are some tips to help you plan your outfit, hair, and makeup:

• Choose solid colors or simple patterns that complement your skin tone and eye color. Avoid wearing anything too bright, flashy, or distracting that might draw attention away from your face.
• Choose clothes that fit well and flatter your body shape. Avoid wearing anything too tight, loose, wrinkled, or stained that might make you look unprofessional or uncomfortable.
• Choose accessories that add some interest and personality to your outfit. Avoid wearing anything too large, shiny, or noisy that might interfere with the lighting or the sound of the camera.
• Choose a hairstyle that suits your face shape and features. Avoid changing your hairstyle drastically before the session or doing anything that might damage your hair or make it look greasy or frizzy.
• Choose makeup that enhances natural beauty and makes you look fresh and confident. Avoid wearing too much makeup or anything that might clash with your outfit or skin tone.

Step 3: Practice your poses and expressions

The third step is to practice how you will pose and smile for the camera. Your poses and expressions should convey your personality and emotions. They should also be natural and relaxed, not stiff or forced. You want to look like yourself, not like someone else

You can use a mirror or a smartphone camera to practice your poses and expressions. Try different angles, tilts, and distances to find what works best. You can also try different smiles, from a big grin to a subtle smirk—experiment with various moods, from serious to playful. The goal is to find multiple options showing your versatility and charisma.

Step 4: Communicate with your photographer

The fourth step is communicating with your photographer before and during the session. Your photographer is there to help you get the best results possible, but they can’t read your mind. It would help to tell them what you want, what you like, and what you don’t like. It would be best if you also listened to their feedback and suggestions.

Before the session, communicate with your photographer about the following:

• Your goals: What are you using the headshot for? What message do you want to send? What impression do you want to make?
• Your preferences: What style do you like? What mood do you want to create? What colors do you prefer?
• Your concerns: What are you worried about? What are you insecure about? What are you uncomfortable with?

During the session, communicate with your photographer about:

• Your comfort: How are you feeling? Are you cold or hot? Are you hungry or thirsty? Do you need a break?
• Your feedback: How do you think the photos are turning out? Do you like the lighting, the background, the angle? Do you want to change anything?
• Your questions: Do you have any doubts or queries? Do you need any guidance or tips? Do you want to try something different?

Step 5: Review and select your photos

The fifth step is to review and select your photos after the session. Your photographer will usually send you a gallery of proofs or low-resolution images for you to choose from. You might have difficulty deciding which ones to keep and which to discard, but don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you review and select your photos:

• Look for quality: Check the focus, the exposure, the sharpness, and the color of the photos. Look for flaws or errors that might ruin the image, such as blurriness, glare, red-eye, or shadows.
• Look for consistency: Compare the photos with each other and with your goals. Look for discrepancies or variations that might affect your brand identity, such as outfits, hairstyles, or expressions.
• Look for impact: Choose the photos that catch your eye and make you feel something. Look for images that show your personality and skills, not just your appearance.

Step 6: Use and update your headshot

The final step is to use and update your headshot as needed. Once you have your last photos, you can upload them to your online platforms and print them for offline applications. You can also share them with your network and ask for feedback. Your headshot is a powerful tool to help you open doors and create opportunities, so use it wisely.

However, don’t forget that your headshot is not a permanent fixture. It’s a snapshot of who you are at a particular time. As you grow and change, so should your headshot. You should update your headshot every year or whenever you significantly change your appearance, career, or goals. That way, you can keep your headshot fresh and relevant.

Conclusion

A headshot is more than just a photo. It’s a visual introduction that tells potential employers who you are and what you can offer. Following these six steps, you can improve your headshot experience and get a photo that reflects your brand and showcases your potential.

I hope this guide was helpful and informative! Please get in touch with me if you’re interested in booking a session with me. I’d love to work with you and help you create a headshot that makes you shine.