Whether you’re an actor, entrepreneur, or professional, a quality headshot is an important asset to your personal brand. A professional headshot can give a favorable first impression and convey your competence and credibility. Here are some valuable tips on how to take a professional headshot.
1. Dress Professionally:
Your attire in a headshot should reflect your role or the industry you’re in. Choose solid colors over patterns, which can be distracting. Keep jewelry minimal. Remember, the focus should be on you, not your clothing or accessories.
2. Pay Attention to Grooming:
Ensure your hair is neatly styled and facial hair, if any, is well-groomed. Use light makeup to accentuate your features without overdoing it. Avoid any drastic changes to your appearance close to your headshot session.
3. Use Quality Lighting:
Good lighting is critical for a professional headshot. If possible, use natural light, which is often more flattering. Avoid harsh lighting that casts strong shadows or makes you squint. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting for the best result.
4. Choose a Neutral Background:
A simple, neutral background helps keep the focus on you. White, grey, or black backgrounds usually work well for professional headshots.
5. Maintain Good Posture:
Sit or stand up straight, but relax your body so you don’t appear stiff. Pull your shoulders back and down. This posture conveys confidence and professionalism.
6. Practice Your Expression:
Your facial expression should be approachable and engaging. Practice smiling in a mirror to find an expression that feels comfortable and looks genuine. A good trick is to try and make your eyes “smile” too, which can create a warm and inviting vibe.
7. Get the Right Angle:
The camera should be at or slightly above eye level. A shot taken from below can be unflattering, and one from too high above can distort your proportions.
8. Hire a Professional Photographer:
While DIY headshots can suffice in some cases, a professional photographer can guide you in posing, lighting, and editing to ensure the best outcome. They have the knowledge and experience to make you look your best.
9. Edit with Care:
While some touch-ups are okay, avoid overly airbrushed or “glam” effects. The goal is to look like the best version of your real self. Your headshot should be polished but authentic.
10. Update Regularly:
Your headshot should accurately represent how you currently look. A good rule of thumb is to update your headshot every 2-3 years, or whenever your appearance changes significantly.
A well-done professional headshot can create a strong personal brand and open doors to new opportunities. It’s worth investing the time and resources to get it right.