A headshot is usually taken by a professional photographer to capture the subject’s personality in a photograph. Your headshot is one of the most important tools in your professional arsenal. It's often the first impression you make on potential clients or employers, so it is important to make sure that your headshot is perfect.
Here are 7 tips for taking the perfect headshot:
Think Ahead Where Photo Will be Used
There are many different types of headshots, and the one you choose will depend on the purpose for which you will use it. For example, if all the images on the company website will have a white background, then it’s critical to know this before shooting the business headshot on a black background. Also, if it will be used on LinkedIn and you choose a vertical orientation that is hard to crop for LinkedIn, then it may create issues where it “chops off” parts of their face.
What Is the Best to Wear?
An outfit that makes you look smart, competent, and professional. Solid colors look great in headshots. Avoid wearing clothes with busy patterns or logos, you want the focus to be on your face, not your clothes. Solid colors also tend to photograph better than patterned ones.
If anything needs dry cleaning or ironing, take care of it. It is the little things that can throw off a great photo. Wrinkles can be distracting, expensive to retouch, and can be taken care of in five minutes with a hot iron.
Get Your Hair and Makeup Done Professionally
Unkempt, oily hair is never a good look! You should style it in a way that flatters your face and compliments your features. You also want to make sure your makeup is natural and subtly enhances your features. You don't want to go overboard with the makeup, as you want your headshot to look like an accurate representation of you.
Don’t Forget Good Postures
Keep an awareness of your whole body, even when only posing for a headshot. Sit or stand in a way that feels natural to you. Keep your back straight, your shoulders back and relaxed. Headshot sessions should be fun. Don’t be afraid to let your guard down.
Reset Your Expression Regularly
The longer you hold a smile, the faker it gets. So, in between shots, make sure to reset your expression to neutral. Don’t force your smile. It will look awkward in the images, and your cheeks will be sore after the shoot. A good tip is to leave a little space between your teeth when smiling, enough to put the end of your pinky in between. Your smile will look more genuine.
Talk to Your Photographer with Trust!
You could give your photographer some important information about your preferences. Or you just follow the photographer’s direction. Even if it sounds a little silly or feels a bit uncomfortable. A great professional photographer knows the best posing on headshots and the best way to shape your face.
Choose the Right Photographer
There are many different types of photographers out there, from fashion photographers to food photographers. You need to choose one that has rich experiences with headshots. You can have your friend snap a photo on their phone however you will tell that it is not a professional image.
Great headshots not only help you make a great first and lasting impression, but they also build credibility and reinforce professionalism. If you need a professional and updated headshot, Jeffrey Rosenberg Photography is in New York City ready to help! This is an area we specialize in, with 15 professional experiences in headshot photography, we know how to capture your personality and brand.
Contact us if you are planning for your next headshot! We always aim to provide quality service that meets your needs.
P 212.915.0589 M 516.429.1655
89 5th Ave., Suite 901, New York, NY 10003