Professional Headshot Photos

What's keeping you from having an updated, professional headshot?

Most people will say:

• they are not comfortable in front of the camera,
• they don't have time for photos,
• isn't an iPhone photo good enough?

Why have a studio headshot

When your employer views your LinkedIn page they will notice your headshot. Your photo makes a first impression. My husband hires people and always checks their LinkedIn page and social media to learn more about people who are applying for a job. Your photo shows who you are and your personality. If you are looking for a corporate job you should dress professionally and have a business looking photo. An artist or actor might have a different type of dress and style. You want your photo to show you at your best.

A professional photography has studied lighting and angles that are flattering for you. I don't heavily edit photos, but I smooth out skin and enhance the photos to bring out your best features.

Camera vs. Phone Photos

Phones are good for landscapes and wide angle shots, but not so great for a close up headshot. The image will be distorted. Do you really have a phone headshot you love? I do not.

For a headshot, I use prime lenses and focal lengths that work best for portraits. A $2300 lens is not the same as an iPhone photo, trust me. Even the iPhone 14 lens isn't the same as a portrait lens. I'll show some comparisons below. My husband has the 14. I have the iPhone 8 and his old SE phone, maybe it's the iPhone 10? Anyway, I prefer cameras and can tell the difference easily between an iPhone shot and a camera.

Tips for Headshots

I wrote about tips for headshots HERE. Here are some ideas for headshots.

Dress Professionally

What you wear in your headshot can have a big impact on how it's perceived. To make sure your headshot is flattering, choose clothing that flatters your body type, matches your personal brand, and stands out without distracting. Avoid busy patterns and opt for classic neutral tones in your clothing. Avoid overly bright colors for a corporate headshot. But if you're an artist yellow and bold colors might be what you want. Your brand will show in what you wear. The above photos were headshots from a law office. They have that lawyer vibe, right?

Here are more ideas on what to wear HERE and below:

Looking Professional in Your Headshot Photo

1. Neutral colors. For a corporate, business headshot wear solid colors that look good with your skin tone. Neutral colors, dark blue, grey, and black look very professional. Sometimes a business will tell you what they want you to wear for their website. I’d recommend a suit coat or blazer and white shirt. You don’t have to wear a tie, but something more formal looks more professional. For a traditional headshot in a studio you should wear traditional business attire.
2. Dress for the style you want to show. If you want a headshot for acting or modeling you can be more casual and show your personality. Usually a black and white headshot is wanted for casting calls. You can have a more moody, emotional look or go for a big smile and keep it light.
3. Look Confident. Wear clothes you fell good in that fit you well (not too tight or too baggy.) You want to look relaxed and approachable in your photo and uncomfortable clothes can make that hard.
4. Glasses are ok. Sometimes there can be a glare from the flash or sunshine on your glasses, but you can wear your glasses. A good photographer will watch for a glare and fix it at the shoot. I can adjust the lights so it’s not an issue. You could have some shots without your glasses also for variety. 

What not to wear

Don’t wear any big statement jewelry pieces. Remember, the goal is for the camera to capture you in a professional light and have your personality shine through. And you don’t want your jewelry to overtake your entire outlook.

1. Don’t wear flashy (in your face type) of colors. These will probably throw off the light from your face, and will give off a boldly over-the-top vibe, which is definitely the opposite of how you want to come across in your headshots.
2. Don’t wear patterned clothes. Plain, solid colors look best for a business headshot. If you need a headshot for instagram you can wear whatever you with.
3. Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes. These will make you look bigger in your pictures, and will seem casual rather than professional. Instead, wear figure-hugging clothes that will make you seem fit and put together in your headshots.
4. Don’t wear an inappropriate top. Even if you’re getting headshots for acting or modeling purposes, wearing professional and modest necklines are always better since they showcase your sensuality without being overtly inappropriate for a professional setting. 
5. Don’t wear accessories like hats or sunglasses. These items can be distracting and look unprofessional—unless you’re getting a headshot for a specific acting assignment and props must be included.

Relax and Be Yourself

It's easy to feel nervous in front of the camera. I'll help you relax and be yourself. You could practice your smile or look you want beforehand in the mirror. Think happy thoughts, and have fun with it. See if there is a side of your face you like better. See how the clothes look with your skin tone.

Your personality is what will make your headshot stand out, so don't be afraid to let it shine through. It's normal to feel uneasy about headshots and most people I talk to say they do not like getting their picture taken. When we're done, they say it really was a quick experience and they are happy with the photos.

Talk to the photographer about what you have in mind and about the backgrounds you like and don't like. Sometimes really blond, fair people looked washed out with a white background. Also, if you have a black suit a black background might not look good either.

Boost Your Confidence

Let's face it: networking can be nerve-wracking. But having a killer headshot can give you a much-needed confidence boost when you're meeting new people. When you look good, you feel good, and that can translate into more successful networking interactions. Plus, knowing that you have a professional headshot to back up your online presence can make you feel more secure in your career. Your headshot is part of your brand. It's on LinkedIn and on social media. When you have a professional headshot you'll feel more confident.