5 Tips for your best headshot
Your headshot is your handshake. It is more important than ever to have an up to date headshot to give the best possible first impression.
With 20 years of experience in the portrait photography business, ELC Photography has a good understanding of how to make its clients feel comfortable during a photoshoot. This article is intended to educate you and reduce any anxiety that you have about an upcoming photo session. Below are our top tips for accomplishing your most flattering photo.
1. Trust your photographer
If you choose to work with a professional photographer, it is their job to guide you into the best poses and lighting. So, give your mirror a break; you don’t need to spend hours posing and finding your best angle. Posture is one of the keys to portraying yourself as a confident professional. Remember to sit or stand up straight during your photoshoot. Hunched shoulders and slumped backs will only communicate a lack of confidence. Taking a deep breath as you move into a new position can help with this. A professional photographer will know how to guide you into the most flattering positions.
Before booking a new photographer, be sure to visit their website and look over some of their previous work. In this business, what you see is what you get. Look for someone who provides a consistent style. Ultimately, your photographer’s portfolio reflects the style that you will receive.
2. Wear clothing that you feel confident in
Do you have a top that you love but every time you wear it you find yourself trying to suck it in? You can leave it at home on the day of your photoshoot. Instead, aim for clothing that fits your body without causing discomfort. If you need a little extra help, we can even set you up with a personal stylist.
3. Listen to your mother
Want glowing, healthy looking skin? Make sure to drink plenty of water and get a good night of rest the evening before your photoshoot. Some days this is easier said than done but this one is so, so important!
4. Show off your personal style
A headshot doesn’t have to be a boring snap of you in your black blazer. Add an accessory, like a long necklace or some classic pearls and you are ready to shine. Ditch the black blazer for something jewel toned, or even pink if that’s your style. It’s all about what best represents you and your business!
Additionally, be sure to consider your line of business and what you will be using your headshots for. For example, the style of a singer will be different than that of a lawyer. If you would like examples from some of our past clients, click here to visit our Pinterest board.
We encourage our clients to bring at least two different outfits to their photoshoot, ensuring that they have a selection of different looks.
5. Do not make any major changes to your appearance
If it’s time for a haircut or an eyebrow wax, it’s best to take care of those things at least one week prior to your photoshoot. That way if your new ‘do doesn’t work out, you have time to fix it.
The day of your photoshoot is also not the time to try out that new makeup trend. Otherwise, you risk coming in to your photoshoot with a false eyelash stuck to the wrong part of your eyelid (this may or may not have happened to me once!) It’s best to keep your makeup routine somewhere between everyday natural and date night chic.
At ELC we love working with you for your personal branding needs. We offer three different headshot sessions to suit the needs of every client. Get in touch with us to find out more.