A professional yet natural business headshot is vital in the professional world. Whether the photo will be displayed on your LinkedIn profile or on your company website, this will be the first impression to many people before they meet you in person. If you need advice and guidance, check out our 10 ways to get a professional yet natural business headshot!
Choose the right clothing
It’s important to think carefully about what you’re going to wear. It’s obvious that you’ll need to wear smart office attire however avoid any big logo or funny slogans on your top. Likewise, clothes with patterns and thin stripes are also not recommended. So, keep it simple and select an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Know your hair
Just like clothing, having neat hair is also another factor to consider when taking a professional headshot. We recommend bringing a brush to the studio and style your hair before coming to shoot.
don’t go overboard with makeup
Simple is best when it comes to makeup as you have to remember that this is a professional headshot and not a commercial photoshoot! Natural makeup always works best for a corporate headshot. After all, this photo will be a professional representation of yourself.
Avoid too glossy skin
If you go to a photography studio for your business headshot, the photographer will probably use artificial lights. Artificial lights are great at creating high quality photos. However, it can sometimes make your skin look too glossy and greasy. So, before shooting, check mirrors and keep your skin a bit drier.
Show your best side
If you know how you look on camera and which side of your face you prefer, it will be really helpful to get a great result. It not only makes you feel more confident but also helps your photographer to focus on that side and work with it.
Smile naturally
It’s challenging for everyone to keep a natural smile in front of a camera. Here’s a tip to make a genuine smilely face. Think about someone or something that makes you laugh and relaxed like your pet, friends, kids, or partner. Or bring them into the studio!
Don’t be nervous
Try to arrive in the studio at least 10 minutes before the shooting starts so you don’t feel under any time pressure. Don’t rush into the photo session right after the stressful environment. Take your time. Drink some water, look in the mirror, check your smile and when you feel finally ready, go for it!
If you are wearing glasses…
For those who wear glasses, this section is for you! Keep your glasses extremely clean. Dust or fingerprints can show up in the final image very easily. Also, make sure you push your glasses high enough so they won’t block your eyes.
Use a mirror before taking a shot
It may seem a little obvious but just take a quick look at yourself in the mirror before taking your headshot. Check if everything’s alright: whether your hair looks good, your tie is straight, your glasses are not blocking your eyes, etc. Make sure that you’re happy with the way you look. Don’t forget to check if there’s any food in your teeth!
Update your headshot regularly
Most experts recommend updating your professional headshot at least every 2 years. However, if your look changes dramatically, it’s the right time to get a new photo. Keep it in your mind that your corporate headshot should represent you currently.
If you are looking for some more natural portrait ideas, check out our 10 Innovative Ideas for Your Portrait Photography. We are Klaud9, an on-demand freelance photography service. Using our wide network of talented and experienced photographers, we can help you to create your desired photos. Click here to find out more about our portrait photography service.