If you’re just starting out in your career, it’s imperative to present a mature and capable image. This will help people to view you as mature and capable, even if you’re not pursuing your dream job yet. Some photographers specialize in this type of photography, and they can offer a high-quality service for a reasonable price. Listed below are some tips to help you prepare before you book a shoot and make the most of your investment.
7 Reasons
Professional headshots can help you stand out in a crowd. People often make the mistake of using a selfie as a headshot, but a professionally-taken photo can help you stand out from the crowd. You can also use a professional headshot to promote yourself online. There are several reasons to get one done.
Quality photos are crucial to online presence. Although your smartphone has a camera, it’s not up to par when it comes to creating a professional headshot. While it may be tempting to try to recreate your favorite portrait, your smartphone’s camera will likely result in blurry pictures. A professional photographer will be able to capture the essence of your personality and convey confidence in your abilities. You don’t want people to judge you based on a snapshot taken by your phone.
Quality headshots are essential for your corporate image. They can be used for online features, press releases, and announcements in industry publications. Quality headshots can also be used for business cards, flyers, Google accounts, and articles. These days, professional headshots have become essential for connecting with new clients. It shows commitment to your image. And it will make people remember you. You will be remembered and your business will be successful.
You should have a professional headshot for every professional. Professional headshots can be used for LinkedIn, the company website, and a panel presentation, as well as for company press releases. Professional photos have reached an unprecedented number of people through social media. According to LinkedIn, it drives over 45% of social traffic for B2-B businesses. Moreover, 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find talent.
A quality headshot shows that you are a professional. A good picture shows potential clients and employers who meet you in person. A great photo helps them form an opinion about you, and it gives them a first impression of who you are. It also helps you with networking, as you can make contacts and see your face instead of just your name. If your headshot is outdated, it may make you seem inauthentic.
Avoiding Black, White, Patterns and Colorful
While you might think black and white are neutral colors, they can detract from your face. Avoid wearing plaids or big checks because these will only draw attention to your outfit and distract from your face. Additionally, patterns can create moire effects in your image, which make it harder to retouch later. Avoiding black and white, patterns, and super-bright colors when taking a professional headshot is essential to making your portrait look professional.
When choosing the right color palette for your professional headshot, avoid white, black, and white-colored clothing. White reflects light and picks up colors from the background. Wear flesh-colored tones if you can. However, avoid super-bright colors, prints, and patterns. Instead, wear solid colors that complement your skin tone. A white shirt is a good choice if you’re not in the mood for a bright print.
Colors that work well for your professional headshot are neutral and pastel but don’t overdo it. If you are in an unconventional profession, wear bright, colorful clothing that shows off your personality. If you’re in doubt about what colors are appropriate, consider going with a neutral color palette. While a bold color may look good on the runway, it will distract the viewer’s attention.
Avoid wearing undershirts. Many men wear undershirts to stay cool and avoid sweating. Avoid wearing a white or black undershirt because they’re distracting in a formal professional headshot. Likewise, avoid wearing a floppy collar shirt. Regardless of the reason, avoid wearing an undershirt for a professional headshot. A collared oxford shirt will be much better.
When choosing clothing for a headshot, try to wear clothing you already have. It’s more natural to look your best in clothing that you already own than in a store. Remember that the headshot represents your professional identity. For instance, a photographer wearing a tunic will not reflect their personality. Similarly, an architect in a golf polo won’t project his or her personality well.
Preparing for a Professional Headshot
When you’re preparing for a professional headshot, you need to decide exactly what you want to convey. The purpose of the photoshoot is essential, as is where you plan to use it. Communicate with the photographer where you want to take the photos, and bring along a few sample photos if you’re unsure of what to wear. This can make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
Wearing clothes that complement your skin tone and highlight your eye color is an ideal choice. Avoid wearing jewelry or any clothing that is too busy. Make sure your hairstyle and makeup are simple and timeless. Also, don’t wear too much jewelry, as this can distract from the main focus of the photographs. If you’re getting a headshot for a job interview, bring your most recent headshots for comparison.
For your headshot, it’s a good idea to keep your skin hydrated. The photographer can easily fix your hairstyle after you’ve taken the photos. It’s also important to keep your skin clear and healthy. Taking a shower a day or two before the shoot will help you avoid dark circles around your eyes. Getting a haircut a few days before the shoot is a good idea because it’ll give you some time to adjust to your haircut.
For men, it’s a good idea to bring a hairbrush with them to the shoot. Men should use conditioner in the shower and leave-in conditioner on the day of the photoshoot. It’s also a good idea to get your hair trimmed and styled before the shoot. Some photographers work with hairstylists and makeup artists. Make sure to plan a hairstyle before the shoot so you’ll look your best.
Choosing a Neutral Color
For a professional headshot, solid colors such as black, navy, and white work best. This way, you won’t overpower the frame. Darker shades such as navy or black work best for professional photos. Using these neutral colors can help you appear elegant and classy. Besides, these colors also suit most skin tones and eye colors. Neutral colors are also flattering to almost everyone.
You can decide which color suits you best by looking at the industry you’re working in. For example, if you work in a corporate firm, you’ll likely be wearing a suit. If you’re an artist, you might want to use pastel or a brighter shade to contrast with your background. For example, a fashion blogger might want to use white backgrounds for her headshots. A lifestyle blogger, she might opt for a white background and have similar colors in her studio. Alternatively, you could choose a monochromatic tone.
Choosing a neutral color for a high-end professional headshot can be a tricky task. It might seem to be obvious, but people are subconsciously drawn to colors. In particular, the colors you choose to wear can either help build trust or make you look more professional. This is because people associate colors with certain traits. For example, red and yellow both evoke intense emotions, such as anger, passion, and aggression. The latter is also popular for portraits of people who are friendly, outgoing, and playful.
To decide which color is best for your skin tone, you can try trial and error. Neutral tones go well with dark skin, but if you have hazel eyes, light pink, and natural hair, you can choose one of these colors. If you are unsure about the exact color of your skin, visit a makeup store and ask for advice. It’s important to wear light colors that won’t make you look too bright.
Similarly, white clothing can overexpose your face and distract your face. Avoid wearing white or light-colored clothing for a headshot, since it can distort the rest of your appearance and distract from your face. For your professional headshot, opt for neutral colors. These colors are universally flattering and will work well in black and white photos. However, if you want to go more glitzy and showy, go for bright or pastel colors.