What You Need to Know About Professional Headshots

According to a popular trade publication, the headshot is “the single most important marketing tool,” yet most people don’t do it correctly and don’t take it seriously. A headshot is a professional calling card that in today’s digital world, supersedes your business card. Your headshot needs to say “I‘m a professional” by showing a high-quality photograph and that requires a high-quality process: interacting with a professional photographer, a discussion about the purpose of the headshot, use of professional equipment, and a level of post processing that maintains your true appearance and identity.

A professional headshot is not:

  • Taken on a mobile device

  • Developed from candids via an app

  • Taken at a cookie-cutter photo service in the mall

  • Taken by a friend in their bedroom with a recently upgraded phone

Here are some guidelines for taking your headshot:

  • Take a deep breath and try to relax.

    • If you’re interacting with a professional photographer, the foundation has been set for the best photos from you photoshoot. You and your photographer have aligning goals: Great headshot photos of you.

  • Your emotions show in your eyes. Make sure that leading up to the headshot session, you’re well rested and that your eyes reflect your authenticity.

  • Your professional photographer will pay attention to all the details minimizing how much you will have to do. Remember to pay attention to the directions you’re given. Your photographer should provide incremental small directions to help you achieve the most flattering headshots and should demonstrate what they would like you to do.

  • Keep to the basics when it comes to jewelry and other accessories. This is about you, not the fancy earrings, chains, or the new colorful scarf.

  • If you’re wearing makeup, make sure it is professionally applied or looks professional if you’re applying it yourself. If you’re utilizing the services of a makeup artist, let them know the makeup is for a professional headshot photoshoot.

    • Your photographer may or may not have an in-studio makeup artist. If they do, this service can be added to your headshot session fee.

Headshots for Your Business

For professionals, including business individuals, professional service providers (e.g., realtors, attorneys, healthcare professionals), artists, etc., the headshot is both a personal and professional introduction.

HeadshotNJ headshots include retouched photographs. For most professionals that’s all that’s needed. Additional photos are available for purchase if you’d like some variation in your photos based on different platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., or for your personal or professional website.

Summary

When it comes to Headshots and Personal Branding, always choose a professional. Your professional photograph is your digital business card. An error on your physical card represents a potential loss of business. The same is true of your headshot. Give yourself the best possibility of gaining clients, leads, and increasing your business by treating your headshot photos as your most valued asset because it represents you and it represents your business.

 

More Info

Here you’ll find some more interesting info about professional headshot.