The importance of a professionally-taken headshot cannot be overstated. A headshot is often the first thing someone sees when they view your social media profiles, resume, or website, and a good headshot can seriously affect how those first impressions are formed.
So, how do you prepare for a headshot that makes a great first impression? There are many DIY mistakes that people may make, such as attempting to take a headshot themselves with their phone, which can make them appear unprofessional. Instead, it’s best to work with a professional photographer who’s worked with plenty of people like you in the past and has the experience of creating great headshots again and again without fail.
The Major Benefits Of Partnering With A Professional Photographer
A picture can say a thousand words. This is true for any kind of image, but it’s especially important in the context of professional headshots. Whether you need a good headshot for marketing purposes, your LinkedIn profile or your next job application, you want a headshot that says ‘professionalism, individualism and competence.’ Your photo is often the very first thing a person judges when they see your profile, so it’s important to make your photo a good one.
This is why it’s essential to have your headshot taken by a professional. A professional photographer can offer you a personalised experience tailored to your needs and your unique personality, taking headshots that exude your essence without the need for words. Their knowledge of lighting, posing and editing ensures superior results, and they will know how to avoid simple mistakes that amateurs won’t notice.
What To Do Before Your Headshot Session
Before your actual headshot session, consider the following steps to help you prepare:
Clarify The Purpose Of Your Headshot. Why are you getting your headshot taken? A few common reasons are:
- LinkedIn And Other Social Media Profiles. A beautiful, professionally-taken headshot can elevate any social media profile. Social media is a very powerful tool, and sites like LinkedIn can connect you with potential employers and business partners. If someone sees your profile, you want the first thing they see to be a beautiful, well-shot photo, not a blank profile image or a selfie.
- Acting Portfolio. Of course, you want to showcase yourself when you apply for acting jobs. A gorgeous, clear, in-focus photo can show casting directors your looks and a bit of your personality. The fact you have a professional headshot also shows that you are serious about acting, as you have invested time into putting your best foot (or headshot) forward.
- Corporate Website. If your company has an ‘Our Team’ section on your company website, then including photographs of team members can make your company seem more personable and approachable. If all of the headshots there are consistent in style, it’s a lot cleaner and shows the company is professionally run.
- Marketing Purposes. A studio-style portrait or a headshot with a plain background taken in a photography studio is excellent for marketing purposes because the background can be easily taken out. An environmental-style portrait or a headshot taken in the context of the subject’s workplace or profession can also be used for marketing by overlaying text or graphics over the photograph.
If you’re not sure what to do, speak to your photographer; they will use their experience with other clients similar to you to make good suggestions.
Choose Your Outfit, Makeup And Grooming Options. What will you wear to your headshot session? It may be tempting to try and stand out with an unorthodox look, plenty of makeup or unique props, but it’s always best to showcase yourself – the real you – without distractions.
Ask your photographer what they think would be best, such as what kinds of clothing to avoid.
What To Do During Your Headshot Session
Once your session begins, what should you do?
Build Confidence, Stay Comfortable And Showcase The Real You. It may be tempting to put on a facade to make yourself more appealing, but for professional headshots, it’s always best to showcase the real you. After all, you want your headshot to look like you, and you certainly don’t want to look significantly different from your headshot when you meet your potential employer or business partner in person.
It’s common to be nervous when getting your headshot taken, and it’s perfectly understandable if you are. Work with your photographer during the shoot; they will guide you through the process, give you tips on how to appear more relaxed and help you make your expression more approachable, professional and natural – no one wants a headshot with an awkward, forced smile.
Good Posture And Angles Are Key. Your photographer will coach you on how to sit or stand with good posture for your photo. They may adjust angles, posture and framing throughout the session to really find your best angle.
Enjoying Your Results After Your Headshot Session
Once your session is over, your photos will be retouched. Subtle but effective retouching is best to create beautiful, expertly-taken photos that don’t appear overly done or fake.
Next, you can use your new headshots to spruce up your social media profiles, create personalised marketing campaigns, help your job applications stand out and so on.
Starting Your Headshot Journey In Auckland
For more information on corporate photography in Auckland, have a look at this link on the site.
If you’re ready to book your headshot session, or if you have questions for me, get in touch on +64 0204 0988 474 or use the contact page to send a message.
Stand out for all of the right reasons with a professional headshot.