If you need to get your headshot taken and are worried about how you’re going to nail that perfect shot, keep reading. I’m covering a few of the most important things you need to know and/or practice BEFORE you walk through the photographer’s door.
Wardrobe
Select clothing that is representative of your professional self. How do you dress when you are meeting clients or customers? Whether that is a tailored suit, a semi-casual dress or jeans and a t-shirt - keep it real. Your headshot should represent who you are in your work environment! This may mean you need to bring a few outfits to your headshot session, and that is OK! Options are great. The biggest wardrobe tip I can give you is to make sure to choose outfits that you feel confident wearing. If you don’t like how you feel, that will translate to your expression. Dress in that outfit that makes you feel like you can take on the world!
Hair, Makeup & Jewelry
Three words…KEEP IT SIMPLE.
I can’t stress this enough. Forget the tons of concealer, heavy bronzer, large dangling earrings and fancy updo. However you wear your hair & makeup to work, that is how you want to wear it for your headshot session. When it comes to jewelry, choose smaller, delicate items that won’t detract from your expression/face.
Attitude
“Attitude is everything!” This saying couldn’t ring truer when it comes to headshots. I’m not talking about having an attitude in your photos - I’m talking about the attitude you have about stepping in front of the camera and allowing the real “you” to come through. If you approach the entire headshot experience as a burden, or torture, I can guarantee your photos will not be good. Instead, gather your self-confidence, talk yourself up and be positive. Even if you have never done it before and are nervous, trust that your photographer will guide you through posing and expressions. The more you let go and follow direction, the better your photos will be. You got this!
The Squinch
If you google anything about headshots, chances are you will come across an article or video by NYC headshot photographer Peter Hurley. This model-turned-photographer coined the “Squinch”, and I have to tell you, there is a reason it’s so popular. It works! Check out the video below and try it out. (On a side note, I was part of << Peter’s Headshot Crew >> for a while and learned a lot from this very cool dude.)
The Smize
If the squinch is not quite your style, you may want to try out Tyra Bank’s “Smize”. Basically you want your smile to reach your eyes. This is really important in a headshot - the more genuine your smile is, the more the viewer will connect with you!
Use a Pro
My final tip is to find a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. Not a family photographer, not an event photographer, not your cousin with a nice camera. Hire a professional who knows what they are doing. Look at their portfolio, check their google reviews. Yes, they probably cost a bit more, but your headshot is your virtual handshake - your first impression. It’s important not to skimp. Trust me, it’s worth it!
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