There are some things to focus on so that your headshot is “billboard worthy.” Your business portrait speaks volumes about your attention to detail and personal brand. This image is the first impression for potential employers and clients.
So, what considerations are there before embarking on this journey? Here are some pointers:
Clothing
Dress Professionally. Opt for attire that aligns with your industry and reflects the level of professionalism you want to convey. If you are in a corporate or conservative industry, more formal and darker clothing would be a good choice. However, in a casual industry, you could opt for clothing that is also more casual but still shows that you are a professional with an attention to detail.
Necklines. Avoid turtlenecks and scarves and plunging necklines for women. For men, if you are wearing a button-down shirt, make sure it isn’t squeezing your neck
Clothing Patterns. Busy patterns can be distracting. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns to make sure that your headshot remains focused on you. There is also something called a moiré pattern that develops when photographing really tight patterns, such as tiny-checked dress shirts. It creates a distortion in the pattern that appears in the images. Choosing solid colored clothing will ensure that this issue is avoided.
Complementary Colors. Select colors that complement your skin tone and convey the right message. Neutral tones and classic colors often work well. Did you know that your veins can give you a hint about your skin tone and, therefore, what colors look best on you? For example, if your veins look greenish, then you may have warm undertones, so choose warmer colored clothes such as red (but not bright), yellow, orange, gold, beige, creamy neutrals, brown, and tan. People with blue or purplish-looking veins usually have cooler undertones, so choose a cooler palette (green, blue and purple). If you have neutral undertones, then your veins may appear colorless or match the color of your skin. Be careful when choosing neutrals (beige, taupe, gray, cream, brown) so that they don’t blend in with your skin tone and create a bland image. These can be used in layering your outfit.
Sleeves. Long or three-quarter length sleeves are the better choices for women, and long-sleeved shirts for men.
Clothing Fit. It may surprise you to learn that wearing baggy clothing in the hope of hiding problem spots is not the solution. Wear clothing that fits snugly but doesn’t cling too tightly. The miracles of Photoshop can pinch in a little problem spot much easier than trying to rein in extra fabric.
Other Considerations
Glasses. Your eyes tell your story. If you are wearing glasses that have a tint, you will be asked to have a few photos taken without them so that the photographer has images of your eyes to replace (that's the magic of Photoshop!). If you have a pair of glasses without the tint, bring those along.
Jewelry. Subtle jewelry goes a long way in creating your business portrait.
Hair. This is not the image to have where you have just gotten a haircut the day before or when you are trying out a new “do.” Unless you are in the hair styling industry, simple and stately is the name of the game here. Bring a comb or brush with you so that we can tame the stray hairs. Also, don’t have your eyebrows done the day of the session.
Makeup. Your photographer can provide makeup services if you desire. This is a good idea because the makeup artist has the products and talent to enhance just enough to ensure that you still look like you. Otherwise, here are a few things to consider: Make sure to use a matte foundation that matches your skin and blends beyond your chin onto the neckline. Lipstick should not be bold. Leave the fake eyelashes at home. They weigh down your eyes and make them look smaller. This also goes for the line on your lower lash line. Matte eyeshadow in neutral tones is best.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the goal is to authentically represent yourself while making a positive impact. Take the time to invest in a quality headshot with a photographer who will work with (and for) you, and watch as your LinkedIn profile stands out in the professional crowd. Need a new headshot? Find out more HERE.