The Finance Professionals' Guide To Perfect Photography

In this immediate age of point-and-shoot photography, many financial professionals are opting for headshots that are inexpensive, easy, fast and provide an image that's website-ready in a matter of seconds. But the click-it-and-pick-it method of photography sacrifices finesse and professionalism in the rush to get a picture out to the public. Without careful consideration for what goes into that headshot, many professionals look outdated, out of focus or simply out of touch with their profession.

Best face forward: six tips for the headshot session

Dress up vs. dress down? Keep it simple

Forget the latest fashion runway trends; when it comes to financial professionals, clients want conservative and cautious people to handle their financial affairs, and expect these professionals to look and dress the part. Dress as if this is a new client meeting: simple suit, solid color shirt or blouse, shoes in a style, color and heel height appropriate for an office. Men's ties and women's scarves provide a pop of color, but avoid patterns that shout or date you to another era. Keep jewelry minimal and simple; avoid large, shiny pieces that catch and reflect light.

Hair and makeup: DIY or go pro?

If you do your own, try out makeup and hair color well before the headshot session. What looks great in the home mirror may look more suited to a long night of bar-hopping in the final headshot. Use caution when trying new skin care products; allergic reactions take time to heal and are difficult to hide. Bring a powder compact and brush or absorbent facial tissue paper to the photography session, to control oil and sweat on your face and neck during the shoot. Ask the photographer to recommend a professional makeup artist for the best stress-free look, and visit your hair stylist at least a week before the session, to cut, color and style your hair and provide enough time for you to work with and perfect the look.

Background basics: in office, in studio or outdoors

All three have pros and cons, but your choice should suit your business. Keep the background distractions minimal, so the focus is on you. Book enough session time to get multiple shots with a variety of backgrounds, angles, seating and standing positions, posed and candid shots.

Relax, smile but remember your posture

it's important to appear accessible and interested, yet confident and capable. A smile and relaxed gaze tells clients you want to know about them and assist them. Good posture says your relationship will be a strong and professional one. The overall look is one of positivity, power and professionalism. A client looking at that headshot wants to reach out, shake your hand and start working with you right away.

Look well, feel well

Get a good night's sleep, drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your headshot session and eat sensibly. Avoid late nights out, new skin care products and too much sun exposure. Many people feel better and healthier with a tan, but going over the line into sunburn not only makes you miserable, it photographs poorly.

Invest in a professional photographer

Lucille Khornak is more than just photography services. The time Lucille spends with personal and corporate clients includes consulting and focusing on what turns a business headshot into a true professional portrait. She takes her experience in the fashion and lifestyle industries and brings out more than good looks; every professional's photograph conveys who they are, what they stand for, where they are in life, their confidence and ability to make their clients successful. For financial professionals, Lucille's work is a boost to your bottom line. Contact her for more information and to arrange a session.