NEED A HEADSHOT? The price of awesome.

When it comes to professional headshots, I think some people would rather try on bathing suits in front of their spouse. What they feel is a painful ordeal can actually be a positive experience. Trust me on this one! With the burst of social media, the demand for quality headshots has increased ten fold. Between Facebook, Linkedin, websites, business cards, brochures, the professional headshot is an item that almost every needs. Your appearance on the web is crucial in the business world.

With this blog post, I hope to give you some pointers that aid you in your decision to get a professional headshot done and what to look for. I’ve been doing “professional” headshots for many years and to say it bluntly, this isn’t my first rodeo. I have also seen people who want a “professional” headshot and look for the cheapest photographer out there resulting in an inexperienced photographer who knows nothing about headshots.

There are two types of “headshots”. The first is the “business” type of headshot. This photo is to be used in all your marketing pieces and social media. The second is an “actor/commercial” headshot. This photo is to be used if you are trying to land commercials or acting gigs. For now, I will blog about the first one…. “business” headshots.

Lets start at the beginning and break this down:

1. Lighting….. It’s all about good light.

Since there are no two people alike, then no two people should have the same lighting. A person with a longer face should be light different with a person with a rounder face. Those with a few extra pounds will appreciate the fact that certain light makes them look a wee bit thinner. Just by knowing where to place the lights, the photographer can make certain body parts a little more flattering. Only photographers who have taken the time to study how the light falls on the face can essentially make the best image.

2. Clothing choices…. What you think looks good versus what really looks good.

At my studio, all of my clients bring several changes. Most folks have never had a professional portrait taken. Therefore, they are clueless as to what they think will photograph well. Guys are told to bring three jackets, ties and shirts. Ladies are asked to bring several change outs. (I’ve had folks bring pretty much their whole closet!) You should change your outfits several times. You will be surprised when you see the images just how different a color change can be.

3. Re-touching…. Is it included?

At my studio, re-touching is included. You may want to check that out before hiring anyone. Absolutely everyone needs some re-touching. The extent of your retouching is based solely on the condition of your skin. We go in and reduce lines, whiten teeth about 25%, soften skin, remove fly away hair and if need be, remove lint from clothing. 

4. Copyright…. what is it?

A professional photographer owns every image they shoot. Just like an artist, he/she would not just give away their completed canvas. So therefore, you want to personally “own” your image. This way, you can use it any way you please. Otherwise, you would have to go back to the photographer and ask permission to re-use the image. A professional photographer will relinquish the rights to your headshot so that you can freely use it on various things. 

5. Posing…. feeling uncomfortable is natural.

Your body language says it all. Your photographer should assist you in finding a sweet spot on a posing chair that you feel good. There is a major difference with posing a man and a woman. Your should take direction from the photographer but eventually end up in a position that is flattering and yet still says business. Also, your headshot does not have to be taken inside with a background. If you are the artsy type, perhaps you would like some less formal and outside! As long as the light is good, there is no problem with changing the norm of a business headshot.

6. Choosing your image….. Who’s opinion do you get?

Usually, after your portrait session with the photographer, they will post the images online. Sure, you will show these images to family members, spouses, and friends. Each having their own opinion, you end up lost in space for the final decision. Need not worry. As a professional photographer, I will suggest images that I think you look your best. Other photographers should do the same. The decision is ultimately yours though.

7. Color correction….. A huge issue

Your final image is re-touched and color corrected. What that means is that the image that you get should be close if not spot on to your actual skin color. I have seen so many headshots on web sites that the folks hair looks purple, the face is way to red or in general, way too pale. Now remember that if you are looking at your image on your 3 year old computer monitor, it may not look right. My studio completely color corrects your image as per our lab specifications. My computer monitors are color corrected by color correction devices designed for monitors. 

8. Final image presentation…. Different sizes for different uses.

Your image should come in various sizes. Most folks don’t know how to downsize an image for web use or Facebook use. Final images are broken down into various sizes to help you out. For example…. Web use, print use and uncropped in the event if you want something slight bigger than head and shoulders and also big enough to use on a billboard!

9 Price…. The real truth.

What you are paying for is the following:

A professional photographer to analyze your body type and photograph you based on precision lighting.

Several outfit changes.

Professional re-touching

Online viewing

Your image broken down into several formats for you to use.

Full copyright usage

Clearly a few hours of work.

Tips that say this photographer may not be spot on:

Using on-camera flash for inside photographs. That is, using a flash on the camera. Not professional lights.

Not assisting the subject in posing to find the sweet spot that the client feels good.

Doing the absolute reverse and fine tuning the pose so much you feel like a robot.

The studio lights are attached to the ceiling and the photographer can’t move them (sometimes found in box stores or malls)

No re-touching done.

Client gets ALL the images. Sounds good, but they are not re-touched and why would you want images of yourself not re-touched?

Headshot parties. Sore subject among photographers. Okay if you are doing this to put your photo out there in a non-business format…. i.e. dating or just a non-business Facebook. However, how can you expect to look professional when other ladies are standing there critiquing your pose? Not to mention the possibility of the addition of wine.

As you can see, I take headshot photography pretty seriously. Because I believe it shouldn’t be treated like a party, your image out there for all to see should be the best representation of you with good light, good clothing choices and professional retouching. Why wouldn’t you want an image of you representing you on social media that looks amazing?