Portrait Photography- a subject’s point of view

How much importance do you attach to a portrait of yourself? Given how most, if not all, employers now look online as part of their checks into job applicants, I’d be surprised if you replied it was of minor importance. Also, how current is your profile photo? If you’re using an image from three years ago, I’d suggest it needs updating. If you’re using an image from five or more years ago and especially if you look different now, I’d say you’re being disingenuous.

However how many of you use, as your professional profile photograph, the image taken by a photographer hired by your workplace? The paint by numbers portrait that took five minutes or less; and are you happy with those shots? Sometimes the image may be passable, but you may overlook this or feel negatively about it if the circumstances were less than ideal. When looking at a portrait, the most critical person will be subject and only you (and very close loved ones and friends) will know if you’re happy, tired, stressed etc… And consider in such situations, the photographer has been hired by the company; so he’s working for them, not you. So if you find yourself in such a situation, don’t get upset with the result if you have not taken responsibility for your image. You need to prepare and invest time and effort. Do not rely solely on the photographer. 

Here are a few things to consider:

Your face

Do you have one side of your face that you consider more attractive than the other, or a flaw you’d prefer to hide (you may be having a bad skin day)? If you do, tell the photographer and present that side of your face (or not) closer to the camera. I once photographed a subject who was missing a nostril after a bicycle accident, which I only noticed after the subject pointed it out. 

Basics make a huge difference; brush or comb your hair, make sure you shaved that morning. If you have oily skin, been active beforehand or are due to have your shot taken towards the end of the day, go to the bathroom and wash your face. If it's a hot and humid climate, have a tissue at hand to dab your forehead with. If you haven’t prepared, don’t expect Photoshop magic to make you look passable.

What to wear

Have a think about what represents you and what is the industry standard or norm? Do you want to be formal, and wear a jacket and tie, or informal, and perhaps wear a roll neck jumper? Be careful if you want to wear white; if the background to the portrait is white, white clothes may disappear into it. Also be careful with black as you may look like a mortician. Wear clean and ironed clothes, and t is important you wear you feel comfortable in so be careful both of brand new purchase and also with clothes that may be reflective or absorb light, like velvet.

Mirror

Before you step in front of the camera, double check how you look in front of a mirror. What to look for includes; stray hairs across your face or forehead, fluff or a loose thread on your clothes, a straight tie.

Direction

If you’re given direction, listen to it. If you’re not, ask for some feedback. Stand or sit straight and mind your posture. What you think may be cutesy may not work; the closer the composition, the more accentuated a head or shoulder tilt will look. If you’re having trouble putting on a positive face for the camera, take a moment or two, centre yourself and think of something that makes you confident or assured. It could be your wife, your boyfriend, your pet, your upcoming beach holiday… Try closing your eyes and focus on that thought. Own it, open your eyes and then have your shot taken.