Sharing my Five Tips for Great Corporate Headshots

Some people wonder why they should commission professional headshots - the five tips below will help you understand why.

Don't use any old photo

You know that you need a photo for your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts - a blank egg head is totally no go these days. However, some people still think its is ok to have a photo from their holiday or wedding...or even one of their pet!

When we take so much time thinking about what to wear when we go to meet a client or potential business collaborator for the first time, it seems bizarre that business people would think it's ok to present themselves in shorts and a T-shirt or a wedding outfit for their profile picture...no matter how nice you think you look, you wouldn't turn up for a meeting like that!

It's important to remember that viewers of your profile take a millisecond to make their minds up about you, all based on your photos. Research shows that these views even continue after meeting you in person, so it is important to get it right!

Use an up to date photograph

Everyone hates having their photo taken, which is why we all avoid doing it...often we end up with photographs that are years old (because we like the fact that we look younger as well). However, that doesn't help in terms of presenting your current self to the real world.

Most people look up the person they are meeting (even in the current Covid-19 world we live in), to get a feel for what they are like. It can be a real shock when you can't recognise them in a café (or on Zoom) because they are ten years older, grown a beard, have totally changed their hair, or don't have any hair left!

Using an up to date photo means people can connect with the real you, know that you are serious about your business because you have invested in keeping up to date with your brand image, and it indicates a confidence in who you are and what you are about.

I advocate updating headshots every two years, and definitely every time you have a change in appearance like losing weight or changing hairstyle.

Be prepared!

Considering what clothes you will wear is one of the most important elements to preparation. The most common question I'm asked is 'what should I wear for my headshot?'

I always advise consulting your photographer to see if a change of clothes is an option on the day, and for my clients I always suggest different styles, colour and necklines to achieve a variety of looks.

For men this can be a change of shirts, in terms of different colours and patterns, as well as the addition of a tie/jumper/jacket. For women I suggest a change of tops/jackets/jewellery etc. The key here is to wear what is normal for you in your business context. It is not the time to go experimenting with a new style or gimmick!

Ensure you know what you are taking to the shoot, that it sits well with you, it is ironed and fits. The final bit of preparation is to get a good night's sleep and turn up relaxed and confident.

Relax

You may well scoff as I say you must look relaxed in your headshots. How can you when you hate having your photo taken?

Well, you know that you have done all your preparation, so you are mainly there. Knowing that you are happy with what you are wearing is a big part of feeling calm and confident. You will already have talked to your photographer before hand and feel confident that they will show you at your best. So you can relax as you are in the hands of a professional!

I always ask my clients about their business, their brand and how they want to come across. This is really important to visualise so that you attract the clients that you want to work with. I often coach my clients through the shoot, directing them in terms of posing. For example, how to hold their hands, arms, legs...and even what to think about to elicit that little smile. A tilt of the head or a small smile can make a huge difference in how you are perceived. All this comes together to create engaging, confident and relaxed headshots.

Light and background

For flattering profile pictures is is all about the light and location. A distracting backdrop or poor lighting is disastrous, so you need a photographer that understands light. This is equally applicable to studio and natural light photography...you have to get it right!

I specialise in natural light and on location photography, so it's my job to find a position where the light is flattering at our given location...I will move us around until I find the right spot.

It is a bit of an art to find a background that is appropriate for what you do and that is not distracting. As with the light, I often move people around until I am happy that I'm getting it right. There is no point in taking loads of photos, hoping for the best or relying on photoshopping a mistake afterwards...that is just lazy and a waste of time...not to mention the fact that I hate sitting in front of the computer on Photoshop!

So I advocate that a good profile picture is the cornerstone of your personal brand - a selfie just won't do. Never forget that first impressions count, and you only get one chance to make a great one!

About the Author:

I'm Jo Scott, a natural light and location specialist photographer, working with those seeking images with connection, beauty and clarity. Images that communicate who you are, what you do and what you want to say. Wish an artistic flair at Jo Scott Images I make any shoot an enjoyable experience and provide a visual legacy for my clients. Contact me at: [email protected] 07793 205155