What's the point in headshots?

Being laughed at by security at the entrance to Glastonbury made me realise the amount of information conveyed in a headshot.

To defeat the dastardly ticket touts Glasto require a clear, ‘passport style’ photograph to be printed on your ticket so they know you’re you. When I registered I chose the first photo I could find where my face was clear and I didn’t look ridiculous.

What I submitted was a head and shoulders headshot I had taken for an old job - suited and booted, sensible haircut, cheesy grin etc. The complete package.

The piss taking at the security gate was relentless. I was asked 'Was I here to watch music or sell property?' 'Was I waiting to set my tent up before I put the suit on for the weekend?' My favourite - 'Did I win the ticket for the festival at the Tory party conference?'

All delivered in the space of thirty seconds, from three different people, inspired by a faded and badly printed photo maybe an inch tall.

I’ve been asked a few times 'What’s the point in having a headshot?’ and I understand the question. It’s hard to see the value in investing in a photo of yourself when you already understand who you are. 

But the embarrassing scenario above demonstrates how much people take from an image. 

If you’re in the 21st century and use computers and such forth it's likely you’ll need some form of imagery to represent you.

Whether social media accounts, internal networks, website profiles etc. people are fickle and will make their first impression from the initial image they see.

A properly executed headshot puts you in control of communicating who you are and what you do - rather than starting behind the eight ball where people have already made a first impression that’s wildly off target.

Obviously this comes off a tad rich coming from the guy who takes headshots. 

So whether you take them yourself or get someone else to take it for you I’ve put a few tips below on how to execute a headshot that will make everyone sit up and take note.

1) PLAN IT

Don’t just stand up against a semi blank wall, smile and say done. The passport style is quick and easy because all it needs to do is look enough like you to get you into duty free.

Research styles you like, find examples you want to shamelessly copy and think about what impression you want people to have before you start the shoot. 

2) LOCATION

This is a very subjective topic that varies for every shoot. I don’t particularly like plain white backgrounds and lean toward incorporating a background that represents the subject.

For example I recently worked with a gent who’s just set up his own law firm. In his head he was expecting a pretty staid image of him in front of a blank background. After a chat about how he wanted to come across we decided to head to a modern part of town and use the buildings there as a backdrop.

You can see from the images we captured we managed to communicate his professionalism but also created a more dynamic final piece.

3) POSING & POSTURE

 Some tricks of the trade in looking your best in the final photo:

- Choose a pose that suits your aim. Professional? Arms folded or clasped behind your back. Freddie Mercury impersonator? Get that fist in the air.

- Keep an eye out for any upturned collars, pull shirts/jackets tight at the back to smooth them out, square your shoulders to get that posture ramrod straight.

- Standing square in front of the camera can look a little ‘deer in headlights’-ish. Turning ever so slightly off centre adds a bit of depth and looks a bit more professional.

TAKE YOUR TIME

This is my mantra for every piece of work. A rushed job is a job that could have been done better. Slow down and analyse the shot to see if there are any distractions - Are there reflections in their glasses? Is there anything unexpected in the background?

Once you’re happy take the shots. Then before cutting the cake and packing up, check the images. If you or the subject isn’t happy then keep going until you feel you’ve got it, it’s always worth the investment.

In a digital dominated world, getting your personal brand on track is an effective way of allowing people to stay in control of how the world perceives them. What imagery you use to portray yourself is key to building that brand.

As always please don't take what I say as gospel. There's no right or wrong answer to how you want to present yourself to the world.

If you'd like to get in touch about capturing some shots or mocking me for my terrible Glasto photo I can be found on Twitter or on my site: www.felixmulderrig.com

Adios, gente simpática