Headshots: Your Secret to Success
“I love your face.” I can hear my friend Theresa saying those words in my head over and over again. Theresa is a bubbly human with a heart of gold. She will tell you how amazing you are using a series of three positive adjectives: you’re beautiful and amazing and wonderful, and I love your face.
And I’m here to tell you that YOU are a beautiful, amazing, wonderful human and I love your face. In fact, I think your face should be celebrated. But I can imagine when you hear the word “headshot,” you’re not exactly jumping for joy and thinking about how beautiful, amazing, and wonderful you are. You’re thinking “I just have to get this done for work, for LinkedIn, for a speaking engagement, etc.” Well I’m here to tell you there’s more to a headshot than just standing in front of a backdrop and saying “cheese.” There are many different types of headshots and ways to capture that beautiful, amazing, wonderful spirit you have.
So let’s dive into why headshots are important for your success, the different types of headshots you can take, ways you can use your headshots, tips for getting the most out of your headshot session, and how you can get started with your dream headshot session.
Why Headshots are Important.
Whether you're a professional seeking job opportunities, an entrepreneur building a brand, or an aspiring actor looking to make it in the industry, a well-crafted headshot is the key to making a lasting first impression.
Personal Branding: For entrepreneurs, a headshot is an important part of personal branding. Remember that you are your brand. A good headshot serves as a visual representation of your identity, communicating your personality, values, and professionalism to your audience. Consistent and well-curated headshots lead to a cohesive and memorable brand image.
Career Opportunities: The old saying "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" holds true when it comes to headshots, too. A good headshot can convey professionalism, approachability, and confidence, setting the tone for interactions going forward. A polished headshot can significantly enhance your chances of landing a job interview. Employers often review LinkedIn profiles and professional websites before making hiring decisions. A standout headshot can make you more memorable and increase your chances of being noticed—it’s your time to shine!
Building Trust: Despite my love of logo design, I have to agree that “people connect with people, not logos.” A genuine and well-crafted headshot helps build trust with your audience, whether you're connecting with clients, customers, or collaborators. It humanizes your online presence, fostering a sense of connection and reliability.
Artistic Expression (for Actors and Creatives): For actors, musicians, artists, and other creatives, headshots serve as a portfolio and a means of artistic expression. A well-crafted headshot can capture the essence of your personality and showcase your unique qualities, helping you stand out in a competitive industry.
Types of Headshots.
When most people think of a headshot they think of a person standing in front of a neutral backdrop, smiling at the camera (like below.) This is what I would call a traditional headshot, or a professional headshot. These have traditionally been the most popular type of headshot, but as times change so does style and preference. There are so many types of headshots that can fit your needs.
Traditional/Professional Headshots: The composition of a traditional headshot focuses on the subject's face and upper shoulders. The background of a traditional headshot is usually simple. The emphasis is on clarity, authenticity, and a presentation that aligns with industry norms and expectations.
Personal Branding: Personal branding headshots aim to capture not just an individual's likeness but also communicate their unique personality, values, and brand identity. These headshots are carefully curated to align with the individual's personal or professional brand, conveying a specific image or message.
Actor Headshots (Commercial & Theatrical): Actor headshots aim to capture the performer's dynamic nature, expressiveness, and versatility, providing a visual representation that aligns with the theatrical world and serves as a valuable tool for casting directors and industry professionals.
Group Headshots: You’ll usually find these in business practices like dentists, physical therapists, law groups, etc, but they’re great across all industries where a team dynamic is important!
Environmental vs. In-Studio: Everyone has different needs when it comes to the look of their headshot. For environmental groups, perhaps a headshot in nature makes sense. For someone working in a corporate environment, a more traditional studio headshot may be the best option.
Different Body Length Headshots: What if I told you a headshot didn’t need to just be a shot of your head? Whaaaaaat? You can actually enjoy different poses during your headshot session from 1/4 to 1/2 to 3/4 to full body shots!
Ok so now you have all of these options for the type of headshot you want, but where do you use your headshot?!
Where You Can Use Your Headshot.
LinkedIn profile
Facebook profile picture
Resume
Business cards
Website
Press release
Book cover
Event marketing
Email signature
Billboards
Making The Most of Your Headshot Session.
Wardrobe Matters: Choose clothing that reflects your personal style while considering your industry. Solid colors often work best, avoiding distracting patterns that may take away from your face. You’ll also want to make sure that the clothing is form-fitting and figure-hugging. I promise it’ll be more flattering than something loose!
Natural Expression: Aim for a natural and approachable expression. Whether you're going for a friendly smile or a more serious look, ensure that it aligns with your personal and professional brand.
Background Consideration: The background of your headshot is important. It should be simple and unobtrusive, drawing attention to you rather than the surroundings. This is true both indoors and outdoors. You’ll also want to make sure you don’t have anything “photobombing” you, like a garbage can behind you or a tree seemingly growing out of your head.
Regular Updates: Keep your headshot current. As your appearance or personal brand evolves, update your headshot to ensure it accurately represents who you are.
Professional Photography: And of course—invest in a professional photographer who specializes in headshots. We understand the nuances of lighting, composition, and expression, ensuring that your headshot stands out.
It is my great joy to uncover that spark of passion within each and every one of my clients. Your talents, your personality, and your determined spirit deserve the spotlight. Our work together starts with our expert guided process. We'll go beyond the basic—exploring the who, what, and why of your unique business calling. Our team is here to serve you with professional makeup, personal brand coaching, and always attentive portrait posing to help you look and feel your best!
You love what you do. Now is the time to show it to the world! I can't wait to showcase the real you with business portraits you can be proud of.