Professional Headshots
Considering investing in professional headshots for your online profiles?
Smartphones have impressive cameras, so you might be wondering if you really need to hire a photographer.
Can’t you just get a phone tripod? Or use your selfie stick? Or, have a friend come over and take photos for you?
I hear you, but there are a few key reasons why it’s worth working with a professional. By key reasons, I’m ultimately referring to a quality photo’s ability to help you achieve your professional objectives. By that, I’m referring to people taking you more serious and presenting yourself as the professional that you are.
My name is Mena Darré and I’m a brand and headshot photographer based out of St. Louis. Below I detail why headshots and portraits are no longer just for artists, influencers, and entrepreneurs.
What Is A Professional Headshot?
You aren’t alone if it’s been a while since you’ve worked with a photographer. The last time may have been for your wedding, at a wedding, or for family photos.
The terms “headshot” and “portrait” are often used interchangeably, and even photographers have slightly different definitions.
Headshots—these are typically a tightly cropped photo of your face looking straight at the camera, or slightly off to the side for personality and impact. The shot could be face only, shoulders up, or include your torso. The background is often white, neutral, or intentionally stylized for a particular look.
Portraits—this is a broader term that can include full-body images. While full-body isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for headshots, in the online world, there is an increasing need for full body and stylized shots. Portraits can also include images where you aren’t looking directly at the camera.
Do I Really Need A Headshot?
Employees have never been more empowered to market and brand themselves. Thanks to the combination of factors including the internet, online networking channels, and the COVID ripple effect—your job options are now never ending since more companies are allowing employees to work from home.
The images you post to LinkedIn, your personal CV website, and networking platforms are your first impression for potential employers. Even if you are happily employed, images may be required for your company website, business cards, marketing materials, articles, podcasts, and even potential awards. What if you where nominated for an award or what if a magazine wanted to highlight you? Would you want to use the selfie from your cousins wedding?
It’s time to start thinking of yourself and your individual skill set as a unique brand.
Hiring a professional photographer, curates your first impression and brand identity.
Still not convinced? Or shy about adding photos online?
Statistics show that LinkedIn profiles with photos receive 21 times more views and 36 times more messages. In other words, recruiters may not even click on your profile to learn more if you don’t have an image or if your image doesn’t send the right message.
The same goes for your online CV website. A low-quality image or no image at all doesn’t make the best impression. Consider all visual elements though, including the design, colors, and layout of your CV and CV website.
Not Job Hunting?
If you love your job, that’s great; however you can still benefit from a range of online-ready professional headshots.
Keeping your CV and professional profiles up to date shows that you are being proactive and you’ll be prepared if something was to occur such as a job change. “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.'“
Also, all recruiters are on the lookout for gainfully employed candidates. You never know, there may be a job offer that comes your way that is too good to ignore.
If not a job offer, other professional opportunities such as online articles or podcasts. You will attract more unexpected opportunities by keeping your profiles updated.
The more enticing the visuals, the more potential doors you can open for yourself. If you are very active online, you may want a variety of images to choose from.
How To Choose A Headshot Photographer?
If you’ve decided to level up your online profiles, the first step is hiring a professional photographer. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals and perform an online search for “headshot photographer near me”.
Once you have a few options to choose from, view each candidate’s digital portfolio. You aren’t just looking for someone whose profession is photography. Just like your everyday attire, you want someone whose style looks and feels like you.
Feel free to ask for a quick virtual consultation. This will help you determine if they also have the personality to ensure you feel confident and comfortable during your session.
A strong candidate won’t just discuss their packages, fees, and portfolio—but will provide you with guidance on your:
Overall objectives
Wardrobe
Hair
Makeup
Location
Required backgrounds
A quality photographer will also advise on how many outfits to shoot in and what type of shots (face, torso, full body) are ideal for your photoshoot goals. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or artist you may want to consider including relevant products or props in some of your images.
The final delivery will be a range of high-resolution shots that are sized for your desired platforms.
What Makes A Good Headshot?
Working with a pro is all about the details, including but not limited to:
Natural—the goal is to look like an elevated and refined version of yourself. A pro won’t get carried away with retouching. They’ll eliminate flyaways and blemishes, but you’ll still look like yourself.
Poses—this is one of the top reasons to work with a professional. They will guide you on which angles are the most flattering and will coach you through if you need a confidence boost.
Camera angle—in addition to your pose, your photographer will select the proper lens, angle, and height to shoot you in a manner that delivers outstanding results.
Lighting—they will have or bring their own lighting or choose a location with adequate lighting to ensure there aren’t any unflattering shadows.
Background—if you choose a stylized location or background your photographer will know how to make it look crisp. Or they will shoot on a white or neutral option.
Prop selections—if the shot will be half or full-body, you may look more natural with an everyday prop or two or in an everyday setting. For example, sitting behind a desk.
Editing options—beyond retouching they can deliver a variety of stylized edits, including changing the background or maybe even tweaking the color of your outfit.
How To Prepare And What To Wear For Your Professional Headshots?
Your photographer will guide and coach you through what to wear and how to prepare. If your shoot is scheduled outdoors, they’ll even discuss a Plan B if the weather is not ideal.
Here are a few general tips:
Grooming
Schedule your photoshoot at a time that ensures you look your best. What this means varies from one person to the next, but you may need to schedule some pre-shoot or same-day appointments to:
Trim and or style your hair and or beard
Test different hairstyles
Have your hair professionally styled
Have your makeup professionally applied
Try a new lipstick or beauty product
Get your nails, brows, and lashes done
Wardrobe for professional headshots?
You may already have the perfect outfit in your closet, but you may need to invest in a few new pieces. Maybe a new dress, blazer, shoes, or several new pieces.
If suits aren’t your thing, you may not need to wear one. However, what you wear needs to make a statement about who you are—and be relevant for your industry.
Even if you work in a corporate setting, you can have a bit more fun with your headshot wardrobe. Consider what is interview appropriate, and maybe go a bit bolder. That being said, keep jewelry and accessories to a minimum.
It might be helpful to browse the online profiles of your colleagues for inspiration. You can even try looking for inspiration on Pinterest or your photographers headshot portfolio.
All that being said, if your shots are only from the shoulders up, focus more on your hair, makeup, jewelry, neckline, and visible clothing colors.
What Is The Best Color To Wear For A Professional Headshot?
In addition to determining what to wear, you may be stressing about color. Again, seek out the guidance of your photographer.
Feel free to go beyond black, grey, and blue, prioritizing colors that complement your skin tone.
Be mindful of patterns and prints, which can be distracting. However, they can be of benefit when stylized appropriately.
If you look great in and love a bold pink, red, yellow, or vibrant color—go for it!
Ready To Schedule Your Photoshoot?
I’m based in St. Louis with the ability to travel providing a variety of branded photography services including headshots for entrepreneurs and corporations.
I invite you to view my headshot portfolio or reach out to learn more!