New Year, New Headshots
What you need to know to prepare for your professional headshot photo session
The new calendar year is a very popular time to think about updating your headshots. For many of you, a professional headshot is not something you update very often so finding the right photographer may feel overwhelming. So what do you need to know before you book your headshot photo session? I’ve got all the tips for you right here.
Professional headshots are an important tool for anyone who is looking to advance their career, change careers, or even establish their personal brand (not just for entrepreneurs and social media influencers!). A high-quality headshot can make a great first impression on potential clients or employers, and can help to differentiate you from the competition. But what makes a great professional headshot, and how can you ensure that you get the best possible photos?
First of all, a great professional headshot should accurately represent you and your personal brand. It should show you at your best and convey a sense of confidence and professionalism. This means choosing the right clothes and accessories, as well as working with your photographer to choose the right location and background for your headshot. Share your career goals with your photographer when you contact them so they can recommend locations and backgrounds that match your goals and line of business.
Another important aspect of a great professional headshot is lighting. Proper lighting can make a huge difference in the quality of your photos, and can help to bring out your best features. Soft, diffused light is often the best option for professional headshots to avoid harsh shadows and unflattering highlights. Your professional photographer can achieve this either outdoors in a natural setting or indoors with artificial light.
When it comes to posing for your headshot, it’s important to strike a balance between looking natural and looking professional. The photographer you choose should have experience with posing direction that will achieve the right balance you are looking for based on your job goals and industry. Think about what type of feeling you want to convey with your headshots and share this with your photographer before your session so they are able to guide you in posing. Be sure to avoid forced or fake-looking smiles, and try to maintain good posture and eye contact with the camera. You can practice your facial expressions in front of a mirror before your headshot session if it will help you feel more relaxed on the day of your session.
Finally, it’s important to choose a professional photographer who has experience with headshots. A professional photographer will have the expertise to guide you through the process and to create high-quality, professional-looking photos. They will also be able to help you with posing and feeling relaxed and natural in front of the camera. A photographer with experience in headshots will also be able to help with recommendations on locations and backgrounds that fit well with your type of industry and the look you are trying to achieve with your headshots.
Professional headshots are an important tool for anyone looking to take the next step in their career or establish their personal brand. By choosing the right location, lighting, and posing, and by working with a professional photographer, you can ensure that you get the best possible photos and make a great first impression on potential clients or employers.
If you are considering updated headshots in the new year, contact me to schedule your session or learn more about my Headshot drop-in sessions located in the Des Moines, Iowa metro area.