We all know how it goes. It’s been FOREVER since you updated your headshot. Why is that? Probably because like most people, you absolutely hate taking pictures! Does that sound about right? Well, in that case, here is a short list of easy things you can do to get ready for the best headshot of your life. 

First things first, let’s talk about why headshots are important.

Why professional headshots are important

I know, you just want to use the one you took from your iPhone at the party last weekend. I guess so, but that begs the question… what does that signal to your prospective clients? In the online world that we live in today, your headshot is the first thing people notice. Here’s the bad news, they are all judging you! It’s human nature. That’s why it’s so important to put your best face forward :-).

This is your opportunity to stand out from everyone else and show your clients you that mean business. With all that said, why are “professional” headshots so important? Besides the obvious and expected things like good lighting, professional camera equipment, image editing and final quality, a professional photographer is worth their weight in gold. They will know how to guide you through the process, how to coach you to look your best, what to wear, what will photograph best, etc. Entiendes?

Ok, so let’s get back to it, here are 3 tips for getting the best headshots…

1. Get rest the night before your headshots are taken.

This might sound stupid but makeup will only take you so far. If you are tired, you will look tired on camera. In fact, the camera will only make matters worse! “You can Photoshop me right?” Yes, but that will present a version of yourself that you might not really fall in love with.

Instead, set yourself up for success. Get a good night’s sleep and come to your photoshoot ready to kick some ass! 

Now, here is a little sneaky tip for you. We highly recommend investing in hair and makeup services. I promise you, it will make all the difference in the world with the end results. Your headshot photographer should either offer these services or have a preferred vendors list of professionals that they can connect you with.

2. Wardrobe matters during headshot photography.

Let’s just get straight to the point. If you show up with a faulty wardrobe, guess what? Your images will reflect that and you will not like your final photographs. You really have two options here. For those of you who are “fashionably challenged”, feel free to go shopping. That’s right, step your clothes game up!

In addition, most professional photographers will help you stylize your shoot by giving you guidance and/or sharing ideas with you. This, again, is worth its weight in gold.

 For your actual photoshoot, here are some things to consider doing…

• Bring more clothes than you think you will need. This allows mixing and matching to get the perfect look. Bring more ties, shirts, sweaters, etc. 

• Avoid plaids and turtle necks. They just don’t photograph well. Solids are best.

•  Iron your clothes. Sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people show up with their clothes all wrinkled up. Your photographer is a photographer, not Houdini. 

• Ask for help if you need it.  Most photographers will typically have their clients text/email pictures of their wardrobe so they can be guided.

3. Check out the portfolio of the headshot photographer.

Not all headshots are created the same. There is more to a professional headshot than just pressing a camera button. Do you like their style? Can you imagine yourself in these type of photos? If your answer is no, then this is not your photographer. The reason you are going to a professional photographer in the first place is to get your pictures professionally done. The photographer should offer you an assortment of pictures and the ability to fully retouch those pictures. Again, if they don’t offer these type of services, then what exactly are you paying for?

 Here are some things to consider…

Lighting

How do they light their photos? No, you don’t need to be a photographer to understand this. It’s pretty straight forward. Does the lighting look bright and airy or does it feel dark and moody? There is no right or wrong answer here. It comes down to your taste. If you don’t like it, then fine, but if you LOVE it, then that’s your photographer.

Another way to think about this: Will your picture stand out when your potential customers see it on the internet? Or will it look like everyone else’s headshot? Will people start emailing you saying, “Hey, I saw your new picture, it looks fantastic?” Or are you getting cricket chirps? This is why it matters. 

Retouching

Will the photographer retouch your final images? No matter who you are and how beautiful you are, the camera and lighting will show imperfections. Those imperfections need to be cleaned up. Even supermodels with perfect skin get retouching on their images. This should be a value-added service that you do not have to pay extra for. 

Multiple versions

How many versions of the final image will the photographer deliver? For example, with our clients, we deliver 4 final versions of every image our clients select, all fully retouched.

We deliver:

1. Color version – full resolution

2. Black and white version – full resolution

3. Color version – web resolution

4. Black and white version – web resolution

We do this is to make sure you don’t have to do any extra work to use your image on your social media platforms, website, printed marketing material, etc. Again, this should be a free value-added service.

Well, I hope this helps and at least points you in the right direction to getting the perfect headshot for you and your business. If you would like to learn more about our headshots click here to contact our headshot photography team or sign up for our newsletter to get more articles and specials right in your inbox.

 – David Martin Jr