How to get the right headshot!
When in business a great headshot is essential. It can say so much about you and your business, so it is important to get it right. There are many effortless elements that go into getting in right.
1. The approach
This depends on a lot of things; the industry you are in is probably at the top of the list. Are you from a creative industry, where are more relaxed shot works well, or are you a lawyer or an accountant where a much more formal approach is needed. This may also include where you choose to shoot, outside or inside - the external brick wall certainly wouldn't work for the lawyer but make a great backdrop for the creative
2. The background
My main piece of advice, particularly if you are doing your headshots yourself, choose a natural background. Somewhere outside, where the natural lighting is good. Below is an example of where a "studio" can look stark or clinical and a natural shot looks exactly that - Natural!
3. The outfit
Try not to go with too many patterns or over powering colour. Pops of colour work well, but you don't want your outfit to detract from your face. Choose your background carefully, if you are wearing white on a light background you will wash out, but a dark background needs to be well lit so the overall shot doesn't look dim.
4. The position
Are you standing? Or sitting? The main things is to be comfortable, if you are not this will show through that you are uncomfortable and not sure of yourself. In the below shot your focus goes straight the hand and her jewellery, also shiny fabrics can also look tacky.
5. The bottom line
A lot of small businesses do not have huge budgets to hire a photographer for a half day shoot. So ask around and get a group together, a lot of photographers who charge by the hour and you can ask for a 2 hours shoots, split amongst friends is very cost effective. There are also lots of events and shared workspaces that have head shot days or sessions, where you can book in for free and get a head shot at no cost at all.