Getting professional headshots is a must for any small business owner, service provider, or freelancer. They are the first image that potential clients will see of you and when you’re trying to make a good impression, might be the only impression that matters.
Having a professional headshot can project a level of expertise and enthusiasm that you wouldn’t have with a selfie or non-professional image. Before you go scheduling your session, you’ll want to do some research and make preparations.
Here are some tips:
Research Photographers
Don’t go on Pinterest to find images you love and then ask the cheapest photographer to recreate that look. You need to find a photographer local enough to you who has images you love already.
This will ensure you get the look you want when you hire them. It can be disappointing to pay for photographs and not get what you want because the photographer wasn’t already skilled with that particular technique.
Research the photographers in your area to find one who fits your price range and who creates images that already wow you.
Consider How the Images Will Get Used
There are plenty of places to put a good headshot. You might want more relaxed ones for social media posts, but more professional appearing ones for things like LinkedIn and other profile pics.
You might need one for a newspaper article and one for the back cover of a book. Knowing where you want to use your headshots will help you decide on what to ask for in your images.
Preparing for and planning your next professional headshots means that you need to think through all these things to communicate them to your photographer.
Read also: Facelifting Your LinkedIn Profile: 5 Tips for Corporate Rising Stars
Do Your Hair
While most days you might just roll out of bed and brush your hair, it’s important to have headshots that help you look your best. This means taking the extra step and doing your hair.
Whether it’s making sure your curls look their best, or using a flat iron to keep your straight locks from frizzing out, choose a hairstyle that looks natural for you, and helps you feel your best.
You can even hire a professional to do it for you. Remember that professional headshots are an investment in your business.
Wear More Makeup Than You Would In Real Life
While you don’t want to look fake, wearing more makeup in your photos helps your features stand out. In real life it might feel like you have too much makeup on, but the makeup translates differently in photographs.
If you don’t feel confident enough to do this yourself, you can easily hire a makeup artist to do it. There are multiple ways to find a good makeup artist. It might start with a quick Google search where you ask for a professional makeup artist near me.
Or it could mean asking in your professional circles to find someone that they have worked with before. This also adds a bit of fun to your headshot day and makes it feel extra special.
Select a Location
If your photographer is mobile, you’ll want to pick a location (or two). These can be indoors or outdoors, urban or rural. But you want the background to make sense for you and your business.
If you’re in natural health for instance, trees or a farm might make sense for a background. If you’re in commercial real estate, using an urban background could be perfect for your needs.
It’s important to find a suitable location and if you need recommendations, your photographer is probably the best person to ask.
Pick Out Clothes
Finding the right outfits can feel like picking the perfect first-day-of-school outfit. You want it to be just right.
If you’re having a headshot or branding session where you will wear more than one outfit, think through the different looks you want. You might want a serious professional one with a button up jacket. You might want something casual with nice jeans and your favorite top.
You may also find yourself picking out something with a pretty dress or skirt that makes you feel beautiful and powerful. The best outfits are the ones that you feel amazing in.
Don’t try to fit someone else’s mold of what to wear. Choose clothes that you feel great in and fit your particular style.