It used to be that only models, actors and certain professionals needed a headshot. This is no longer the case! Today, everyone needs a professional headshot… it’s your “digital personality” and is used across all social media profiles and in your email signature. People want to know, like and trust the people they work and interact with online. A professional headshot will let your clients, potential employers, colleagues, etc. know that you are a professional they can trust.
Here are my FIVE tips to have an amazing headshot that you will LOVE.
Prep, Prep, Prep!
It’s important to dedicate some personal time to creating your professional headshot. You’ll want to allow enough time to schedule hair, makeup, finding the perfect outfit and hiring a professional photographer whose work you love! I recommend that you allow four to eight weeks from the day you decide you need a new headshot until the day your shoot is scheduled.
Hair
Schedule a fresh cut and color the week before your shoot. Additionally, you may want to book a style appointment with your favorite stylist on the morning of your shoot to make sure your hair looks fabulous. Another option is to see if your makeup artist is able to style your hair for your session as many makeup artists offer hair styling services.
Let’s not forget the brows. Your eye brows play an important role in your headshot so you’ll want them trimmed, shaped and looking fabulous.
For men, I recommend a trim within one week of your photo shoot. As for facial hair, you’ll want to shave no more than one hour before your session if you’re going for a clean-shaven look.
If you have facial hair, you’ll want to make sure that it is neatly trimmed and looking the way you want it to the morning of your shoot.
Set the Intention
What persona are you trying to create with your professional headshot? Fun, creative, professional? Pinterest is a great place to research ideas for your professional headshot and get some great wardrobe ideas. Remember, professional does not necessarily mean a dark suit, light top. Let your wardrobe help your personality shine.
Hire a Pro
Did you know there are photographers that specialize in professional headshots? It’s true! A headshot is different from a portrait in many ways. A professional headshot photographer knows the difference and will help coach and pose you to get the most flattering headshot images.
Get a New Headshot Every Year
So much can change in a year! That mustard yellow top that you wore for your headshot last spring is now looking stale. Styles change. YOU change. Stay ahead of the curve with an updated professional headshot every year. It will allow you to show up more confidently in every aspect of your professional life.
When was the last time you had a professional headshot taken? What’s holding you back from having a professional headshot? I’d love to read your answers in the comments.
