A great headshot is a key to success in the professional world. It's your calling card and the first impression, so you want to make sure it's a good one! Unfortunately, many people don't know how to take a great headshot.
They either don't put any thought into it, or they overthink it and make themselves look bad. If you're looking to take a great headshot that will help you get ahead in your career, here are seven beauty tips to follow.
1. Get Your Hair and Makeup Done Professionally
This is perhaps the most important tip of all. Unless you are a hair and makeup artist yourself, chances are you don't know how to do your hair and makeup in a way that will truly flatter your features and skin tone. And while you may be able to get away with doing your hair and makeup for snapshots or casual photos, when it comes to a professional headshot, it's worth splurging on a professional hair and makeup artist. They will know how to do your hair and makeup to look great in photos and make you feel confident and beautiful.
2. Wear Simple, Flattering Clothing
Keep it simple when it comes to what to wear for your professional headshot. You want the focus to be on your face, not your clothes. Stick to classic, solid flattering colors that won't distract from your face. And if you're unsure about what color to choose, black is always a good option as it can be very slimming.
Avoid logos or busy patterns, as well as anything too revealing or inappropriate for a professional setting. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and shows off your style. Avoid anything too flashy or revealing, as you want to look professional.
3. Know Your Angles
One of the most important things to remember when taking your photo is to know your angles. Everyone has certain angles that are more flattering than others, so it's important to find yours.
Practice in the mirror beforehand so that you know what to do when it comes time to have your photo taken. And if you're not sure, ask your photographer for help. They should be able to guide you into the best position to show off your best features.
4. Choose The Right Location
The location of your headshot is also important. If you're going for a more natural look, consider doing your shoot outdoors in a park or other scenic area. If you want a more formal look, an indoor studio space might be a better choice. And if you're not sure what kind of look you're going for, it's always a good idea to consult with your photographer before deciding.
5. Choose The Right Photographer & Background
When it comes to headshots, you want to make sure you choose a photographer who specialise in this type of photography. Headshot photography is different from other types of photography, so you'll want to find someone who has experience with it. You can find great headshot photographers in Orange County or anywhere specific to your locale. Take your time to find the right one for you.
The background of your headshot is important, as it can help convey the mood or message you're trying to communicate. A plain white wall or a simple solid color background is usually best, as they won't distract from your face. If you're going for a more creative look, however, feel free to experiment with different backgrounds. Just make sure the background doesn't overwhelm your face.
6. Practice Good Posture
Standing up straight may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people slouch when they get in front of the camera. Good posture not only makes you look more confident but it also elongates your body and can make you look slimmer. So, before your headshot session, take a few minutes to practice standing tall with your shoulders back and down.
7. Relax And Have Fun
The essential advice for obtaining a fantastic professional headshot is to relax and have a good time. This may seem like common sense, but it's often overlooked. If you're not relaxed, it will show in your photos. And if you're not having fun, it will also be reflected in your photos. A great headshot should capture your personality, so relax and let your true self shine through.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips, you'll be sure to get a stunning professional headshot that reflects the image you want to project. So, go out and get started on taking your new headshot today!