Getting the best headshots for your business may not seem like a big deal, but they can make all the difference in showcasing you and your work. And hiring someone to take them is usually easier than you’d think. Here’s how to get started:
How to Take the Best Business Headshots
- Find a photographer with experience taking professional-looking images of people. Not just snapshots, not selfies with DSLR cameras — actual photos of people that look like they could be on a billboard or in an advertisement somewhere. Like this one:
- Research multiple options and then narrow it down based on location, results, and price — if their prices are too high, it can be worth splitting the shoot between two different photographers (or having more than one person involved in the shoot) if the results will be worth it.
- Think about your image from a viewer’s perspective — who are they going to want to hire after seeing your headshot? Is it you, with your awesome business and service? Or do you look more like this:
- Figure out what you’re going to wear ahead of time — makeup, jewelry, tattoos all have to match with what you’re going for in the photo, so choose carefully. If wearing a white shirt makes you feel awkward, just know that everyone else is too afraid of looking funny in their photos to even think about it, so try something bold! (Just don’t forget the blazer.) Here are some other key rules for clothing items: Nothing too busy or distracting on the shirt—no busy patterns, plaid, designs, ruffles, etc. The clean white backdrop will be too much for your eye if you’re competing with bright colors on top. Solid color tops are great. Suit jackets look professional and make everyone feel confident (but don’t forget to take off your blazer).
- Prep your hair and face. Try for a day or two before the shoot to get your skin in its best condition, which means washing it every morning and night, applying lotion when needed, etc.
Wash your hair the morning of if possible, too. If you’re getting makeup done, then keep that appointment the day of as well. If you’re doing any retouching yourself, then find out what they’ve got planned ahead of time, so it’s easier to match.
- Bring along some reference photos — some images that show off “the good side,” so to speak (your best work?). This will help during editing if there are spots on one face but not another instead of having to guess which photo works better than another. That way, the photographer can use the photo with fewer blemishes instead of having to retouch your entire face.
In conclusion, the best headshots are the ones that look professional but also show off your personality. So get out there, choose a great photographer for business headshots, and shine!
