Now, more than ever, a decent headshot is an important part of your business toolkit. People will use your photograph to form an impression of you on social media sites such as LinkedIn and twitter, so you will want to make sure you are showing the world an image you are happy with!
What do you want to achieve?
Think about your business and what you do. What image do you want to portray?
- Friendly and approachable
- Serious and imposing
- Professional and competent
- Fun and quirky
- Creative and individual
Have a look at other people’s profiles
Do some research and find some image you like. Is there a pattern in the style of photographs you choose? How about the poses? Or the backgrounds? You could be pictured within the environment in which you work (for example, chefs, bookshop owners, pet groomers) or you could be in a neutral environment such as a hotel, office or coffee shop. Collect together some images you like for reference.
The photo shoot
Once you’ve decided what you want, you need to find a photographer. Find a few, check their websites, and see if you like their style. Speak to them and see if you are on the same wavelength. If you are anything like me, you might freeze in front of the camera – if so, it takes a relaxed and confident photographer to help you feel relaxed!
Top tips for your photoshoot:
- Get your hair cut a week or so before so it looks tidy, but not too ‘freshly cut’.
- For women, a professional make-up artist is a worthwhile investment. If you’re lucky you will find a photographer who has joined forces with a stylist to offer you the perfect package.
- As most headshots only focus on your top half, don’t worry too much about the bottom half, but do take a change of tops, jackets and accessories. Different colours and styles can make you come across very differently and it’s only when you see the photos that you will see how much this is true! It only takes a few minutes to change and you will probably use the resulting photos for a few years, so it’s worth the effort.
Photo by Pennie Withers
Make up by Alison Oswald