Career Advice
Are Corporate Headshots the New Handshake?
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First impressions have always mattered, and in the past it was all about the handshake. Now that we’ve entered the era of LinkedIn, virtual business, and online personal branding, a well-done headshot can be equally important as a firm grip.
A carefully chosen headshot is a key part of publicly representing yourself and your brand. As with all first impressions, your headshot should set the tone for who you are and what you’re about. It’s important that the image looks and feels like you, not how you think people want to see you. Luckily, the days of staged and stuffy yearbook-like headshots are over. Polished, genuine, and more relaxed headshots are in. Here are some tips for putting your best face forward:
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. Show some personality and SMILE!
- Don’t abuse Photoshop or Instagram. A little touching up is fine, but steer clear of any unnatural filters or alterations.
- No matter how pretty you look, skip any headshot that has other people’s body parts cropped out around your head.
- Lighting is key. If you’re using natural light, never shoot at midday–the strong light creates harsh shadows. If you’re indoors, try moving near a window since a combo of natural and artificial light often makes a better shot.
- Pay attention to how you frame the shot. Make sure horizon lines are straight, that there are no distracting objects in view, and that you have chosen the best angle. (It helps to take a few practice shots from different angles.)
- Keep your background simple and clean. This can mean a white wall or a tree; just make sure that the background makes you stand out, and not the other way around.
- Don’t wear anything with words, and stick to solids or subtle patterns. Words and flashy patterns distract viewers from your beautiful profile!
- Skip the suit and wear something that shows off your (work) style. Anything with a classic neckline should do the trick.
- Depending on your industry and career path, a professional photographer may be worthwhile. But if you have an amateur photographer friend, ask him or her to use you as a test subject!
- Update regularly—once a year is a good rule of thumb. A career change or branding adjustment may also mean an update is in order.
Do you have any headshot do’s or don’ts? Share them in the comments!
#9 is definitely the strongest tip, especially since a lot of people are trying to DIY their own headshots and end up looking amateur. It'll help you if you find a pro/rising photographer who can bring out your personality!
Couldn't agree more!
GREAT tips! I was going to highlight the one I thought was most important, but truthfully they're all amazing.
To answer the headline, YES! I chose to take some on a day when my hair/skin seemed to be behaving, and had a handful of shots taken with different outfits. A year ago, I'm still using these for various scenarios. It's always a good idea to have a few headshots on standby.
I have been meaning to get headshots done and this is a great reminder! I used to intern for a website where we would do posts on young women breaking into fashion PR. As the one in charge of these posts I was always shocked at the awful quality of photos I got from such pretty and professional young women. The "Facebook" crop was literally the worst trying to deal with. Professional photos may seem like a pointless investment of time and/or money but they really are worth it.
Number 1 and 2 are the most important! I took my Mom's LinkedIn head shot at one of our favorite Alexandria haunts and she was nervy but I made jokes until she smiled naturally and it turned out perfectly. Using Photoshop on a headshot is like putting on make up, no one should be able to tell you're wearing it. ;)
I was wondering if I needed a professional headshot. I appreciate your addressing this. I might get my husband to take a few shots and see if I need a pro.
I thought it was the oddest thing when I was asked to take a headshot with a professional photographer at my place of work. Now, I'm psyched that this opportunity is available to all employees free of charge. I'm thinking about going back since my hair has changed a bit since I started working at the institution.
Thank you for all of the tips! I never had a professional headshot until this year but I am so grateful to have one!
Couldn't agree with this article more! In the social media time period that we live in today, your headshot can make or break it in some respects. I know I need to update mine!