10 Tips to Look Your Best in a Business Head Shot
I thought I would share with you a 10 tips to help you look your very best in a corporate business head shot.
ONE.
Share your inspiration image with your photographer before your shoot.
Do you want a light background, dark background, on-location environmental portrait head shot, studio head shot? Are you wanting a more casual professional look? More business corporate feel to your commercial portrait? This is why it is important to have a reference image to show your professional photographer of choice…hopefully me.
TWO.
Choose the right clothing for your head shot.
I have found that it is super important to have the right clothing for the business head shot. For example, I think that the clothing needs to fit snug, but not too snug. Be sure to avoid busy patterns as well. Clothing colors to avoid magenta, bright orange and red. The reason for avoiding lots of these particular colors is because of color casts.
A suit should be fitted if possible. Check out how the suit lies when you sit down, since you will be sitting down for the portrait possibly. Ties need to be tied well with a nice collared shirt. The tie should also not be too shiny, we want your face to be the focus of the image, not your tie.
Personally I think that simple classic clothing is your best bet. Clothing that is timeless will allow you to keep your head shot usable for a longer period of time. Jewelry should be classic as well. Traditionally subjects should also not wear turtle necks, tanks or low bust line tops, however I am not traditional.
Masculine Inspiration Clothing
THREE.
Schedule hair and makeup with a professional.
Take the time to schedule your hair and makeup with a professional or go with your everyday look. There are many tricks of the trade, this corporate head shot is you putting your best foot forward to attract your ideal clients. If you would like a list of my favorite hair/makeup artists locally.
FOUR.
Glasses on or off?
Personally, I feel like if you normally wear glasses, then it would be nice to have them as part of your business image. However, I hope you sprang for the anti-glare glass. There are ways to work around this glare issue, but occasionally there will be reflections that are unavoidable. Also, take the time to clean your glasses and push them back on the bridge of your nose during your portrait session.
FIVE.
Smile.
That is all, I think a nice smile looks great. Maybe practice a bit in the mirror first. Typically when we truly smile our eyes get a bit smaller, so something to work on in the mirror.
SIX.
Chin out and down.
I say this to ALL of my clients. Chin out and down. The reason for this is because whatever is closer to the camera looks larger, and larger eyes are attractive. Also, this makes neck/chin look their best as well.
SEVEN.
Sit up nice and tall, be confident.
This corporate business portrait might be your first impression, lets make it the best one possible.
EIGHT.
No drastic changes before your shoot.
I know the pressure before a portrait can be overwhelming. Be sure to not get a new hair cut the day before, I suggest 2 weeks before your portrait appointment. No injections right before your shoot. Do not spray tan before your scheduled portrait shoot, the camera picks up even the best of the best as orange.
NINE.
Check yourself out.
Before you sit for your portrait, take time to check yourself out in the mirror and take a deep breath and exhale slowly…this is my yoga talking.
TEN.
Pick the right image.
Personally, I like to shoot my head shots tethered, this way you can see your image straight out of camera. Since I shoot tethered, you can tell me which image you like best. Or if you think it is close, but something is bothering you, you can tell me. I like to take several shots directing micro adjustments, this way we have several images to choose from. Typically a commercial portrait takes around 5 mins to have your portrait taken.
BONUS.
My editor and I work together on your edit to create the most aesthetically pleasing image possible, for an additional fee.