Picture Perfect: Getting a Headshot You’ll Be Proud to Post

A professional portrait—referred to in the business world as a “headshot”—serves a multitude of purposes. It instantly conveys what you and your company are all about and can help you acquire (and keep!) target customers, all while supporting a strong online and offline presence.

Consider these guidelines to help you prepare for any professional photography session:

#1 Set Yourself Up to Succeed

  • Enlist a Portrait Professional. Your visual image is a major part of your professional brand. Hire a professional photographer who can help create your desired look. Review photographers’ websites for styles and images that resonate with you.
  • Invest for Good Results. Photos for business purposes should last up to five years, so treat them as investments. Hair stylists, make-up artists and wardrobe consultants can help you achieve excellent results.
  • Backgrounds Matter. Ask beforehand about the color of the background and prepare your wardrobe accordingly. Outdoor shots can create a natural backdrop suitable for some industries. Work with your photographer ahead of time to decide on the best location for your needs.

#2 Choose Your Outfit and Accessories

  • Jackets Still Work. Although no longer the only choice given today’s more relaxed dress standards, a jacket with a dress shirt with or without out a tie for men and with a variety of professional tops for women, can help you project authority while “framing” you well. Although softer in their overall presentation than jackets, professional sweaters also offer a layer of structured flair. A more casual outfit can work well for some industries. Be aware that a non-jacket look is often harder to pull off in a professional photograph.
  • Eliminate Distractions. Too much of a strong pattern can make the photo appear cluttered. Smaller patterns used as an accent with solid colored clothing are typically best. Blues, grays, browns and pastels photograph well, even in black and white photography. We love primary colors such as red, fuchsia and cobalt blue as well. Bulky fabrics can add pounds. Counteract this risk by wearing trimly cut clothing. To keep you cooler and more comfortable during the photo shoot, choose natural fabrics. 
  • Keep Accessories to a Minimum. Women: well-placed jewelry can create visual interest around your face, a key factor to drawing people into a photo. Be aware that jewelry that is too big can overpower your photo. Classic pearls, modest hoops or simple drop earrings that match your style persona are often all that is needed to finish your look. A well-placed necklace and/or pin can also enhance your image in all the right ways. While scarves can work, be aware that they can clutter your neckline if not properly styled. Men: pocket squares, professional watches and cuff links can all be used effectively in a professional headshot depending on the image you are looking to project. Be sure to let your photographer know you’d like to showcase these elements of your attire so that your photo is composed correctly.

#3 Properly Prepare Yourself

  • Be Well-Rested. Get plenty of sleep the night before and avoid alcohol, which can make your face look puffy.
  • Abide By the Watermelon Trick. Eat this magical melon for a few days before your photography session to decrease water retention and eliminate puffiness. Hollywood celebs swear by this rule and it really does work!
  • A Word on Glasses. If you wear glasses but prefer not to be photographed in them, avoid wearing them a day ahead of time to prevent any marks they may leave on your face.

Last Word
Looking to get a new headshot? The talented stylists at Dressing Well can help. Use our contact form for more information. We welcome the opportunity to help you get the perfect shot!

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