Does Your Headshot Convey The Image You Are Trying to Put Forth?

With the advent of outstanding mobile phone cameras, it is predicted in Infotrends 2014 Worldwide Image Capture Forecast that by 2017 nearly 80% of all photos will be taken with a mobile phone. The forecast predicted that over one trillion photos will have been captured in 2015 with a compounded annual growth rate is 16.2%.

So what does this have to do with professional headshots? As the availability of digital cameras / mobile phone cameras has increased, it seems that many professionals and organizations have moved to a DIY direction when capturing traditional headshots and environmental portraits for their websites and other online mediums. While at first glance it might make sense to just snap off a few images and post them, but someone once said, “you only get one chance to make a good first impression.”

A cellphone photo taken by a friend might be “cute”, but chances are it doesn’t convey the right message about you and your organization. Don’t leave making a good first impression to chance. When crafting a professional headshot consider what message/image are you trying to convey by answering the following questions:

Where will your image be used?

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Depending on where you plan to use your image, you may want to opt for a few different looks to convey a formal look and a more casual look. After all, a formal headshot with business attire works great for your website’s About page, LinkedIn profile and digital business card, but may be too formal for a dating site or other social media sites. Real estate professionals have been placing their images on business cards for decades and rightly so, as experts have recently noted that placing your headshot on your business card allows the recipient to better recall you and the conversation had with greater ease. If you plan to use your image in print format, make sure to let your photographer know ahead of time so he/she can plan to provide the proper sized images to you.

How will what I wear convey this message?

This is pretty straight forward – If you wish to convey a message that you are a traditional businessperson from an industry one would expect a more formal look, then more often than not – jacket, collared shirt and tie for men, blouse and perhaps jacket for women. If your business is more on the creative side like an artist, then a less formal look may be more appropriate. Don’t leave this to chance, consult with your photographer and ask them for their do’s and don’ts information on what to wear for your shoot. They will help you with color selections, patterns etc.

How will my pose, expression and lighting of the image convey this message?

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In addition to what you wear, three keys to a good professional headshot are pose, expression and lighting. The marriage of all three in an image is what makes the image work. Forget one and the overall image suffers. Posing includes posture, head tilt, head positioning, shoulder tilt and positioning, angle in relationship to the camera, arms positioning (crossed or not) to name a few items.

Expression relates to your smile, no smile, your eyes (smiling with your eyes) – do you want to convey a stern appearance or a warm and friendly one? It depends on your profession and the message you wish to convey. How your headshot is lit (the Lighting) creates the mood. Professional photographers know how to best capture the mood you are going for through strategic placement of their lights/strobes. This is something that is learned over a period time through practice and experience. You are not likely to get the lighting you need through a cellphone image or even a friend’s digital camera.

How will the location/background help convey this message?

What you wear and what background you are photographed in front of can have a huge affect on the final outcome of your image. Combining inappropriate color palettes or distracting backgrounds can take away from the main subject of the image –YOU. Again your photographer can help determine the background setting/color to present you in the best “light”.

Will my image help me stand out from the crowd?

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Your career is not something you take lightly. A professional headshot will help you stand out from the crowd. Making a small investment in your headshot shows clients, prospects, employers, recruiters and important contacts that you are serious about your career. With all the unprofessional headshots out there, your high-quality and visually pleasing image will allow people to put a professional face to a name and you will be much more likely to stay top-of-mind to those who view your profile.

In closing, while at first glance taking a headshot seems like a pretty simple exercise, you can now see that some planning and an investment in a professional photographer may be to you and your clients' advantage.  After all you only get one shot at making a good first impression!