Getting an attractive headshot is necessary to make a positive first impression. Here are some tips offered by a professional headshot photographer with 10 + years of experience in portrait, headshot, and commercial photography to help you get the best professional headshot:
Consider The Usage and Your Target Audience.
Where will the photographs be used? Who will be seeing your headshots and what is it that you want your target audience to feel about you? The answer to both these questions will differ under different conditions.
If the headshot is aimed to be used on a social media profile, your target audience will likely be new visitors, who know nothing about you; and might or might not be interested in your service. In this condition, a welcoming look will serve the purpose well. You want people to like you, keep you in memory, and possibly interact with your content. This means you want to convert a new visitor into a potential consumer.
Be Sure The Styling Is In Tune With Your Brand.
Based on experience of a seasoned san jose headshot photographer, doing professional headshots for years, the outfit style has become more and more diversified. There are clients that brought 4 different suits and 7 different ties to the session. There are also clients who chose causal outfits throughout the session.
For certain professions, business formals are still the first choice, such as lawyers and financial advisors. But more and more people now choose business casual. There is no wrong choice provided the style matches your brand and speaks to your target audience.
Check out websites or scan social media platforms in your industry to locate headshots that you like and represent your desired image. Show these examples to the photographer so that they are informed about the style you're looking for. Pay attention to your target market and the image you want to showcase. Your headshot should be attuned to your personal brand and appeal to the segment of clients you want to work with.
Consider Using Candid Photographs For Your Marketing Material.
Many people feel that they must look at the camera in every portrait and headshot. It’s not true. Candid portraits offer a powerful way to tell stories. This is a huge advantage over formal headshots. They can capture moments, emotions, and interactions that narrate compelling stories without the use of words.
These photos can be used in your marketing materials, social media platforms, or websites to attract your audience and pull them into your brand's story. People are naturally attracted to stories, and candid portraits/headshots can build up intrigue and curiosity that entices viewers to learn more about your business.
Choose The Right Lighting For Your Headshot
Lighting is inherent to headshot photography as it can influence the mood, atmosphere, and overall feeling of the image. Soft, diffused lighting instigates a gentle and flattering effect. It eliminates harsh shadows and creates uniform illumination across the subject's face. Soft lighting is mostly used by any professional san jose headshot photographer for conveying a sense of warmth, tenderness, and approachability.
The Sum Up
Be mindful, your headshot is a powerful marketing tool, so invest the time and effort to get it right.