Preparing for Your Business Portrait: Tips and Tricks
Your corporate headshot is your professional calling card.
In today's digital world, your online presence is crucial. A strong professional headshot serves as your first impression on clients, colleagues, and potential employers. It's essential to invest in high-quality photography and be well-prepared for your session.
As a professional portrait photographer, I've guided many individuals through their headshot experiences. A common question? "What should I wear and how should I prepare?" This guide will help you feel confident and prepared for your upcoming shoot.
What to wear for the shoot?
Choosing the right outfit can significantly impact the success of your corporate headshot.
When styled appropriately with a polished appearance, you will not only feel more confident during the shoot but also have an image that effectively communicates your professionalism to potential clients, employers, and colleagues alike. Mastering these elements will ensure that your corporate headshot truly represents who you are in the professional world. Choosing the right outfit can significantly impact the success of your corporate headshot. Here are some key considerations:
Choose The Right Outfit:
Men: Wear a shirt, pants, and a blazer. For a more formal look, consider a tie.
Women: Dress pants or a skirt with a blouse, or a simple dress. A blazer can add a touch of sophistication.
Industry Considerations: If your industry is more creative, you might have more flexibility. However, always err on the side of professionalism.
Color Palette: Opt for neutral colors like navy, black, gray, white, or beige. Solid colors generally photograph best. Avoid busy patterns or loud colors that can be distracting.
Fit and Comfort: Ensure your clothes fit comfortably and flatter your figure without being too tight or too loose. Wrinkle-free clothing is essential. Pack a few outfit options to choose from.
Accessories: Keep it minimal. A simple watch or a few delicate rings can add a touch of personality. Avoid excessive jewelry (large earrings, chunky necklaces, flashy rings), oversized watches, and scarves.
Grooming Tips
A natural look always works best. Don’t go overboard!
A natural look always works best. Don’t go overboard, what you’d do for a big night out, probably won’t work for a corporate headshot. Avoid too much highlighter or shine and go easy on the foundation and powder, the cameras are extremely high resolution and too much powder looks unflattering in headshots. The photographer will do the proper retouching needed so keep it simple and make sure it feels good for you. After all you want the image to be a good professional representation of yourself.
Hair: Keep it clean, styled, and free from frizz. Opt for a professional and timeless hairstyle. Minimize distractions with excessive styling or extreme colors.
Makeup: Enhance your natural features with a natural and polished look. Focus on defining your eyes, creating an even skin tone, and using a subtle blush. Choose neutral lip colors.
Preparation: Do a test run of your hair and makeup a day or two before the shoot. Bring touch-up essentials like blotting papers and lipstick.
Shave the night before: Shaving the night before the shoot will reduce any redness from irritated skin.
Haircut lead time: Don’t get your haircut the day before your session. I recommend getting it done about a week before your session. So your hair will grow and look more natural without strong cut lines.
Rest and Relaxation
You want to look rested, confident and energized.
Headshots get up close and personal. You want to look rested, confident and energized. If you are lacking on your sleeping hours, it can show in your photos. Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is a crucial aspect of maintaining overall health and well-being.
Here are some Tips for an Optimal Rest:
Prioritize Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep the night before your session.
Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Minimize Alcohol and Caffeine: Limit alcohol and caffeine intake in the evening.
Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing to reduce stress.
Posing for a Confident Look
Posing correctly for your corporate headshot can make a big difference.
Learn how to pose and present yourself confidently and authentically with these simple tips.
Posture: Stand tall with good posture. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders back, and engage your core. Avoid slouching.
Chin Position: A slight forward tilt can help elongate your neck and define your jawline. Avoid tilting your chin up excessively.
Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the camera lens to convey confidence and engagement.
Hand Placement: Let your hands hang naturally at your sides or gently place them on your lap if seated.
Facial Expressions: Practice a relaxed and natural smile. Avoid forced smiles. Maintain a confident and approachable expression, even if you're not smiling.
Additional Tips
Communication: Let your photographer know if you have any concerns or preferences.
Practice in front of a mirror to become more comfortable with different poses.
Relax and be yourself: The more relaxed you are, the more natural your photos will look
Collaborate with your photographer: Be open to their guidance and trust their expertise.
Enjoy the process!
By following these tips, you can ensure a successful headshot session and create a professional image that represents you effectively.
Meet your host
Edu Cornejo is an award-winning photographer recognized for his incredible portraits that genuinely capture the essence of people. He strives to create images that foster trust, convey credibility, and make a lasting impression.