If you are anything like me, the thought of an individual photoshoot can be daunting. Even though professional profile photos are essential to your online presence, it can be challenging to decide how best to present yourself. That’s why I am here to guide you.
There are many components that make great professional headshots & branding photos, most of which I will control. The lighting, angle & pose for example. Your photoshoot will be a team effort where we will work together to represent you and your business in an authentic and professional way. I will consult with you regarding wardrobe and I will guide you through the necessary poses to create natural yet elegant photos that you can be proud of.
Whether it be for your Linked in profile, social media content or even your Zoom or Whatsapp profile photo, putting a face to your name has become even more vital over the last year with remote work.
Each person is unique and every shoot has its own specific requirements. That’s why there is no hard and fast rule for what to wear. However, to help you choose your outfits, here are my top tips for what to wear for your professional profile photos
- Match It to Your Brand. Overall, the goal of your business headshot should be to put a face to your brand. This means that there isn’t necessarily a right and wrong way to present yourself. For example, a law or financial firm might prefer a more formal image with a suit, while a creative business owner might want a more casual headshot.
- Dress how you would when meeting a new client. How you want to portray your brand or industry will be unique to you but a good rule of thumb should be to consider how you’d want to present yourself to a new client and then dress accordingly.
- Are you part of a larger corporation or brand? It’s important that your new headshot & branding photos fit with your existing brand. Is yours a stand-alone image or does it need to complement other, pre-existing profile photos on the company website?
- Opt for long sleeves where possible as they are quite flattering. Jackets are usually a winner and are great for layering
- Color - I work with a variety of backgrounds and can flatter almost any color combination. When you are being photographed it’s important to wear colours that work well with your complexion, skin tone & hair colour. Bright colours can work well especially if they represent your personality and style, however luminous colours are usually more limiting.
- For jewellery, stick with items that are subtle and classic but once again, depending on your brand/industry you may want to opt for more vibrant and colourful accessories
- Avoid older, worn out clothing or anything with overt branding and logos. Your own company branding is perfect but try to avoid T shirts with slogans or massive clothing brand labels printed on them
- Choose shapes & cuts that flatter your body type & ensure that your clothing fits you well. Fitted clothing generally looks better in a photograph than shapeless baggy clothing. Tailored & structured items create a well-defined shape.
- As well as considering the style, wear clothing that you are comfortable in. If you don’t usually wear a jacket, don’t feel as if you have to for your photoshoot. It’s important that you look like YOU!
- Match your style of clothing to your work & the location of the photoshoot. For example, a personal trainer would look out of place wearing in a suit in a gym.
- Include props if they match your brand. In some cases, you might include some items that have something to do with your business, like a computer, desk or camera.
- Pack more rather than less. Please feel free to bring along a few extra options and I will advise you at our shoot.
Most importantly, feel free to chat to me about any specific questions you have. I look forward to creating portraits that make you look and feel great!
