Professional Photo Tips: How to Prepare for a Corporate Headshot Session
Getting a corporate headshot is an important way to impress and interest potential clients, business partners, employers, and employees. The reality is, we all judge a book by its cover, whether we want to admit it or not. You only have one chance to make a good impression, and today that can mean a photo on social media or a website. The usage of hiring potential through LinkedIn is increasing as hiring managers lean towards professional social media platforms to look for job candidates. As HuffPost reports, social media profiles with a photo are seven times more likely to be clicked. And professional-looking headshots make it easier for recruiters to remember who you are and trust you’re a real person! Along with social media, headshots can be used on company websites to introduce their team. This can create an excellent first impression on your potential clients if done properly! What’s more, headshots are also used for newsletters, press releases, and annual reports. So, how to take a business headshot? Take a look at our expert tips for professional photos to get the best results! Choosing the Right Location: Indoors vs. Outdoors The first step is typically to decide on the appropriate location. There are two options to consider for your headshot session: Comparison Example: Indoor vs. Outdoor Business Headshot Choosing the Right Outfit: Informal vs. Professional Clothes Now that you acquired some business headshot tips regarding location, let’s focus on outfits, as they play a great role in making a good impression. Industry-Appropriate Clothing As a rule of thumb, your headshot outfit should be aligned with the norms and expectations of your industry. For example: General Clothing Professional Photo Tips Colorful Informal vs. Professional Clothes Comparison Specific Tips for Men Specific Tips for Women Grooming & Personal Care Tips for Professional Photos Your headshot is often the first thing people see when they look you up online, so it’s amazingly important for making a good impression. That’s why you should do your best and make sure you look as polished and professional as possible. Posing & Facial Expressions Another important batch of tips for taking a professional headshot concerns the right poses and facial expressions that will help you to look confident and approachable without looking stiff and awkward. Practice Different Poses Before your shoot, spend some time in front of a mirror, testing different angles. Even small adjustments can completely change the feel of your headshot. Keep a Relaxed Yet Confident Expression Your expression sets the tone for your headshot. For example, a genuine smile or a slight, professional smirk can make you look warm and approachable. Try to find the right balance: Focus on Good Posture Posture plays a huge role in how confident and polished you appear. Smiling vs. Tense Facial Expression Comparison Planning Props for the Shoot Being prepared can help your headshot session go smoothly. Here are a few things to bring with you: Accessories vs. Props on a Headshot Comparison Getting to Know Your Photographer Your photographer is a key part of the headshot process, so it’s important to find one that you trust and feel comfortable with. To do so, remember to: Communicating with Your Photographer Effective communication with your photographer is essential to ensure you get the best possible headshots. Common Mistakes to Avoid Even the most carefully prepared plans can go wrong when it comes to taking professional headshots. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid: Don’t Forget to Smile Apart from learning how to get professional headshots from the tips above, remember: don’t treat getting your headshot as a chore because it will affect the end results! Treat your headshot session as if you are meeting someone for the first time. The most important thing to avoid is a dead-eye syndrome, where your mouth is smiling, but your eyes say, “I’d rather be somewhere else.” If you’re not into it, people will be able to tell through your photo. Final Thoughts A great headshot doesn’t just happen by chance – it’s a result of various preparations and efficient collaboration with your photographer. By planning ahead, choosing the right outfit, grooming properly, and practicing your expressions, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth and successful session. If you want to keep your headshots fresh, we recommend updating them at least yearly. Our photographers always provide personalized corporate headshot tips to help you prepare for your photoshoot effectively and achieve the best results. Contact us to schedule a session and get the perfect professional headshots!
