I see so many headshots taken with iPhone's portrait mode by people who think that the new technology will make them memorable. It won't! A good headshot has nothing to do with the tools that are being used, but rather the technique employed. I understand that it is increasingly tempting to throw a few photos into an AI image generator and save the money on a photographer, but AI lacks the creativity and understanding of what makes you you that really comes out of a photoshoot.
For example, here are five ways I coach clients to really stand out in their business and corporate headshots. Get in touch if you'd like to know more!
An engaging photo without distractions
1. Fewer Accessories is Always Better
Headshots are about you, not what jewellery you like. The best headshots will convey you and your personality directly to the viewer, and any distraction from that will detract from the effect you want to create.
Small earrings or necklaces are fine if they compliment the outfit, but avoid bangles, brooches and anything busy like the plague!
Susana perfecting The Squinch
2. Un-patterned Clothing Ensure You Stand Out
Similarly, your clothing should be relatively plain and not distract the viewer from you and the emotion you are conveying. You might be proud of following the latest fashion trends and want to show this off to your prospective clients/hiring managers but, again, it it is much better that the viewer spends their precious time looking at you and not what other people have made.
Keep that chequered shirt for the weekend BBQ and stick to plain colours.
3. Minimum Makeup Makes for Memorable Photographs
Virtually everyone I have ever photographed has been worried about their skin and a recent outbreak of spots just at the wrong time! However, too much make up will make your face's skin look very different from your neck or chest skin, giving a bad impression to the viewer.
A good headshot photographer will be able to remove spots and clean up skin in the post processing, and should do it as standard. Minimal foundation helps them do their job enormously!
This can often be the difference between entry-level and more established headshot photographers however, so it is worthwhile looking at portfolios to see what their standard edit includes - not all photographers retouch as much as they say they do!
4. Get Rid of a Double Chin in One Easy Move
Headshots should always be taken at eye level: you wouldn't want to be looked down upon in real life, so why be looked down upon in your headshot?
Holding a camera higher than one's head is the classic way of hiding a double chin - but this puts the person looking at you above you, looking down on you. I’m sure you don’t want to be looked down upon and, fortunately, there is an alternative! Instead of placing the camera above you, a good photographer should tell you to slightly push your whole head forward.
This feels strange to do, but trust me! Pushing your whole face towards the camera (not just your chin) will elongate your neck, tightening your neck muscles and remove that double chin. Make sure that your face is always going towards the camera, not just forward. So, if you have your body turned away from the camera, you will need to push your face, not forwards, but actually towards the camera. Again: this will feel odd at first, but it will look great.
5. Show Some Attitude with 'the Squinch'
Bland faces are forgettable - and you don't want to be forgotten, do you? So show your viewer what you're made of and mess with them through the camera a little bit!
Stand in front of a mirror and raise the bottom of your eyes up towards your top. Think of either the last time someone told you something really fascinating and perplexing, or the last time you saw someone really attractive walk into a bar you were in, and you'll get the idea.
This trick sometimes needs some practice, but look at the difference between young and old Brad Pitt to see what I mean - he clearly had an image consultant, and now you know one of the tricks of the trade, too!
Having read through these tips and tricks, do you fancy a shoot with a photographer who knows how to ensure people take notice? Click below to see more of my work and book now.
