Rocking Your Corporate Headshot

Unveiling Your Professional Portrait Persona

After dealing with hundreds of subjects for corporate headshots, I’ve been able to condense all my advice into ten items that can be used as a checklist of sorts. Remember that a good photographer will help you pose and point out issues that they see with your hair or wardrobe so you are not on your own for this important photograph. Your headshot is more than just a simple photograph; it's a visual representation of your professional persona. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, contributing to a company website, or preparing for a business conference, nailing your headshot is crucial. In this guide, we'll delve into the ten key elements to consider when preparing for your corporate headshot. From grooming tips to embracing your unique style, we'll ensure you're ready to capture your best self.

Hair: Tresses that Impress:

Your hair frames your face and should complement your overall appearance. Before the shoot, ensure your hair is clean, well-groomed, and styled appropriately for your professional image. Ladies, opt for a style that enhances your features, whether it's an elegant updo or cascading waves. Gentlemen, a neat and tidy haircut is key, while some light styling products can add a touch of sophistication.

Sometimes your marketing department will hire a hair and make-up assistant to accompany the photographer but most often not. Be sure to ask in advance and then plan accordingly.

Make-Up: Enhance, Don't Overwhelm:

Make-up for a corporate headshot should be understated and natural. Aim for a polished and professional look that enhances your features without overpowering them. A touch of foundation, subtle blush, and neutral-toned eyeshadow can help bring out your best features. Remember, the goal is to look like the best version of yourself, not a different person altogether. There have been a few times that after seeing the previews during the photoshoot that the client has opted to come back the next day with her makeup redone.

Clothes: Dress to Impress:

Choosing the right attire is vital for a successful headshot. Opt for outfits that reflect your professional style and align with your industry's standards. Solid colors work best, avoiding busy patterns or loud prints that may distract from your face. Additionally, dress in a way that makes you feel confident and comfortable, as this will translate into a more relaxed and authentic expression. Remember that most headshots go from the middle of the chest and up so you have little room for accessories. Ties clips, watches, cufflinks, and jewelry can all find their way into a headshot though. For women, the question that most often comes up is whether to wear a dress, blouse, or jacket and for men, it’s jacket or no jacket and tie or no tie. The bottom line is that you can always try with and without a jacket or with and without a tie and choose later. As a professional headshot photographer, I want my client to be happy so the more options, the better.

Rested and Radiant: The Power of Sleep:

Prioritize a good night's sleep before your headshot session. A well-rested face exudes vitality and confidence. Adequate sleep minimizes under-eye bags and helps achieve a fresh, energetic look that will shine through in your photographs. So, catch those Z's and wake up ready to conquer the camera!

Hydrate for that Healthy Glow:

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your headshot session. Hydration is key to achieving a healthy complexion and a natural, radiant glow. Moisturize your face and lips to ensure a smooth canvas, ready to be captured in high definition.

Preview Power: Don't Be Shy to Ask:

During the shoot, don't hesitate to request previews of the photos if your photographer isn’t offering (they should and we do always offer previews often). This will help you assess your angles, expressions, and overall comfort in front of the camera. It's an opportunity to make adjustments and communicate with the photographer, ensuring you're capturing the best version of yourself.

Embrace the Editing Process:

Remember that professional headshots almost always undergo post-processing to enhance their visual appeal. This is most often negotiated by your company but if your photographer doesn’t mention it, you definitely should ask. Once you understand that your photo will be edited, trust the expertise of your photographer and the editing process that follows. They will refine your images, adjusting lighting, color balance, and minor imperfections to create a polished final result. Also be sure to be specific when needed regarding edits. For instance your photographer should automatically take out blemishes but if you want or don't want a mole taken off be sure to communicate that.

Smile with Confidence: Show Your Authenticity:

A genuine smile is worth a thousand words in a corporate headshot. Relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through. A confident and approachable smile will make a lasting impression and connect with viewers on a human level.

Poses: Options are Your Friend:

Spend some time practicing your poses and posture before the shoot. Stand tall with your shoulders back and your chin slightly lifted. Avoid slouching or unnatural stiffness. Experiment with different angles to find your most flattering poses, conveying professionalism and self-assuredness. During the shoot, don’t get stuck on one pose and unless your photographer gives you specific instructions, be sure to make small changes to your position and expression during the shoot. This will allow for some real choices to be made and often leads to looks that are more genuine expressions of the subject.

Let Your Personality Shine: Embrace Your Uniqueness:

Remember that your headshot should reflect who you are as an individual. Don't be afraid to incorporate elements that highlight your personality or reflect your industry. Whether it's a subtle prop or a touch of creative flair, let your unique traits shine through, adding an extra layer of authenticity to your professional image. Doing this within the norm of your company culture is extremely important so be sure to ask your marketing department what is acceptable.

The key is to have fun with your headshots session even if the photo doesn’t make it on the corporate website.

Preparing for a corporate headshot is an opportunity to showcase your professional persona and make a lasting impression. By following these ten essential tips, you'll be well-equipped to rock your headshot session. From well-groomed hair and understated make-up to embracing your unique style and posing with confidence, you'll capture a headshot that radiates professionalism and authenticity. So, get ready to unveil the best version of yourself and let your headshot speak volumes about your capabilities and personality.

If you are interested in booking with Shearer Portraits, we accept and have worked with corporate clients in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Boston and are willing to come to your location or corporate event.