In this present digital world, where most people have online profiles and most of them tend to network extensively for career growth, it is indispensable to own a good and presentable professional headshot. Nevertheless, not every headshot is made the same, for the difference between a good headshot and a bad one would determine the kind of impression that a prospective employer, client, or business associate gets about one.
In this blog post, we will elaborate on the examples of professional headshot. In addition, readers will be able to apply the knowledge they gained from these cases in order to be more ready and prepared to look and/or present themselves to the outer world.
The Do’s of Professional Headshots
Do: Dress Appropriately for Your Industry
When it comes to professional photographs, attire is one of the most critical elements of concern. Dressing according to the industry enhances your appearance, but more importantly, it demonstrates your ability to adhere to the norms of your profession.
- Formal Sectors (Law, Finance, Corporate): If your industry is more traditional or serious, please dress in formal business-stop clothing; this may include a suit or a jacket. Solid or neutral colours are ideal since they project professionalism without being exaggeratedly conspicuous.
- Creative and Casual Industries: However, when it comes to industries such as media, advertising or even designing, it is safe to say that one can be liberal with the way he or she looks. You can still maintain a professional look but incorporate a bit of your personality such as with a bright scarfs and a jumper or even a casual blazer.
Example: Real estate headshot of a woman in a sharply-tailored blazer and neatly-collared shirt, seated in her well-lit office. This headshot is designed in a way that is both professional and friendly, an image that is great for gaining the confidence of clients.
Do: Use Natural Lighting
Good lighting is essential in any headshot, so it is also important to note that lighting plays a critical role in any good headshot. Natural sunlight is the best as it helps to reduce hard light shadows and also enhances the overall appearance into a more cleaner and professional look.
This is the best light for taking real and relatable pictures.
- Try to steer clear from bright light especially the artificial kind as it may wash out your face or create undesirable shadows around your face. Choose the soft and diffused natural lighting – probably the best light is experienced in the morning or the late afternoon.
Example: A young entrepreneur of a technology startup is standing beside the big window. Light from the window beautifully falls on the person’s face. The light is perfect since it does not cast any shadows thus making the person look both professional and friendly.
Do: Focus on Expression and Eye Contact
Another important aspect of people’s shots is their facial expressions. Taking a picture should encompass only the right and approachable attributes. A smile or a soft grin helps with warmth, and in any headshot, a direct gaze helps with confidence and engagement.
Studies analyzing the concept of ‘capital punishment’ have found that it takes less than a second for a person depending on the other to evaluate the first one’s face even in photographs. Hence, expression and eyes are very important for the headshots.
Example: A healthcare professional gently smiling with direct eye contact. This image oozes warmth and trust hence the health professionals appearing in such images make the patients feel safe and secure.
Do: Choose a Simple Background
A plain and simple background allows the attention to you. Neutrals or a blurred office setting work the best. It is acceptable to go for an outdoor or a suitable work environment if one works in a creative industry, but don’t be over the top and use something that will draw away attention.
Example: A marketer is pictured standing against a backdrop of an office equipped with furnishings that have been slightly and softly out of focus. The gentle colours assist in aiming at the person while the office decor gently suggests their line of work.
The Don’ts of Professional Headshots
Don’t: Use Distracting Backgrounds
One of the unappealing headshots that people take is that the background is too interesting for the viewer’s concentration. High contrast, patterned and embellished backgrounds make the photo look cheap and non-expert. It’s crucial that the backdrop elevates your stature and does not diminish it.
Bad Example: A shot of a finance executive appearing against a busy street with vehicles and people almost everywhere. The background not only distracts the viewer, it is also out of context with what the image portrays, creating a more messy than tidy picture.
Don’t: Overuse Filters or Retouch
It is acceptable to enhance your headshot to improve its definition but having too many filters and editing may defeat its purpose and hence enhance the contrary that it makes you look phony and unworthy. Do not use much airbrushing or filters used in Instagram which change one’s image too much.
The study done by The American Psychological Association disclosed that pictures that are changed radically by the use of Photoshop or other tools are perceived as not so real. This is a drawback in situations in which you need to build credibility in a business context.
Bad Example: A corporate consultant’s headshot which is heavily retouched and dramatically filtered. The unrealistic appearance lowers the level of professionalism of the person within the image and makes the photograph feel fake.
Don’t: Ignore Your Posture
Unfortunately, even perfectly taken pictures do not rule out the possibility of one looking less confident due to help all photographers the unflattering positions. It would help if you maintained either a standing or sitting posture with shoulders pulled back as an impression of authority and composure. A slight lean towards the audience can also give the impression that the person is engaged and welcomed.
Bad Example: A lawyer’s headshot posing nonchalantly [with arms crossed] and slouching. Such a posture creates an impression of disconnect and lack of warmth, which can be off-putting to prospective clients.
Don’t: Wear Overly Casual Clothing
No matter how relaxed the workplace culture is, do not wear apparel that appears too relaxed. Wearing casual attire such as branded round-neck T-shirts, sleeveless tops, or non-formal wear can make one lose their professional image. Keep in mind that the headshot that you will take will define your brand therefore, try as much as possible to look neat and well dressed.
Bad Example: A headshot of a creative designer in a pronounced T-shirt and a frazzled hairdo. Even though this sector encourages out-of-the-box thinking, the very relaxed dressing style undermines the professional image that they most likely intend to communicate.
Key Takeaways: Do’s and Don’ts in Action
Having tackled the do’s and don’ts let’s now consider these very professional processes of headshots—good and bad ones— and stitch some of the lessons we have learnt:
- Good Example: A software engineer stands against a bright well lit office, dressed in smart-casual attire, beaming a warm smile and making proper eye contact with the camera. The background is clear with not much distraction and the emotions are professional but friendly. This headshot exudes professionalism and empathy, especially for a person working in it company, and fits a techie like a glove.
- Bad Example: A sales and marketing executive applying for a position uses an old taken in a dark space picture in which there is a casual dressing outfit not directed to the camera. This picture she appears with is lowly rated as it comes out as unprofessional and untidy which may make them lose trust from others.
Conclusion
More than just a picture, your professional headshot conveys your branding. Adhering to these do’s and don’ts, you can make sure that your headshot portrays the right impression to help you make an effective first impression that is consistent with the requirements of your industry.
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