Discover the Latest Trends in Headshot Photography
Ace Your Online Profile: Expert-Approved Headshot Ideas for 2024
Stay ahead in your professional journey by updating your headshot with the latest styles and techniques. Glance through our "look" guide for some inspiration for your next profile update.
Your Professional Headshot Toolkit
Most people will use the same headshot for 10 years. To get the most mileage out of your headshot here are 5 key portrait ideas that can help you plan your headshot session. You can choose one or a mix of these depending on what kind of look you are after. There is no single type of headshot that is standard - many kinds will work. It depends on what the use case is. You can also go for more than one to have a vairety of options. Having your portrait done is something you should invest a little time and thought in. You are building a cornerstone piece of "content" that will act as your personal avatar possibly for years to come. Your perfect headshot is more than just a photo – it's the start of your next professional chapter!
1. Authenticity
I think authenticity is the most important aspect of your personality that your portrait has to convey. You can’t fake authenticity. I think this is also why (at least for the time being) AI portraits and AI photos of people in general all seem to have a slightly eerie feel. When you are preparing for your headshot session put yourself in in the right frame of mind by thinking about how you want your customers, colleagues, friends and admirers to perceive you. Positivity, competent, relaxed confidence is always a good look. A professional photographer can help you get there but you need to bring your A-game too so that the end result is something you love and are proud to share online.
2. Minimalism
Every professional needs one straighforward, standard headshot on a clean background. The minimalist approach should also extend to your wardrobe choices. Keep it classic and uncomplicated. Men should were collar shirts, preferably a solid colour, and a well fitted blazer. Women have more leeway but avoid long hanging pendants or flashy jewellry. While you may want to have more fun or differnt style portraits as well, having one well shot standard headshot in your personal brand bank will always be handy.
3. Environment
An environmental portrait is one where professionals are photographed in their workspace or a set up that includes elements that relate to thier work, expertise and industry. Think, a carpenter in her woodshop or a commercial pilot in front of a plane in a hangar. Or more corporate type environmental portraits may include photos of you at work in a typical business setting, like the one shown here of a laywer engaging with a client. These types of portrait sessions. areusually more elaborated and involve a little more planning than a conventional headshot, but the images generated can be quite dynamic and are useful for magazine articles or newsletter stories.
4. Lighting
Portrait lighting should be flattering. You want to see catch light in your eyes, even lighting on the face, good separation from the background and a well defined chin line. Studio lighting is often helpful in achieving these goals and allows your photographer to shape and contour your face with light.
Conversely, as I've written about before here and here natural light never goes out of style. While it's really a mainstay of portrait photography, one of the standout trends this fall is the use of natural light to create flattering headshots. What better use of a cloudy overcast day than to go outdoors and capture some beautifully cloud filtered soft light?
5. Colour
If you have opportunity and your professional work allows for it, consider taking a few portraits in a colourful setting. While these types of set ups won't work for every purpose, that's ok. You should aim to have a few different kinds of headshots on hand just as you would tailor a CV for a specific job you are applying for. Colourful backdrops can also be done on seamless (replace the grey or white with a pink or blue), as well as in blurred city scape backgrounds or natural environments.
Expert Tips
How to get ready for your headshot
Updating your headshot is essential for maintaining a professional image. Here are some actionable tips to help you prepare for your session:
- Use reference images: If you are part of team make sure your photographer has access to your company's brand guidelines and is shown other reference images to ensure yours matches what your colleagues are using.
- Wear clothes you feel good in: Your portrait should exude positive energy and confidence. Nothing helps build that mood like wearing your fabourtie, professionally appropriate outfits you know you look good it that match your skin tones adn fit you well.
- Rest!: Get a good night's sleep before your photoshoot. Nothing makes you look better than actually being well-rested.
- Smile: Practice your smile in front of a mirror. Whether wide or minimalist, teeth or no teeth, get comfortable smiling naturally. Think happy thoughts. Whatever it takes to make your smile real and bubble up so it reaches your eyes.
- Hair & makeup: It never hurts to do your hair and makeup. Your photographer can bring in a makeup artist if requested and budget allows. It turns photo day into a kind of a self-care day. Take advantage if you can. (But don't worrry - a subtle touch-up can make a significant difference. Ensure your photographer offers professional retouching services.)
Planning a headshot session for your office? Read this and this. For some thoughts on how to pose and good facial expressions check out this article as well.
Ready to Update Your Headshot?
Don't miss out on the opportunity to refresh your professional image with a stunning new headshot. Our expert photographers are ready to help you capture the perfect look for Fall 2024. Book your session today and take the first step towards a more polished and professional you.
(Booking for a team at your office? Ask about discounted rates on volume bookings.)
