First impressions matter. Someone at some point will be seeking to do business with you via the internet or social media. Are you looking your best?

A Basic Guide to a Great Headshot Photo Session

Professional headshots are the first introduction to you, your business, and your personal brand.

Around 93% of HR professionals and recruiters turn to LinkedIn to find quality candidates, 2 in 3 turn to Facebook, and more than half utilize X (formally known as Twitter). This proves that a headshot plays a vital role in your professional life. Your headshot should be a powerful, compelling, and confidence-instilling headshot that makes prospective clients, employers, and partners want to reach out and connect with you.

Before you head to the studio for your professional headshot photo session, consider what you want others to see when they glance at your profile page.

Think about some of the characteristics that embody your personal brand. Are you a chef, an educator, a writer? Write down some keywords and phrases. If specific props could help tell your story, bring them along to your session.

I usually take a few shots using various outfits, so you have a good selection. If you’re using your headshot on a specific social media platform, you might even want to tailor it to fit that site.

Check out a few images from a recent Headshot Session with John! John is an IT professional currently updating his resumé and LinkedIn profile, so he needed a professional headshot for his future endeavors.

It’s important that your look matches the image you’re trying to convey. What you wear on a daily basis is a great place to start. Solid colors are always a good choice, as are tops with strong collars and necklines. We suggest that you wear clothing that compliments your skin tone and eye color and it’s best to stay away from very bold (neon) colors too. Even though you’re normally only photographed from the shoulders up, it’s important for your entire outfit to be professional as you may want a shot or two that is taken further away and incorporates more of your body.

Even though this is a professional shoot, remember to have fun. A relaxed, comfortable subject naturally exudes confidence. Are you a business owner or creative and ready to put your best face forward and visually take your business to the next level? If you answered “YES!” then take the next step by clicking here, and let’s get you in front of my lens!

If you liked this post, don’t miss my blog post about 20 Places + Ways to Use Your Branding Photos. Oh, and follow along as I share some pretty awesome and authentic moments in these little squares (Instagram, of course) too!