How to get your headshot right

There’s no time like early in a new year to reflect on where you’re going, how you’re representing yourself and whether the direction you’re currently taking is the right one for you.

Personal relationships and habits come under scrutiny and career aspirations are reviewed. So it’s also time to consider your image, and in this case, I mean your two dimensional image; your bio shot. If you work, study or volunteer in any capacity, you should have one.

it's important to have a good headshot because:

• We live in a virtual world and we like to see who we’re doing business with, particularly if we can’t meet in person

• If you don’t have one (or the image is not clear) people can assume you have something to hide or you are not comfortable being open and transparent

• We now crave personal connection, perhaps as a result of lockdowns and isolation, and a good bio shot of the person we’re liaising with helps us feel more connected

• We are overwhelmingly visual creatures and curious about each other

• It’s so easy to achieve these days (for example through using a smart phone) so there is very little excuse not to have one

In truth, you don't need to have your headshot taken by a professional, but it should look professional.

Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Ensure your full face is in shot (this is not an artistic shot so don’t get shadowy or use clever angles )

• Have a calm or happy expression on your face (no hysterics, no anger, no arrogance; instant turn off)

• Ensure your eyes can be seen clearly (looks open and honest)

• Face the light rather than having it behind you (or you’ll appear as a silhouette) or above you (your face will be distorted and shadowy)

• Don’t overcomplicate your outfit (simple generally looks better on screen and in photos)

• Wear a colour you know suits you so you look energetic and radiant (the wrong colours can have the opposite effect)

• Ensure there is some space above your head (don’t crop it too tightly but don’t leave too much space around you - we want to actually see you!)

• Consider your background (you need to stand out from it)

Other things to consider:

• What kind of image do you need to portray? Is it a hard hitting professional and authoritative one? Or do you need to look approachable or down to earth casual? Different colour combinations can portray different images and it’s important to know which is right for you. Pictures can speak a thousand words, as they say!

• Are you having your photo taken on behalf of the organisation you work for? See if you can find out about the background you’ll be photographed against and consider the corporate branding colours you might be surrounded by in print or online; you don’t want to blend into them, nor do you want to clash with them.

• Are you the person organising headshots for your team or department? Ensure everyone being photographed knows when this will take place so they all have the opportunity to look their best. Give them all the information they need to make good outfit choices.

• Do you have impaired vision? You might like to nominate someone you trust to help choose an outfit in colours that will work best for you, and even to direct things during the shoot for you (angles, posture, facial expression etc). The photographer may be helpful during the shoot, but they may also be overwhelmed on the day and not have much capacity to be helpful.

• Are you concerned about using your physical image to represent you professionally? Whether you are concerned about facial difference, dysmorphia or something else regarding your physical appearance, know that with the right photographer and some care and consideration, you will look personable and professional.

It is important for us all (yep, me as well!) to be mindful that professional headshots are not glamour shots or artistic shots. Their purpose is not for us to look beautiful or fashionable but competent, giving the viewer the sense that we can do our job well and that we will be reasonable to deal with.

Below are example images I send to clients to show them the quality of photo I need to do their Online Colour Analysis. While there is insufficient space around these heads for them to be professional headshots, it does demonstrate the clarity required to look professional.

If you think I can help prepare you for your bio shot (colours / outfit / what style or approach to project etc) contact me here.

A note on vision impairment and professional headshots:

Having said that we like to see who we’re dealing with, spare a thought  for the colleague with impaired vision who may not be able to see the detail in your image. There is a way you can help them out; alt text and image descriptions.

Alt (or alternative) text is a basic description of the image. Image descriptions explain more detail.

For example:

Alt text: Headshot of a woman

Image description: A light-skinned woman with freckles and shoulder length red hair is sitting at a desk. The background is deep grey. She smiles at the camera. She wears a deep blue jacket over an orange top.

Most programs allow for these descriptors and it’s easy to do.

Have a go at describing your own image objectively!