What makes a great headshot?
Headshots aren’t just for actors and actresses. Professional headshots are now needed by a whole host of creatives, small business owners and individuals.
I shoot headshots for authors, illustrators, writers, musicians, literary agents, personal trainers, architects to name but a few. Why? Because now, more than ever, business is conducted online and we are the face of our brand. Business is social. People buy from people. Clients and potential employers want to get a sense of who we are, and a great headshot can help build that trust and connection.
In that photograph (often seen in miniature on your social media profile) we need to present so much more than the dictionary’s definition: ‘a photograph of a person’s face, including their head and shoulders’.
So, the big question is ‘What makes a great headshot’?
Firstly it needs to look and feel like you. It needs to be up to date and help communicate your personality. There’s absolutely no point having a photograph of you dressed up to the nines or wearing a ton of makeup if this isn’t usually how you present yourself (unless of course that’s relevant to your business or speaks to the clients you hope to attract). You want to present the best version of yourself but the key is to be authentic. People like to see the real you and so I advise on holding back on the airbrushing too, limiting it to blemishes and rogue hairs.
Enjoy it! My mantra when shooting headshots is ‘a relaxed sitter equals great photos.’ Chatting, laughing and smiling means you are relaxed and this is really going to show in your photos. And don’t worry about being overly expressive, a good photographer will edit out any bloopers. A great headshot is one that clients can warm to and a natural smile brought about by a laugh is preferable over a moody stare down the lens.
Above all, trust your photographer. A great headshot is the result of a strong collaboration. Much like choosing a business partner, you should feel like you ‘click’ (excuse the pun) with your photographer. The photographer has the expertise to choose and control the best lighting, backdrop and the experience to confidently direct you.
However, your photographer must ‘get’ you in order for you to work successfully together to achieve that great headshot. A call to chat through your ideas is a must so your photographer can fully understand what you’d like to achieve in line with your business and brand ideals. Your discussion should include deciding on an inspiring location, outfits and logistics for the day. A great headshot will naturally emerge from a well thought out and enjoyable shoot with the right photographer for you.
Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to chat about headshots for you and your business and to see if we ‘click’.
Charlotte Knee
07726 543 901
charlotteknee.com
@chakneephotog
facebook/chakneephotog
＊OfficeTribe Member’s discount＊
Charlotte is offering 15% off all her headshot sessions for OfficeTribe members. Please get in contact via Hattie, emailing hattie@officetribe.co.uk for more details.