Should it be Head Shots or Headshots? I see both. Autocorrect wants to make it two words, and I tend to like that. Moreover, I prefer the term, “business portraits.” But that can be more than just a headshot, which normally is no more than the head and shoulders.
Regardless, a head shot should say something about you, and as a photographer who has made quite a few of them, I can help you decide on the look you want or need for your business.
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Right or wrong, it’s human nature to make snap judgments based on appearances, such as picking up on body language and facial expressions. That’s why, when you’re looking for a job, it’s so important to have an updated, professional LinkedIn profile photo to let potential employers know that you’re trustworthy, intelligent, and perfect for the position.
You’ll be judged by your appearance.
The first thing most recruiters or potential employers look at on a LinkedIn profile is the photo, so like it or not, the way you look matters. The right headshot can help you score your dream job, and an amateur or outdated headshot can actually cause you to miss out on opportunities.
Don’t believe it? A CareerBuilder survey actually found that the way you present yourself can not only affect your ability to get hired but can also impact your chances of getting a promotion.
That’s why it’s absolutely essential to have a quality, updated professional headshot on your LinkedIn profile. You want to encourage recruiters to keep looking and check out your skills and experience, instead of clicking away after just a few seconds.
You want to make a solid first impression.
These days, most potential employers will look you up online before they ever contact you for a phone or in-person interview. That’s why you want to put a lot of thought and effort into how you present yourself on your LinkedIn profile. You want to show off your skills and experience, as well as give the impression of someone who’s intelligent, dedicated, and approachable.
That may sound like a lot to pull off, but as we’ve all heard, a picture is worth a thousand words, and your profile photo can help you give the right impression to recruiters. Your LinkedIn image can also serve as an introduction to other people in your field and potential clients, and you want to make sure that introduction is a positive one. A selfie or blurry amateur photo can give off the impression that you don’t care about presenting yourself professionally, which can be an immediate turnoff to potential employers.
You’ll get more engagement.
Social media is a very visual medium, and LinkedIn is no different from Facebook or Instagram in that respect. Profiles with a photo get more engagement than those without—21 times more views and nine times more connection requests. Those additional views can make all the difference in getting an interview for the job you want.
When you choose a professional, sharp outfit for a job interview, you’re telling your interviewer that you’re serious about the position without even saying a word. The same is true for your LinkedIn profile photo. A quality, professional headshot can let recruiters know that you mean business and encourage more people to click on your profile and learn about your skills and expertise.
You’ll look more genuine.
Having a quality profile picture lets anyone who looks at your profile know that you’re for real. Profiles without a photo tend to give off the impression that the account is questionable, which is definitely not what you want potential employers to think when they see your profile.
Also, not having a photo might keep people from accepting your connection requests. People are a lot savvier about the internet these days and more likely to be suspicious of a profile without a picture. If you’re looking to build your network on LinkedIn, you definitely don’t want to give people a reason not to accept your connection.
You want to show off your personality.
LinkedIn profiles allow interviewers to put a face to the name before they meet the person. A photo also gives recruiters and potential employers an idea of what kind of person you are. For example, a selfie or cropped group photo may suggest that you don’t pay much attention to detail or aren’t very diligent in your work, while a professional headshot tells anyone who sees it that you are dedicated and on task.
Let recruiters, employers, and all your connections know that you mean business with a high-quality LinkedIn profile photo!
]]>Between TV and movies, the internet, and social media like Instagram and Snapchat, we live in an incredibly visual world. Images are an essential part of both our personal and professional lives, especially if you’re trying to create branding for your career or your own business.
That’s why professional headshots are so important. Whether it’s creating a strong avatar for your social media profiles or putting a face to your name for potential clients or employers, a headshot can give you the extra push you need to score that job or secure that client for your business.
You want to look professional.
The saying “You only get one chance at a first impression” is famous for a reason—it’s absolutely true! And no matter how experienced or qualified you are for a position, if you don’t appear professional, your chances of getting your dream job automatically decrease.
If you’re trying to promote your own business, a professional headshot can keep people on your site long enough to make a purchase or sign up for your services. When it comes to your website, you have a very limited amount of time to make a strong enough first impression to intrigue potential clients, so you have to impress!
You’ll use it EVERYWHERE.
Think you don’t have use for a headshot? Think again. If you’re promoting your own business, you’ll need a headshot for every place you post content or information online. That includes Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media, as well as your own website and blog and any sites where you contribute as a guest. People want to put a face to a name, and if you’re promoting yourself or your company, you want that face to look professional and skilled in your field.
You want to tell a story.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect position or seeking clients for your business, your headshot is the quickest way to tell the story of who you are and what you can do. A professional photographer can help your expertise and personality shine through your images. They’ll also help you choose a location that suits your field and the look you desire for your personal brand.
You want to make a strong introduction.
Any potential employer or client will check you out online before contacting you, so you want to represent yourself as intelligent, dedicated, and skilled. But you also want to be approachable, so it’s important to give prospects an idea of your personality and make sure you’re more than just a name in their eyes.
A professional headshot can help you do all these things and will serve as your introduction to everyone in your field, from potential clients to business partners to employers. To keep that introduction positive, you need a headshot that shows off how polished and professional you are. If you go with a selfie or a blurry cropped group photo, what impression does that give? If you don’t care about the impression you create, why would other people care about working with you?
You care about investing in your future.
Professional headshots are a financial investment, but they’re also an advancement in your career or business. Not only do they make you look good to prospects, but a high-quality headshot can also give you confidence in your own abilities. Prospects will see you as strong and well put-together, and you can start to see yourself that way as well!
When it comes to furthering your career or promoting your business, professional headshots are definitely worth the cost! They offer a major return on your investment by helping you to get clients, land your dream job, or help you find new professional opportunities.
Consider this: professional yet approachable, as well as trustworthy and intelligent. That may seem like a lot to fit into one photo, but a big part of your headshot is the wardrobe. Take a few minutes to think about all of the things that make up your personal brand and what you want others to take away from a glance at your profile.
Keep your colors calm.
That means no neon or blindingly bright colors and especially no busy patterns. These distract from your face, which is the main focus of the photo.
Instead, opt for solid, neutral colors and jewel tones (richly saturated colors), which flatter almost any complexion. Avoid flesh tones like beige or tan and keep away from bright white. If you’re looking for a neutral color, go with navy, burgundy, gray or forest green. A great way to choose your outfit color is to find a top that matches the color of your eyes and build the rest of your outfit from there.
Go for classic, instead of trendy.
Gentlemen:I suggest you go for a classic look. Pick your favorite suit that fits well and doesn't bunch up when you button it or when you sit down. Stay away from jackets with tight grids or small herringbone patterns as they can have a moiré pattern effect on camera. Ties look best when their tone lands between the suit and the shirt, so a light shirt, a dark suit, and a tie in a shade somewhere between them. Some ties are too shiny—try to stay away from really reflective, shiny, silk ties.
If you don't choose to wear a tie, wear a non-white shirt if possible. White shirts without a jacket and tie to break them up can lose detail in the color and folds. Additionally, a white shirt will be the brightest thing in the image and will draw the viewer’s eye away from your face.
If you wear a button-down shirt without a tie, it's best to wear a jacket or sweater of some kind to layer the look. If not, consider a darker color shirt to avoid looking like a head floating on a blank, boxy shirt. You might want to unbutton a button or two, but make sure your undershirt cannot be seen: think about wearing a V-neck undershirt or none at all.
Ladies: consider the same as the gentlemen in keeping it classic. Choose a professional suit or business-oriented outfit that is timeless: you shouldn’t be able to tell what decade it is in the photo.
V-necks accentuate the neckline and generally look best on women, but don’t choose something with too low of a neckline, as too much cleavage may also be distracting from the look you are going for. Avoid turtlenecks; they tend to make people look like they have no neck at all in photos. If the only option for a top is white, wear it under something, such as a suit jacket, cardigan, or sweater.
Executive headshots tend to look better without bare arms, so long sleeves are recommended. However, if you'd like to try showing arms in a sleeveless blouse or shift dress, we could make it work. Just bring a blazer or sweater to put over it as an additional option.
Avoid flashy jewelry.
If you’re going to wear earrings or a necklace, keep it simple. Go for small hoops or studs, and avoid loud, colorful pieces that will distract from the rest of your outfit. Statement necklaces may seem fun, but they can easily draw all the focus in an image. Additionally, they can be very reflective in studio lights.
Make sure you’re comfortable.
It’s essential that you feel at ease in whatever outfit you choose because if you’re uncomfortable, it will definitely show in your photos. If you buy a new outfit for your session, be sure to try it on and wear it around a bit beforehand to make sure you feel comfortable in it. Your clothing reflects who you are, so don’t wear something that feels completely unnatural and unlike your everyday work wardrobe.
Don’t wear your outfit to your session.
You don’t want your chosen blouse or shirt getting wrinkled by your car seatbelt. Sometimes you are on a tight schedule, but if possible, wear some comfortable clothes to your session and bring your outfit in a garment bag or on hangers to avoid any unexpected wrinkles or stains before the session.
Wear casual bottoms and shoes.
The best thing about headshots is that you don’t have to create a full outfit. Ordinarily a headshot is only head, shoulders, and sometimes a bit of chest; so if this is your casual day, jeans or any other kind of casual bottoms will be fine. Choose comfortable shoes, as they won’t appear in your images. Of course, those who want a ¾ pose might want to wear a dress/suit trousers as well. Please advise your photographer in advance if you need something other than a traditional headshot.
Putting together an outfit for your headshots may seem a little overwhelming at first, but just think about how you want to present yourself to the world. You do this every day in your choice of clothes for work, so put the same thought into your outfit for your session!
Don’t Forget Your Personal Appearance
Haircuts—unless you are going to a hair stylist just before your session, it’s best to get haircuts about a week in advance. (I’ve had clients use a stylist before a session and ended up asking for a retake session because they didn’t like the results.)
Face—ladies, unless there is a specific reason for doing so, don’t apply an extreme amount of makeup; the lens will pick up everything; gentlemen, make sure you have a nice, close shave and/or neat trim of facial hair.
Teeth—sure you have brushed those pearly whites. Consider when you will be eating when you schedule your session.
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A Tulane University study found that children who see photos of themselves have higher self-esteem than children who aren’t exposed to family portraits. Having your family photos hanging up in your home can help your children grow into more confident adults.
Show off what you love
Your home tends to reflect what you value most in life. After all, if we get a new outfit or the latest tech gadget, we can’t wait to show it off. Having the same attitude toward your family photos can reassure your children of how much they’re loved and valued. Let your children know just how important they are by having photos of them displayed prominently throughout your home. My home is full of family photos!
Family photos can show your children that they are an important part of your family and can serve as a reminder that your home is a safe space, no matter what life throws at them. By seeing their place in portraits, they can better understand how they fit into your lives and into the family as a whole.
Strengthen your family bond
In addition to boosting your children’s self-esteem, family portraits can also strengthen the bond of your entire family. It’s the perfect way to demonstrate that you are a unit, a group of people who love and support each other and walk together through life.
Seeing family photos hanging on your wall lets your children know where they come from and who they are. It can help them establish and understand their identity at an early age and move through life with more confidence.
Print vs. Digital
If you’re like most parents, you probably take cell phone photos of your kids constantly. You may even post them to your social media. But your child doesn’t follow you on Instagram, so they don’t get to see your captions about how much you love them. They have no way of knowing how frequently you share their photos.
Having physical prints hanging on the walls of your home lets your child know every day that they are loved and valued. A photo on the wall is a more sensory experience for your child than images on a phone screen or tablet. And it's always there--not subject to the sometimes uncertainly of a digital device, such as power failure, outmoded technology, or even simply having to turn on the device and find the picture. Displaying photos in your home lets your child—and everyone—know that you value your family and celebrate everything you have experienced together. It’s a way of demonstrating how important your family memories are to you, which can be comforting to your child.
Click here to download this page as a PDF.
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Tracking your family’s growth is a great reason to take annual family photos. But once you’ve booked your session, you may be feeling some trepidation. How am I going to get all the kids to behave? What should everyone wear? What if our pictures turn out terrible because no one will cooperate?
A family photo session can be a nerve-wracking experience for any parent, but the results are well worth the effort. To help you feel a little less stressed about getting everyone dressed and smiling, here’s a handy guide on how to prepare for and make the most of your family session.
Schedule at the right time of day
When it comes to photographing young children, scheduling is everything. For instance, you probably don’t want to schedule a photo shoot right in the middle of naptime and end up with a cranky toddler. In the same way, if your session runs over into dinnertime, your little one may throw a tantrum. Even if you want “golden hour” images, consider your kids and what time of day they’re most alert, awake, and content. It’s better to have your photos taken in the middle of the day than to struggle with frustrated, grumpy children just to get that gorgeous evening light.
Talk to your kids beforehand
A photo session is not something you want to drag your kids to without warning them. Take time to sit your kids down and explain what they can expect at the family session and how they should behave. Emphasize the fun aspects of a photo shoot: They can pretend to be models and even ham it up a little for the camera. Just remind them the importance of listening to you and the photographer and following instructions.
Get inspired
Think about what kind of images you want, and talk to your photographer about your options during your pre-session consultation. Would you prefer a studio session or one outside at a favorite park or spot in your town? Maybe you want an in-home session where the photographer can capture your family in their natural environment. Whatever you choose, be sure to speak with your photographer beforehand about what you’re hoping to achieve, as well as any special requirements you or your family may need.
Choose what to wear
While kids definitely look adorable in their dressiest outfits, you’re better off choosing something they’re comfortable in. That goes for your whole family, including you. Everyone will feel more like themselves in their favorite outfits. Just be sure everyone coordinates well and avoid bright colors or patterns that can be distracting. See another blog here that goes into more detail on clothing for your session.
The Day of Your Session
Pack your bag
If you have kids, you’re definitely familiar with how much stuff you need to bring along with you when you go places, and a family photo session is no different. Here are some items we recommend you pack for your photo shoot:
- An old blanket to sit on—perfect for cozy outside images
- Backup outfits—You never know when someone will get a little messy!
- Lint roller—This is a must if you’re including pets in the session—and pets are most welcomed!
- Favorite toys—A great way to keep little ones happy
- Snacks and water—Nothing boosts a kid’s mood quite like a favorite snack! Just go for something that isn’t too messy
- Tissues—As a mom, you probably always have these on hand, but you’ll need them to wipe messy noses
Keep an eye out for illness
If you or one of your children comes down with the flu the day of your session, talk to your photographer about rescheduling. These things happen, and we’re more than happy to work with you to find a better time to capture your family photos.
Remove any unnecessary items
Before your photographer starts snapping pictures, be sure to take any keys, phones, or wallets out of pockets and remove any hair ties or Fitbits from your wrists. All these items can be tucked away into your bag so you know exactly where they are and don’t have to stress about searching for your keys later.
Make a day of it
While your actual session may only take a couple hours, it’s a good idea to make the day a relaxing one. That means no additional activities for the kids (unless you want to take everyone out for a treat after the session) and no work for you. If possible, spend a relaxing day at home before and after your session.
Give yourself plenty of time
Instead of rushing out the door 15 minutes later than expected, get everyone ready early and allow yourself plenty of time to get to your session location. You may even want to take a look at traffic reports and give yourself even more time if necessary. If you’re in a rush, you’ll feel stressed and anxious, and that’s no way to start a family photo shoot! Be sure to give yourself plenty of breathing room so you can arrive comfortably early to your session.
Stay calm
I know, it’s easier said than done. But if you’re stressed out, your kids will sense it—and so do pets, and suddenly everyone is having a not-fun time. Besides, genuine smiles look so much better than forced ones, and you want your family photos to capture your authentic joy and personalities!
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This is where a professional family photo shoot is a great idea. Instead of worrying about getting everyone together, taking the photos yourself, and getting them printed, you can let a professional do all that for you, providing you with memories to cherish for the rest of your life. They also will edit your photos and arrange for them to be printed, so you know you’re getting the best quality images of your family.
Capture changes in your family.
From first steps to braces to high school, as your kids grow up, you don’t want to miss a moment. Having an annual family photo taken allows you to document all the changes in your family, whether it’s a new addition or a rapidly growing child. Professional family photos will be something you and your children can look back on for years to come.
Create art for your home.
What better way to decorate your home or office than with beautiful photos of the ones you love? You may have plenty of photos of your kids snapped on your cell phone and even some selfies of the whole family, but those are hardly the kind of pictures you want blown up on canvas and hanging above the fireplace. A professional family photo shoot helps you ensure that everyone will be in the photo, looking their best. Don’t have wall space? There are many wonderful options on photo books and albums for your coffee table!
Start a tradition.
Whether you grew up taking family photos or not, it’s a great tradition to start with your family. One day your grandchildren and maybe even their children will look back on your family photos, so it’s important to have quality, professional images for future generations to enjoy. And once you start the tradition of taking family photos each year, your children can continue it when they have families of their own.
Share with friends and family.
Each year I love getting holiday cards from friends and relatives that have photos in them. I look forward to seeing how they look and how much their children have grown. Don't you think your friends and family would love to see a great portrait of you and your family!
Eliminate the stress of taking your own photos.
Professional photographers will give you guidelines about the best way to be prepared for your family photo session. Having someone else handle the details will take the stress off of you!
The next time you’re thinking about how much you need an updated family photo, consider scheduling a session with a professional photographer—and make it a tradition that your family can enjoy for years to come.
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Avoid bright colors and obvious patterns
Even if you love to wear bright colors, they don’t look good on everyone, they’re incredibly hard to match, and they pull the eye away from the important part of the photo—your faces! To ensure your family is all dressed in the same color palette, stick with neutral colors that mesh well together. Neutrals offer a more timeless look and help you avoid the potential issue of bright colors clashing with one another and distracting from your faces. Large or bright patterns will have the same affect, and if one person is wearing patterns and others are not, that person will stand out. And believe it or not, white has the same effect, unless your portrait is going to be at the beach. I have found that various shades of blue work pretty well in this situation, but that is not cast in stone.
Play with layers
A great way to “stay neutral” and at the same time to spice up everyone’s outfits is by adding layers. This has the added benefit of allowing you to remove pieces for different looks without trying to get everyone changed. Go for jackets, cardigans, or even accessories like scarves and hats that can be easily taken on and off.
Try on your clothes ahead of time
Be sure to have everyone try on their outfits well before your family portrait session, especially if they’re new clothes. Make sure that everything looks good together and each style is suited to each member of your family. You can all wear different fits as long as it’s flattering to your body types. A fitted outfit looks much better than a loose one, as long as it’s still comfortable, which bring us to the next point>
Consider comfort and movement
Yes, you want everyone to look as good as possible, and you especially want your kids to look cute—but you definitely want them to be comfortable. If your kids hate wearing their outfits, they’re more likely to throw a fit or refuse to smile, and that’s the last thing you want! Keep it simple with a nice shirt and jeans or a comfortable dress—something that allows your child to move around easily, so they can play and have fun during your family portrait session.
Stay away from graphics and logos
It can sometimes be a challenge to talk your child out of their favorite shirt, but you want to stay away from graphic tees and other clothing with logos or brand names on them. Like patterns and bright colors, these designs distract from your smiling faces and take the focus in your photos away from you.
Make sure you’re comfortable, too
Don’t focus so much on your children’s comfort that you forget about your own! Ladies, if you choose to wear a dress or skirt, make sure it’s long enough so that you can move and pose comfortably. Try on your outfit beforehand as well and move around the house in it to make sure you have the full range of motion. Avoid itchy fabrics or anything that will be irritating throughout your session.
It takes a little planning, but you can choose outfits that make your whole family look amazing, ensuring you get photos you’ll love and cherish for years to come!
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Do you have an older dog who is a dear family member? I do; currently I have two. Believe it or not, they are 16 and 19 years old! In recent years I have made it a practice of photographing my dogs on or close to their birthdays. I am so glad I decided to do this, because my dear little Gizmo passed away about a month after he turned 17, a little over a year ago. I have photographed several dogs who were aging and whose owners wanted a nice portrait to remember them. Don't put this off until it's too late. Contact me about a photographic portrait of your dear fur baby. Or make it really something special with a painted portrait. Check out more pet portraits HERE.
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