Headshot Expressions & Your Confidence: How to walk with a killer headshot

What Makes A Good Headshot?

Many people ask me, “what goes into making a good headshot?” There are many aspects that make a good headshot and since I get many of the same concerns from my clients, I thought it would be good to post.

Whether you’re an actor, a businessperson or a first-time headshot client, who couldn't use a little advice on taking their best photos?

In order for you to be taken seriously as a professional, you need to present yourself in your best light (pun intended), and this is all tied together with your professional headshot. Will your potential clients take you seriously based on what your current photo portrays? If you have any doubt, then you may want to consider a pro. Professional photographers understand how to put you in your best light. here’s a quick list of what considerations you should give to your headshots:

1. Natural make up for females with hair off your face.
2. A genuine show of emotion; whatever the expression you decide on, commit to it.
3. Natural lighting if possible; or a light source from behind your photographer.
4. A recent photo that is updated regularly, especially if you change your look significantly.
5. A closely cropped photo of your face that clearly shows your features – it can be in black & white or color.

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It is never ok to…

1. Have hair covering your features.
2. Have a photo with you AND someone else in it!
3. Use a self-taken portrait, especially when a mirror is involved
4. Use a bad quality or blurry photo

Making the best first impression begins with you photo, after all, it is the first thing that potential employers see on your profile especially with the ubiquitous social media platforms of today. Think of it as an opportunity to sell yourself!

EXPRESSION There are only three ways a person can show facial expression.

1) Eyebrows
2) Eyes
3) Mouth

A lot of times clients don’t even realize they are making certain expressions and the last thing I want is for people to feel pressure to come up with a flattering pose or to over think in front of the camera. As a photographer it is my responsibility to watch for, if not evoke, the right expressions from you.

Your eyes communicate the most. To gain the best image you must strive to put yourself in a positive upbeat place, feeling comfortable and confident. If you are worried about how the pictures are going to look – that’s what’s going to show up! It is our shared responsibility to make the experience fun and to get a great smile and genuine expression.

Let loose and enjoy the experience! Often times when I am shooting clients, I will get them to laugh only to have them immediately stifle their laughter. Don't do it! Go with it!

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APPEARANCE Clothing

• The safe thing to do is go with solid dark colors. White looks great on a lot of people in person but often won't work for a headshot.
• Stay away from overly bright colors or busy patterns.
• Generally speaking: if you don’t love it,  don’t wear it.
• If you’re not sure about an item, bring it anyway. If it’s in the studio, I have the option of photographing it.
• keep jewelry to a minimum.

Posing

• I make it really simple and give you as much or as little instructions as you need to look your best.

Grooming

• The hair and makeup in an actor headshot should be simple, polished, professional and most of all natural. If you are getting a business headshot, you should err on the side of conservative. Likewise, if you are coming in for an actor headshot you want to look like yourself. That means no self tanning or dramatic hair straightening/curling (unless this is how you plan on coming into auditions) The you in your headshot should look like the you the casting director sees.

PICKING YOUR PHOTOS

• A great headshot is a great photo but a great photo isn’t necessarily a great headshot. You want your headshot to be authentic, to have a spark in your eyes (you’ll know it when you see it). That pulls people in and makes them want to learn more about you.
• Think about the use of the image, people often meet your photo before they meet you so pick shots that have impact.
• Being in front of the camera can be intimidating and make you feel uncomfortable sometimes leading to a choice in photos that aren’t necessarily the best headshot. Choosing shots that downplay the features you are most insecure about is avoided with consultation. Others might not notice any perceived “flaw.”
• I will suggest the best shots from your shoot rather than giving you a disc of 100 photos to choose from and sending you on your way. It’s about creating curiosity with the viewer, remember you want the person looking at your photo to want to learn more about you.

If nothing else, have CONFIDENCE.  Do what you have to do to be confident in yourself during your session it is the single most important factor to getting a great head shot.

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