“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." Christian D. Larson
Everyone knows that a headshot is typically your calling card used for professional reasons and most think of it as an afterthought to have one, but it’s important to think of it also as a modern portrait in which the focus is on the person. It’s your professional profile image that will be seen on social media, the 'about us page' on websites, and as promotional pictures for professionals, entrepreneurs, careers in entertainment and in any industry that requires marketing materials.
It’s about connection.
Your headshot will be the cornerstone of all your marketing content and helps to connect you to your clients through business cards, websites, professional profiles, mailers to name a few. Using it as the centerpiece of your communication channels, it ties everything together while it creates familiarity to those who are your target audience. With your headshot on social media, a website, and printed materials, potential clients get to know you and become more comfortable toward you and this is the first step to building client relationships.
Professional images.
Investing in professional images provides a visual representation of you at your best, in a relaxed, but professional environment whether onsite or in the studio. They get the ball rolling for all your marketing needs. I will work with you to create your headshot to help you be successful in your business!
So, let’s get started!
Where do you start and how do you prepare for it? How do you make an impact on social media, what clothes do you wear and what else is needed for a headshot photoshoot?
Here are some tips to help you for your headshot photo shoot.
Create a marketing plan that includes media and photo requirements. Consider
which type of media needs photos - social, website, printed materials. Also, what type of photos are needed - formal portraits, casual, in studio or at a location.
Next plan your clothing, makeup and hair.
Plan your clothing carefully since they communicate to your audience who you are, and it will be what they see on your marketing materials. It's better to stick to solid colors and avoid large patterns and logos.
You will want to try your clothes on before the shoot, to ensure they fit and look like you want them to look. You will also want to be comfortable in them while shooting, this will help make you feel more relaxed during the session. Women may want to add a splash of color to provide interest to the outfit or add a statement piece.
Makeup for women is highly recommended, but it should be applied to look natural and to give you a clean simple look. It is not recommended for men. All of my work is retouched afterwards, so any blemishes will be taken care of during that process.
Your hair should reflect the way you would like to present yourself. It's recommended to schedule a haircut at least one week prior to the shoot. Two weeks is even better.
Just like anything else that is worth it, you should get a professional photographer. For those serious about their business, there is a definite difference between photos taken by a photographer and those taken by a mobile device.
After choosing a photographer you should schedule a consultation. First off, it should be complimentary to see if you can work with the photographer. Most of the time there aren’t any issues, but it is necessary to understand and agree on what, you the client, wants from the photo shoot and what products you are interested in purchasing.
On the day of the shoot, expect the session to run from 30 to 60 minutes. Typically, gray and
white backgrounds will be used unless another color has been agreed to during the consultation.
If you have any questions prior to the shoot, contact your photographer, so you everything is ready for the session.
That's it! I hope this is helpful for your headshot session.
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