A corporate headshot posing guide: time to get your head in the game...
When it comes to posing for a headshot, things can quickly start to feel awkward. A corporate headshot wants to look professional but not stiff. If you find the idea of posing for a professional picture makes you break out in a cold sweat, here are a few corporate headshot posing tips to help you look cool as a cucumber.
Think like a turtle
When relaxed, we often let our head “flop". This can create a double chin on the skinniest of subjects. While bringing your chin forward will help, it’s easy to tilt up too, giving the camera a lovely view of your nostrils. Instead, think about bringing your ears forward. The movement is a bit like a turtle, but the result is very flattering!
Posture is critical too and when feeling a little apprehensive, tensing your shoulders is a common reaction. The problem is tense shoulders make you stiff and this tension shows throughout your body and all over your face.
Stay as relaxed as possible (you never know, you might start to find the process of having a headshot taken fun!) And regardless of how unnatural a position may feel, remember good posture is essential to looking professional in your photographs.
Turn on the charm
When it comes to how you stand for your professional headshot. Look at images of celebrities on the red carpet, the classic position? A ¾ turn. Turning your body front-on to the camera can make it look unfairly wide. Rotate your body slightly and ta-da, an instantly slimmer profile.
If you’re struggling just standing there, you might feel more comfortable sitting down when posing for your business headshot. A photograph taken sitting down – at a desk, or perhaps a sofa if you are a therapist or counsellor can work well. Although, being seated means being extra aware of keeping a good posture. A portrait that is taken seated also means the photo will show clothes below your waistline, so make sure your lower half looks business-appropriate too,
Still not found a headshot pose that feels right for you? Leaning on something, a table, a wall, or a door frame, can also work well. Just make sure you don’t lean in too far, it can look heavy and will your shoulders may hunch up.
Smile with your mouth and your eyes
A big smile means nothing if you're dead behind the eyes. Think of happy thoughts, inside jokes and show the emotion with a great big eye-smile. Your headshot will instantly look more relaxed. Even if you choose a serious expression for the rest of your face, happy eyes will stop your business headshot from looking too stern.
Leigh is an Exeter based corporate photographer, specialising in personal branding shoots and business headshots. No stuffy studios, just professional, natural portraits for modern entrepreneurs.