Which type of headshot is best for your personal brand?
You have decided to face the music and get your headshot back on brand… but how? Read on to find out how to create a business headshot that truly reflects you.
Let’s start with the fundamentals of your professional headshot: the ‘go without saying’ bits that make your corporate picture professional.
LEAVE ENOUGH SPACE… SOME SITES FORCE YOU TO CROP YOUR PICTURE TO FIT WITHIN A SPECIFIC SHAPE
Obviously, a headshot must include your head! But consider adding a little more into the shot; shoulders or at least a neckline will make sure it doesn’t look cramped and awkward. Including extra space gives you more flexibility when uploading your headshot to a corporate site or directory, which often auto crops your photo into a circle. Extra space means that you don’t risk being forced into chopping off the top of your head.
High-resolution images are a must. Blurry pictures look unprofessional and careless. If you are working with a professional photographer, ask for your pictures in resolutions that are customised for screen (72 dpi) and print (300 dpi) to ensure you get the best results.
Clean clothes and well-kempt hair. It doesn’t matter which style of clothes you choose (more on that below) but looking presentable in your headshot is essential. This is not the time to skip the beard trim or forget your hairbrush!
A picture that has been taken for the purpose. Cropping out your mate’s head or using a picture from a friend’s wedding day, even if you did look amazing, is never a good idea. Your headshot is a specific picture, for a specific purpose, which is to show off your personal brand in a professional context. If you can’t stretch to a professional photographer, then use a phone, set up the shot and get a friend to take the picture from a reasonable distance. No selfies!
NOTHING WRONG WITH A SPLASH OF COLOUR… HELP YOUR PICTURE STAND OUT WITH BOLD BRAND COLOURS
So, with the headshot essentials covered, let’s think about the choices you can make to make your corporate image unique.
Clothing styles. There is no hard and fast rule about what to wear for a business headshot, although a swimsuit, wedding dress or comedy glasses might be pushing it. Consider the level of formality; a suit and tie are no longer a must if you work in a more relaxed environment. Certainly, avoid them if they make you feel awkwardly corporate. If your profession requires you to wear a uniform (vets, therapists, doctors, I’m looking at you…) that can be an easy way to signal what you do.
BACKGROUNDS ARE IMPORTANT TOO… SO CONSIDER THE CONTEXT
The background of your picture is important. Simpler backgrounds can work well for team headshots because they are consistent and can be easily replicated for new joiners. An outdoor headshot feels fresh, and nothing beats natural lighting. An environmental portrait, with an office background, can also give a nod to what your business is all about.
Black & white or colour? Black & white pictures are popular in industries that want to add gravitas. They can also be an artistic choice for musicians or creatives. Practically, they work well for consistency across team About Pages. However, using colour gives more range to inject brand colours and personality. If you book a professional photographer, ask them to supply both options to give you flexibility.
So, there you have it, a few things to consider when it comes to curating your corporate headshot. Remember: a photographer can and should be helping you to work through all these things, from supplying style guides to location scouting.
If you’d like to chat through the choices of your professional headshot or a full personal branding shoot (which has a whole bunch more to consider) then please do get in touch.
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.