How to Take Great Headshots? Take Great Professional Headshots with These Tips!

This first thing to consider when preparing for your business photo shoot is to always have your audience in mind. What is the look you would like to portray to your client? Do you want to feel approachable? Do you want to have strictly a business look or more laid back? There is nothing more frustrating than investing both time and money for photos, only to realize the end result doesn’t fit with your brand. As small business owners, many times we are our brand and it is important to stay consistent with the image you are trying to portray.

Take the time to look on Pinterest and see what styles are most attractive to you and your brand. This will also assist you in selecting a quality photographer as well. If you love the outdoor look, you are not going to want to select a photographer that strictly works in a studio. If you want both the studio look as well as an outdoor location, make sure the photographer you select has experience with both. If you are uncertain which style is best, you can’t go wrong with a crisp, white background.

As for what to wear, choose clothing you are comfortable in that is not too loose/baggie or tight. Solid colors are always great, but stay away from really bright, florescent colors. Layers are always a fantastic way to add more to your look without being too distracting. Earth tones are universally flattering and you can’t go wrong with black. Keep jewelry simple unless you sell jewelry for your business…then by all means; wear what you want them to buy!

When I book headshots, I strongly recommend that my clients also book a professional hair and makeup artist. Having your makeup done by a professional who is familiar working with photographers will create a natural look that will be most flattering on camera. Plus, it is hard enough trying to decide what to wear…leave the hair and makeup up to a professional!

If you know you would like full-length shots as well as headshots, make sure your photographer knows this ahead of time. The more information you provide to your photographer the better and photos of styles you like will help make sure you are both on the same page.

Finally, the most important part of a photo shoot is you! Try to relax, enjoy the experience and whatever you do, don’t say cheese!

Holly

Holly McClelland is a Arizona based photographer specializing in high school seniors and headshots. She has trained with some of the best NYC fashion photographers and focuses on providing custom fashion inspired sessions for the modern teen. She is also a wife, and mother to three beautiful children Avery, Macy and Steele. She is a Starbucks addict and a lover of all things created by Apple.

www.HollyMcClelland.com