How To Show Authenticity In Your Headshots

How To Show Authenticity In Your Headshots – Three Useful Tips

I believe that every professional person should have a professional headshot. Headshots can be used for dozens of different things and is a necessity in today’s society. Prior to doing business, people are first introduced to you online. Your headshot is your chance to make a great first impression. And I believe that the most important thing to show in your headshot is authenticity. Here are a few quick tips on how to show authenticity in your headshots.

Everything Starts Before The Session Begins

When it comes to headshots, I believe that everything starts before the headshots are actually taken. Whenever possible, I recommend planning all of the details well in advance of your session. Below are a few things that you can think of before the start of your session:

Select your outfit: If you are taking the headshots for your company, make sure that your outfit aligns with any requirements. Chances are, you will have some great options that are already in your closet. I recommend trying on your outfit before the session to make sure that it fits how you would like. If necessary, you can purchase a new outfit prior to the session.
Take your headshots after a hair appointment/cut: One of the best times to take your headshots is after you’ve just gotten your hair done or cut. Right after your hair is done/cut, you look your best and feel the most confident.
Quiet negative thoughts: Perhaps the best thing you can do prior to your session is to quiet any negative thoughts. You may have taken a bad picture or headshot in the past, but come into the session realizing that your headshot is going to be your best one yet 🙂 This may seem like a small thing. However, believe it or not, it shows in your headshot.

Understand How Your Headshot Will Be Seen And Used

Another tip on how to show authenticity in your headshots is having a good understanding on how they will be used. It is natural to be self conscious about your headshots. But it is important to understand that people who take a look at your headshot will only look at it for 1-3 seconds and are not as critical as you may think. Your headshots will be taken in great lighting and will showcase your best self. Small things can be edited – such as skin smoothing, teeth whitening, a minor sliming of your face, etc. However, you showing authenticity in your headshots means that your headshots are not over edited. People naturally have wrinkles, your hair turns grey, and everyone has imperfections. These things can be minimized through editing; however, I do not recommend completely eliminating them. Showing your true self, wrinkles and all can really show your authenticity. I do not recommend applying editing filters or AI generated headshots as these come of as unauthentic.

Your Expression Is Everything

The last tip on how to show authenticity in your headshots is through your expression. Your headshot is more than a company badge picture, and it should not look anywhere close to a “mug shot.” Your expression should not be overexaggerated but it should also be friendly. When someone looks at your headshots it should show confidence and approachability. I recommend a similar expression that you would give when you are introducing yourself to someone new and giving them a fist pound or handshake. This can be a smile with teeth, or what I can a “half smile” without teeth. Most people believe that they are smiling “bigger” than they actually are. Whenever possible, ask your Photographer for a proofing gallery. This enables you to select the images with the best smile that represents you in an authentic way 🙂

Hopefully this quick article on how to show authenticity in your headshots has been helpful. Thanks!