The Most Important Things To Portray In Headshots – Striking The Right Pose
Headshots are incredibly important to everyone in the business world. This is because people often meet you first online. Not having a headshot or having a headshot that is not professional can tacitly hurt your business. The good news is that capturing a really meaningful headshot is easier than you may believe! Here are three quick tips on the most important things to portray in headshots.
Your Headshot Must Be Authentic
One of the most important things to portray in headshots is authenticity. If you are fun, friendly, and someone people love being around, you want to portray this in your headshot. Appearing authentic has a lot to do with your expression. I always recommend having a similar expression as you would when you are introducing yourself to someone for the first time. This can be a smile with teeth, but it can also be what I call a “half smile” with no teeth. Imagine that the person taking your headshot is a close friend, to minimize any nervousness you may have about getting your headshot taken. I also believe that authenticity shows in how the headshot is edited. If it appears overly edited, too polished, or AI generated, this can give off an unauthentic feel.
Confidence Is Also Essesntial
Another one of the most important things to portray in headshots is confidence. Confidence is something that can also be shown in your expression. However, it can mostly be shown in your posture. Slightly leaning towards the camera, as opposed to away from it, can show that you are confident. Having your shoulders out, and not compressed, is also a way to show confidence in your headshots. I also strongly believe that self talk can play a big role in appearing confident. One of the worst things you can do before your headshots is to say, “I hate having my picture taken,” or something along those lines. Everyone is capable of taking a “bad” picture, but coming into the session with positive energy can make a significant difference. Come into the session knowing that you are going to take your best possible headshot, and it will show in the images.
Do You Seem Approachable?
Last but not least, it is also important to appear approachable in your headshots. Your headshot should not look like you are getting your “mug shot” taken! It is also not an employee ID card photo. Like I previously mentioned, imagining that you are meeting someone for the first time can make you appear approachable. Approachability gives of the feel that the person looking at your headshot would love to meet you.
If you are planning on getting headshots taken, hopefully this has been helpful. Thanks!
