Headshots You Won’t Hate: 5 Tips to Get a Great Photo

Recently, Rachael Mandell (FemmeFactor Founder) and I scheduled a shoot to get founder photos for the first time. We're usually behind the scenes planning strategy or directing creative, not in front of a lens figuring out where to put our hands so we look human. 

Even people at the height of their career tend to cringe at the thought of sitting down for a headshot. It’s a necessary piece of a professional’s toolkit and you should try to keep an up to date headshot ready so you aren’t thumbing through old Facebook photos for something appropriate. 

If you're thinking about updating your headshots, here are five tips to get the most out of a photo session:

1. Research photographers

Not all photographers specialize in headshots. There are particular lenses, lighting, and other equipment they use, so be choosy. This isn't the time to ask your friend who recently got into street photography to snap a pic. A good photographer is well worth the cost as you’ll likely be using the photos for a few years at least. Check their online portfolio to make sure they can take amazing photos of people with a variety of skin tones and settings. Ask if they offer backdrops and how many poses they can accommodate. 

2. Change up the setting

Unless your workplace requires a particular backdrop, consider having your headshot taken in a setting that feels authentic to you. Libraries, your living room, even the side of a building can all make for great shots. Keep in mind how you might want to crop the photos to use them: Shoulder-up shots work great for small profile images, but a wider shot allows you to show more of your personality through posing.

3. Think about color contrast

You don't want to end up a floating face on the backdrop, so dress with color contrast in mind. Dark colors won't show against a dark backdrop and pale colors won't show well against a white backdrop. Your hair color should be a part of your contrast considerations, as well. A good photographer (see Tip #1) will likely give you some recommendations for what to wear in advance, but if not: plan to bring 2 outfit options (one darker, one lighter) so you're ready for anything. 

4. Look like yourself

If you feel most like yourself with your hair up, wear your hair up. If you love how you look in bold colors, don your brightest. If you don't usually wear makeup or smile with a big wide grin—then don't do it in your headshots! You want to portray your confident, professional, true self, so ignore any pressure to look or act like someone other than who you are. 

5. Talk to the photographer

Tell them if you have a preferred side of your face/body. Ask them for pose suggestions, and if you can put on your favorite music to help loosen up. The photographer wants you to walk away with a photo that makes you feel great; be open and honest about how you're feeling during the session so they can guide you through it.

Whether you're getting headshots taken for the first time in a decade, or you need a photo to share for a conference you'll be attending, a quality headshot does wonders for your professional image. Enjoy the process and the results of investing in yourself!