Professional Headshot
Professional headshots are a type of business portrait photo typically used for company websites, business cards, press releases, and facebook profiles. For your average professional, the most popular place for their headshots is on their linkedin profile or website.
headshots focus on showcasing the subject’s professionalism, friendliness, and competence.
A great headshot is the perfect first step for building an awesome personal brand that helps you get more listings and close more deals.
If a Picture is worth a thousand words…
then headshot photography is a language designed to speak to a person’s uniqueness. Professional headshots are like short personal essays. They give the viewer a glimpse into the passions, profession, and interests of the subject with just a glance. In the age where everyone seems to need a personal brand, a professional headshot can almost be considered your brand’s logo — and like a logo, it should be unique and invoke an emotional response.
“You want to be able to look at somebody’s headshot and say, ‘That person is someone I would like to work with. Somebody I can trust. I can tell we have the same vibe based on the energy that I’m getting from the picture,’” photographer Craig Mitchelldyer says.It depends on your personality, industry and where the photos will be placed!
What to wear
the best rule-of-thumb is to take a look around to see how peers in your market are dressed. Make sure to pay closer attention to people who are successful vs whomever is in your immediate network.
If you’re still not sure, then ask! I’m always happy to provide guidance.
Helpful Information for Men and Women
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Hair: Style your hair as usual (if applicable). Neatly groom all hair, including clean shaven or beard, nose, eyebrows and ears, my camera picks up every detail.
Make-up: None. I do not recommend makeup for men
Wardrobe: Your shirt (and jacket) is your most important accessory, make sure it fits well and is not too big or too small! There should be no gaps between your neck and your shirt collar. The seams of the shirt and jacket should place squarely on your shoulder and not hang over. Try your choices on before the shoot.
1.Bring 3 - 4 new or almost new solid-color, pressed shirts on hangers. Make sure each shirt fits you well around your neck and shoulders.
2.If you wear an undershirt that will show with an open collar, be sure it is new. It must have a pristine collar.
3.A suitcoat or a sportscoat is a nice way to have an optional look. However, make sure it fits you well in the shoulders and neck. (I’m sure you have guessed by now how important this is.)
Important Coaching and Practice: Watch these two, 15-minute (or at least 6 or 7 minutes) Peter Hurley YouTube videos and practice in the mirror at least 2 days before the shoot. Watch: It's all about the Jawline Jawline Watch: It's all about the Squinch Squinch
Follow the above steps: Not only will be more prepared for your session, instead of an ordinary photo, you will achieve an extraordinary headshot!
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Hair & Makeup: I want you to look like you, just a polished-up version. 1) Use neutral tones and avoid shiny or glitter eyeshadows. 2) Do not use matte finish lip color, it will make your lips appear flat. We want color with shine on the lips. 3) Bring your makeup and hair products in case we need to do a touch-up during the shoot.
Awkward Hair Issues: Some of us have peach fuzz, nose hair or even a couple rogue chin whiskers that appear out of nowhere! The major stores have a battery-operated trimmer for around $15 in the razor section. It is well worth it, and your makeup will have a more polished look.
Wardrobe: Your top (and jacket) is your most important accessory, make sure it fits well and is not too big or too small! 1) Bring 3 - 4 new or almost new solid-color, ironed solid tops on hangers. 2) Choose colors and tops with collars that are flattering and fit you well, especially around your neck and shoulders. A Jacket is a nice way to change up the look. 3) Jewelry: Minimal, if any. It can be distracting and date the photo over time.
Important Coaching and Practice: Watch these two, 15-minute (or at least 6 or 7 minutes) Peter Hurley YouTube videos and practice in the mirror at least 2 days before the shoot. Watch: It's all about the Jawline Jawline Watch: It's all about the Squinch Squinch
Follow the above steps: Not only will be more prepared for your session, instead of an ordinary photo, you will achieve an extraordinary headshot!
Important Coaching and Practice Videos Below