An integral part of a representative image of a top manager is his social media profile picture. An appropriate shot can become not only a calling card of a person but the entire organization as a whole. This is the message that apprises others of a person’s business and value and this is the picture that gives the first impression of your brand. And there is only one chance to make it right – contact professionals and make sure that you are prepared for an upcoming headshot session.
Build on your business field
The more complex and multifaceted the client’s field of activity is, the more attention the photographer should pay to the creative solution of the task. Nowadays, it is hard to find a professional who does not require to have, at least, one professionally taken portrait photo.
Artists, designers, musicians, sculptors, creative directors, and producers often order business shooting. Since the work of such specialists simultaneously lies in the field of profession and creativity, the photographer needs to harmoniously combine the principles of artistic and business photography. This requires a lot of work experience and a delicate taste. Usually, the choice of place relates to the activities of a client: a studio or personal workshop, a rehearsal area, and so on.
For startup entrepreneurs, headshots are necessary to form and maintain their image. If you are using a headshot for a creative business you may wish to generate beautiful photographic AI Avatars Portraits. These will reflect you in your headshot whilst being different and memorable too. The choice of location for shooting fully corresponds to the commitment of such businessmen to non-standard solutions. It can be a creative space or a common office – sometimes the location is not that important since it will not be captured in a photo. However, the only thing that matters is professional lightning. Given the popularity of novice approaches, it will not be difficult to find interesting references to develop your own concept for a photo shoot.
Photoshoots for government officials’ professional needs are a special direction for the photographer. This area employs specialists who work in a multitasking environment and have a high level of responsibility. At the same time, such personnel remains the face of the state apparatus. Therefore, to maintain their image, they need high-quality preparation and results.
There is a lot in common between the heads of state and commercial structures. Their work is full of stress; they act decisively and at the same time deliberately. This requires the photographer to obtain not only a certain artistic skill to convey the features of a person’s character, and business acumen, but also the ability to adapt to the changing schedule of the client.
Although such people usually look as fit as a fiddle and often do not need special preparation for shooting, they are encouraged to use the services of a make-up artist who freshens up their faces.
IT workers are a symbiosis of precise mathematical thinking and creative eccentricity. Captivated by their profession, many of them pay little attention to their appearance. That is why for both men and women, light make-up before a photo session is always recommended. This will help to brighten up your face, as it reflects the effects of prolonged work at the computer.
Spend enough time finding the right photographer
A headshot is a completely different type of photography compared to the others. Where can you apply it?
- CV. Headshot portraits will immediately make your resume stand out and increase the response rate;
- Personal site. Great for a personal website, whatever is your industry;
- Social networks and messengers. It will help people understand how you look and make it as easy as possible to be recognized;
- Business cards. Even a few months later, drawing out a business card with your photo on it, a person will remember you, your conversation, and personal details;
- Author’s articles. Of course, your reader will be more pleased if the author of the text looks confident and attractive.
The main aim of the photographer is not just to get a beautiful picture, but to highlight certain personality traits. For example, in the case of a company executive, it is important to create the impression of a determined, self-confident person with a business sense. For instance, when shooting a portrait of a family psychologist, it is better to pay attention to his/her benevolence, calmness, and discretion.
It is really hard work to convey the right emotions through the shot. Therefore, you should be very careful when choosing a photographer. Be sure to look through his or her previous works and discuss all the details before getting started.
Choose your outfit wisely
For a headshot, it is better to avoid vibrant colors, showy prints, tiny or variegated patterns on clothes. It distracts from the most important thing, which is your face. “The monochrome palette including natural colors like white, gray, black, blue, beige, brown, olive looks great in the frame. Also, you should remember that only the upper part of your body and clothing will be in a shot (shoulder-length and slightly below), so consider this point while picking up your outfit,”- says an expert from Photoretouchingservices.net.
In addition, while choosing clothes, of course, you need to define what and where your headshots will be used. For a formal business portrait, dress as if you are presenting yourself to your most important clients or colleagues. This might be your best look.
Dark-colored suits generally appear more formal and more professional than the ones of lighter shades. A monotonous suit or a suit with pinstripes will provide more versatility and relevance to your portrait.
Pastel shirts with a dark jacket retain more detail in the photos than a white shirt with a black jacket. Avoid red, except for accents, like the color of a tie, on any business portraits. Cool tones tend to look better on rather official photos.
Stick to classic styles and avoid controversial fashionable clothes. Try to avoid wearing short sleeves for any business portrait.
Finally, it is not recommended to use conspicuous accessories while shooting. Chains, massive earrings, and other accessories are distracting and interfere with a viewer’s perception. You can put on some refined jewelry – small or stud earrings are acceptable and will look professional. In other words, prioritize things that fit well.
Natural look
Every entrepreneur wants to have a loyal audience. No matter what kind of business you run, it is important to make your customers trust you. That is, the main trend of visual communication in 2020 is naturalness. What is important is the authenticity, inclusiveness of photo content combined with the ability to show true emotions. Minimalism and simplicity always attract potential customers as they see real people who can be trusted.
Movements & posing
A business portrait is not always a still image. Photos can also be quite brisk. For example, active gestures, interaction with company products, or other employees. When asked by the photographer to act at ease in front of the camera, people usually do the opposite. However, remember that your everyday posture, such as when you are thinking about something or reading a book, allows you to capture a laid back shot.
Headshots are not a collection of standard office photos. It is a diverse genre that requires a photographer to constantly search for interesting aesthetic solutions. Only in this case, it is possible to obtain lively and atmospheric shots that are really capable of helping to promote a personal or corporate brand.
Marie Barnes is a Marketing Communication Manager at LinksManagement, where you can create your referral links and get paid. She is an enthusiastic blogger interested in writing about technology, social media, work, travel, lifestyle, and current affairs.
