Update Your Headshot
Today I am sharing my best tips on how to update your headshot for websites, resumes, social content, emails, anywhere!
Of course you can hire me to do this for you (it would be my honour 🖤 ) but if you want to have a go yourself first, start by remembering 3 things:
Find a flattering light source
Experiment with poses
Details, Details, Details!
First Tip
Photography always starts with 'Lighting'. Terrible lighting cannot be fixed by camera settings, fancy apps or extra makeup. This applies if you are doing it yourself on your phone or you have a friend with a big camera:
❌ Downlights are evil
❌ Harsh sunlight is not your friend
✅ Diffused even light from a window or door
✅ Directly facing light source or 45-90 degree angle
The name of the game is to minimise unflattering shadows under the eyes, nose or chin which requires a diffused light. This rules out direct sunlight or bright flashes. Check the light in your background too. Is it too light, too dark, too busy? Are you too close to the wall so there is a harsh shadow?
Second Tip
Second tip is 'Know Your Angles'. Or in the words of the goddess that is Madonna 'Strike a pose, there's nothing to it' 💃🏻 This is how to look comfortable in front of the camera:
❌ Full frontal - looks like a mugshot
❌ Slouch - looks weak
✅ Shift your body slightly to the side then turn your face back to the camera
✅ Natural facial expressions - imagine you are looking at someone you love
✅ Relaxed arm placement - hands in pockets, lightly crossed, folded in lap, you get the idea
Experiment with a few different poses making sure that your body and face are mostly turned toward your light source to minimise those shadows. Take a lot of photos! Trust me when I say that you are going to want options. It's amazing how the slightest tilt of the head or placement of your hand can impact how you feel about an image.
Third Tip
'Details, Details, Details'. Here is a suggested list of things to check when you are reviewing your favourite shot after the shoot:
➡️ Is there hair where there shouldn't be?
➡️ Are your eyes open and in focus?
➡️ Do you have an extra chin? 😂
➡️ Do you have lipstick on your teeth?
➡️ Is the background ok?
➡️ Do you have weird wrinkles in your clothes?
➡️ Are there shadows under your eyes or nose?
Bonus Tip!
Add some extra 'professional' sparkle by selecting then editing your best shot - lighten shadows, enhance colours, soften lines, etc. This type of post-production is available directly inside the photos app of your phone however, you can always take it to the next level with an app that specialises in portrait editing such as Lightroom or Lensa.
Have you updated your headshot this year? Were these tips helpful? I would love to see the results! If you are nodding along but still would rather get some help on this subject - contact me today 🖤
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