Tips For A Business Headshot – Make A Great Impression In A Split Second

A business portrait communicates who you are and what you do in a split second. To help you look great in your next business headshot, I have therefore compiled an extensive list full of awesome tips for a business headshot below.

It will help you with your preparation and ensure that you’ll arrive relaxed and in style on the day of the shoot.

To keep up with the times and your role, it is good to have a business portrait done every two to three years. So it is an occasion that comes up every once in a while, and it is worth investing some time to have headshots that will make you smile :).

15 Preparation Tips For a Business Headshot

First things first: preparation is essential. If you prepare well, you will feel and look great on the day of your business photoshoot. So here is what you can do to best prepare ahead of time:

A week before:

• Think about the persona you want to portray and plan your look accordingly.
• Plan the outfits you want to wear and prepare to bring a couple of wardrobe choices.
• Check your hairstyle and eyebrows – have your hair cut at least a week before the shoot to give yourself a chance to get used to the style and let it grow in a bit. Have your eyebrows trimmed if needed?
• Think about the make-up and hairstyle you will want to wear in advance; try them out at home, so you know what you are doing on the day of the business photoshoot.

The day before:

• Make sure to drink lots of water and stay clear of alcohol to avoid dark circles around your eyes.
• Get enough sleep before your business photoshoot.
• Prepare your clothes, neatly ironed, and put them into garment bags to take along to the shoot.
• Prepare a vanity bag, including lip balm, hairbrush or comb, make-up, and hair products. Many photographers have translucent face powder at hand to reduce shininess, but I always like to bring my preferred brand to be sure.

On the day of your business photoshoot:

• Pick your preferred outfit and wear that when you arrive at your business photoshoot.
• If you are having your make-up applied at the studio, come without make-up (moisturizer will suffice)
• If you are doing your make-up, go for a simple day make-up, that you usually put on.
• The same goes for your hair: make sure it is styled in a natural style that you feel comfortable with.
• Arrive on time, so you can check out the scene for a couple of minutes and go into the business photo shoot relaxed and calm.
• Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and look good on you
• Bring a positive attitude, and have a great time!

The Persona Will Define The Right Look For Your Business Headshot

Before the shoot, invest some time deciding what kind of person and attributes you want to portray in your business photo.
Here are a couple of hints of what to think about:

1. What type of business environment is the business photoshoot for – is it a business formal or business casual environment? Depending on your company’s corporate culture, you may want to come across as serious, friendly, or creative. If you work in banking as an example, you may prefer to project an air of formality, knowledge, and trustworthiness.
2. While you might want to portray a persona with specific attributes, make sure you stick to a style that you feel comfortable in, close to your natural style. If it is “too over the top” or too dressed up compared to what you are used to, you won’t relax, and it will show in the pictures.
3. If you will use the business photo for a job application or you are looking to change roles in your company, make sure you always dress for the position you want, not the one you currently have.

==> Click here for my ultimate guide on what to wear for a business photo shoot <==

Choose A Style That Will Communicate Your Persona

In line with the persona you want to portray, decide which business dress code you want to go for: either a  professional formal  (corporate) look or a business casual look.

As a basis, for a  professional formal look, wear a tailored suit in darker colors such as navy, grey, or black. The jacket should fit well, especially on the shoulders. Combine the suit with a light blouse and don’t forget to wear matching shoes. Your overall appearance should portray a harmonious look.

For a business casual look, you can wear a more casual sports blazer or jacket that fits you well; wrap dresses or tops are a flattering cut for anybody or shape and give a lovely V-Neckline. You can wear a solid button-down shirt or a blouse.

While there are some dress code guidelines, there isn’t a strict rule for what to wear for a business photo shoot.

The most crucial point is that your outfit reflects your persona, and you feel comfortable.

If you have clear expectations and intentions about this, you can align your wardrobe choices to your persona, and it will be much easier for your photographer to match your expectations. To further support your photographer bring out the persona you aim to portray, bring any previous headshots or sample headshots to your business photo shoot to help communicate the look you want.

What To Wear For a Business Photo shoot?

And now finally, let’s delve into what to wear for a business photo shoot in detail. Remember – the focus for your business photo is your face. Everything – the background, lighting, and clothing – should align to frame your face.

Hence, the most important factors are your tops & neckline, hair and make-up, jackets & shirts, jewelry, and posture. Get these right, and you’ll get a business headshot you will love.

==> Click here for my ultimate guide on what to wear for a business photo shoot <==

With Preparation Comes Success: You Will Have A Business Headshot You’ll Love

The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be at your photoshoot. I hope that my tips for a professional headshot have helped you to be prepared well.

I would love to hear how you have prepared for your business photo shoot and how it was for you.

Which persona did you choose for your business photo shoot? How did you enjoy the shoot?

Please let me know in the comments, and if I can give you a hand with anything at all, please contact me below.

All the best,

Drea

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