This is a reprint from an article on the SLMA website, but it seemed timely to post here.
The Importance of a Good Head Shot
There are instances when you may be invited to speak at an event, participate on a panel, guest author an article, get nominated for an award, or get promoted. These events have one thing in common; they all require a good headshot of you. A headshot is a photo, not an avatar or cartoon but a photograph of yourself from the shoulders up dressed professionally.
If you have ever been asked to speak and don't have a high resolution headshot to provide, it is almost guaranteed that the people posting the information will turn to the popular online photo resource, "GOOGLE," to find what photos they can of you. It may not even be you, or it may of you dancing on tables, wearing a Halloween costume or worse. Go to Google and type in your name if you don't believe me. Then, click on the "images" category in the left of the results. Any of these could be used for your headshot if you don't provide one even if they are not you in the photos.
You need a headshot - not HEADSshot - resist the urge to crop a group photo where you looked great that day.
Let's get to the business of your new headshot
Choosing a photographer:
You don't have to hire a professional photographer or go to a studio, but how often do you change your headshot? Unless you have a staff photographer, and cannot afford a professional photographer, consider going to the photo services stores in the mall or even Sears where they take the photos of children. The lighting is the key to it all. If you don't have good lighting, no amount of Photoshop will help you.
Resist the urge to save money by using your smartphone as your camera; or worse using your smartphone that you hold out in front of you as you would at a bar or baseball game mugging for Facebook. If you're going to bother with a photo, have a high resolution photo taken that can also be used in print for press releases or magazines for editorials. Ask yourself this question, "Would I want this photo on the cover of Time Magazine?" Dramatic, I know, but you get the point.
Check with the photographer to make sure they provide a digital version of the photo. You don't need to get any of them printed, save that for family holiday cards.
What to wear:
Solid colors are safe, as are large patterns that are subtle. The focus should be drawn to your eyes and smile. Stay away from tiny patterns or stripes. There are several colors that look great on everyone: fuscia, teal, purple, navy. Brown and gray are up for grabs. Stay away from hues that match your own skin tone. Give some contrast and depth to your photo by wearing something with texture.
Hair, make up and glasses:
How current are those glasses? Will they be in style for the next few years you'll want to use this photo? Make sure your hair is tidy and not in your eyes or with that one unruly cowlick. Make up - go easy and natural.
Here are a couple of quick guides on selecting the right frames for you:
5 Tips: How To Select Perfect Eyeglasses For Your Face
The right eyeglasses can take 20 years off your appearance.
5 Tips: How to Select the Perfect Sunglasses for YOU
The pose:
Believe it or not, there is a better pose than that of the DMV - straight on facing foward as if you are in a line-up. Keep your hands out of your pockets.
You will take 10 pounds or more off yourself if you follow these suggestions:
- Stand with your feet one forward, the other at a 45 degree angle two feet behind your front forward-facing foot.
- Lean back on your back leg.
- Turn your torso to the corner formed by your feet with your shoulders down and straight.
- Turn your head straight ahead to match the angle of your front foot.
- Chin level so as not to show off a fuller neck or turkey neck.
- Push your head forward ever so slightly to tighten up your chin and neck even more.
- Smile a clear smile with your teeth and a slight tilt of your head to the outside of your front leg. If your right leg is forward, tilt your head slightly to the right.
Short instruction video by my son, Austin here: http://youtu.be/IRQFvhEC0rQ
*CLICK* - review the photo and take a few more slightly shifting your weight to see which is the most flattering. Remember to keep those eyes open, but not with the look of shock - relax. When you smile EXHALE to truly show "relax" on your face.
Backgrounds:
This is not the DMV or a passport office, give it some personality, some depth. Actually, in Oregon we are allowed to pose for photos. I love my license photo. Consider what background color makes YOU look good. It is doubtful that white, Navajo white or stucco is flattering to anyone. Avoid the shots in the hallway, the side of the building in the sun or any other blank, stark wall without color. Glass is also a bad idea.
*exceptions - performance artists, visual artists and other creatives that may want to have a more creative representation of their personality.
