Your Image Matters: 5 Steps to a Pro Headshot
We’ve all seen the crispy LinkedIn profile pics that look straight out of Forbes. We’ve also seen those not-so-sharp photos on the opposite side of the spectrum. So what can we do? How do we get the headshot that brings those profile views and emanates confidence and professionalism?
These five strategies can help:
1. Find the tools.
First, find a good camera. The power of a clear shot is immense. Stay away from iPhones if you can. Technology is constantly improving, but subconsciously, most people can tell when the photo isn’t taken with a more professional lens. Chances are, you know someone who has one. Maybe that person is a friend, someone who sits near you in class, or the cousin of an old high school acquaintance. Reach out to them. Offer the person with the camera a few dollars for a couple of unedited shots of you, and see what happens. If you don’t know someone personally, social media is a great place to start. Throw a request in a community Facebook group or do a quick “[Location] photographer” search on Instagram. You’d be surprised at the willingness of local student photographers. If all else fails, find some tips for taking professional shots with your phone here (It can be done!).
2. Get the glow.
Lighting is imperative to a strong photo. Without professional lighting equipment, your best bet is always natural lighting. But be careful— sunlight is tricky to work with. If outside, make sure that the photo is taken in the morning or evening when the sun is less intense. Look for shade or for cloudy days for top quality. If inside, place yourself in a room with plenty of windows, but avoid direct rays of sunlight.
3. Look behind you.
It’s vital to choose a spot with a clean, minimalistic background, whether indoors or outdoors. Too many trees or flowers, while they may look nice, only make the photo busier. The same goes for any sort of interior design. Not sure of how much is too much? Find a bare, simply patterned wall (such as brick or paneled), and take a few steps forward. As with any background, you want to be sure that you stand away from the objects behind you. This helps the camera focus on you and bokeh, or blur, the background.
4. Dress to impress.
Dress in plain but professional colors. Remember, this is the only impression some may have of you, so a wrinkly shirt or a gaudy pattern can taint your reputation from the start. Whatever your standard of professionalism is, set it high and live up to it on the day of the photo.
5. Be you!
At the end of the day, you need to be comfortable in front of the lens. Prepare a couple of poses that you naturally use or could see yourself doing without feeling like a fraud. Bring a close friend along with you to make you more relaxed if you need. Laugh a bit off camera (or on camera) and capture the moment right after. Don’t worry about the perfect toothy or non-toothy smile. You’ll build the most trust through your eyes. Be authentic, not stiff. (This advice can go for any situation, really.) Let your photo say emphatically, “I am the one for the job.”
For reference, here are some headshots of Jesse and Lauren, GrandPR’s CEO and COO. These shots encompass high quality professionalism and confident personalities.
Your high school senior pictures aren’t going to cut it anymore. Fifteen minutes of your time taking a photo or two can go a long way in networking, finding interviews, and in portraying your professional self.
About Brady
Brady is a junior studying Advertising & Public Relations and Public & Nonprofit Administration with a French minor. He served as Marketing and Events Intern at the Grand Rapids Business Journal and Marketing and Advancement Intern at Wedgwood Christian Services. Going into his second year of GrandPR, he will serve as a Design Associate for the 2021-22 school year. He also sits on the PRSSA Eboard as Podcast Director of PR Hangover.