Do you know the one thing that makes or breaks a headshot?

Do you know the one thing that makes or breaks a headshot?

   Blog    March 6, 2018  |  0

I think I speak for quite a few when I say that at one point or another we haven’t been pleased with a professional headshot. Maybe it’s because we think that the photo isn’t flattering, the lighting was bad, the outfit choice wasn’t quite what we wanted.

Professional headshots are an important part of your branding.

Photo by Chuck Fazio

This photo is perhaps my favorite headshot of all time and truthfully I still use it because it’s my most flattering and favorite however, it’s not true to who I am today! Since this photo was taken: I got married, left the corporate world and had two kids! I think I might not have even been in my 30’s when this was done and I’m much closer to 40!

I asked my dear friend and amazing photographer of this headshot, Chuck Fazio what he would say is the most important aspect to make sure a photographer captures when shooting a headshot. “Go into it thinking that you will take an amazing picture of yourself. Too often people will come to me and say something like, ” I hate getting my picture taken” or ” I take shitty pictures.” That attitude will come through and yes you WILL take a shitty picture. Trust your photographer and listen to what they tell you to do. A great photographer will already have assessed you and will position you into the most flattering pose for you.”

Chuck is the first ever artist-in-residence for American Forests the nation’s oldest conservation organization and as of recently has a reality show that was given the green light and will air on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon to name a few. Chuck created what we all know in the Association industry as The Headshot Lounge™. What is incredibly special about these lounges that he offers to industry organizations/event trade shows is the all in one aspect. Why we, The Next Steps, clearly love this is that he incorporates all that we teach in regards to the In It ForEVER™ principle. He focuses on the experience. He didn’t just stand there and take a photo, he offered hair and makeup onsite not to mention a great group of photography support and typically we walked away with our headshot the same day-no touch ups were really required.

Photo by Chuck Fazio

So, why are we talking about headshots and what makes or breaks them?

Our IN³ educational conference for small business owners has always offered a complimentary headshot. Our next event is taking place in just two weeks and so the timing is perfect to give a reminder on some tips and tricks to make sure that your photo is exactly what you are looking for. (Special discount code located at the bottom of the blog for our upcoming event.) 

So, beyond a great photo let’s talk wardrobe. We reached out to Jennifer Mackey Mary of Apple & Pear Wardrobe Design to offer some tips on your style for a headshot. And we have to say that we are a big fan of her headshot as it was done focusing more on the shoes which she’s a big fan of!

 The Next Steps, LLC has hired Apple and Pear for a couple of women’s workshops that have been incredibly successful. One of the most amazing products that her company offers is her Wardrobe Capsule Guide offered seasonally. The latest guide for Fall was just released and you can find out more information about it by clicking this link. The capsule is a way to clear that closet and work with a minimal amount of wardrobe pieces and use more mixing and matching! This capsule details the seasons hottest styles, colors and more and she even offers links on where to purchase each item at whatever budget level you have: save money or spend money. I have to say I purchased mine last week to prepare for my new headshot since I always seem to wear the same thing and I am completely in love with the colors for the season.

“The best advice I can give for a traditional headshot is to be photographed in your best neckline and best color. Those 2 things will go a long way in helping you love the investment you’re making in your business. If you’re doing a shoulders up photo, be sure to wear a short necklace.  Long necklaces will look awkward and cut off,” said Jennifer.

When asked what the top 3 best color options are for a headshot she said “that’s a really tough question, because I think it’s more important to focus on choosing a color that is flattering on you, and supports your brand identity–not necessarily wearing your brand colors, but choosing a color that communicates the feeling you want your brand to portray.  For example, bright yellow might look great on you, and against a dark gray background, but if you’re working in the funeral industry, it might not convey the right message.” She suggests checking out this starter guide for choosing colors that evoke an emotion. “Black isn’t a great choice because if the background is too dark, you can end up looking like a floating head, and I would stay away from stark white, as it washes a lot of people out.”
Most of our headshots in recent year have been done outside and I asked Jennifer if that changes any of her recommendations. “I’m sticking with my original advice–always be photographed in the color that’s most flattering on YOU. As far as styles go, outdoor shoots are traditionally more casual, so you can get away with a more relaxed look, as long as it suits your brand.”

Complete the Picture with a Focus on Hair and Makeup

Last and certainly not least to pull your entire headshot together we need to focus on hair and makeup. Remember those amazing 80’s headshot photos or the old yearbook photos that we wish had never happened? We went to the experts at Enlightened Styles who offer not only organic salon services, but also have their own line of custom blend makeup called Ammoura Cosmetics. Stylist Stephanie Young started by offering five tips for styling your hair for a photoshoot.

5 Tips for Styling your Hair for a Photoshoot

#1-Style your hair so that it is framing your face and creating softness around your forehead and
jawline. No ponytails or slicked-back buns.

#2-Avoid frizz and fly-aways. Sometimes hair just has a mind of its own and some of those pieces will
flat-out refuse to stand down. You can tame those unruly strands with a soft wax or a finishing
hairspray. We use Organic Way haircare in the salon; the Precious Wax and the Sculpting Mist are
my go-to’s for refining any style.

#3- Rather than letting your hair air-dry, apply a little heat, such as blow drying, curling, or flat
ironing to give your hair a smooth and polished finish.

#4- No matter what, avoid over styling—or in other words, embrace your hair whether it be curly or
straight. Don’t fight it.

#5- Come see us at the salon! We love to pamper our guests and give you our undivided attention as we
talk through how much makeup you usually wear and what your daily hair care regiment is. We also go
over what colors and tones best suit your complexion, and build upon your usual look to make it
photo-ready. Our goal is for you to look like you, but for your features to pop and you look naturally
beautiful.

Is Less More When it Comes to Makeup?

Since Stephanie does both hair and makeup we transitioned a little and asked- Is less really more when it comes to makeup? “It’s all about what empowers you. It’s so important you feel like yourself while presenting your best to the public, and people want to get to know you for who you really are. I believe that for some a woman can feel like an even better version of herself by using a minimal amount of cosmetics. For others, they may feel like they can save the world with that perfect shade of red lipstick or the perfect cat-eye. As long as you don’t feel like you’re hiding behind a mask, I’d say go for whatever makes you feel like yourself.”

Photo by Stephanie Young of Forever Young Photography, LLC.

I know many women who have amazing skin and some who even rep skin care companies. So, if someone is natural and hardly wears makeup what do you recommend for them when prepping for a headshot?

“The key is to accentuate your features so that you won’t get lost in your photograph. With our clients that want a minimal look we use a lightweight Ammoura foundation formula similar to a tinted moisturizer for minimal coverage. I would also advise going in with a soft application of bronzer or blush.”

When doing makeup for a natural outdoor setting Stephanie relies on the expertise of the photographers she works with. “With my experience, you want as soft a natural lighting as possible. I would avoid going out at noon, because you have the highest concentration of light with the sun being at its peak. If you were to have pictures taken in the early morning or late afternoon, you have just enough shadow to work with and are able to avoid harsh lighting.”

When it comes to headshots you always want to add a little more coverage than what you may be used to wearing for a smooth matte finish offers Stephanie. “When having headshots taken, you especially want to avoid any shimmer, as this will cause the light to reflect and give off excessive shine. You will need to bring attention to your eyes. You want to make sure to use a bronzer or deeper shade of blush and lip color to avoid “disappearing” in the photo. We have a beautiful assortment of pigments and crème or butter bases for our guests to choose from when creating their own personal lipstick, so that they can have that perfect pop of color with just the right slip and texture. Avoid heavy glosses as they can be distracting in pictures.” [Full disclosure I was thrilled to be a model for them showcasing their custom blend lipsticks–I have to say this was such a cool experience]
We hope you’ve learned something new when it comes to taking professional headshots.  We tend to change styles quite frequently so it’s important to update your professional photo when you change. Be the face of your brand and don’t forget: YOU WILL TAKE A GREAT HEADSHOT.

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