Here’s a scenario I know many people will relate to: you go to a conference or event and as a bonus for attendees there is a headshot booth or headshot photographer. This can be a great opportunity to get an updated profile portrait for very little or even zero cost. But how often are you really camera ready at an event? Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of a quickie headshot.
If you know in advance that this opportunity is going to exist, dress appropriately: wear something appropriately professional that you look and feel great in, with a flattering neckline in a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle easily and isn’t too distracting (eg. no big patterns).
Remember that you will get more potentially winning shots if you are nicely groomed and styled. You’ll want to take care of this before stepping in front of the camera. Yes, sometimes (not always) the photographer or assistant will be hands on and help in the moment, but this eats up valuable shooting time, for you (more styling = less shooting and fewer photos) and for the others in line behind you, so it’s best for everyone if you show up camera ready, meaning:
- Teeth clean (if you have just had a coffee break or lunch make sure there are no food bits stuck between your teeth
- Hair styled. For very short hair cuts (eg. men) make sure hair is behind the ears where it’s supposed to be (sometimes if a hair cut is past due the hair comes down over the ears), and make sure your hairs are all pointing in the directions you want them to. Long hair can be a challenge. Make sure it actually is how you like it in photos…ie. forward on both sides, forward on one side, back on the other, etc. and if you have access to hair spray and have fly aways etc., use it. Long hair moves in real life so careful positioning of tresses is less important, but in a still photo wherever hair sits it’s locked in that position forever, including “mistakes” like strands stuck under your collar, and fly aways straying across your neck. Yes, if retouching is available that may be able to take care of distracting issues like these, but why pay to fix something that could have been taken care of in camera (if retouching is even an option)?
-Eye brows good… sometimes eye brow hairs get a bit mussed when we get dressed or whatever and we don’t notice. A quick once over with a finger can brush them into shape.
- Make-up touched up if you wear it. Pay careful attention to lipstick, in particular, making sure it is carefully, consistently and evenly applied across lip surfaces. Check for mascara blotches and other signs of tired make-up and fix them. If your skin is shiny, blot or apply powder if you can.
- Eye glasses clean
- Lint and dust removed from clothing…if there’s no lint roller available at least brush yourself off so pet hairs or whatever dust etc. may have got on you don’t wreck your shots or make you pay for retouching (again, if that’s an option).
Once you’ve got your self camera ready, step in front of the camera when it’s your turn, take a deep breathe, exhale (and keep breathing), set your shoulders back and down and shine!
If you’re interested and missed my series of tips on how to prepare for get the most out of your next business portrait please see below for a link to my free ebook, and a link to my wardrobe blurb.
https://hollinrake.com/pdfs Business Portrait Tips by Kathryn Hollinrake
http://khollinrakemakemepretty.blogspot.com/2021/09/wardrobe-for-business-profile-portraits.html
#profileportraits, #portraitphotography, #headshots, #notjustaheadshot, #corporatephotography, #authors, #authorportraits, #bookcovers,
kathryn@hollinrake.com
