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| Me in my studio: half-body main shot, and cropped version for LinkedIn |
A question I'm often asked regarding business profile photos is whether I recommend going with a head and shoulders crop or framing to include more body.
Usually, if the photo is for LinkedIn, or an internal company directory, or something similar, then I suggest a head and shoulders shot, unless there is a good reason to show more. If you are a dancer or a body builder, or fashion designer or, or have tattoos, or are someone with uniquely expressive body language that is part of your personal brand, that might justify showing more. But generally, where there is a little circle or square space for your photo...think how small it appears on a smart phone...most of us will show up best in a fairly close-up shot of our faces; viewers scanning our profile will quickly get a good first impression of who we are.
Other advantages of a head and shoulders shoot:
- easier posing for the subject, faster to shoot
- you don't have to figure out what to do with your hands
- less to be self-conscious about if don't like having your picture taken (you can be a total mess from the chest down!)
- less wardrobe to be concerned with, ie. what to wear, how well it fits
- easier to hit a power pose
- for those not at their ideal weight tighter crops can be more flattering
But, as I acknowledge, there are times when seeing more of a person's body can really serve the cause. Let's say your body language is very indicative of who you are in the world. Maybe you are very relaxed and comfortable in your own skin and are physically expressive; having the freedom to move during your photo session, showing more body, and standing instead of sitting for the photo might really work for you.
Another reason people might opt to show more body is for variety and flexibility. Maybe your photos are for LinkedIn but also for a website, and/or multiple other possible uses -- speaker/contributor profile, author portrait, board member, your organization's website (maybe with a with a mouseover to an expanded crop), newsletters, annual reports, etc. In some cases, the photos need to tell a bit more of a story about you, or simply physically fill a bigger space than a head and shoulders photo would do. Or maybe the environment in which you are being photographed is part of your story.
Obviously, the possibilities for a photo shoot are endless with unlimited budget and time. But if your immediate need and resources indicate doing one basic session to get one winning shot, you might get more bounce for your ounce by shooting wide and cropping later for LinkedIn. (I say "might" because some shots may not crop well, for example if the sleeves are wrinkled in a way that makes sense when you see the whole photo but not when you crop tightly...see photo below.) Just remember that the shoot may take more time, as there are more elements to be concerned with in the photo. Even with a great photographer's expert guidance regarding what to do with your hands, and the rest of your body, wider shots can be more challenging.
And if you're organizing half-body or full-length sessions for a bunch of individuals, remember you need to multiply the extended time for one person by the total number. Total time required can add up fast, especially if subjects are interacting with the background, eg. sitting on a couch, or on a stool, etc., so head and shoulders shots may be more practical for larger numbers.
I hope this helps answer the close-up or not too close-up question. Let me know what other questions you have! And remember to check out my free ebook on Business Portrait Tips for answers to questions you may not even know you had!
kathryn@hollinrake.com
