Headshot Photography - Frequently Asked Questions
When I’m working as a headshot photographer, my aim is always to create portraits that not only bring out a client’s best side, but also suit their business or career plans perfectly. I recently updated the photograph of myself I use for the About Me section on my homepage. Going through this process myself highlighted how some of the aspects of having a portrait taken might not be obvious if it isn’t something you do regularly. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of questions that somebody looking for a headshot (or maybe a business portrait) might ask…
What’s the difference between a headshot and a business portrait?
A headshot usually only shows the head and shoulders of the person (considered the subject of the photograph), generally taken against a plain white, black, or grey background. Headshots are well established in the corporate world, and are a great way of “putting a face to the name”, as the saying goes. Headshots are perfect for LinkedIn profiles, or email platforms that add a small image of the sender to outgoing messages. Because headshots focus so tightly on the face, they can seem a little clinical for some applications.
A business portrait (which can also be considered personal branding photography), provides more information about who the person is and what they do. Business portraits usually feature at least the head and torso of the subject, plus some of their surroundings to give a sense of their working environment. There’s more space for some artistic expression and creativity in a business portrait, and so are often favoured by artists and smaller business, where the personality of the subject is part of the appeal.
I had been using a headshot, but I decided to replace it with more of a business portrait. I set up a simple desk top (sadly my real desk never achieves the minimalist levels of tidiness of the one in the picture!), and added the camera and laptop to show my ‘tools of the trade’ without making things look too cluttered.
What should I wear for my headshot?
As headshots are all about making a good first impression, you’ll want to look your best. But that doesn’t necessarily mean formal business attire. I recommend treating your portrait almost as a temporary stand-in for your first meeting with a new client. What would you typically wear to such a meeting?
It’s also important to be comfortable, both physically and psychologically. If your outfit is too tight, or you put on something you wouldn’t normally wear and you’re not sure if it suits you, you’re going to feel self-conscious — and that will inevitably show in the photos.
When I was planning my own shoot, I had originally intended to put on a shirt and possibly even a tie, but in the end I felt this wasn’t appropriate. Obviously, I do dress smartly for formal engagements like weddings and corporate functions, but it’s unlikely that those events will be my very first meeting with the client. Plus, my approach and shooting style is generally laid-back and informal, so a more casual look seemed a better fit. Think about this aspect of what you do and make sure your outfit(s) suit both you and the impression you’re looking give of your business’s own ‘personality’.
One final, practical piece of outfit advice… if you’re getting a classic headshot on a plain background, it’s best to avoid wearing anything that will blend into the background. A white top or shirt against a plain white background gives photographers the most trouble, but anything where your head ends up looking like it’s floating around is never a great look!
Should I smile in my business portrait?
Generally, you’ll want to look friendly and approachable in a headshot or business portrait. You don’t want to scare off potential customers, after all! But a big grin isn’t compulsory, and there are some professions where it’s more important to project a sense of dignity and seriousness, rather than looking super-cheerful. So, again, it’s a question of deciding what’s appropriate and then working to give a natural-looking interpretation of that. Think of how you want clients to feel once they’re working with you - are they going to be going away thinking what a great time they had (maybe if you’re a fitness coach or you’re masterminding their marketing campaign), or do you want them reassured that everything’s in a safe pair of hands (better for a lawyer or an estate agent, perhaps)?
Don’t forget that with a minimum of three edited photos included in my headshot photography packages, you have the scope to try a range of expressions, and you can use whichever one is the most appropriate in any given context. For instance, a shot with a more serious expression might suit a webpage detailing the services you offer, while a more cheerful look might fit better on an About page, where you’ll want to show a bit more of your personality.
Where should I have my business portrait taken?
If you’re looking for branding photography for your business, you’ll obviously want to have some elements of your business visible in your shots. This is easily done if you’re an artist or a craftsperson with an interesting studio or workshop to use as a background. However, nowadays, many small businesses can be run from a laptop on the kitchen table, which — although there’s nothing at all wrong with that — might not be the professional image you want to project to your clients.
In that case, you might want to look at hiring a venue, such as a meeting room or coworking space. Which type of office is most suitable will again depend on what’s most in sync with your business identity. Ultra-modern or more rustic? Quirky and characterful, or minimalist and industrial? Don’t forget that many places can be given a completely different look with just a few props and appropriate lighting. Alternatively, if you want to promote the local focus of your business, you might consider an outdoor shoot — possibly including local landmarks, or at least capturing a flavour of the location.
A good rule is that the background for your business portrait should not be distracting. This doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be any “stuff” in the background, but try to avoid isolated patches of bright colours or any particularly dark / light spots, which tend to draw the eye.
If you are more interested in having a more standard headshot, things are more straightforward. All my lighting equipment is fully portable, and I have a pop-up backdrop that provides a white, grey or black background for your photos. As long as I have a few square metres of floorspace, I can set up a temporary studio at your home or workplace, to get high-quality images with minimal disruption to your day.
How often should I change my headshot?
As a general rule, you should think about updating your headshot after 2-3 years. There’s an understandable temptation to get a good photo and stubbornly keep using it for as long as possible, but (unless you’re extremely lucky) your appearance will naturally change as time goes by. Plus there are factors like new hairstyles, getting a new pair of glasses, or gaining or losing weight to consider as well. In short, the best advice is to be honest with yourself and, if your online portrait is noticeably different from how you really look, it’s time for a new one!
I hope that helps answer some of the questions you might have if you are searching for headshots, business portraits, or branding photography. If I’ve missed anything, please get in touch — I’d love to hear from you.
