What Makes a Great Headshots? And How to Make Sure You Get One

These days everyone has a headshot, but some universally show up as better than others. Here’s what actually makes that happen, and how you can ensure you get the results you hope for! (Most important factor at the end…)

Lighting

Lighting is crucial in a great headshot. There are a lot of different styles and some work better for certain scenarios. Often, soft and even lighting is the go to. It helps smooth out skin tones and reduce the appearance of scars or blemishes. Whether the light comes from a big window, a large softbox, or a bunch of lights at seemingly weird angles (what I do), the idea is to get light on your face from all different angles. Thus filling in shadows and creating a more flattering look for most people and skin types.

As I said, there are many different styles of lighting for headshots. Sometimes a more edgy, bold look is what we’re going for. Sometimes only half the face is lit. It all depends on what you’re trying to communicate to those seeing your photo!

Expression and Body Language

I will never say “smile” and if your photographer does… to each their own. Smiling on demand is hard, especially when that’s all you can think about. Everyone has their picture smile, and the REAL smile. It’s the photographers job to pull out the real, genuine expressions. For some, that doesn’t include smiling at all! Again, it depends on what you’re trying to communicate with your photos. Professional headshots don’t mean stiff, straight on, cheesy smile.

Slightly turning your body one way or the other can be the difference between looking open or closed off. A head tilt can show confidence, or vulnerability. And maybe most important, the eyes show confidence, or lack thereof.

Wardrobe

The safe answer is to say keep it simple. Solid, muted colors. Little to no jewelry. Avoid bold patterns, anything too trendy, and no logos. The idea is to avoid any distractions. when someone looks at your photo, don’t give them a reason to look anywhere other than your face.

Now, while these are good guidelines, you should still bring your wild red polka dot blazer, and your gold sequence shirt to your session! Sometimes the wild and crazy looks really good, and if you don’t bring it, you’ll never know. If you’re a little out there, show that! Be you, and match the industry you’re in. Or don’t, up to you.

Background

Keep it simple. A totally solid background eliminates all distractions. Viewers have no choice but to look at you when they view your photos. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for some texture or an office in the background, but there’s a reason those are almost always blurred. Avoiding distractions.

Editing

This is a big one. Most people don’t take this into consideration. Give 2 photographers the same base image, and you’re likely to get 2 different results. Even in professional headshots. Photo editing can make or break the final image, no matter how great the shot was right out of the camera.

Ideally the editing enhances the photo without making you look fake, or like someone else. If someone saw your headshot on LinkedIn, and then met you in person, they shouldn’t be surprised by what they see. You should look like you, on your best day!

The Photographer

At the end of the day, the photographer is key. You can’t see what your face is doing, so you need guidance to get where you want to be. Most people think they have a good smile on demand, but we all know that’s not the case. All the lighting, backgrounds, editing, and wardrobe can’t make up for a photographer you don’t mesh with and therefor aren’t able to create genuine expressions.

Good expression will trump all else, every time. Now, there’s a base level of lighting, wardrobe, editing, etc but most people with no experience could handle that bare minimum. Having someone who can make you forget about the camera for a little while, and pull out the real genuine expressions that usually only your friends see… that’s who you should work with!

Final Thoughts

Getting new professional headshots taken isn’t something you do very often. Take the time to do some research and find the best fit for you. There are many factors at play. You need to know what you value most and what you want to communicate. If you don’t, good photographers can definitely help figure that out.

Even if you don’t end up working with me, I hope these tips help you get the photos you feel proud to share!