When planning your headshot you must consider how this image is going to “sell” you. With the internet as a shopping tool for most people, your headshot is often the first impression people will have of you. It’s important in that instant to prove your relevancy. You’ve got about a half a second to show you are current, unique and relevant.
Relevant. Powerful word.
How many times have you seen a headshot of a professional in front of the Santa Barbara Mission or Harbor, or some other lovely outdoor Santa Barbara location? Unless these professionals are boat salesman or in the church related business, the location has no relevancy to their business. If you want to do an on location headshot, be sure it is relevant to your business, and your personality.
Branding. Powerful image.
Again, the internet has brought shopping for a service to a whole new level. You need to be remembered. One of the ways you can easily do this, is to be consistent with your branding. Use that in planning for your headshot. What are the colors of your logo, website, etc… Think about using those colors in your headshot. Either with your clothing or backdrop.
Be current.
You should have a new headshot no less than every 18 months. Simply put, it creates the perception of being current. In this economic climate you cannot afford to give the perception of being “out of date”, or “out of touch”.
Invest wisely.
I always recommend a style consultation. Which we include as part of our service. I always recommend professional hair and make up. At the very least professional make up. I work with several pro make up artists and am happy to refer them. They can meet you at my studio prior to the photo shoot.
I know the correct lighting and posing and the professional make up artists know the correct make up for photo shoots. It’s a great combo.
This before and after shot were taken during the same shoot. Before make up and after. I did do some minimal retouching. I always do. Even newborns get retouched!
In the before photo Kathleen had just come from her hair salon, she had done her make up herself. To the naked eye, she looked beautiful. If you know Kathleen, you know how naturally gorgeous she is. The after photo is with pro make up application. I also added a reflector to the side of her face to bring light into the shadows that were creating a look of deep facial lines. (Which she doesn’t have) Lighting is so important. The direction of light can add or diminish texture or lines in your skin. To finish we did very slight retouching to her face and to reduce fly away hair.
In this case, the client had been to another photographer. She did her own hair and make up. I don’t want to offend the other photographer, I don’t know who it was. But you can see the difference professional make up, good lighting and posing make. The 45 degree lighting the other photographer used is masculine and ages this very attractive woman. I used modified butterfly lighting, which is flattering, feminine and appropriate for this shoot.
These women all look great. They look professional, current, approachable and unique.
A special thank you to these gals for letting me show their before and afters. And to Naz Madaen for her professional make up.
