Your professional head shot is most important to your personal image. In order to help you look your best, consider the following tips: Dress in professional business or casual attire for the photo or bring wardrobe for both! Solid colors (not white) appear best in photos.

Stand, sit or lean to obtain a candid photo of yourself, either in a business or personal setting. If you wear glasses or have light reflective eyes (such as blue eyes), do not look directly at the camera. If you wear glasses, tilt your head slightly to reduce glare. If you have light reflective eyes, look at the photographer’s shoulder opposite the flash even if “red eye reduction” is used.

Make sure that any strong light source, such as indoor lighting or windows, is either overhead or behind the photographer. Have your photographer use the highest quality setting on the digital camera. This will produce a larger file resulting in enhanced picture quality. We strongly discourage the use of cell phone photos as they do not typically have the resolution needed for print materials.

To insure picture clarity, always use a tripod. If using a hand-held camera, remind your photographer to hold their breath when taking the photo and to remain still for several seconds after the flash. Have your photographer take multiple shots, as this increases the likelihood of producing the “perfect picture.” Preview your pictures and select the best photo for publication.

Professional Photography Tips for Capturing Stunning Headshots and Portraits that I’ve discovered over the years.

As a professional photographer, I often get asked how people can look their best in headshots and portraits. The answer is, it’s all about the pose. Sure, the background and wardrobe play a part, but the right poses can make you look thinner and more confident in your pictures. In this article, I’ll share my best tips and tricks on how to pose for slimmer headshots and portraits.

Five Poses to Make You Look Thinner

The key to posing for slimmer headshots and portraits is to create the illusion of length and leanness. Here are five poses that will help you achieve this:

Stand Tall: The key to this pose is to stand tall with your shoulders back and down, your chest up, and your chin lifted. This will elongate your body, making you look taller and leaner.
Shift Your Weight: When you shift your weight to one side, it can make you look thinner. Make sure to keep your shoulders straight and your head tilted slightly to the opposite side.
Lean Forward: Leaning forward slightly can make you look leaner and more confident in your pictures. Keep your chest up, your shoulders back and down, and your chin up.
Cross Your Arms: Crossing your arms can be a great way to create the illusion of a slimmer figure. Place one arm across your stomach, while the other hangs down at your side.
Place One Hand on Your Hip: Placing one hand on your hip can be a great way to emphasize your waist and create the illusion of a slimmer figure.

These are just a few poses to make you look thinner in your headshots and portraits. Feel free to experiment and find the poses that work best for you.

What to Wear for Headshots

The wardrobe you choose for your headshots can make a big difference in how you look in your pictures. It’s important to choose an outfit that is flattering and that fits you well. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect outfit:

Stick to Solid Colors: Solid colors are always a safe bet for headshots. Stick to basic colors like black, white, navy, and gray.
Avoid Patterns: Patterns can be distracting in headshots. Stick to solid colors and neutrals.
Choose the Right Fit: It’s important to choose an outfit that fits you well. Your clothes should fit comfortably and not be too tight or too baggy.
Dress Appropriately: Make sure to choose an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion. If you’re taking business headshots, stick to professional attire.
Accessorize Strategically: Accessories can be a great way to add a personal touch to your headshots. Stick to small pieces like watches, necklaces, and rings.

These are just a few tips for choosing the perfect outfit for your headshots. Make sure to choose an outfit that flatters your body type and that you feel confident in.

Props

Props can be a great way to add interest to your headshots. Whether you’re using a chair, a plant, or a hat, props can be a great way to draw attention to your face and make you look more interesting in your headshots. Here are a few tips for using props in your headshots:

Choose the Right Props: When choosing props for your headshots, make sure they are relevant to the theme of your shoot. If you’re taking business headshots, you might want to use a briefcase or a laptop.
Keep it Simple: Don’t go overboard with the props. Stick to one or two props that will add interest to your headshots without distracting from your face.
Use Props Strategically: Make sure to use the props strategically. For example, you could use a hat to draw attention to your face or a chair to emphasize your posture.

Props can be a great way to add interest to your headshots. Just make sure to choose props that are relevant to the theme of your shoot and use them strategically.

Emphasize Your Best Features

Your headshots should be a reflection of the best version of you. Make sure to emphasize your best features, such as your eyes, your smile, or your hair. Here are a few tips to help you emphasize your best features in your headshots:

Focus on Your Eyes: Your eyes are one of the most important features in your headshots. Make sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera and avoid squinting or blinking.
Show Off Your Smile: Your smile is one of the most important features of your headshots. Make sure to keep your teeth straight and your lips open.
Showcase Your Hair: Showing off your hair can be a great way to add interest to your headshots. Make sure to style your hair in a way that flatters your face shape.
Show Some Skin: Showing some skin can be a great way to add interest to your headshots. Make sure to keep it tasteful and appropriate for the occasion.

These are just a few tips for emphasizing your best features in your headshots. Make sure to focus on your eyes, your smile, and your hair to create a flattering look.

Avoid Common Mistakes

When it comes to headshots, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid when taking headshots:

Avoid Cliché Poses: Cliché poses can make your headshots look cheesy and outdated. Make sure to avoid poses like the “model pose” or the “smize”.
Avoid Overdoing Makeup: Overdoing your makeup can make you look unnatural in your headshots. Stick to subtle makeup looks that enhance your features.
Avoid Distracting Backgrounds: It’s important to choose a background that won’t distract from your face. Stick to simple backgrounds like white or beige.
Avoid Wearing Baggy Clothes: Baggy clothes can make you look larger in your headshots. Stick to clothes that fit you well and flatter your body type.

These are just a few mistakes to avoid when taking headshots. Make sure to avoid cliché poses, overdoing makeup, distracting backgrounds, and wearing baggy clothes.

Preparing for Your Headshot Session

Preparing for your headshot session is just as important as the poses and wardrobe. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your headshot session:

Get Plenty of Sleep: Make sure to get plenty of sleep before your headshot session. This will help you look and feel your best in your headshots.
Hydrate: Make sure to drink plenty of water before your headshot session. This will help you look and feel refreshed in your headshots.
Have a Snack: Having a snack before your headshot session will give you the energy and focus you need to look your best.
Practice: Practicing your poses and expressions before your headshot session will help you feel more confident and relaxed during the shoot.
Prepare Your Wardrobe: Make sure to have your outfit ready before your headshot session. This will save you time and help you to look your best.

These are just a few tips to help you prepare for your headshot session. Make sure to get plenty of sleep, hydrate, have a snack, practice, and prepare your wardrobe.

Conclusion

With the right poses, wardrobe, and props, you can look your best in your headshots. Just make sure to choose poses that elongate your body, choose an outfit that fits you well, and use props strategically. Also, remember to emphasize your best features and avoid common mistakes. Finally, make sure to prepare for your headshot session by getting plenty of sleep, hydrating, and having a snack.

If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to look your best in your headshots and portraits. Good luck and have fun!