I have taken business head shots for many organisations in Norwich, Norfolk and North Suffolk. Some people love to be in front of the camera whilst others shy away saying things like “ I hate being photographed” and “ I never look good in photos”. Here are some tips to help you and your staff to get the most from your head shot photo session:-
What To Wear
Wear clothing that is appropriate for your profession. For corporate images a plain shirt with tie or blouse works well.
Remember that your head shot is likely to be used for a few years. If you get a promotion you will want your image to reflect your new position.
Avoid stripes, patterns and T-shirts with messages written on them. Stripes and patterns can create an effect where a secondary, horrible rippling pattern occurs.
Flash light is likely to show underwear through your clothes if you wear the wrong colours. So for women a nude bra works well with any top. If you don’t have a nude bra wear a light one with a light top and a dark one with a dark top. You definitely need to avoid wearing a black bra under a white top and a white bra under a back top.
If you have a strapless bra this also helps to improve the quality of your images and speeds up the photo shoot. It avoids spending time covering up your bra straps. The use of a strapless bra is also an excellent way for a woman to get a bare shoulders head shot.
Hair
Always brush or comb your hair to avoid any straggly stands. You need your hair to be full bodied, smooth and neat.
Photoshopping hair is difficult and not normally included in the price of a job so you need to get your hair right before your photo is taken.
Skin
Most of the time a photographer will use artificial lights to take your head shot. This ensures consistent and flattering lighting conditions. However it can make your skin look shiny.
Women can overcome this problem by using a foundation. Men can wash their face or an excellent alternative is to use baby wipes to wipe your face a few minutes before having your photo taken.
Makeup
For a corporate head shot wear simple makeup. I recommend that you slightly overdo your makeup, more than normal, for a photo shoot. It will look normal on the finished image.
Spectacles
If you normally wear spectacles for work then wear them on your photo shoot. Please ensure that they are clean.
If you are often seen without spectacles and only use them for reading, then it is best not to wear them on your photo shoot. In this case remove your spectacles about 5 minutes before the photo shoot to avoid having marks on your nose.
Check In The Mirror
Go and check yourself in the mirror before the photo shoot . Check hair, skin tone, makeup, buttons, tie, jewellery and spectacles. If you are happy with your look then go and meet your photographer.
Keep Looking at Your Photographer
For business head shots you need to be looking at the camera. When there are other people nearby making funny comments they might distract you.
Try to ignore them and keep looking at your photographer.
Best Side
Many people often state they have a best side. If so tell your photographer before any images are taken.
Hide any facial defects away from the camera. If you don’t like your teeth then smile with your mouth closed.
Smile
A smile makes you look friendly and approachable. It is amazing how many people tell me “I don’t do smiling”.
I will always try to make you laugh and capture as natural a smile as is possible.