Perfecting your Professional Headshot

In the age of the internet, your online presence matters! Whether it’s on your LinkedIn, company website, or other professional platforms, a well-crafted profile photo can help you establish credibility, approachability, and professionalism.

Follow along to learn the steps for nailing your headshot, allowing potential employers to get the very best first impression of you.

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have

When choosing the perfect outfit for your professional headshot there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, opting for attire that aligns with your desired industry and the image you are trying to portray is essential. If you are in a creative field, you may be able to get away with dressing in slightly more casual and bold attire. For more traditionally corporate roles, it is always best to opt for something more pared back and conservative. Dressing professionally not only demonstrates your dedication to your career but also helps you to exude a sense of expertise and dependability.

Look confident and approachable 

Confidence is key when getting your professional headshot taken. Though it can sometimes feel awkward being in front of the camera, always try to stand or sit up straight, maintain good eye contact with the camera and smile naturally. A friendly, approachable expression can create a sense of trust and warmth. 

Remember, a professional headshot should reflect you authentically, so stay clear of over-editing and airbrushing. Employers want to see the real you shine through.

Keep it clear and clean!

When it comes to the setting of your professional headshot, it is best to opt for a clear and tidy backdrop. This will allow you to feature as the main hero of the photo and assist in drawing the viewers' attention to you (and not that stack of papers on your desk!). To achieve this, consider taking your photo against a solid-coloured wall, a very minimally styled mock desk or a simple outdoor location.

Proper lighting can also make a massive difference when it comes to the quality of your headshot. As a rule of thumb, natural lighting is often the most flattering, so consider snapping your shot either outdoors or near a window.

Use the tools you have

Gone are the days when you needed a professional camera to capture a crisp, beautiful photo. Thanks to the advancements in technology, your trusty smartphone can now double as a powerful tool for capturing a professional-quality headshot. If you follow the above lighting directions, you can achieve picture-perfect results.

Don’t settle for an awkward, stretched-arm selfie! Instead, invite a friend to capture the photo for you. Alternatively, prop up your phone and use your phone's self-timer function. If you have an iPhone, you can also take advantage of the portrait mode function to achieve an even more professional depth-of-field effect.

So, now that you have all the information, it’s time to go forth and capture that perfect snap that portrays your professionalism, approachability, and authenticity!