10 tips to look good in your business headshot

I’ve been photographing people for their company websites for nearly 20 years now. Over that time I’ve picked up a few tips that really help when you’re having your photo taken.

Let’s face it, no one ever gives you any advice. So here’s my bit to help you get the most out of your headshot.

1. Think about what you’re going to wear

Avoid tops with logos, band names or funny slogans. The chances are they’ll get cut off in the shot and just look odd. A T-shirt that says “My mum went on holiday and all I got was this lousy T-shirt” becomes your face with the words “my mum” underneath it.

This photo will probably be on your company’s website for a few years. So the band you love now might not feel quite so cool when you’ve just been promoted.

Thin stripes and busy patterns don’t work well on camera either. Thin stripes can create a rippling effect on screens (called moiré), especially when the image is small. Something plain will look good at any size.

A lot of headshots end up in black and white too. That pink tie with a light blue shirt may look great in real life, but in black and white they can turn into the same grey. If in doubt, take a quick photo of yourself in the mirror, turn it black and white on your phone and see what works.

2. Bring a change of top

If you can, bring a second top or shirt. It gives you a choice on the day and gives your company a bit of variety. It also saves the day if you spill your coffee on the way in.

3. Shiny skin

When I set up a studio in your office, I’ll usually be using studio lights. They give consistent results and I’ll set them up to be as flattering as possible. The one downside is that they can make skin look a bit shiny, especially on a hot day.

A little powder or foundation helps a lot. Or nip to the loo and splash your face with water just before your photo. A quick face wipe works well too. Nobody wants to look hot and sweaty in their company photo.

4. Your hair

So many people rush over to me through the wind and arrive with their hair everywhere. If you’ve got longer hair, bring a brush or comb with you.

Aim for neat around the edges, with no stray strands. Retouching hair is really difficult, as there are so many fine lines going in all directions. It’s much easier to get it right before the photo than to fix it afterwards.

5. Make-up

This is a professional photo of you at work, so a natural look works best. What you’d wear for a big night out probably won’t work for a corporate headshot.

If you normally wear a strong lipstick, that’s fine. Just don’t go for a bold new look you wouldn’t usually wear. You want the photo to look like you.

6. Glasses

If you normally wear glasses and people are used to seeing you in them, wear them. If you only wear them for screen work (like me), decide beforehand whether to wear them.

If you’re leaving them off, take them off well before your photo, so you don’t have red marks either side of your nose. They take a while to go.

If you’re wearing them, give them a really, really good clean. It’s surprising how much dust and fingerprints show up. And push them right back up your nose. Glasses tend to slip down slightly and cover your eyes, and in a headshot it’s really important to see your eyes.

7. Your best side

A lot of people know which side of their face they prefer. If you do, tell me. It really helps, as I’ll focus on that side.

The same goes for anything you’re self-conscious about. People have told me they don’t like that one eye is bigger than the other, so I’ll put that eye nearest the camera. Others don’t like their teeth, so we’ll go for a closed-mouth smile.

Think of photographers like doctors. You can tell us anything without being embarrassed. Chances are we’ve heard it all before.

8. The right height

The best angle is usually with the camera at your eye level or just above. I’ll always guide you on this. But if you’re very tall, you’re probably used to photos taken from below, which can be a bit unflattering.

One trick is to spread your feet wide apart. Yep, that’s right, adopt the rock star pose. It brings you down a couple of inches. It’s much better than squatting, because squatting starts to hurt, and pain always shows on your face.

9. Stop talking (just for a moment)

One of the first things people tell me is “I hate having my photo taken”. Then they chat away nervously in front of the camera, and all I capture is them mid-word pulling faces.

So take a deep breath and relax. You’re in safe hands. I’ll chat to you to help you feel comfortable, but when I’m about to take the shot, a quiet moment really helps.

10. Smile (properly)

When someone’s told to smile for the camera, it usually looks a bit fake. It doesn’t reach the eyes. So I never ask people to smile. I’ll try to make you laugh, or ask you to think of someone or something that makes you smile. That gives a much more natural result.

Not sure whether you look best with your lips open or closed? Ask me, and we’ll try both.

And finally, a quick check in the mirror

Just before your photo, pop to the mirror and give yourself the once-over. Hair OK? Necklace not twisted round? Tie straight? Nothing stuck in your teeth? I’ve never met you before, so I won’t know what looks “normal” for you.