Did you know that you’re About Me page is the second most viewed page on your website? In this age of the internet and social media, people want to see who they are actually doing business with. They want to see the faces behind the logos stock photography in an attempt to make an emotional connection with you. That is why your team’s headshots and your branding photography are a crucial part of your company’s marketing communication and I highly suggest that those must be taken by a headshot photographer.
Quality imagery sets the tone of your business, brings personality to your brand, and offers a human touch. Since headshots are a crucial piece of your marketing message, it is essential to invest in quality professional headshots. A good headshot photographer will be able to listen to your branding strategy and translate your message into your photos. In this highly visual world of online digital marketing, a high-quality on-brand photo is the best way to stand out from the competition! You will take the first step in building the know, like, and trust factor with your future clients with your imagery.
As a Boise headshot photographer, here are a few of my top suggestions to consider when thinking about your next headshot session. Before scheduling a headshot session, spend some time considering how you want to portray your brand in your headshots.
1. Traditional or Modern Headshots?
Consider the type of headshot that would be best for your brand. Most of us are familiar with the traditional headshot done in with a solid color or muslin background. These are great options for headshots and a simple background really highlights your face. Many more traditional industries, such as law, financial and real estate have opted for these headshots in the past. A second option is a more modern headshot than it is taken in a lifestyle-type setting. These headshots incorporate more of the environment into your photos and allow you to add a little more personality. In general, these photos come across as a little more casual and approachable. These headshots can be done outdoors in a lobby or coffee shop or in a casual home sitting on a couch or chair.
2. Wardrobe and accessories!
I recommend opting for clothing that is neutral and timeless for your headshots. Fall and winter clothing usually photograph best and provide a lot of rich textures. I recommend staying away from busy and bold patterns, statement jewelry, or anything else that would distract from your face. Your face needs to be the main focal point of the image. Another general rule is that black and bright white are not good clothing colors as they can come across as harsh on the camera. My recommendation is to opt for colors that look good with your skin tone. Over the years, I have found that blue is a great color for professional headshots, and almost everyone photographs well in some shade of blue.
3. Body Language
Body language is everything! Your body language will communicate volumes in your headshot. Do you need to come across as compassionate, caring, and attentive? Such as a doctor, counselor, or business coach? Then make sure you are leaning in and approachable in your headshot.
Do you need to come across as reserved, professional, and powerful? In this case, opt for a headshot where you are not leaning into the camera and have your arms crossed, or perhaps hands on your hips. This portrays knowledge, power, professionalism, and experience.
Other things to consider and communicate to your photographer are the following. Do you have a preferred side of your face that you like photographed? Do you prefer smiling or not images? Does your brand need to be serious or candid? All of these are minor elements that need to be considered when capturing an amazing, on-brand headshot.
That’s a wrap for this week! I am so grateful that you have stopped by my little corner of the internet to learn more It’s 2022 and time to bring your business to the next level. Let’s up to your branding game and show your personality off the world. Let them get to know you and tell them that you mean business. Fill out the contact form or shoot me an email. And we can chat about your next headshot session.
Have we connected on social media yet? If not, what are you waiting for? You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I would love to connect with you and know more about you as well! I hope you will send me a DM so we can continue the conversion offline!
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Boise, ID-based branding and headshot photographer. Shelly specializes in professional headshot photography, personal branding photography, and lifestyle photography. Shelly serves the greater Treasure Valley area including Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and Nampa.
