10 Things to Never do in your Professional Headshot

In a fast moving, snap judgment, online world, your professional headshot is indispensable. Years ago, first impressions were made in-person, today they are made through digital media. Your headshot precedes you like a digital handshake to prospective clients you have yet to meet. What does your current headshot say about you? Would you buy from that person?

If you want to stand out...

1. Never dress in less than your best. Your customers want to see you as the competent business person you are, so nothing less than the best will do. Professional business attire is ideal for most everyone. Uniforms are, of course, appropriate if it is how your customer expects to see you.

2. Never wear clothes that are loose or baggy. Sometimes we like to hide behind our clothing, but it can often add the appearance of extra bulk in the final image.

3. Never wear big jewelry. Large loop earrings and statement necklaces might be part of your style, but in a portrait, they are overpowering. Prominent jewelry draws people’s attention away from seeing who you are. There are ways to show your style while keeping it simple.

4. Never reveal too much skin. People’s eyes are naturally drawn to the brightest thing in the portrait which, for 100% of the white population, is your skin. You don’t have to cover up from head to toe, but just consider you are representing your company image and not necessarily yourself.

5. Never bring only one clothing option. More clothing choices just mean more options to choose from in your final portraits. Different looks might be appropriate for different situations or social profiles. At the least, it will allow you to mix your headshots up from time to time to keep things looking fresh.

6. Never wear busy patterns. The human eye is drawn to strong patterns so you want to avoid anything that is too complex, too bold, or too contrasty. Plain solids or small subdued patterns are always best. If you are aren’t sure, consult your photographer

7. Never wear logos. Unless it is part your uniform, a competing logo at best is a distraction and at the worst is brand confusion.

8. Never wear yoga pants. There are very few professions where yoga pants are considered to be appropriate attire. Yoga instructors cover most of them.

9. Never forgo the ironing. There’s nothing worse than a floppy collar. Freshly pressed and crisp clothing is the only way to go.

10. (Almost) Never wear solid white. People often don’t end up liking they way they look in white for many reasons. It can be the clothing item looks bright and featureless, that it blends into a lighter background, or the item is more prominent than the subjects face. White can also give the illusion of added bulk or create unnatural reflections below the chin. If you wish to try white, be sure to come ready to go with a backup clothing plan.

Visit our Headshot Gallery to see what we can do for your new look!

-JMB

© 2016 Jared M. Burns Photography
Seattle & Snohomish Professional Business Headshot Photographer
www.jaredmburns.com | 206.659.7468 | info@jaredmburns.com