“I just need a quick headshot.” I cannot tell you how many times I hear this. The truth is, your headshot is not just a quick picture. If your brand is a book, your headshot is the cover. It sets the tone for the story of your business. It shouldn’t just be a picture – it should be an accurate portrayal of who you are and the service you provide! So, who do you want to be?
Lifestyle vs. Studio Headshots
Sometimes, you simply can’t reinvent the wheel, and studio headshots are one of those cases. They are a critical component of your professional profile! Studio portraits can get a bad rap, because yearbook pictures immediately come to mind. But that’s not at all how it has to be. Yes, studio headshots can be a bit expected, but they’re also synonymous with a high level of professionalism.
Lifestyle headshots are more editorial, and in many ways more literal. It puts your brand in action. It allows you to directly say, “This is who I am, and this is what I do.” Environmental shots might not be appropriate for your business card or your portfolio, but they cast you and your brand in their natural state.
Whether it’s lifestyle or studio, I love to figure out how to capture your brand’s message through the best possible lighting and postures. Before a shoot, when I’m talking to my clients about their careers, I take special notice of their body language and natural movements, those are the ones I’ll capture during a headshot shoot.
Power Colors vs. Soft Colors
Obviously, “What should I wear” is everyone’s first question! There is only one universal truth when it comes to a headshot uniform…stay away from patterns! You want to choose colors that compliment you, but also ones that help tell that story you’re trying to get across to potential customers. People tend to want to portray themselves in more of an authoritative state, but that’s not the right move for every profession. Sometimes it’s better to choose a softer color palette. Here are a few of my favorite colors for powerful and soft.
