The headshot has been an instrumental part of the business world for decades. Whether used by models, musician, or actors in order to provide an instant view of one’s aesthetic for producers and agencies or to show off a company’s staff to the general public, a headshot is the viewer’s first reaction to your personality. It is a representation of not only who you are as an individual, but also who you are as a representative for your company or whomever you represent. It is essential that your Washington,DC, business headshots be the best they can possibly be for a multitude of reasons. If you’ve never had a headshot done before, or you have and simply need to update your current one, here are some tried and true tips to help fine-tune the image you wish to show off to the world. Professionally Done Vs. Done by an Amateur So you’ve got a great photo of you from that wedding four years ago, right? The one everyone fawns over because it’s the best you’ve looked in years. Well, discard it right now. Even if it was shot by a professional photographer, it may not have the correct lighting and definitely won’t portray you in a professional manner. Hiring a professional for a studio session allows the photographer to play with lighting in order to maximize your features and shadows. A proper headshot photographer will know the best way to bring out all your sides in order to create a professional image worth posting online or hanging in a corporate office lobby. Intent Vs. Portrayal If you play guitar in a heavy metal band, the image you’re going to want to portray will be vastly different than if you practice bankruptcy law at a huge firm downtown. Tiger-striped leather pants and spiked bracers are a far cry from tailored suits and ties or skirts and pantsuits. While it would be entertaining for potential clients to see that in a law office, it doesn’t do much for your professionalism. Knowing your audience and the attitude your company is trying to exude will define the kind of headshot you should have done. Letting your photographer know this ahead of time will also allow for more appropriate headshots to be taken. You won’t waste your photographer’s time and, more importantly, you won’t waste your time or money by needing to take replacement shots. Makeup Vs. No Makeup A little goes a long way, truly. Some photographers will have makeup artists on hand, but it’s best to have it done before arriving at the studio. If you know you have a heavy hand when applying foundation or eye-liner, stay your hand and keep it simple. A little here, a little there—enough to cover up some flaws and smooth out splotchy skin—will be best for almost all kinds of photography. Too much and you run the risk of making yourself look like a caricature rather than someone to be taken seriously. Style Vs. Substance In Washington, DC, business headshots can be found all over, from inside the White House to every inch of the halls of Congress. Every one of those people will tell you that how you look is just as important as what you wear. Just like with the makeup, it’s best to keep your outfit simple, both in style and in color. For men, it’s best to wear a light-colored suit along with a subtle tie. That pink plaid tie may be in fashion now, but best to go with something understated and not too flashy in order to avoid taking replacement pictures in a few years. For women, avoid black in your fabrics, but aim for more muted jewel tones like chocolate, dark green, maroon, or navy. Also, avoid large, ostentatious earrings as they tend to take focus away from your face.
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