Tips for Unforgettable Professional Photos  

Have you ever sat down for a meeting with someone whom you had previously only seen in pictures and thought to yourself, “Wow! She isn’t what I expected.” If so, you understand the importance of a natural, yet professional-looking headshot that represents the “you” that you want clients and colleagues to remember.

Hire a Pro
Your second cousin’s vacation pictures might be fantastic, but a professional photographer that understands nuances of lighting, camera angles and editing will make your business photos as outstanding as your resume. The glaring lights in an office can prove challenging to even the best photographers. If you will be shooting your photos seated at your desk, your professional photographer will be better-equiped to get the best photos, fluoroscent lights notwithstanding.

Communicate your Expectations
Tell your photographer when and where you will be using your photos. Although both indoor and outdoor portraits are generally acceptable, certain publications demand a slightly more formal feel.

Prepare
Although photo editing can erase a multitude of ills, nothing can compare with you putting your best face forward on the day of your shoot. To look and feel your best, you will want to determine which wardrobe options will create the look you desire in your finished photos. If you have questions about color or style, ask your photographer for some tips. Get a good night’s sleep the night before, or sleep several good nights in a row if you can. It’s probably best not to take your headshots the morning after a bachelorette party. Avoid alcohol and drug use, as these can make your skin look dull or splotchy. Drink plenty of water the day before so your skin looks fresh and hydrated.

What to Wear
Clothing that fits well always photographs better than clothing that is too tight or is too loose and bunches up. Pay special attention to the neckline; does your collar lie properly? Unless you are a professional clown, avoid wearing bright or busy prints. Solids work best. You want people to remember your face, not the fad du jour. V-neck blouses, worn alone, flatter everyone and make the neck look longer. Long sleeves look best in most photographs.

For a more formal, suit jacket look, make sure your jacket fits well and bring several blouses with varying necklines that fit under the jacket to change up your look during your photo session. The contrast of a dark suit and lighter colored blouse photographs well. Don’t assume that you have to stick to black for your suit either; try navy blue, eggplant or charcoal gray instead.

Hair & Makeup
Your makeup should accentuate your look, not overwhelm or detract from your natural beauty. Avoid frosted or sparkly eye shadow and too bright lip or eye colors. You want to look natural only better. Translucent powder smooths any complexion. Lip liner in one shade darker than your lipstick color will define your lips. Even if you never wear makeup on a daily basis, it is probably a good idea to wear some for your professional photographs.

Wear your hair the way you normally would. Don’t go to the salon for a whole new “look” the day before your photographs. It is also better to get your haircut a week or more before your session so that it has time to grow out to that “perfect” length before you get your pictures taken. Remember to bring your own brushes and styling products with you that day for quick touchups.

The Art of Editing
Even when the planets align for an ideal photograph, there will still be some editing to do. Over-editing can be just as bad as no editing at all, and sometimes it is worse. You do not want your photos to look processed with editing nips and tucks that leave your colleagues debating if you had plastic surgery or got colored contact lenses. Keep and eye out for over-edited or unnatural looking photographs when you look at a potential photographer’s work.

Have fun during your photography session. Banter back and forth with the photographer. Most professionals will suggest you make different faces or chat with you about various topics to break the ice, make you more comfortable, and keep you from becoming stony-faced. Laugh a bit. Smile big for a few photos, even if you think your corny smile is unprofessional. Allow your true self—that sharp, intelligent, put-together, powerful, fun, witty, successful woman—to emerge in your photos and beckon to viewers, “Remember me.”