Do you feel like you’re just not photogenic?
Does it seem like every photo you see of yourself doesn’t look right? If you said yes, you’re not alone. A lot of people feel like they’re doomed to never take a great-looking photo. Having your photo taken in a casual setting is one thing, but when you need a headshot for your business profile, it might feel like you’re paying for a lousy photo.
The good news is, the idea that you’re not photogenic is most likely just that – an idea in your head or a self-fulfilling prophecy. With the right mindset and the right photographer, anyone can have a great-looking headshot and make the under-informed person looking at your photo think,”I guess they’re just naturally photogenic.”
How to Be Photogenic for Your Headshot
Being photogenic is less about having supermodel features and more about feeling confident and comfortable. With the right mindset, anyone can take a photo that captures their best look. The tips in this article are for getting the most out of your headshot, but they can be applied to any situation where you know a camera will be pointed at you and clicking. If you have a scheduled photoshoot or are thinking about it, these tips can help you get into the right mindset to take your best photo.
Be on Time & Come Prepared
When you’re running late for an appointment, you’re naturally more stressed. Your goal is to stay calm, confident, and comfortable. One easy way to keep yourself in the right mindset is to eliminate the stress of running late. Give yourself time to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled headshot comfortably. If you’re wearing more than one outfit, make sure your outfits are ironed and ready to go the day before.
Seek Guidance
If you’re not sure about which outfit is best or which background is ideal, don’t stress out about it. Bring a few outfits with you and ask your photographer for guidance. They’ve taken hundreds of not thousands of headshots and have an eye for what outfit and background will work best for you. They’ll make recommendations and explain why they think it will work. That expertise is part of what you’re paying for when you use a professional photographer.
Communicate
If you are dreading your headshot session, let your photographer know about your concerns. First off, you’re not going to shock them. The majority of people who get headshots have some amount of anxiety about it. If you feel like your left side is not your best side, or if you have
some feature you’re insecure about, communicate it to your photographer. There are many different tricks a professional photographer can use to enhance or hide particular features.
Bring a Friend
Bringing a friend or loved one for a headshot can be a big relief for some. If you’re shy around new people, getting your photograph taken in a studio can be intimidating. A good friend can help you feel at ease and make you relax. They can even talk to you during the shoot and get your mind off what’s happening and get into a positive mindset, which often reflects in your photos.
Get Enough Sleep
You don’t necessarily need to go to bed early, but you definitely should get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before your headshot. You’re going to feel more rested and energized, and you’re going to look better. If you have insomnia issues, your photographer can touch up bags under your eyes
in photoshop to some degree, but not getting enough sleep can even affect your skin color. Try your best to get enough sleep the night before your shoot, if possible.
How to Pose for Your Headshot
Now you’re in the moment. You’re wearing the right outfit, the background is set, and your photographer has the lighting perfect. What do you do now?
Stay Relaxed – Keep a good posture (no slouching) and try not to look tense. Notice your hands. Are they clinched or tightening up? Relax your hands, and the rest of your body will follow. You want to look confident and cool. Your headshot s convey the message that you’re in control.
Lean in Towards the Camera – Leaning slightly in towards the camera is the secret to eliminating the double chin while at the same time making you look more engaged. Put your weight on one foot instead of locking your knees.
Trust Your Photographer – He or she knows how to get your best possible headshot. He or she will direct you into different positions capturing you from multiple angles. Your photographer will take dozens of photos and give you the opportunity to choose the one that’s best.
Ready to Get Your Perfect Headshot?
Denver Headshot Company makes getting the perfect headshot easy. We’ll provide you with multiple digital sizes, including one that’s formatted, sized, and ready to upload to your LinkedIn account with no cropping or adjusting needed. You’ll get dozens of different headshots to choose from, multiple background choices, and a fast 72-hour turnaround.
