How to Take Creative Headshots
Headshots can be daunting, especially professional ones. Many clients cringe at the thought of being photographed, and this hesitation clearly shows in their headshots. People often come across as nervous or wearing a smiling mask.
Our clients often tell us that they don’t want “the usual boring headshot” but something creative and exclusive that accurately represents them. They want to feel themselves in their photos.
The same is true of company photos. A common thread should be running through company headshots, and that’s their brand and business personality.
So, how do we manage to create original photos instead of fake-looking or boring ones?
Choose a Photo Shoot Location That Represents You
The first step toward shooting the perfect professional headshot is to choose the right photoshoot location. Here at Denver Headshot Co., we have our own studio where we can take your picture. If you are looking for a neutral background that will make your face stand out, our studio is the perfect setting.
However, some of our clients want something different and novel to better represent their unique personalities. In cases like this, we can go to them and shoot where they feel most comfortable: in their own surroundings.
Yes, shooting in a work environment can be challenging. However, it’s also interesting and innovative. Many professionals want to highlight how engaged they are with their work, so shooting at their place of business makes perfect sense. Furthermore, their professional environment often empowers them and makes them feel like themselves. This is exactly what we need to shoot a creative and exceptional headshot.
Another advantage of shooting at a workplace is the variety and uniqueness this brings to the photos. There are so many captivating work ambiances: think of a landscape architect who feels invigorated by her gardens. How about a baker who wants to highlight their bakery? Or even an advertiser who likes working amongst piles of photos, computers, and ideas floating around.
The key to a successful and creative headshot is for people to feel like themselves. Being in your own setting can help you feel relaxed and brimming with confidence—exactly the attitude we are looking for.
When we, photographers, incorporate your work environment into your photoshoot, we gain precious insight into the fun and passion you have for your job. That’s what makes a true professional.
Of course, people are passionate about more than work. Accordingly, your photoshoot location doesn’t need to be directly linked to your profession. If you feel that a different space reflects your personality better, let us know. It can be anything from a quirky café to an industrial area or a loft overlooking the city.
Our aim is to take headshot photos that will do justice to your personality. A location that matches your humanity, sense of humor, and professionalism will bring out your personal brand.
Add a Clever Prop to Your Headshot
Props can be tricky and it usually takes a professional photographer to cleverly include them in a headshot without making it look cheesy or cheap.
With the right lighting and the proper background, however, you can take a great professional photo by including one or two props that represent your business.
When we take your photo, we want you to feel self-assured. A prop can help you visualize and express how confident you are at your work. This will translate into a professional headshot that stands out from similar but less creative ones. Not to mention that people will instantly understand the type of work you do!
Some professions have obvious props: a whisk for a baker, a laptop for office work, pencils for a teacher, or a hand shovel for a gardener. Others may require some thinking out of the box. Together, we can come up with some novel ideas to match your personality and line of work.
Wear What You Would Wear to Meet a Client
You should make your photoshoot representative of who you are. So, you shouldn’t wear something that looks serious if it’s out of place with your true self. It can be a bit of a fine balance combining your original spark with your professional image but it may help if you wear the clothes you would wear if you were going to meet a new client: you want to make a good impression but you also want to look like yourself and to adequately represent your business.
A suit might be fine for a financial adviser if that’s how they feel they better represent their brand. But if you are a therapist who specializes in couples’ therapy, you may prefer to look approachable and friendly. You want people to trust you and open up to you. In this case, you wouldn’t wear a suit at your first meeting with a couple. Why should you wear one for your professional photoshoot?
Take a Headshot but Include the Body
Our body posture says a lot. If you want your photoshoot to speak for you, ask your professional headshot photographer to include your body or at least parts of it in the photo. This will help make your headshot photo creative and distinguishable from the rest.
You can sit on a stool, on steps, or stand on a staircase railing to help you do something with your hands and find a posture that feels natural. You can also hold something that is representative of you or your business to add a personal touch to your photo.
Give Yourself a Task
You can make your photoshoot look more active by giving yourself a task. A task will help you tone down your nervousness while also keeping your hands and body occupied. So, type at your laptop, prepare your signature coffee at your coffee shop, write down notes, or play your musical instrument if you are a musician. Whatever the task, a photoshoot that looks more energetic and dynamic instantly captivates your audience and draws their attention.
Your Photos Should Be about Yourself
You don’t want unemotional and dull photos of yourself. Plus, you don’t want to look like other professionals in your industry. You want to come across as genuine, passionate, and dedicated to your work and brand. You want your photo to be creative, personal, and unique.
Your professional headshot is telling a story. You want to make this story as interesting as possible. You are not telling the same story as your neighbor, friend, or competitor. You are telling what you have achieved. At the same time, you don’t want to try too hard or come across as over-friendly.
Your professional headshot speaks volumes about your job, brand, business, and professional position. But it also tells who you are at heart, what motivates you, and what brings out your enthusiasm. Finding the right mixture of these elements is key to a creative professional headshot.
Denver Headshot Co. Will Take Creative Headshots for Your Brand
As professional headshot photographers, we don’t want to take fake photos of people. We want to immortalize their personality and capture the zest that each person has for their job and their life. That’s why all our professional headshots aim to be unique and original.
Are you looking for a unique professional headshot that brings out who you are? Then Jackie and Andrew are your photographers. Contact Denver Headshot Co. online or call now 720-712-4829 to book your session!
