How to Look Approachable in Photos

In today’s workplace, services like LinkedIn, Upwork, etc often offer the easiest way to find the people you wish to work with. Now, imagine you’re browsing LinkedIn for people to connect with and are sifting through countless profiles. One of the first things you see is someone’s photo. Would you even consider working with someone who looks tense, nervous, or unapproachable in their headshot?

 

Life is always better when you look friendly, open, and approachable. It is easier to make friends and simpler to make business connections. The same is true for your professional headshots: you don’t want to look cold or aloof. This will likely put off people, who will simply ignore your profile for someone more approachable.
You will be amazed at how much people judge others from first impressions. It only takes us a few seconds to make a snap decision about the person in front of us. That is why you have to look your best and show your amicable self to make the best possible impression with your professional headshot.

Relax to Show Your Friendly Side
Most people feel tense in front of the camera, which is a perfectly normal reaction. So, the first thing your photographer will tell you is to relax and show your warm and friendly side.

As professional photographers, we will do our best to make you feel relaxed. It helps if you look at your photoshoot as an opportunity to show your best, rather than a dreaded chore. With a professional photoshoot, you can enhance your career, connect with the right people, and earn solid customers.

There are little things like the way you smile if you show your teeth or not and even your posture that can dictate the way that you come across in photos.

You don’t necessarily want to look casual, but you should always wear a friendly expression. Your headshot should combine confidence and approachability in equal measures.

We’ll spend time reviewing your photos, know that the first images will not always be the best. Don’t worry about missing your first shots. Once you get settled and more comfortable in front of the camera, your photos will start looking more natural and authentic.

Dress for the Part
If posing in front of the camera makes you feel like an actor, use your clothes and accessories as props. Your clothes tell a lot about who you are. Choose them wisely to highlight your best side by following these simple tips:
Stay away from clothes with prints and patterns that will grab people’s attention at the expense of your face. Instead, favor solid colors.

Likewise, avoid accessories that will direct people’s eyes away from your face. Examples include large jewelry, flashy scarves, bright ties, etc.
Although black is the go-to color for many, it can sometimes look serious and severe. Warm colors give a welcoming tone and may help you connect with your warmhearted side.
You should dress according to your professional expectations. However, research has shown that dressing down a bit makes you look more approachable. So, it may help if you can achieve your professional look without wearing an actual suit.

Smile with Your Eyes
People respond to smiles as we have that innate reflex to smile back. A smile makes us feel welcome.
You want your professional headshot to display a happy smiling face. We are not talking about outright laughter. Cheshire Cat’s wide grin can be a tad overboard as well. What you are looking for is a genuine and heartfelt smile.

Don’t force yourself to smile, as this will look tense and your mouth will look pinched. Instead, think of something you love; something that makes you genuinely happy. This will help you smile with your eyes, and people respond to the depth and glow of the eyes. Think of something funny, relaxing, or engaging, and let your face mirror your happy thoughts.

Take Your Photo at an Angle
Standing straight on can give a modern and confident look to your image. If you want to appear most approachable, we’ll encourage you to stand at a slight angle, usually 45 degrees.

There are certain theories that explain what instinct comes across in regards to the way that your head is tipped. To achieve the most friendly look, tilt your face and body while you are still looking at the camera. This is a pose that makes you look gentler and friendlier and helps people relate more easily to you.

When people look at a face, they instantly connect if the face is looking back at them. However, a face looking sideways at them appears aloof and people will not find that person approachable. A face that looks at the camera seems honest and genuine, while a face looking away may unconsciously feel suspicious and untrustworthy.

Lean for Comfort
If you feel awkward standing in front of the camera, you could lean on something to help you position your body. You only need to lean slightly, otherwise, you will look hunched.
You can lean on a table, staircase railing, step, wall, chair, etc. It helps you accommodate your arms and hands, which people sometimes feel they can’t place anywhere during a photoshoot.
If you don’t like your arms wrapped around your body, then slightly leaning on something could give you the confidence and space to let yourself relax.

Loosen Your Whole Body
When we clench our hands, the tension immediately appears on the face.
When taking a professional headshot, try to loosen your whole body, including the parts that are not on display in the photo. The moment you unclench your hands and release your arms of tension, you will feel your face regain a more relaxed and friendly tone.

Avoid Harsh Sunlight
If you have chosen to take your professional headshot in the outdoors, remember to arrange for a time of the day when the sunlight is mellow. We do our best to have openings at the first and last part of the day for this reason. Avoid midday and opt for early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden and soft.
Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows on your face, which can make you more look rigid. Gentler light will embrace your natural features in a more balanced way. In our outdoor sessions, we always use external lighting to balance the light to give you a fresh, even look.

Place Your Face at the Forefront
We want your face to take approximately 60% of the photo space. If you look too tiny, people will not get a gist of who you are and will ignore the photo. Conversely, a photo too close up is not always the most flattering.

A 60% photo space typically includes your face, neck, and a bit of your torso. You will have plenty of background, too, which gives your photo more depth and perspective and can appear more casual.

Denver Headshot Co. for Your Friendly Headshot

You should look your best in your headshots. With a little help from us and a relaxed frame of mind on your side, we will take the most authentic and representative photos of you.

If you are looking for a professional headshot that makes you look naturally confident and approachable, Jackie and Andrew are your professional photographers. Contact Denver Headshot Photos online or call now to arrange your photoshoot!