Recently, a colleague requested an opinion on several new professional photos she just posted. Most of the viewers were friends plus a few clients. The picture that received the most likes was the one I would have picked for her website.
The audience she solicited the opinions from is very similar to the market she is targeting. This brings us to the critical concept in selecting a professional photo: know the main goal of the photo other than personal preference. It is important that the photo fully represent the person in it.
The clothing elements, color, and style also worked for her. She was smart to take some photos with different color and style choices. The photographer was also wise to use different lighting to enhance her approachability in the photo.
Having modeled in my early career, I follow these tips to ensure my photo looks like me and shows me in the best possible light.
In a professional photo, check to see if there is a makeup artist tied to the studio that you can use. Otherwise, engage one for the shoot. The artists use a makeup especially designed for the camera.
Begin practicing by moving your mouth up and down at least 10 minutes before the photo shoot so you look relaxed when you smile. If you have any neck wrinkles they will be less noticeable if you stretch your chin out a bit. Your hair style should be natural. If you wear glasses all the time, your photo should include them.
When standing in a group photo, a sideways pose is best for a slimmer, thinner look.
Following these tips will help your photo turn out picture perfect.
I recently attended an awards ceremony where a number of women received recognition for their business and good citizen’s achievements. Each was featured in the program. I felt it was surprising when each of them went up to receive their awards because only a few looked like their photos. Some had aged significantly or their physical shapes had taken on another life either up or down. Now granted, some folks don’t change, but clothing styles do as does how one poses for a head shot. These are some tips to insure your photo is current.
A photo:
• Should not be more than four years old
• Should be replaced if your hair coloring or style changes drastically (like from a blond to a red head)
• Should be updated if you gain or lose more than 20 pounds
You always want to look like you just stepped out of your photo when someone first meets you.
In today’s world of social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn and Spoke to name a few, your photo should be appropriate to the site. LinkedIn and Spoke are business networking sites while Facebook is a social one unless you have a professional page like I do. My photo on Linkedin is not the same one I use on my personal Facebook page. My photo on Amazon as an author is also different.
The life of your photograph is best served with different clothing choices and in some cases even a different pose. The reason for this is that your audience is usually different for each site. The purpose of your photo is to connect to the viewer and give them a sense about you. So, wearing a very casual outfit will be fine for your personal Facebook page but not for your LinkedIn profile.
