Professional Headshots
Professional headshots are portrait photography that serve a purpose in webpages, press releases, publications, and personal and professional online profiles. A “headshot” or “head shot” refers to a portrait photo cut off around the mid-torso, with the face centrally positioned. The term “professional headshot” covers a vast category, and all the remaining headshot categories come under professional headshots. It can range from the standard “corporate headshots,” with formal dress and against a grey background, to creative “acting headshots,” with relaxed dress codes and compelling expressions.
These headshots are meant to introduce you to the outside world as reliable, approachable, and skilled. A good photographer is able to take advantage of the background, expression, pose, and general lighting to visually convey these aspects of your personality.
Importance Of Professional Headshots
Professional headshots are essential.
Have there been any people with whom you immediately liked or disliked? Sometimes there are reasons that can be explained, and sometimes not. But all of us are prone to create “first impressions” of people within a fraction of a second. Such initial impressions have a considerable effect on matters such as hiring, buying, or lending your ear to a person.
In the current digital age, first impressions are made online. Employers use sites like LinkedIn to screen job candidates. Future clients research online profiles in order to gauge credibility. Investors and donors research company “About Us” sites to get to know the executives. In this situation, a good professional headshot is essential to make a great first impression. One’s career or a company’s reputation can be greatly influenced by a good headshot.
Attire For Professional Headshots
The right clothes to wear depends on your personality, your profession, and the placement of the photos. In more conservative industries like law or academia, we suggest the classic suit-and-tie (or female version) of course. But in other cases, it’s a good idea to take a cue from professionals within your field and observe what people in your field are doing on LinkedIn, with a special emphasis on highly successful people, and not just someone within your immediate network. That’s why having LinkedIn headshots is so important. Dress not for the position that you have, but rather the position that you want. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to get help from us.
Poses for Professional Headshot
When it comes to professional headshots, don’t feel the need to overdo your poses. Our photo shoots specialize in clean and simple posing, since we prefer to capture your true self over trying to get you to pose in outrageous positions like some photographers are prone to do. The point is to reveal your professionalism, not your photography abilities.
In your session, we will begin with basic poses to get your face warmed up. Just stand there and show us your biggest smile. As we continue, we can do various variations, such as crossed arms headshots and candid shots.
Our goal is to provide headshots that effectively showcase your professionalism and your authentic self.
Best Backdrops For Professional Headshots
For conservative fields such as law and finances, use neutral white, grey, or black backdrops. Such hues promote reliability and stability, producing professional photographs. For creative sectors, non-profits, or the technology field, use colored studio backdrops or outdoor/in-office appointments for fun headshots that reveal personality and uniqueness.
For professionals like senior administrators, managers, and thought leaders, having a set of photos that can be posted to various platforms is a good idea. Coupling your studio headshots with outdoor or office shots gives your photos a touch of authenticity.
Avoid duplicating the same headshot to be used across various platforms such as LinkedIn, the website of the company, and press releases because doing so will create a nonprofessional impression.
Here at Zen Studios LA, we have a list of studio backdrop choices to suit your personal taste and requirements. Check out all your available options by visiting our headshot backgrounds page.
Preparations For Professional Headshots
There are three key things to have in mind when preparing your headshot.
In addition to the effectiveness of your session, sufficient sleep, exercise, and sun exposure are a necessity in the weeks prior to your session. While our trained editors will airbrush your chosen photographs to perfection, your preparation will be a key contributor to your natural and authentic appearance.
Second, spend a few days prior to your session trying on your outfits. This will be a way to make sure your clothes fit properly and won’t need to be dry cleaned at the very last minute.
Finally, spend some time going over some of your old photos and select those that you like the most. When you get there, please show those to your photographer. This will help us get the optimal angles that will accentuate your most flattering features.
By doing so, you will be well-equipped and confident to take the perfect headshot that speaks to who you are.
Do You Lack The Confidence To Have A Professional Headshot?
Don’t worry; your portraits are in good hands. Unfortunately, some portrait photographers make their clients uneasy. They subject them to uncomfortable positions and have trouble understanding what their clients really want from their sessions. In contrast, some are too quick and gloss over the whole process.
Our top priority at Zen Studios LA is to provide a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere to each client. In a comfortable in-studio experience, we surround you with soothing melodies and regularly solicit your feedback. We ensure a phenomenal headshot that you will proudly feature online by working alongside you.
How Much Do Photographers Charge?
Professional headshots range in price from $225 and upwards based on location, package, and provider.
In pricing, two factors are crucial to be considered: licensing and retouching fees.
In terms of licensing, photographs are usually owned by the photographer until they are “bought.” This ownership charge is distinct from the “session charge” that compensates the photographer for time spent within their studio. Supplemental fees will be charged if you plan to use photographs in a press release, advertisement, magazine, or book cover. In terms of retouching, photographers usually charge $225 and more per photo. Factoring in these charges when budgeting the full cost of your session is a sound idea.
Welcome to Zen Studios! Our packages begin at an affordable price point, and you also have 100% usage rights to all photos from your photo shoot. And there’s more! You’ll also get a custom-retouched photo of your preference. Thrilling. In search of an affordable alternative? We’ve got you covered with Virtual Headshot services. Book now and let us take your best shot!
