First impressions matter.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, building your business website, need a corporate directory image or want a LinkedIn refresh, maintaining an updated headshot is an important investment in you. In order to get the most value from your next headshot project, the following are important questions to consider. Thinking through this will help you feel confident and ready. What’s more, your preparation and knowledge will help your photographer achieve the look you need.

1. What is your goal?

It’s pretty common for clients to focus their energy on what they’re going to wear that they don’t spend time giving thought to what they want their session to accomplish. Are you looking to be hired? Do you want to appear friendly and approachable to attract potential clients? Want to give off a particular vibe for a casting director or modeling agency? What do you want to achieve with your new portraits? Think it through and share this valuable information with your photographer.

2. Who is your main audience?

Going off the first question, knowing your intended viewer helps in establishing the best looks and backgrounds. If it’s a corporate directory for example, you might have guidelines you need to follow. Clients might need an exact pose to match the others in the company. Other times, I’ve had clients say they want to attract an audience that shares commonalities with their brand. In that case, we need to showcase specific branding qualities or colors.

3. What’s your intended usage?

It’s important to share where and how you’ll be using the images. There are so many online platforms each with their own unique requirements. Shooting for the specific location where the image will live, will result in the best display quality. Let your photographer know if you need the image for a specific location such as LinkedIn, website, business cards, a printed ad, a book jacket, or Facebook banner. That information will let your photographer shoot for the best specifications.

4. What’s your desired background?

Your headshot is all about YOU. You’re the focus. That’s one reason seamless studio backdrops work so well. There’s no distraction from the subject. Popular colors are white and various shades of grey. Another trendy option is using a pop of color, perhaps showcasing branding colors, or a feeling associated with the specific color. You might also consider a fancier painted backdrop. Decide if you have a preference, consider the outfit colors you’ll be bringing, and share this with your photographer.

What if you prefer an on-location, lifestyle images? Sometimes, an outdoor setting, a building lobby or an office is preferred. There is a greater level of complexity in the design and preparation for this kind of shoot so a custom session will help meet these goals.

5. What other dynamic images might you need?

Whether you’re in-studio or on location, you’ll have the opportunity to bring multiple outfits. This means you can showcase different aspects of your personality. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to get additional portraits? One that shows the playful side, the casual, the glamorous, etc. After the professional look is captured…how else would you like to be photographed? Headshot sessions serve the need for a professional image, but they can be combined with a fun look that you’ll love to show off!

Ready to elevate your professional look? Reach out here for details on the next headshot marathon day or to design your custom session!