The elements that go into creating a great professional headshot.
A high-quality professional headshot is important for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps to create a good first impression and can be the difference between getting a job or not. Secondly, it helps to build trust with clients and can be used as a marketing tool.
The second part can be hard to achieve.
So, what makes for a great professional headshot?
As a Melbourne photographer with over three decades of experience, Simon James has taken countless headshots over the years.
In that time, he’s learned a thing or two about what really matters when it comes to capturing truly amazing headshot imagery that not only showcases the subject in their best light and on their best side but also helps to establish a connection between the subject and the audience.
After all, a headshot is just another avenue to build trust and engagement with your audience before you have a chance to do so in person!
Communication is key to a great headshot
As a photographer with over 30 years of experience, I’ve learned that communication is key to any great photograph.
Headshots are no different.
In one image, we have to try and tell your story, convey emotion and deliver a final product that makes you relatable and contactable for your audience.
One of the key reasons why I believe good communication is so important when it comes to taking professional headshots is because it helps to break down any barriers between the photographer and subject. This, in turn, makes it easier for the photographer to capture natural expressions and emotions from the subject.
By nature, most of us are quite uptight when it comes to having our photos taken, particularly when they are for a professional headshot.
We think that we have to be really rigid and posed.
In all honesty, there’s nothing worse than photographing a statue. It makes you look cold, disinterested and sometimes even flat-out unapproachable.
Good communication also helps to build trust between the photographer and subject, which can be crucial when it comes to getting a great headshot that oozes confidence and authority.
I always want to make my clients feel as natural, confident and joyous as possible when taking their headshots, because this is the only way to capture the best version of themselves.
Context Counts: Things to think about for your headshot
As an experienced headshot photographer, another important aspect I bring to a shoot with my clients is being able to understand the wider context for the headshot.
Who is the headshot of?
Are they representing themselves or a wider business?
Who are the people viewing this headshot?
What does it need to say to the person viewing the headshot for them to feel confident that the person they are looking at is the right person for them?
Understanding these questions and their answers ensures that the guidance provided to my clients helps to achieve the best possible outcome for my clients.
These will help guide:
- What clothes you should wear
- How you should be posed
- The expression we are trying to achieve
- The backdrop for the photo
For example, if it’s really important for you to convey that you are trustworthy, then we will try and achieve a natural pose where your hands are in view.
This helps to show that you have nothing to hide from your audience and can help establish a much more trustworthy feel for your photo.
If it’s important for you to come across as quite relaxed and approachable, then perhaps we will ditch the tie and try and achieve a more relaxed, down-to-earth vibe.
Headshot Photography in Melbourne
Simon James Photography is a Melbourne-based photography studio that specialises in professional headshots.
Simon understands the importance of having a great headshot and uses his expertise to help his clients achieve this.
Contact Simon today for more information!