I try not to let it get to me but sometimes I feel a bit like the taxman must feel like…maybe a little less disliked, when I come into an office and start setting up for a company’s corporate headshots. Usually people aren’t super excited to see me and groan internally… often externally. I get it! Trust me! Why do you think I’m BEHIND the camera?! 😉 It can be super uncomfortable being in front of the lens. Which is why I wrote some tips for Corporate Headshots that will hopefully lessen the pain for all you camera shy folks out there! 

Plan your outfit 

I have a whole blog post about this here so I won’t repeat it here, but, I think it actually helps just looking for ideas online.  Find people with your same coloring, shape etc. and see what the did successfully. Make sure it’s something that you like to wear. It shows in your photos if you feel uncomfortable!

Practice smiling

You’ll feel weird about this at first but just do it at home in the privacy of your own bathroom if you’re uncomfortable. No one is watching!

Some people look great with a gigantic smile on their face while others look better with a hint of a smile and others with that serious look. Try it out and see what you prefer for you!  I will say that few people can pull off the serious face without looking angry. The trick is send a smile to your eyes. Sounds weird but it works. Or just tell yourself that you’re looking at someone you love.  But a smile almost always looks best on everyone. Hopefully your photographer will be able to coach you in this but sometimes you gotta take matters into your own hands! 

If you have a hard time smiling at the camera, I always make myself laugh a little. Even a fake laugh can force a real smile. Or think of a couple funny things that you can remember while you’re standing facing the lens.

Posing 

Again, hopefully your photographer will direct you but in case that doesn’t happen there are a couple of things that make everyone look better;

Put your chin slightly down and push it out toward the camera. This will help your jawline be more pronounced and by putting your chin down, make your eyes open more. Again, just slightly. Too much and it looks, well, evil… 🙂

I pose men and women differently because, typically, women look better and it’s more flattering when they’re at an angle to the camera and men look better square to the camera. Of course, there are always exceptions. Try also posing yourself in front of your mirror while you’re at it!

Hair and makeup

I’ve seen what I difference having your hair and makeup can do for a headshot. A good makeup and hair session can give skin a lovely natural glow, take away blemishes and boost people’s confidence. I’ve also seen it have the opposite effect when the person doesn’t feel themselves and they end up unhappy with the images. If you can’t decide whether or not to do this, a middle ground is to have your makeup done at a counter where they can instruct you on how to apply it for your shoot.  Same applies for hair! Get a great haircut a few days prior and have your stylist give you some tips for the day of your shoot.

Relax and smile

As I said above, few people really love to have their headshots done but I’m about to blow your mind – getting your picture taken has a much better outcome when you look happy and relaxed. Take some deep breaths, be a grown-up and smile!