WHAT ARE GOOD HEADSHOTS?
We wrote in a previous post, Why Should I Get A Headshot, about what are the primary reasons that people would want a headshot. Based on that we can narrow down some of the characteristics that make a good one.
Good headshots:
- Capture natural expressions and postures for each individual that convey what’s important: confidence, approachability, comfort and ease, professionalism, etc.
- Are flattering by way of being:
- Professionally lit, with lighting adjusted for each particular face
- Professionally retouched
- Sharp
- High resolution
- Are consistent between staff members, to be ‘on brand’
Ultimately you should be proud to display your headshot, in such places as
- On your website
- In your email signature
- In brochures and other print materials such as magazines
- On business cards
- On pop-up banners for trade shows & presentationsOn your LinkedIn or other social media profile
So the question is, when looking for a headshot provider, how do you know it will do all that?
How are portraits you can be proud of accomplished?
- By feeling comfortable and at ease for your portraits
- Being well prepared, with no surprises
- A fun and easy-going atmosphere on set
- Lighting adjustments: No-one’s face shape is the same, and interacts differently with the lights. Adjustments are always needed to put people’s faces ‘in the best light’
- Finding the right posture and expression: The same posture, expression, and angle does not work for everyone, so finding the most natural and flattering ones for each individual is needed
- Reviewing the images in-session: by showing the work that’s been done so far, subjects can express things that they like and don’t like, and can go back on set to work on those.
- Professional Calibre lighting and cameras
- Professional lights with calibrated white balance and bright enough
- Professional grade lenses and cameras for sharpness and resolution.
- Are consistent between staff members, to be ‘on brand’