5 tips to love your next headshot / hartford, ct

July 22, 2019

Headshots.

Did I make you shudder? Did I remind you of that item on your to-do list that’s been quietly haunting you for months? Or worse yet, did you already click away because of the assumption that headshots are borrrrring?

Stop hiding! Headshots don’t have to be painful, and they certainly don’t have to be boring. In fact, quite the opposite: Professional headshots should show you in the best light possible (see what I did there? #photographerjokes) In a professional world that’s gone digital, it’s more important now than ever to make sure your headshot is professional, current, and contemporary. Your headshot is your first impression to stand out and let that sparkling personality shine!

Here are 5 tips to nailing your next headshot, and making sure that you end up with pictures that you’ll love:

head over to jamiebannon.com to learn 5 tips to make sure you'll LOVE your next headshot!

1. What to wear


This is the most frequently asked question I get about headshots. Here is my cheat sheet for what to wear to your headshot session:

tips on what to wear for a great headshot by jamie bannon photography.

2. Think about what type of headshot is right for you.


Do you like studio or environmental headshots? Posed or candid? Traditional tight headshot crop, or looser/more full-body?

Are you a realtor? A financial advisor? An entrepreneur? And actor? A blogger? A small business owner?

We all need headshots, but we don’t all need the same kind of headshot. While some industries and companies call for a traditional studio headshot, the kind we usually think of when we think “headshot”—others allow for a more creative take on the term.

Either way, it’s no excuse to be boring, and it’s certainly no excuse to head to Headshots ‘R Us and have your photo carelessly snapped in front of a 90’s looking backdrop.

hair salon stylist headshot, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
creative lifestyle headshot of a real estate agent, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
studio headshot of a young actress and model, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
professional headshot by jamie bannon photography.
creative lifestyle professional headshot of a realtor, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
hair salon stylist headshot, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

3. Choose a photographer that’s right for you.


I cannot tell you the number of clients who come to me because they hate the headshots they just got elsewhere. Typically, they either 1. Thought all headshots were created equal or 2. Simply didn’t want to spend the money on a good one. Or at least they didn’t think they did.

Shop for portfolio over prices, and keep this in mind:

YOUR HEADSHOT IS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION TO YOUR POTENTIAL CLIENTS.

Think about what that means to your business, and what it’s worth to you. EVERYTHING you put out into the world is a representation of your professional self and your personal brand, from the feel of your business cards to the way to answer the phone to—you guessed it!—your headshot.

Choose a photographer whose style you love, and whose personality makes you feel comfortable—I cannot tell you how important that second part is. Call a few photographers, and talk to them over the phone—get a feel for how they do things. The most important factor to a great picture is you being comfortable and at ease—but more on that in just a few.

creative lifestyle headshot of a real estate agent, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
outdoor headshot of a young actress, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
black and white studio headshot of a young actress and model, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

4. Keep it real.


Don’t lose sight of the primary purpose of your headshot—to give your clients an honest impression of you. So often I meet people who look nothing like their current headshot—which defeats the purpose of the headshot itself!

I don’t believe in hyper-Photoshopping to the point of that airbrushed Barbie doll look. I believe in retouching to make you look your best, but not at the expense of looking like yourself. I also believe in not fixating on every perceived flaw you see in yourself. A good photographer will focus on and accentuate your features, and make you look your best.

Don’t lose sight of the mission: This isn’t meant to be an 80’s glamour shot—it’s meant to be a representation of you so your clients can get to know you and get a feel for who you are.

creative lifestyle professional headshot of a realtor, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
creative lifestyle professional headshot of a real estate agent, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
creative lifestyle professional headshot of a realtor, photographed by jamie bannon photography.

5. Relax!


OK, I know this one is hard, but: let go of your hang-ups about getting a headshot, and don’t overthink it.

I get it. Being in front of the camera is a self-conscious experience for anyone—myself included. But I promise—it doesn’t have to hurt!

Find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable from the moment you speak with them, and whose attitude and personality you mesh with. It may not come as a surprise, but the more comfortable you can get in front of the camera, the better you will like your pictures.

I also shoot headshots a little differently than most—rather than surprise you with your images after the session, we look through your images together and you choose your favorites right then and there, at the time of our shoot. That way, you know you’ll walk away with images you LOVE. See? I told you it could be easy and fun!

funny surprise face outtake from a headshot session with female entrepreneur on pink backdrop, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
funny surprise face outtake from a headshot session with female entrepreneur on pink backdrop, photographed by jamie bannon photography.
headshot of female entrepreneur on pink backdrop by jamie bannon photography.

If you’ve been putting off new headshots for the last 10 years for one reason or another (don’t worry, you’re not alone) and it’s time for a new one, there’s no time like the present.

If you are in the Connecticut area and would like to book a headshot with yours truly, you can see more examples of my work at jamiebannon.com/portfolio, and email me directly at info@jamiebannon.com.

error: all images © jamie bannon photography.