Things To Consider When Planning Your Headshot Photography

Whether you've launched your own business that you're trying to market or you're working for a company that has asked you to provide a photo, you may be considering getting professional headshot photography. Headshots are unique in their focus and style, so it's important that you approach these photography sessions properly. If you want to ensure that you get the best possible result from your headshot session, there are a few tips to consider. Here's a look at some things to keep in mind as you plan your headshots. 

Plan Your Clothing Carefully

Clarify with your photographer where the headshots will be taken, including the expected backdrop and surrounding colors. This is important for choosing the color of your clothing. Make sure you select a solid color and choose one that will complement the colors of the backdrop and surroundings. This helps to create a cohesive picture. Iron your clothing the evening before your headshots as well because wrinkles will show up in the photograph.

Ditch The Smile Sometimes

It may be tempting to keep the same smile for all of your pictures. Unfortunately, trying to do that will often lead to seemingly fake smiles as you try to force your expression to stay consistent. Instead, relax and let your expression fall to rest as you wait between photos. Try to smile differently throughout pictures, with a full smile in one image, no smile in the next, and various other expressions throughout the images. This variety helps you maintain a more natural expression.

Try Varying Light Placement

When you plan headshots, you'll want to talk with your photographer about changing up the lighting. Changing the placement and angle of the lighting can completely alter the mood, style, and appearance of the headshot. Direct, straight lighting with reflectors on the backdrop will result in a brighter image, while partial side lighting will create a more artistic headshot. Have your photographer try a few different options so that you can pick the style that's the best fit for your personality as well as the application where the headshot will be used.

These are just a few of the things to consider when you're planning headshots. Talk with your photographer about the colors to choose for your clothing, plan ahead to ensure that you have clean clothing for your portrait, and choose from various different facial expressions and lighting styles to find the right headshot for your personal preferences.

Contact a local photography service, such as Jackson Davis Photography, to learn more.