Posing and Body Language: Part 3
Everyone needs a headshot. They’re in high demand for website/author profiles, social media, and personal branding. People need to know what you look like to better connect with you. In this article, part 3 of Posing and Body Language, I’ll go over what it takes to have a great looking headshot.
Part 3: Headshots
Your headshot shows your personality and conveys a certain level of professionalism. A good photo helps people to know and trust you. When’s the last time you accepted a follow or friend request from someone missing a profile pic? I rarely do.
A professional headshot enhances your best features and can improve engagement with potential connections. While an amateur looking headshot could detract from your profile altogether. What makes for a good headshot, though?
The surroundings (background) and quality of your image make a huge difference. But, that’s just part of what goes into a professional photo. There are a thousand meanings to small changes in a pose. Did you know that each tilt of your head or look in your eye can convey something significant about you? With just your face and shoulders you can speak volumes, positively or negatively.
When photographing people’s headshots, I typically want my clients to appear confident and engaging.
Confidence
Confident looking headshots are great for business profiles. Appearing self-assured in your photo allows people to believe that you are who you say you are and that YOU believe in yourself.
Confident posing requires that you maintain good posture while looking relaxed. Shoulders are square or almost square to the camera, eyes are looking directly at the lens, and chin & head are straight or tilted slightly to one side. Usually, a head tilt only looks good when shoulders are slightly turned to the side. A good photographer will let you know which side is best for you. Smiling with teeth showing is optional, but recommended.
The way you hold your body should create a feeling of presence—taking up space around you. For example, keep shoulders back, chest out, and hold a comfortable but firmly planted stance. Crossing your arms is ok, but as I mention in part two of this article, show your hands to increase your credibility and approachability.
Engagement
Certain poses can make people want to know more about you and be encouraged to connect. You should look engaged to be engaging! For example, smile and hold eye contact-–look into the lens with eyes open but not set in a blank, wide-eyed stare. You want to look awake but not startled 😊. Remember to relax.
Try turning your shoulders a little to one side. Unlike the confident pose, you won’t need to worry as much about a powerful straight-on pose to look engaged. Keep your spine straight and lean slightly forward from your waist to look interested. Use expression to show some personality. Practice in the mirror before your headshot. It’ll help you to know how others will see you.
Styling is the final piece that will take your photo to the next level. Read 6 tips about styling.
Contact me when you’re ready for great photos
Image: Thank you to Elizabeth Rasberry for being a great client!
Need more than just a Headshot?
For weekly tips on headshots and personal branding, follow my page on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mo-lima-photography