Guess what? That client has already begun their research on YOU! No doubt they've checked out your profiles and link backs to your company. And that headshot that's out there is the first thing they see. It's always on and out there. You've spent a great deal of time branding your company. Your headshot is a huge part of that brand as it sets the tone for who you are and what you are all about--the first impression.
"Simply put your brand is your promise to your customer. It tells them what they can expect from your products and services, and it differentiates your offerings from your competitors'. Your brand is derived from who you are, who you want to be and who people perceive you to be."
From Forbes.com:
"Personal branding is no longer an option; it's a powerful leadership enabler."
Your corporate portrait/headshot deserves the same attention as that important client meeting. You begin winning business the moment the prospective client views your headshot.
Prepping for your portrait should begin a couple weeks ahead of time--give it the same importance that you would give to an important meeting. Your portrait will represent you (and your company) for a bit--give it the attention it deserves.
Ahead of time:
Hair: Do you need a haircut, your roots done, your eyebrows trimmed? Do it a week ahead of time so your hair has time to relax into the cut.
Keep smoking and drinking to a minimum in the days before your session and begin drinking plenty of water to hydrate so your skin will look its best and lines and wrinkles will be minimized. (Really, it works!) Get adequate sleep, particularly the night before your session so you appear rested and relaxed. Would you go out partying the night before a big client meeting?
There aren't definitive rules for what you should wear and how you should present yourself, your company culture and profession should be your guide.
Your business portrait should reflect a confident, relaxed and approachable you. Schedule yourself accordingly so that your arrive relaxed and on time. Now that you've done your prep work, you can relax, have fun and let me do my job!
I can't wait to see you!
1. Prep your clothing beforehand--Clothing should fit well, be clean and pressed. (Mind the gap in a blouse!)
2. Solids look best--avoid bold or loud patterns (patterns or prints can sometimes create strange looking patterns on camera or distract from your face. Moire anyone?)
3. Darker is slimming. (Did you know black is my favorite color to wear? And now you know why!)
3. Watch that your neckline isn't too revealing and at the other end of the spectrum stay away from turtlenecks--they are difficult for even the longest of necks!
4. Men--watch that a shiny or reflective tie doesn't compete with your face or that your undershirt is peeking out.
5. Women--stay away from sleeveless blouses and jewelry that would distract from your face. It goes without saying to wear well fitting undergarments. (You--it's all about you!!!)
6. Check your facial hair--eyebrows, nose hairs, beards and mustaches. Trim neatly and check for strays.
7. Check your smile, brush and floss beforehand. (It's great to have a little snack before we shoot so you aren't cranky with hunger, but make sure you check your smile!)
8. Stick with matte foundations, powders and eyeshadows because shiny makeup reflects light and can be distracting in camera.
8. Bring a bit a smoothing product for hair and light smooth down any frizzy stray hairs.
9. If in doubt, uses professional makeup artist or hair stylist. (You'll look so good, you'll want to go out afterward!)
10. If you wear glasses all the time--wear them. You can consider having your optician pop the lenses out for the session. And if you'd like we can shoot with and without them.
And finally, just between you and me--can we get up close and personal a minute? Don't forget a few last minute checks: stray eyebrows, wayward nose hairs, inner eye gunk and dry lips!
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