About ten years ago -before the boom in the internet, the headshot photograph was primarily used by actors and actresses as a means of self promotion. The black and white 8x10” was de rigueur , sent of via your agent for the latest stage or screen role. And for us photographers there was always a queue of people outside the studio demanding this vital bit of kit!

Fast forward to now and this queue is made up of the corporate sector, CEO’s, marketeers, even internet daters looking for the perfect profile photograph. The headshot is now a key component in developing your brand, gone are the days when a selfie or favourite on holiday shot will do.

So, with that in mind, here are three quick tips, that can get you pointed in the right direction and have a profile photo that will grace any Linkedin of Facebook page!

1. Make sure you and the photographer are on the same page as to the outcome of the photo shoot, some of the things to think about:

• Is our brand best represented by smiling images or something more serious?

  It’s not always obvious which one to go for, but the most important thing is to be authentic ie don’t try and be something your not. A good photographer should work with you and encourage you to produce a look that is genuine.

• What is the image you want to project? - casual attire, suit and tie, bright or moody lighting etc.

  There’s definitely a trend these days to go for more of a casual look, open shirt or patterned blouse. With larger companies tending to have stricter protocols.

• Do you want traditional images ie shot vertically or something more contemporary like a cinematic headshot?

  Even though there is scope to crop the photo later, its usually best practice to decide beforehand. Nothing worse than having a killer shot and not being able to use it because it’s the wrong dimensions.

• Think about the background - classic white or grey, or a more dramatic black. Or possibly an editorial portrait showing of your workspace or a feature wall incorporating your logo.

• Colour or Black and White or both!

  Enough said. If your shooting digital you can decide later!

2. I find it extremely beneficial to bring in a hair and make-up artist to the shoot, the extra cost is easily outweighed by the wow factor and polish it brings to the images.

3. It is important to be clear whether any extra branding or logos will be over-layed onto the images, by letting the photographer know they can build it into the framing of the subject.