Give your business headshots that “WOW Factor”

Ready to give your business headshots that “WOW Factor”? Whether you’re a realtor, a creative entrepreneur, lawyer, business or lifestyle coach, or strong and independent female, your headshots represent you and don’t have to be stuffy and boring.

Truth be told, I get asked quite often by my clients that are business women professionals how to style for headshots that are less boring and a little edgier and fun while still being professional.

And while that might sound a bit tricky, it’s totally easy to do! No matter what your profession or line of work, we all have the unique opportunity to establish client relationships instantly with a visual presence.

Impressing potential clients with your brand’s vibe and your authentic self is invaluable and the first impression you’re creating before anything else.  That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your branding images represent your values, purpose, and personality and creates a connection and establishes trust with customers who haven’t even met you yet.

How to give your business headshots that “WOW Factor”

Ask yourself a simple question…Which of these options sound more appealing to you?

Posing against a white backdrop with a stiff pose and awkward smile OR sitting in a comfortable space with clothing that’s professional but your style…and also having real laughter.

I’m no mind reader, but I bet you choose the second of the two options!

If you’re asking my opinion, there’s a misconception about professional headshots. People think that they have to be super conservative.

WRONG. SO WRONG.

Headshots should portray the best image of you. They’re used to represent you, your brand and your brand story.

One thing that I always suggest, and this I learned just from experience because I’ve had quite a few headshots done, is to take time to interview photographers.  Naomi, owner of Sweet Memories Photography, and I got to know each other a little before we began working together so that I could get a feel for what her style was like.  I also looked at her past work. We found that our styles flowed together and created a good fit without being stuffy.  Now she’s my go-to photographer and friend!

6+ Ways to avoid the traditional professional headshots

As mentioned earlier, business headshots have a stigma that they are boring. I was recently asked, “How can I avoid the boring look of headshots?” Friends, they don’t HAVE to be boring!

Here are some tips that I would use as a guide to avoid feeling as though your photos have to be “canned” or boring. 

Create a look that highlights the very best version of you

You’re going to want to choose a wardrobe that is professional but also very you, authentic and comfortable. While it should be consistent with your brand vibe and values, it doesn’t have to be what you’d wear on a typical day. 

Think about what you might wear to a business meeting, speaking event, client meeting, or even a cocktail party! You can be bold with your style, and don’t shy away from small pops of color. 

You don’t always have to be in the studio when you do headshots

I’d personally feel comfortable even saying that you never have to be in the studio for your headshot. Try a coffee and tea shop, a park, the beach…anyplace that makes you happy.

Just make certain that it represents your brand and what you are trying to portray to your clients as well.

Embrace the flexibility to showcase your personality through your clothing style. 

In fact, if you can squeeze in a few outfit changes, it works out well. You can do a casual, professional and fancy or fun look. Options are always good!

If you’re choosing to wear a solid color on top, the color you choose for your top is going to be really important. If you don’t know what colors go with your skin tone, check out this post on how to DIY your own unique color palette that can help you with that. 

There are also lots of different online color quizzes that you can take as well to figure out what colors look best on your skin tone. 

And if you find yourself in a crazy time crunch, grab a jewel color.  Jewel tone colors are universal colors that look great on everyone. Jewel tone colors include emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple.   

You also want to go for outfits or tops that are tailored and fitted for your body this way you don’t look super bulky. Although layering your clothes is great,  you definitely don’t want your clothing to be too layered and two dimensional. It adds boldness to you and it makes you look larger than you actually are. (and that’s no good for business headshots!)

You should also use a quarter inch sleeve length and if you’re going to use a blazer, I would suggest going with a fitted blazer as well.

When wearing a blazer, the top you choose underneath should have a scoop neckline. Without a blazer, I suggest a universal neckline, which is the V neck. (let’s keep it appropriate!) We don’t want to show too much cleavage, although you can drop it down a little bit. 

Let’s talk about prints, ladies

I am a lover of prints but with corporate headshots, you do have to be a little careful with prints and patterns.

However, if you’re an artist or in the creative space, prints and patterns might be perfect for your look to showcase your artistic style.  If you are going to wear a print or pattern, try for something less trendy and more classic that way it’s good for seasons to come.

Just keep in mind that a print might distract from your face and you definitely want people to remember your face. That’s the whole point of a headshot, right?!

Adding in jewelry to the pictures

There are lots of opinions on this one but I’m a believer that if the rest of your outfit is simple, a statement piece may work well. 

Or use a simple necklace, but maybe a larger earring because larger earrings do tend to help people’s eyes gravitate to your face.

If you’re like me and represent a jewelry line, then your focal point should be you and the jewelry. 

I hope these tips are useful and if you’re preparing for an upcoming headshots shoot, they’ll make it less agonizing. 

Remember – rules are meant to be broken so have fun and make it all about you and your brand’s image.  

If you like this post, you might enjoy these as well:

• Closet Clean Up Checklist
• How to Easily Choose the Perfect Earrings for Your Face Shape
• Understanding Personal Style and Why It’s Important

Do you have any tips to share for great business headshots?