Consulting Blog

Enhance Your Personal Brand With A Business Portrait

When looking for a picture to post in an online profile, most people only spend a small fraction of the time that they would devote to getting ready for an interview or client meeting. When someone sees you for the first time - whether it's online on in person - your appearance "brands" you. How are you branding yourself?

Whether you're camera shy or a big ham, and whether you're incredibly photogenic or loathe pictures of yourself, it's important to tackle a critical element of your personal branding project: your headshot. When you're networking on LinkedIn, building your website, writing your blog, submitting an article to a trade publication, or just want to attach a photo of yourself when you're emailing a prospective client, you want to make sure that the face that they put with your name is one that represents who you really are. Most of us remember faces more easily than names, and you want to make sure the face that your peers and clients remember is friendly, professional and trustworthy.

Find a photographer: Headshots aren't just for models and actors any more. If your friends and business associates don't have any recommendations, try Googling "corporate headshots" or "business portraits" to find a photographer in your area.  After you've picked out a few photographers that seem like a good match, Google their names to look for reviews from their past customers. Call the photographer and schedule a time to visit their studio so you can meet them in person and make sure you're comfortable working with them. Some photographers offer a "mobile studio" option and will come to your home or office for the photo shoot. Make sure you know up front what is included in the packages you are being offered, such as retouching services to whiten teeth and remove blemishes. Be sure to find out what rights you will have to the photos taken, since some photographers may have restrictions about reproducing the photos. 

Options for tight budgets: Professional photography isn't something you want to skimp on. While it may seem like a good idea to have a friend or family member snap a quick photo and work their magic in Photoshop, you want to make sure that your professional image is captured by a professional photographer. You also want to convey the image that you're important enough to warrant a professional portrait. This doesn't mean that you have to spend a small fortune on your headshot. If you're on a tight budget, most department stores and retailers like Target offer portrait studio services - be sure to check their websites for coupons and special weekday offers. Since their business models are designed for family portraits and annual photos of the kids, they usually offer low sitting fees in hopes of selling you oodles of prints and packages. All you really need is a 4"x6" or 8" x 10"print that you can scan. If you're not comfortable doing this, most portrait studios offer electronic versions of your photos on a CD.

Strike a pose: Do a dress rehearsal at home in front of the mirror, and practice poses and expressions. The first look should be more formal and serious with professional, structured posture. The second look should be a little more relaxed, and feature you smiling and showing more of your personality.

Wardrobe do's and don'ts: Bring at least two outfits, one that is professional (what you would wear to meet with a prospective client to land your dream project) and one that is business-casual (what you would wear to a networking event). Unless you work in a very casual industry, wear a solid color middle tone to dark business suit. Solid colors that compliment your skin tone always work best, and simple textures work well. Avoid patterns like stripes and hounds tooth. Dark clothes attract less attention and put the attention on your face and eyes. As a general fashion rule of thumb, make sure you're wearing the clothes, and that the clothes aren't wearing you.  Clothes should be neatly pressed and should look new or like new. Men should bring a few dress shirts (blue works best but you should bring an off-white, white or a darker color as well) and at least two ties to choose from. 

Keep jewelry simple, and avoid jewelry that would distract from your face or that looks dated.

Not sure what to wear? Model a few outfits for a friend and ask for their honest input -- their feedback may surprise you! Your favorite shirt may not be as flattering in reality as it is in your mind.

Grooming tips:  Well-groomed brows help to draw attention to your eyes and accentuate your face. You may want to consider visiting a salon and having a professional shape your brows, but be sure to do this at least a week prior to your session since the waxing or plucking may cause temporary redness or irritation. Also, excessive sun exposure or recent tanning salon visits often show in portraits and should be avoided.

Gentlemen, get a haircut the day before your appointment, and shave the morning of your shoot. 

Ladies should avoid haircuts or hair style changes within 1 week of your photo session. Also avoid trying any new products on your face, skin, or hair a week prior to the shoot. Wear the same amount and style of makeup that you would wear to a business meeting. Avoid glossy eye shadow, frosted lipstick or colors you don't usually wear. If you do your makeup at home, make sure you give yourself a once-over before you get in front of the camera. Even though the photographer may offer to clean up little flaws in a program like Photoshop, the bright lights can be unforgiving.  A layer of translucent powder applied just before the shoot can work wonders for eliminating shine, smoothing blush lines and making pores seem smaller.

Your appointment: Arrive 15 minutes early so you won't feel rushed. If you have seen a professional headshot that you like, bring it with you to give the photographer an idea of what you're looking for. Even if you feel that you've captured what you need in a few poses, follow the photographer's advice and use all of the time that's allotted for your shoot. Don't be afraid to tell the photographer want you do and don't want. Most importantly, relax and have fun!

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