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Creating Magic Headshots with a Few Simple Moves

Most people hate being photographed because they hate seeing themselves in photos. They also stress about what to do in front of the camera. Should I smile? What do I do with my arms and hands?

Let’s talk about POSING (I know it freaks you out!) using a very basic headshot template as an example.

Trust me, you’re going to be blown away by how simple it is to change an awkward photo into something you’re going to want to hang up at your next High School reunion…and all it takes is a little on-the-fly coaching from me. No more stress!

Below is a series of images showing the progression of a basic headshot image from something that is very standard and boring to a more interesting and dynamic portrait that will make the viewer of the portrait pause and subconsciously form a stronger connection with the subject. After all that is the main goal of any headshot.

All it takes is a few simple adjustments. At first, they may seem a little awkward to do but when I show you (in real time at your session), the improvement each change makes, you will be amazed. Once you leave, I would not be surprised if you started busting similar moves in every photo taken of you from then on.

The Basic Pose

When most people stand in front of the camera with me for the first time, their fall-back pose is square on with a straight look. This is a very static pose and lacks any sort of interest.

You can see in the photo below how my subject’s shoulders are square to the camera.

A simple drop of one shoulder instantly starts adding some dynamism to the photo by introducing angles.

OK, let’s go one step further. By keeping that left shoulder slightly dropped and now turning the subject to the side, I have created more angles and interest. Also, her shoulders do not look as broad which visually slims her down.

Now to improve the headshot even further, I’ve asked my subject to give me a slight head tilt. Not only does this looks visually appealing (remember those angles) but we have created a subconscious cue in the mind of the viewer which causes them to pause for a moment (in other words stops them scrolling). A slight head tilt conveys interest, empathy and likeability.

The next demonstration has many of my clients thanking me to no end. It’s designed to remove double chins, now who doesn’t want that??? For males it also gives a very masculine jaw line.

It’s a simple pose adjustment but can be stuffed up, giving the opposite effect of what it was intended for. I will ask you to bring your face closer to the camera by sticking your neck out. The rest of your body (torso and shoulders) remain in the same position. Think of a turtle sticking it’s head out from its shell…the head moves forward but the body does not. Then I will ask you to drop your chin down slightly.

By doing this you stretch any loose skin under your neck thereby eliminating that double chin. The lowering of the chin then accentuates the jaw line.

It’s important that you move your head forward first otherwise just dropping your chin will actually increase the double chin effect.

Again, the images shown below, show just how subtle this move can be, but the end result is fantastic.

 

Some Common Headshot Mistakes

Let’s have a look at a couple of things that I see quite often in people’s headshots on LinkedIn. Even with everything working for you, getting these two things wrong can make or break a headshot.

The first is the “Deer in the Headlight” look. This is when they have their eyes opened really wide. It looks almost unnatural. As if they were expecting the flash to go off and just didn’t want to blink.

I understand that some people naturally have big round eyes, but it is up the photographer to create a look that is more engaging. When the subject can narrow their eyes and intensify their stare it once again causes the viewer to pay attention. Now they are peering into the eyes of someone they find interesting.

Have a look at the two images below. The change in the eyes is subtle but makes all the difference to the viewer.

The second mistake I see a lot is people standing too upright. I see quite a bit in headshots of men (but women do it too). Often, they do this because they want to show authority and strength. I get that but it does come at a price.

It looks a bit stand-offish and portrays someone who is not very approachable. From a photography point of view, it makes your head look smaller than your body and that’s the last thing you want to do in a headshot. I’ve seen headshots where the persons shoulders and chest dominate the photo and their head is disproportionately small.

I always ask my subjects to lean slightly in from the hips (avoiding slouching of the back and rounding the shoulders). When they do this their heads are closer to the camera which makes their torso secondary.

Leaning in also adds interest. To the viewer, it’s almost like they are inviting you to come closer so that they can whisper something in your ear.

Compare the two images below.

Dramatic Lighting

I have left this example for last because it is not really a posing technique but rather a lighting technique. Depending on the look you are going for, by adding shadows to one side of the face (or in truth, removing light from one side of the face) you can really dramatise a headshot.

It helps because it gives the face more depth and interest. It also has a slimming effect as the face doesn’t look so rounded. For guys, it gives a more masculine look.

The Finishing Touches

Once you have these basic poses mastered (which only takes a few minutes with me guiding you along the way), we can spend the rest of your headshot session having fun and exploring new looks, different expressions and different outfits.

By the end you will wonder why you ever thought posing in front of the camera was hard and will be eager to book your next session with me to create more amazing images for your business.

Are you ready to update your headshot? Then hit that Enquiry button Now!

Wishing you every success.

Warren