Adding Personality to Your Business Headshots

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we believe that a great business headshot goes beyond just a simple portrait. It’s an opportunity to showcase your unique personality and professional brand.

In this guide, we’ll share our top tips for adding character to your headshots, drawing from our extensive photography education and experience. From choosing the right outfit to striking the perfect pose, we’ll help you create a headshot that truly represents you and your business.

What to Wear for Your Business Headshot

At Kelly Tareski Photography, we understand the impact of clothing choices on professional images. Your attire can significantly influence the success of your business headshot. Here are practical tips to help you select the perfect outfit:

Align Your Attire with Your Industry

Your outfit should mirror the standards of your profession. Finance professionals often look best in suit-inspired silhouettes. Creative industries allow for more relaxed attire, such as a blazer over a solid-colored shirt. Real estate agents typically shine in business casual outfits that balance approachability and professionalism.

Choose Colors That Enhance Your Features

The right colors can make your skin glow and your eyes pop. If you have a warm skin tone, prioritize warm colors. Neutrals like cream, taupe, or cappuccino can also look flattering. Avoid pure white or black as they can appear harsh on camera. Instead, opt for off-white or navy for a classic look.

Those with warm undertones look great in earthy colors (rust, olive, golden yellow). Cool undertones shine in blues, purples, and cool greens. (Unsure about your undertones? Hold gold and silver jewelry against your skin – the one that looks better indicates your undertone.)

Timeless Over Trendy

Your photos need to stand the test of time. Stick to classic cuts and styles that won’t look dated quickly. A well-tailored blazer, a crisp button-down shirt, or a simple, elegant blouse are all excellent choices.

Avoid busy patterns or logos that distract from your face. Solid colors or subtle textures work best. Add personality through small accessories like a tasteful necklace or classic earrings.

Comfort is Key

If you feel good in your outfit, it will show in your expression and posture. Try on your chosen outfit before the shoot to ensure it fits well and boosts your confidence.

Consider the Background

Your outfit should complement, not clash with, the background of your headshot. (If you’re unsure about the setting, ask your photographer for guidance.) Neutral colors often work well against various backdrops.

Now that we’ve covered what to wear, let’s move on to selecting the perfect background for your business headshot. The right setting can further enhance your professional image and showcase your personality.

How to Choose the Perfect Background for Your Headshot

Selecting the right background for your business headshot will create a polished and professional image. The setting you choose impacts how your audience perceives you and your brand. Let’s explore key considerations for picking the ideal backdrop for your headshot.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Settings

The choice between indoor and outdoor settings depends on your industry and personal brand. Indoor settings offer more control over lighting and provide a classic, professional look. They suit traditional industries like finance or law. Outdoor settings can add a fresh, approachable feel to your headshot, perfect for creative professionals or those in nature-related fields.

A study by PhotoFeeler found that outdoor backgrounds increased perceptions of competence by 12% compared to plain white backgrounds. However, ensure the outdoor setting doesn’t distract from you as the main subject.

Showcasing Your Profession Through Props

Incorporating relevant props can add depth to your headshot and provide context about your profession. For example, a chef might include cooking utensils, while a writer could pose with a laptop or notebook. However, use props sparingly – they should enhance, not overshadow, your image.

A LinkedIn survey revealed that profiles with industry-specific props in their headshots received 45% more profile views than those without. This demonstrates the power of visual storytelling in professional photography.

Aligning Background Colors with Your Brand

Your background should complement your brand colors without clashing with your outfit. If your brand uses bold colors, try a neutral background to avoid overwhelming the image. Conversely, if your brand palette is subtle, a pop of color in the background can add visual interest.

A color psychology study found that using consistent brand colors can increase recognition. Apply this principle to your headshot by subtly incorporating your brand hues in the background or your attire.

Studio vs. On-Location Shoots

Studio shoots offer controlled environments, ideal for achieving specific lighting effects and maintaining consistency across multiple headshots. On-location shoots can add authenticity and context to your image. The choice between a studio setting and shooting on-location significantly impacts the look and feel of the final images. Both options have pros and cons.

The choice between studio and on-location depends on your goals and brand image. Some photographers (like Kelly Tareski Photography) offer both options, allowing you to select the best fit for your needs.

Now that we’ve covered background selection, let’s move on to expressing your personality through poses and expressions in your business headshot.

How to Express Your Personality in Headshots

Strike a Balance Between Relaxed and Professional

A great headshot finds the sweet spot between looking relaxed and maintaining a professional demeanor. Neuro Design integrates neuroscience and psychology into effective design strategies, which can be applied to creating impactful headshots. Turn your body at a 45-degree angle to the camera, with your face turned back towards the lens. This creates a more dynamic and engaging image.

For a more approachable look, lean slightly forward. This subtle movement conveys interest and engagement. Avoid crossing your arms, as this can appear defensive. Instead, rest one hand lightly on your hip or in your pocket for a casual yet confident stance.

Capture Authentic Smiles and Natural Expressions

A genuine smile can transform your headshot. To achieve a natural smile, think of something that genuinely makes you happy. This will create the slight crinkles around your eyes that characterize a real smile.

If a full smile feels unnatural, try a subtle, closed-mouth smile or a thoughtful expression. The goal is to look approachable and confident, not forced or uncomfortable. Practice different expressions in the mirror before your session to find what feels most natural to you.

Use Body Language to Enhance Your Image

Your body language speaks volumes in a headshot. Before your session, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, hands on hips, for two minutes. This can help you feel more confident during the shoot.

During the session, keep your shoulders back and down to project confidence. Tilt your chin slightly down and forward to define your jawline. If you include your hands in the shot, keep gestures simple and natural. Avoid fidgeting or making large movements, as these can appear distracting in still images.

Incorporate Personal Elements

Add personal touches to your headshot to showcase your unique personality. This could include wearing a signature accessory (like a favorite piece of jewelry) or incorporating elements of your profession (such as a chef holding a whisk). These personal elements can make your headshot more memorable and relatable to your audience.

Choose the Right Environment

The environment you choose for your headshot can significantly impact how your personality comes across. Select a location that aligns with your professional image and personal style. For example, an outdoor setting might suit a nature enthusiast, while a sleek office backdrop could be perfect for a corporate professional. The right environment can enhance your comfort level during the shoot, leading to more natural expressions.

Final Thoughts

Creating a personalized business headshot combines professionalism with individuality. Your headshot should authentically represent you, allowing potential clients or employers to connect with you personally. This authenticity builds trust and helps you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

A great headshot often provides the first impression in today’s visual-driven world. It’s an investment in your professional future, showcasing your unique personality while maintaining a professional edge. Our photography education at Kelly Tareski Photography enables us to guide you through a comfortable and confident session.

We offer both studio and on-location shoots to suit your brand and personal style. Take the next step to elevate your personal brand by scheduling your headshot session today. With the right approach, you can create an image that professionally and authentically represents you and your business.