What is a Business Headshot?

Why Do People Need Corporate Headshots?

Most individuals are familiar with business headshots. These types of pictures are everywhere, from corporate websites to magazine articles. These days, many job applicants add corporate headshots to their applications to personalize their documents uniquely.

While most individuals know what business headshots are, many are curious about two things:

• What are business headshots mainly used for?
• What images qualify as business headshots?

In this article, we will explain what business headshots are, what they are used for, and why it is advantageous for entrepreneurs to have headshots taken. We will also provide tips for the business headshot photographer and the subject.

Why Are Business Headshots Important?

Often taken and developed digitally, corporate headshots are used for various reasons in the business world.

Typically, business headshots are straightforward pictures of individuals taken by professionals. They usually focus on the head and shoulders and are used to show employers, peers, and clients what the person looks like. When imagining a business headshot, think of the classic, oversized picture favored by traditional actors, authors, and models.

These days, pictures are digital, and business people are learning how important it is to have a quality set of business headshots. Why are business headshots so popular, and why is it important for entrepreneurs and professionals to invest in them?

Corporate headshots can be used for the following:

• Personal branding
• Social media sites
• Individual websites and company websites
• The “about” page of the person’s company
• Sites specific to the person’s industry

Now more than ever, we live in a visual world. The images in our resumes and on our social media sites and websites define us. So intelligent entrepreneurs know that investing in a top-quality business headshot is an intelligent idea. It can help individuals secure the jobs they want, impress the right people, and continue to move forward in the corporate world.

For example, Dick is a veteran corporate executive hoping that this is the year the board finally promotes him to C.E.O. Dick’s credentials are impeccable. Still, his wife notices that from his website to the company’s website to his social media sites, Dick’s photo is the same.

Dick had his photo taken 20 years ago when he joined his company and began climbing the ranks. Unfortunately, the photo isn’t just outdated; it does not reflect the wise, dedicated professional that Dick has become. The photo does not indicate Dick’s expertise and high regard for his colleagues.

Dick’s wife helps him to find a professional photographer, and soon Dick has a collection of excellent photos to add to his various sites. Then, in a month, the board decides that Dick is ready to become the company’s new C.E.O. Was this based entirely on Dick’s new corporate headshot? Probably not. But the effort Dick put into his now-recognizable image helped.

What Else Are Business Headshots Used For?

Typically, these head-to-chest pictures are used for various occasions when professional photos are necessary. These occasions include, but are not limited to:

• LinkedIn profiles (publisher and personal pages)
• Facebook profiles
• Resumes and C.V.s
• Corporate brochures
• Magazine articles
• Marketing materials
• Corporate catalogs
• Pages for authors
• Company reports
• Press releases
• Advertising collateral

Who Takes Business Headshots?

There are a wealth of qualified photographers from different fields who take business headshots. Individuals searching for a photographer can network with others at work or search for help on the internet.

It is important to remember that when the photos are taken, they legally belong to the photographer according to copyright laws.

For example, Dan works at an advertising firm, and the firm tells every employee that they will be paying for corporate headshots. Usually, when this occurs, the firm pays for the photographer’s time but not for the rights to the images. However, the images are always available to own for an extra cost.

We recommend buying 2-4 images that are unique from each other and work well. This way, the individual has pictures to use for professional and personal reasons and opportunities as they arise.

What Are the Characteristics of an Excellent Business Headshot?

We have seen poor-quality pictures, from passport photos to license shots. Business headshots should be the opposite of these hasty photos.

Business headshots are used for professional reasons, so they should be taken by a skilled professional. An entrepreneur cannot market their brand with a grainy, out-of-focus picture. A significant part of succeeding in the business world is making an excellent impression, so a business headshot carries a lot of weight and must be executed professionally.

What makes a photo stand out from the rest? Professional photographers can figure out how to make all different individuals look their best. From finding the best lighting and setting up an appropriate background to putting their subject at ease, skilled photographers understand how to get the most out of their subjects.

The photographer may ask their subject to stand or sit in different poses, making some people uncomfortable. Do not worry; the point is to trust the professional in the room. The pictures you end up with represent not only you but the artist’s work, so all parties are dedicated to success. Great photographers can capture peoples’ personalities in a still frame, so the best thing the subject can do is relax and try to have fun with the photo session.

For example, Ben was nervous when he found out that his law firm planned to have everyone’s business headshot taken. Ben doesn’t consider himself photogenic, and he doesn’t understand why he needs a business headshot in the first place. However, when Marvin, an attorney, showed him Marvin’s photos, Ben was surprised. The pictures looked great; now, Marvin had photos to use on his website, social media, and more.

When the time came, Ben relaxed and did as the photographer asked of him. Ben’s pictures turned out great, and he is already looking forward to next year’s photo session.

What Are the Technical Issues to Consider When Taking a Business Headshot?

While often it is the best practice to let the professional take over the photo shoot, it is helpful for entrepreneurs, business owners, and other professionals to be familiar with some of the more technical aspects of taking business headshots. Also, while most businesses employ a professional photographer, one never knows when they might need to ask a friend for help taking a new photo for a resume or cover letter.

Most business headshots are taken indoors, at the office, or in the photographer’s studio. Outdoor corporate headshots, however, are becoming more normal. For example, Steve is an executive at Outside Magazine, a magazine that endorses sports like hiking, surfing, and climbing and embraces an outdoorsy lifestyle. Steve’s corporate headshot was taken in the woods because the background suits his interests and his position.

Technical Suggestions for Corporate Headshots

Photographers and business people should be familiar with business headshots’ specific characteristics and objectives. Here are the most important ones:

• Corporate headshots are typically medium close-ups, meaning the shot’s frame includes the shoulders and the entire head.

• The subject’s eyes should be about one-third down the frame.

• The subject can look directly at the photographer or off to the side. Take a few in each style so you can decide later on what looks best.

• Diffusing the light is a tip from the experts: it gets rid of wrinkles and blemishes and means fewer touch-ups to do after

• Two sources of light, both angled off the subject’s head, help maintain the proper head shape in the photo.

• Experimenting with camera angles yields better photos. For women, try angling the camera down to flatter the face. For me, angling up conveys strength.

• Eyes are important: focus on capturing clear images of eyes for men and women.

• Do not use a wide-angle lens for a business headshot; it will distort the image of the face.

• Make sure that the subject is relaxed and acts natural. Over-smiling does not work either. Try to ensure that neither the subject nor the photographer is nervous.

• Natural light can work well to illuminate peoples’ features, so try taking a picture near a window if the light in the room is acceptable.

• Focus on the jawline: a well-defined jawline shows the true shape of the sitter’s face.

Who Needs Professional Corporate Portraits?

Many entrepreneurs are surprised when they learn of the wide variety of professionals who do not understand how important business headshots are. Nearly everyone could use a professional picture to help with their career goals, from entrepreneurs to executives to artists. Plus, many entrepreneurs keep a few different photos of themselves on hand for different job opportunities.

For example, Charles is an entrepreneur looking for a new venture. Charles is a limited partner in an investment firm, and he uses his “stock” corporate headshot for that company’s website. Charles’ stock headshot features him smiling but also appearing serious and responsible. The picture works well to convey the image of a limited partner helping fund the business.

Charles is interested in becoming aligned with a new business that creates sneakers. The startup is fun, youthful, and artsy, and when Charles applies, he uses one of his other business headshots. Charles’ second headshot is a little more colorful, fun, and youthful. Charles knows that smart entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners have a few different corporate headshots.

How Should Individuals Prepare for Business Headshots?

Many of us struggle with having our picture taken, and being nervous about having a business headshot taken is normal. However, these tips can help individuals relax and perhaps even enjoy the process.

• Get Used to Having Pictures Taken

If the thought of sitting down to face a camera is nerve-wracking or overwhelming, then do what professional athletes do: practice. Ask a friend or family member to take photos of you. Go through the entire process with them if they have the time, and then take a look at the pictures afterward. This strategy will help individuals get used to seeing themselves on camera and be more comfortable with the photographer’s requests.

We all know what we “look like,” but the mirror image differs from the headshot image. Preparation is key, and you may even like what you see.

This process will also provide more of a sense of control and comfort. While one should not challenge the professional photographer, they may ask about their subject’s preferences and favorite angles.

Practice makes perfect, so try different expressions and different environments. Be sure to also thank your friend or family member for indulging you!

• Select the Correct Outfit

The success of a corporate headshot depends on wearing the appropriate clothing, and there is a delicate balance for people to consider here. Naturally, one’s clothing should show at least a fraction of individuality, but at the same time, one should not wear something too risky.

Clothing has a powerful impact on our psyches, so do not overlook this step. Individuals should wear an outfit that makes them feel both comfortable and confident. Envision one of your favorite formal outfits: why do you like it? Would it make a good business outfit?

Another key in choosing the right outfit is not wearing something that will cause doubt or anxiety. For example, if an individual isn’t sure about a shirt or a pair of slacks, they should not wear them for the headshot. Tension is easy to spot on peoples’ faces, and no one wants an employer to see a prospective employee’s face appearing pained or uncomfortable.

Individuality is important in entrepreneurs, and most employers like to see some of that “color” in the picture. However, if this headshot is being taken for a company the individual already works for, they may have issued specific instructions regarding what to wear, with very little wiggle room. In that case, the person should comply with the company’s wishes.

For example, Victor works at a large bank in San Francisco, California, preparing to have his business headshot taken. Victor’s manager sends out an email instructing everyone to dress formally and wear suits.

Victor wears a nice suit, but he also wears a bright blue and green tie and blue cufflinks to show off a touch of an individual color. Victor is passionate about the ocean and art, and he feels that his choice of colorful accessories reveals a bit more about who he is. Victor’s pictures are great, and his manager compliments his style choice.

• Do Not Rush the Headshot

When photographers shoot in haste, the pictures rarely come out well. Neither the subject nor the photographer should feel rushed, so individuals should ensure they have free time on either side of the photo shoot in case the photographer wants to start early or the shoot runs a little late.

Also, try to abandon all work concerns and business-related stress. We know this is easier said than done, but this is your time to shine.

Individuals should give themselves one more time to check in with themselves: hair, teeth, makeup, and clothes, and then it goes time.

• Get Rest and Drink Water

When people aren’t hydrated, the effects are visible. It is even easier to tell when people are tired. Typically, business headshots are taken once a year at most, so while the photographer will take many pictures, this is the one chance you have to make an impression. So go to bed early, hydrate, and arrive at the photo shoot early. Bringing a bottle of water is not a bad idea, either.

• Embrace Relaxation

One of the secrets to a productive, easy photoshoot is relaxing the mind and the body. Everyone uses different techniques to mellow out, but these are universal tips that work well for most people:

• Take deep breaths in the nose and out the mouth; repeat
• Find a quiet place to be alone and get centered
• Stay silent for a few minutes before the big photoshoot
• Try standing with legs apart, hands on hips, and eyes closed
• Stretch out the physical body to calm the mind
• Try a mantra
• Meditate for a few minutes

Even one or two of these techniques should provide enough relaxation for a successful picture.

Here is one last strategy: the individual should put their arms in the air and stretch upward. Then, they can close their eyes and imagine swimming through a warm pool of water and gradually surfacing on a deserted beach.

This strategy may sound a little out there, but it is a proven relaxation technique. However, we suggest doing it in a private place and not in the middle of the office.

• Practice a Positive Mindset

In some ways, getting ready for a corporate portrait is similar to getting ready for an important meeting or demanding presentation: it relies on a positive mindset.

Many businesspeople use visualization when they need a boost, so why not try it here? Instead of envisioning corporate success, envision a relaxing photoshoot that results in the ideal headshot.

It also helps individuals to know what they like and do not like in terms of color, style, and appearance. Before the shoot, check out different headshots of friends, family, and colleagues, as long as they don’t mind. Also, try serious expressions, smiles, and different accessories. Do not be afraid to get creative, depending on the purpose of the shot and the environment.

Lastly, do not worry: chances are that your office has hired a qualified professional, and they will tell you exactly how to stand, smile, and move to look your best. In addition, photographers are normally friendly, open, and accustomed to working with people, so if you have concerns at the outset of the photo session, feel free to share them. Also, be aware, however, that for better or for worse, the session will probably only last 10-30 minutes, tops.

Nakase Wade: Your Best Bet for all Legal Questions

Just like most business pursuits, practice makes perfect photography. Chances are that your first business headshot session will not be your last, so do your best.

Professionals in all fields, from lawyers to artists to corporate executives, need quality corporate headshots. We hope this article has helped to simplify the headshot process and clarify your expectations.

If you have additional questions about business headshots or business concerns of any kind, our attorneys are always available. Contact the California business lawyers and corporate attorneys at Nakase Wade today, and good luck with your business headshot. We are confident the picture will be a winner.