Your headshot is often the first impression people have of you: on LinkedIn, your company website, a CV, a proposal or a speaker profile. Before anyone reads a word, they’ve already formed an opinion from your photo.
A good headshot doesn’t make you look like someone else. It makes you look like the best version of yourself: confident, approachable and professional.
Why it matters
I recently photographed a client who was applying for a position with an international company. He arrived with several outfits, each carefully chosen for the role, and we worked through them until his headshots told exactly the story he wanted his CV to tell. He loved the photographs. A few weeks later, he got the job.
- People do business with people. A warm, professional photo builds trust before the first meeting.
- It shows you take your work seriously. A cropped holiday photo or an old selfie says the opposite.
- Consistency builds a brand. When a whole team is photographed in the same style, your business looks established and united.
How to prepare
Choose your clothes the day before. Solid colours in mid to darker tones work best: navy, charcoal, deep green or burgundy. Avoid busy patterns, bright neon colours and large logos. Bring one or two alternatives, so we can choose what works best on camera.
Make sure everything fits well. A well-fitting jacket or shirt makes more difference than an expensive one. Iron everything, and check for lint and loose threads.
Keep grooming natural. Get a haircut a few days before, not the day before. Keep makeup natural and slightly more defined than everyday, and bring a little powder to reduce shine.
Glasses: if you wear them every day, wear them in your photo. I’ll adjust the lighting to avoid reflections.
Get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water. It shows in your eyes and skin more than you’d think.
On the day
Most people tell me they’re not photogenic. Almost everyone says it, and almost no one is right. You don’t need to know how to pose. I’ll guide you through small changes in posture, angle and expression, and we’ll take plenty of frames so you can choose the ones you love.
Headshots for your whole team
For businesses, I bring a portable studio to your office: lights, backdrop and everything needed, so every person is photographed with the same lighting and background, without anyone leaving the building. It’s quick and well organised. For one national brand, I photographed around 90 people in a single session.
Prefer to come to me? You’re welcome at my studio, Studio 039 in Sea Park.
When to update your headshot
Every two to three years, or sooner if your look changes: a new hairstyle, glasses, or a new role. Your headshot should look like the person who walks into the meeting.
