female headshot
7 tips for for great women's headshots
A good business headshot helps you communicate who you are and what you do. This is true universally, but there are some questions that are gender-specific. That’s what we’re talking about today. Here are some quick headshot tips that are specific to a female headshot. I have a post that offers some tips on male headshots. Female headshot or male headshots here’s what all headshots should project.
Confidence
Regardless of your profession, a confident look is key to a great professional headshot. For headshots for women, I feel this is even more important. The more confident you look in your business headshots the more competent you appear.
Approachability
This is hard to explain. In some ways, it is a combination of things. Ultimately, regardless of your profession the goal is to come across as someone that sees your headshot is going to want to talk to you.
Energy
Showing some nice energy is important. I believe that looking like you want to get out of bed in the morning and show up professionally makes a big difference
happiness
This is subjective of course. I believe that we react better to a headshot where someone looks happy. I’m not suggesting crazy laughing or being goofy at all of course.
female business headshot.
DON’T immediately reach for the most boring gray suit you can find. Washington DC may be the home of the federal government, but rather than blend into the gray suits, take a few minutes to think about the tone you want to project in your headshots. In fact, I question the ‘suit’ jacket as the go-to for women’s headshots for women professionals in general. When clients come to my portrait studio I ask about why we’re making a headshot, about their profession, and the corporate culture and potential uses for their headshot. Depending on the culture of your company, you may want to come across as hip, friendly, or creative. Also, do you really want your headshot to blend in? I would argue for a headshot that stands out and has an immediate appeal but is still professional. An example is attorney headshots. There are a lot of different kinds of attorneys and whilst they may still be slightly more on the conservative ‘look’ spectrum, there’s still a fair degree of variety. An attorney who specializes in wills and probate is not just pushing paper. It’s a personal and often emotional time and clients want to feel they can be looked after. Compassion as well as professionalism would be important.
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best colors for female headshot
2 COLORS Plain colors are often your best choice. Patterns can sometimes distract and date your photo but that’s not always true. Mid-tone colors in blue, green, wine, and purple are good choices because they are universally flattering. If you can wear bright bold colors, go for it. Definitely avoid wearing tops in flesh tones (cream, beige, pastels, peach, or yellow) as they will blend your face into your clothes. Whilst I wear black much of the time, consider substituting the black with rich navy colors. A fail-safe tip is to pick a top that accentuates your eyes.
3 NECKLINE. V-neck is universally flattering because it lengthens the neck and displays the décolleté. Opt for blouses with sleeves. Fine to medium gauge knits work really well too because they introduce textural interest. If you choose to wear a jacket, pair it with a collarless top. This is modern and keeps the neckline simple and sleek. Crisply ironed shirts by themselves frame the face really well.
4. JEWELRY. It’s a reflection of you. If you’re not sure, feel free to bring some jewelry along to your headshot session and we can pick some out together. In general, I’d go for something simple. That does not mean a set of pearls at all. Don’t feel you have to shop for jewelry either, just bring some things you like, jewelry that makes you feel good.
5 MAKEUP. Whatever your makeup choices try and avoid shiny mineral-based makeups. While some lip gloss is good, some of the super shiny lipsticks aren’t good on camera. Generally speaking, matt makeup is better.
6 HAIR. Be you! It’s possibly not the right time for a completely new look!
7 SHOES. It’s a headshot if your shoes are in it – something is very wrong!
I believe your headshots will be infinitely better if you are comfortable. Make sure your clothes reflect who you are
female headshot examples
Headshots that reflect you!
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