Start with self-reflection and research, and the perfect professional headshot will fall into place.

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but a professional headshot could be worth a million bucks. 

A headshot is a business leader’s calling card and differentiator. We all make snap decisions based on appearances, and we are no different about headshots. In a professional world flooded with headshots, a great one can mean the difference between getting invited to the table or being left out.

So how do you get a headshot that gives the right impression about you and your business? 

Here are four steps to getting a professional headshot that is right for you. In this article, I’ll walk through each one in detail:

1. Decide on the message that you want your headshots to convey

2. Identify the headshot style(s) that you like

3. Use the answers to #1 and #2 to find a photographer who can bring your vision to life

4. Get comfortable for the shoot

First things first. What message do you want your headshots to convey?

Before hiring a photographer, figure out what you want your headshots to say about yourself and about your business. Don’t skip this step since it lays the foundation for everything to come. Knowing your desired message makes it easier to choose the photographer, location and outfit for the shoot, and final photos.

To do this, make a list of 3-5 words that your headshot should convey. Use these questions as prompts to start brainstorming:

• What are your most important qualities?

• How do you want people to describe you? 

• What do you want people to think about you after looking at your headshot?

• What qualities are important for the jobs / opportunities you’re seeking?

Here are some examples that would each lead to very different headshots:

• Friendly, trustworthy, and experienced

• Confident and intense leader

• Creative, collaborative, and responsible

Next Up: What headshot style do you prefer?

There are myriad choices that shape the final headshot. Do you prefer a headshot  done in a studio or outside? Do you want just your head and shoulders or a full body shot? Will you be smiling or serious?

Given the number of directions you could go in, the next step is to define your preferred style. You don’t need to make a final decision here, but having something in mind will help with your conversations with photographers.

To get ideas of what you like, look around: check out your friends’ headshots, those of your current or past employers, or even those of your competitors. 

To give you a taste of the wide range of professional headshots, here is a selection of women’s headshots, all pulled from business websites:

Examples from Rhiannon Navin, IDEO, GSK, Emily Hogarth, Kim Walsh Phillips, Ximena Vengoecha, HR Dept 

Ready? It’s finally time to find your headshot photographer.

Now that you know what message and photo style you want, it’s time to find a photographer who can bring that vision to life. 

Ask for referrals from your friends, community groups, or even Google.

For each photographer, look at their portfolio page or their Instagram profile. Does their style match what you envision? Make a shortlist of 3-5 photographers to call. 

Call each photographer. This conversation is a good time to ask logistical questions about pricing, the number of photos included with the session, and the turnaround time for getting the photos.

The most important part of this conversation, however, is to assess if you get along and share the same vision. Being comfortable with the photographer will make the photo shoot much easier. If you feel understood and seen, you will be portrayed the way you want to be.

Lastly, get comfortable on the big day.

When you think about your look for the photo shoot, consider the message that you are trying to convey. Choose an ensemble that will amplify that message. Make sure that you are comfortable in the clothes, however. You don’t want to spend the whole shoot fidgeting with your clothing. 

Then go out and have fun!

Here are two ways I can help you:

1. Serve as your business’s Fractional CMO.

2. Analyze and optimize your marketing strategy.

   Interested? Send me a note.