Tips for Winning Headshots for the Camera Shy

Like some business people, having your photo taken, especially one close up on your face isn’t exactly your favorite activity. I understand and I deliver reliable and strong results because, although I am a Dallas headshot photographer with 20+ years experience, I am more than that — I’m like an image consultant that uses psychology to bring out the BEST in your photo. That means a lot of things, from feeling positive to flashing a genuine smile — even when you’re not used to doing that in front of a camera!

Truly professional business headshot engender both trust and the desire to connect.

Dallas Headshot Trends:

Business people in high-trust industries (like legal, medical, financial and real estate) always need at least one, “formal” or “official” type headshot. These days, many industries (think construction, graphic design, consulting, programming, etc.) are going with a “business casual” look for their website contact page and their social media profiles.

When I say the word “business headshot”, I’m talking a headshot that is great for your website, your LinkedIn profile photos, and other online uses. One that conveys confidence and shows a personality that projects the feeling that you are competent to deliver strong results for your client’s needs.

In fact it is that emotional aspect of your headshot, the visual attitude — that is a key part of how the right headshot helps people not only like you but also reach out to do business with you. And it is this part that can be tricky for the camera shy. Not to worry!

• Your email account & email signature
• Your LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram photos
• Your personal website or your portfolio
• Your guest posts or bylines for any online business related writing/posting/blogging.
• Your company bio that more and more companies send out when you start
• Your entire professional life. Trust me, at some point in your career, you will want to have this on hand.

Your Dallasbusiness headshot can be with a studio backdrop or on location — as best matches your role.

Perhaps I’ve finally mastered the art. This marked my third headshot session within the span of four years. You might ponder why I subject myself to this ordeal. Well, I understand the significance of keeping one’s headshot current. Most (from HR departments, Headhunters, and photographers alike) advise refreshing your headshot at least every 6 years, ideally every 2 to 3 years.

Updating headshots serves as a means to ensure that your LinkedIn profile and website, maintain a contemporary appearance. Moreover, with each session, most peole report finding themselves more and morerelaxed and photogenic. That is especially so when you’re in the hands of a seasoned headshot photographer. — and with 30 years now providing headshots as a service to professionals at every level, I include myself in that category. As I continue to refine this process, I feel generous to share some invaluable headshot tips I’ve acquired.

Fake is Not your Friend

First: AVOID AI generated images and Phone Filters/Apps like the plague!

Even though AI imagery is indeed getting more realitstic looking, it will still make you look CHEESY, sometimes by making you look too perfect — more like an illustration to look at than a person to do business with. Filters and “enhancements” whether on a phone app or AI website — they will make you come across as fake, as if you are trying too hard. Both of which udnermind your results and make the likeability and trust objectives BACKFIRE on you. Authenticity is the key, not some Kardashian impression. Trying too hard tells people you have a big, hiddenflaw you are trying to compensate for.

Trying to take a short cut or go cheap will backfire. You look your best when you show you feel comfortable in your own skin. Would you want to hire or work with someone that is not showing their REAL SELF to you? Neither would I. Fakeness shows they have something to hide. That sabotages the very trust you need the most! Stick wil a real photographer with real experience, real camera, real lighting for REAL RESULTS.

The smart business person will always go with an experienced, professional photographer. Cutting corners will always end up cutting your career short too!

Now, this “feeling comfortable in your own skin” is not easy for the shy, but fear not- that is where I come in to put you at ease. As long as you bring a good attitude to our photoshoot, I will bring that positivity to the surface for a photo you feel great about!

1. Establish a routine for headshot sessions. Rather than treating headshots as a one-off task, schedule sessions every 2 to 3 years with the same photographer. As familiarity grows with your photographer, you’ll naturally become even more at ease, allowing you to exude confidence and charm effortlessly.
2. Embrace your power color. In my recent headshots, I adorned a striking red dress. Similar to Shelby in “Steel Magnolias,” who associates pink with her persona, blue is my signature color. It has been my favorite since childhood, stemming from my adamant request for a blue bicycle. Wearing blue imbues me with confidence and strength — traits ideal for headshots in many professions.
3. Consider dressing to compliment / align with your website’s color scheme. During my previous session, I opted for a cherished blazer and scarf ensemble, reflecting my personal style and comfort. However, overlooking the colors of my logo and website led me to redo my photos. As red constitutes my signature color and, alongside dark turquoise, features prominently in my business branding, last year’s photos failed to harmonize with my website — a regrettable oversight to avoid.
4. Explore unconventional settings. Whenever feasible, opt for headshots taken beyond the confines of an office, preferably outdoors. Natural sunlight casts a more flattering glow than harsh fluorescent lights. Additionally, who wouldn’t relish a brief escape from the office? During my recent session, I ventured to a part of town adorned with captivating public art, integrating my business colors into the backdrop. Environmental portraits offer a unique opportunity to showcase your profession. For instance, I anticipate capturing portraits of the leaders of a commercial real estate firm against the backdrop of their buildings and the skyline.
5. Quick Tips to help you look and feel at your best: Consider pampering yourself with treatments that uplift your spirits ahead of your next portrait session. Whether it’s a manicure, pedicure, new attire, facial, or haircut — investing in self-care radiates through your demeanor.
6. My Dallas headshot clients often say things along the lines of: “it was time to get a headshot I felt confident in using to represent myself. So I chose to call you and treat myself. after all, my career warrants it

Marcus is a leading Dallas Photographer for commercial photography, lifestyle photography, and headshots for business executives, as well as models and actors. www.HeadShotPros.com Booking Dallas area photoshoots at 877–858–0071.