Eight Tips for a Great Headshot

Fine, I need a headshot. How do I get one?

While you can contract for the services of a professional photographer, depending on their experience level and demand, it can be costly. On average, session costs range from between $200 and $500 and take one to two hours. Expect additional fees based on the number of photos you choose to purchase. If you go this route, get photos in different outfits and in different settings – inside and out of the office.

However, if you don't have the time or budget for a professional, the camera on your smartphone can do the trick.

Wait, I’m not a photographer

No, you’re not and, more importantly, you don’t need to be. Apple and Samsung (along with myriad other Android manufacturers) have developed AI-assisted software that has lowered the skill barrier needed to take a good photo. These tips will help you elevate that good photo to a great one and make a powerful impression with clients:

1. Ask a friend or family member to help

If no one's free to snap photos, you can also set up a tripod or makeshift tripod (think: book stacks) and use your phone on self-timer. Alternatively, the camera app on an Apple Watch can be used as a remote viewfinder for framing your shots.

2. Pick a neutral background

A solid-colored wall or other simple setting (such as a bookcase) makes for the best photo backdrops. Make sure the background is free of clutter (other photos, wires, your thermostat) to ensure your face is the focus. Be sure to stand at least 3-4 feet from the background to reduce hard shadows and introduce a soft bokeh, or out-of-focus effect.

3. Use natural lighting

Find a spot in or around your home or office that offers ample natural lighting. A well-lit area will ensure your photo has clean lines and a flattering amount of brightness. Additionally, you want soft diffuse lighting (such as indirect sunlight) rather than harsh direct lighting (direct sunlight or fluorescents), which can create unflattering shadows.

4. Dress for success

Choose outfits and jewelry that you would wear in your professional setting. Stick with solid colors and steer clear of busy patterns which photograph poorly. Try several different outfits and a few different backgrounds.

5. Skip the filters (for now)

This isn’t Instagram. You want clear and natural light. Avoid using any heavy filtering.

6. Take lots of photos

People don’t love having their photo taken, so give yourself some time to warm-up. Try some different poses and switch outfits if necessary. This will give you options when choosing your final photo.

7. Face slightly to the left

There is a lot of neuroscience here, but it boils down to this. Because, in English, we read left to right, studies of the brain have found that cognitively people prefer an image, followed by text. This means your photo should generally be to the left of any copy. If you are looking left, in the photo, you will be looking right at the text (as opposed to looking off the page/screen, which is distracting).

8. Edit your photo

After you’ve selected your photo, edit it using the tools on your phone. Making even basic tweaks – like straightening, croping, and brightening – will elevate a good photo to a great one. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are some great apps that go beyond the suite of tools natively on your phone. I recommend VSCO or Afterlight if you’re interested in exploring an expanded toolset.

Congratulations! You should now have a pretty good headshot. Time to update your web site and social media. A consistent photo will convey professionalism, cohesiveness, and thoughtfulness to potential clients.

Mikhael Frazier is the creative director and lead designer for Symmetry Marketing Group, which provides customized marketing services to help financial advisors communicate their value, grow their businesses and deliver better client experiences. You can learn more at symmetrymarketinggroup.com.

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