5 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Headshot Session

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Headshot Session

A professional headshot is an essential tool for making a strong first impression in the business world. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile, company website, or marketing materials, a high-quality headshot can enhance your professional image. However, several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your headshot. In this guide, we'll discuss five common mistakes to avoid during your headshot session to ensure you get the best possible results.

1. Wearing Inappropriate Clothing

Mistake: Choosing the Wrong Attire

One of the most common mistakes people make during their headshot session is wearing inappropriate clothing. Your outfit should reflect your professional brand and be suitable for your industry. Avoid busy patterns, logos, and overly bright colors that can distract from your face. Realize that your image is just as much about communicating to others about the type of person you are and how you want to be perceived.

Solution: Dress Professionally and Simply

Choose professional attire that aligns with your industry standards. Solid colors and classic styles work best as they keep the focus on your face. Make sure your clothes are clean, well-fitted, and wrinkle-free.

A smiling woman with long brown hair wears a gray blazer over a red top, posing against a dark background.
A smiling man with a bald head and a short beard wears a gray suit, white shirt, and striped tie, posing against a dark background.

2. Neglecting Hair and Makeup

Mistake: Overlooking Grooming

Another common mistake is neglecting hair and makeup. How you present yourself in your headshot can significantly impact the final result. Poor grooming can make you appear unprofessional and unprepared.

Solution: Professional Hair and Makeup

Consider hiring a professional hair and makeup artist to ensure you look polished and camera-ready. If you prefer to do it yourself, keep your look neat and natural. Make sure your hair is styled and your makeup is blended well. For men with beards make sure they are well groomed and maintained. It can be helpful to use a beard balm to help keep those stray hairs in order.

A woman with long hair applies makeup using a brush while looking into a small mirror.
A makeup artist focuses on applying eyeliner to a woman with a high ponytail in a well-lit dressing room.

3. Failing to Communicate with Your Photographer

Mistake: Lack of Communication

Failing to communicate your goals and preferences with your photographer can lead to disappointing results. Your photographer needs to understand what you want to achieve with your headshot. Sometimes this will be obvious or if you are being brought in during a staff headshot day you won’t have much of a say, but even in those cases talking to your photographer about your professional role and the ways in which you want others to perceive you when they see your photo is important and helpful in their directing your session.

Solution: Discuss Your Vision

Before the session, discuss your vision with your photographer. Share examples of headshots you like and explain the image you want to project. This helps the photographer tailor the session to meet your needs. Tell them about the kinds of feelings you want viewers to feel when they see you. If you are a healthcare provider you will likely want your headshot to appear friendly and approachable whereas a lawyer specializing in civil litigation may want to come off as tough, and authoritative to project a sense that they will be fighting aggressively for their clients.

A woman in a black suit smiles and shakes hands with a man in a plaid shirt across a desk in an office.
A woman with curly hair in a brown blazer engages in a friendly discussion with a colleague at a table in a bright office.

4. Not Practicing Poses and Expressions

Mistake: Being Unprepared

Many people arrive at their headshot session without having practiced their poses and expressions. This can result in awkward or unnatural photos. While it isn’t necessary for you to know exactly how you would like to be posed for your shot, it can be a mistake to come in and feel like you have no idea what sorts of expressions help you look your best.

Solution: Practice Ahead of Time

Spend time in front of a mirror to find your best angles and practice different poses and expressions. This preparation will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the session, leading to more natural and flattering photos. While no quality photographers will judge you for not knowing how exactly to pose; simply putting in a bit of effort into getting comfortable making minor adjustments to head placement and practicing various expressions to help you communicate with viewers about who you are will make a world of difference in getting you to a point of feeling comfortable and looking natural in front of the camera.

A woman in a sweater smiles as another woman gently adjusts her facial expression, possibly preparing for a photo.
A man in a suit adjusts his tie while looking at himself in a mirror, preparing for a formal event or photoshoot.

5. Ignoring the Background and Lighting

Mistake: Poor Background and Lighting Choices

The background and lighting can make or break your headshot. A cluttered or distracting background and poor lighting can detract from your appearance and the overall quality of the photo.

Solution: Choose a Professional Setting

Opt for a neutral or professional background that complements your outfit and enhances your appearance. Ensure the lighting is even and flattering. Professional photographers know how to set up the perfect lighting and background for high-quality headshots.

A woman in a checkered suit poses confidently in a well-lit photo studio with multiple softbox lights and a white backdrop.
A photographer kneels to capture a shot of a man posing in a leather jacket and casual outfit in a professional studio setting.

Avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve a professional and impactful headshot. By dressing appropriately, grooming well, communicating with your photographer, practicing your poses, and ensuring a good background and lighting, you can make the most of your headshot session.

For professional headshot services in Colorado Springs, contact us at Connor Hibbs Photography. We specialize in creating high-quality headshots that enhance your professional image.

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