Personal Branding through your Corporate Headshot

Jun 21, 2010

By Melissa Murray, Professional & Personal Style & Image Consultant

All professionals need to have a great looking headshot on hand. Your professional head shot is the first link between you and your potential client. In today’s competitive market, your photograph should articulate your line of business and also define your personal and professional “brand”. Simply put, it can be the deciding factor for sealing the deal.

As a professional, at some point in your career, you will be asked for a headshot for publications, speaking engagements and your company website. How will you want to be remembered?

Preparation for a great headshot is critical. Think about the image you are trying to convey. What type business are you in? What is your business culture? Who is your target audience? Once you have answered these questions, again, consider the impression you want to make. It’s true: “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Following these tips will not only create a great headshot, but will leave those viewing it – SPEECHLESS!

The days leading up to the photo shoot, be sure to:

• Drink plenty of water and get rest
• If you need a hair cut and/or color prior to the photo shoot, try to get it done approximately a week prior to the shoot. Hair stylists tend to cut your hair so that it looks best a week or so after you get it done. Plus, if you are disappointed with your hair cut, a week will give you ample time to get it fixed before getting your headshot. You should avoid drastic hair cuts, color or style changes before your photo session. Remember, you want your photo to look like your authentic self!
• If you plan to get your brows or lip waxed, be sure to do it 2-3 days prior to the photo shoot to give any irritation time to clear up.
• To help you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, practice your smile and/or expression in front of the mirror. Remember, your expression should exude confidence and competence. For example, if you are a criminal attorney, you many not want to have a big smile in your photo. In the same respect, if you are a wedding planner; you will want to have an inviting and friendly smile.
•  If you plan to bleach or whiten your teeth, be sure to do it 2 days in advance so your teeth are not tender the day of the photo shoot. If you drink coffee or other liquids that cause staining on the teeth after you bleached them, simply drink those liquids through a straw until after your photos have been taken.  
   

Deciding what to wear can be stressful. Keep it simple - wear something that makes you feel good! Feeling like you look good with nice clothes, a polished look and a warm smile will result in you enjoying the outcome of your headshot and the process, as well. The photograph is supposed to make you look confident and professional - so take the time to choose professional and classic attire and accessories to help you capture the essence of you!

The photo should represent a dynamic and intelligent person with expertise and high business standards. This can easily be achieved though a few basic concepts:

1. Wear attire that is clean, wrinkle free, fits properly and makes you feel fabulous! Don't wear a jacket you cannot button, or you have to stretch to be able to button.
2. Choose attire that works for every season, instead of a summer look. For example, don’t wear a sleeveless blouse, vest or dress. Revealing skin below the neck can detract from your face. The exception here would be a personal trainer, given their line of work.
3. In general, dark clothes attract less attention and put the emphasis on your face and eyes.
4. V-neck style tops with a collar tend to be flattering on most people. Avoid turtlenecks as well as plunging necklines.
5. You can never go wrong with CLASSIC.  It looks good and lasts the test of time. Avoid trendy attire or those that have complex patterns, stripes, plaid and herringbone. Instead opt for solid colors whenever possible and avoid clothing with large buttons, ornamental detail and shoulder pads.

Tip #1 – If you plan to wear white, be sure you wear it underneath a jacket.

Tip #2 - The backdrop for your photo at the Extreme Bio Makeover event will be either a bluish/gray color or brown. Be sure to take this into consideration.

Jewelry and accessories should accentuate your features and not overpower them. Pearls and/or small earrings keep the focus on your face and not your jewelry. Nevertheless, wear jewelry that is proportionate to your face and body shape.

Note - If you wear facial piercing on the weekends, it might be a good idea to take them out for your professional photo.

Your look can be optimized by paying attention to some simple details.  Remember, your appearance "brands" you when you make that first impression. It’s all about putting a name with a face.

About Melissa
Melissa Murray is a certified Style & Image Master who transforms any look with ease and skill, creating the best first impression using her expertise in custom color, body shape analysis, personal shopping, wardrobe evolutions and closet organization. She is revered for her style, customer service, energy, and innate ability to recreate pieces of clothing into a smashing wardrobe. As a gifted corporate coach, speaker with a black belt in personal shopping, Melissa helps men and women achieve their goals by teaching them how to dress for their body type, lifestyle, and personal and professional growth. After working with Melissa, clients soar with confidence because they dress with knowledge and intention, and are achieving success they never thought possible.

YOU CAN REACH MELISSA MURRAY...
Melissa@MosaicSiren.com
858.750.0234

Mosaic Siren Image Consulting... The Art of Helping You Put the Pieces Together!