If you have a photo appointment coming up and really want to nail your headshot, you may want to make a few adjustments to your appearance so your best self shows up on camera. Whether you’ll be using your headshot for LinkedIn and formal corporate resumes or you’ll be bringing it with you to theater auditions, it is important that, from the chest up, you are looking friendly, approachable, and professional. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but with a headshot, we ascribe them with even more value. If you want your headshot to look great, follow these tips.
Pay attention to your posture.
When you sit for your headshot, a good photographer should instruct you on how to hold yourself. However, if they don’t, or if you just want to know what to expect, you should get an idea of ways to hold your body. Make sure you keep a relaxed but corrected posture while you are seated or standing. Additionally, you’ll want to angle yourself slightly. The best headshots are almost never straight on.
Do a natural makeup look.
If you’re sitting for a photo of yourself, you’ll want to look like yourself. That means wearing a natural amount of makeup—just enough to cover blemishes and redness, as well as to accentuate your natural bone structure. While your full glam makeup routine may be impressive when you are out on the town or on a date, a headshot that can work for you in a variety of situations should look more natural and approachable.
Accentuate your eyes.
While a natural makeup look is best, it is also important that you pay special attention to your eyes. Your eyes are one of the most unique parts of your face, so you’ll want to accentuate and showcase them as much as possible. You can achieve this by using an eyelash kit to place false lashes that complement your natural lashes and elongate the look of your lashes overall. When you hear the words “fake lashes,” you may have a preconceived notion of spidery eyelash strips that look unnatural and are hard to remove—even with an adhesive remover. However, there are many lash kits that merely accentuate the natural lash line and open your eyes up wider so you look more awake. If you’re apprehensive to wear a faux lash for your headshot, pick up a few kits and some glue for practice before you get in front of the camera.
Get your smile right.
Having a beautiful smile is key to a wonderful final headshot. However, it is possible that you feel some shame or self-consciousness about your teeth and their existing alignment. You may want to see a dentist or orthodontist for a consultation if you think you may need braces. You may be thinking of traditional braces, but you could be eligible to have either the partial or total cost of Invisalign covered by your insurance coverage plan. Invisalign uses clear aligners that do the work of traditional metal braces (which can be embarrassing as an adult) while remaining hidden. The aligner may be worn during the day or could be instructed to only be worn at night. Don’t let the Invisalign cost deter you from having the beautiful smile of your dreams. You can talk to your work’s benefits manager to learn what your treatment plan will cost and whether your insurance company or an existing flexible spending account could cover it. There may also be a payment plan or a way to negotiate a lower cost for the treatment with your dentist’s office.
