Written by Mimi Milligan. Graphic by Miha Palancha.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a confident and clean face-card, a positive attitude and (of course) creative talent can get you in the door. But how does one secure the interview at the door to their dream job? Well, a solid and slick headshot that quietly advertises “I would be a great hire,” is an initial place to start.
Like with any piece of art, successful persuasion starts with knowing your audience. Is your dream to write grants at a non-profit or a Fortune 500 company, or to be a design assistant at the Schiaparelli atelier in Place Vendôme in Paris? Keep in mind that the appropriate professional headshots for each position would skew in dramatically different directions. Buttoned-up businesses want to see straightforward headshots that mean no funny business, while more artistic companies want to see your creative prowess down to the way you choose to portray your own image.
If you are able to hire a professional photographer to capture your visage in soul and creativity, then you should.
Photo by Kayla Kpanquoi.
“Focus on finding a headshot photographer whose style you truly love – from editing to composition and their overall vibe,” says photographer and studio owner Sara Kane, “Choose a package that goes beyond a basic head-and-shoulders shot.”
Kane recommends packing a variety of clothing options (like solids, neutrals and layers) and asking the photographer to help style your final look. She also suggests investing in subtle, natural professional hair and makeup that enhances your natural features.
“And don’t forget to play music that makes you feel good while shooting – it helps bring your authentic self into the frame,” adds Kane.
Don’t be afraid to be straightforward and granular with the photographer about your final aim: if you’re looking to get conventional professional headshots or willing to experiment with more creative angles, tones, tell them so they can deliver exactly what you need to stand out to recruiters.
If you’re unable to invest in a professional photographer (because, duh, you just graduated and might not have income yet), then here are some tips for DIY headshots:
- Practice your best angles (pick your top two or three) using a full length mirror and stick to making those sing. Practice will make perfect, and it’s not vain to use the mirror to understand what sides are your best. Use the look in your eyes to emote what you’re trying to convey: curious, kind, serious or happy depending on the type of job you want.
- Have a test shoot day. This is the ideal day to make a practice run of it: try out natural hair, makeup and your best clothing and shoot it by yourself with a tripod against a plain background with lots of natural sunlight to shoot against.
- Grab your most creative friend to do the final shoot for you based on what worked from your test shoot, and thank them for their work with a gift card.
- “Focus on soft lighting, sharp eyes and subtle direction like posture and chin angle. Small adjustments make a big difference in creating a strong look,” says photographer Anthony DeLeo, “Shoot ISO between 100-400 for cleanliness, and 1/125s or faster to avoid motion blur.”
- When you choose your top selects I.E. your favorite pictures, give them as natural of edits as possible. Crop with intention, using 1×1 or 4×5 aspect ratios. Do not use AI generated retouching, as most established creatives can spot AI’s lack of fine visual detail in headshots, which is artistically off-putting.
Photo by Amanda Benoit.
Once you’ve arrived at your favorite look that embodies your personality and creativity, blast it across social media and LinkedIn. Start shooting off your resume and portfolio relentlessly until you’ve been offered the job that you have worked so hard for.
