10 Things to Never do in Your Professional Portraits
In a fast-moving, snap judgment, online world, your professional portrait is indispensable. Years ago, first impressions were made in person, but today, they are made through digital media. Your headshot precedes you like a digital handshake to prospective clients you have yet to meet. What do your current images say about you? Would you buy from that person from the person or brand you see in the mirror?
If you want to stand out...
Never dress in less than your best. Your customers want to see you as the competent business person you are, so nothing less than the best will do. Professional business attire is ideal for almost everyone. Uniforms are, of course, appropriate if that is how your customer expects to see you.
Never wear clothes that are loose or baggy. Sometimes we like to hide behind our clothing, but it can often add the appearance of extra bulk in the final image.
Never wear big jewelry. Large loop earrings and statement necklaces might be part of your style, but in a portrait, they are overpowering. Prominent jewelry draws people’s attention away from seeing who you are. There are ways to show your style while keeping it simple.
Never reveal too much skin. People’s eyes are naturally drawn to the brightest thing in the portrait, which, for 100% of the white population, is your skin. You don’t have to cover up from head to toe, but just consider that you are representing your company's image and not necessarily yourself.
Never bring only one clothing option. More clothing choices just mean more options to choose from in your final portraits. Different looks might be appropriate for different situations or social profiles. At the least, it will allow you to mix up your headshots from time to time to keep things looking fresh.
Never wear busy patterns. The human eye is drawn to strong patterns, so you want to avoid anything too complex, too bold, or too contrasty. Plain solids or small, subdued patterns are always best. If you aren’t sure, consult your photographer.
Never wear logos. Unless it is part of your uniform, a competing logo, at best, is a distraction, and at worst, brand confusion.
Never wear yoga pants. There are very few professions where yoga pants are considered to be appropriate attire. Yoga instructors cover most of them.
Never forgo the ironing. There’s nothing worse than a floppy collar. Freshly pressed and crisp clothing is the only way to go.
(Almost) Never wear solid white. People often don’t end up liking the way they look in white for many reasons. It can be that the clothing item looks bright and featureless, so it blends into a lighter background, or the item is more prominent than the subject’s face. White can also give the illusion of added bulk or create unnatural reflections below the chin. If you wish to try white, be sure to come ready to go with a backup clothing plan.
Visit our website to get ideas for your next new look and see all the ways we help our clients avoid these mistakes…
