LillyK Photography Owner, Isa Battaglin, Shares Five Tips for Taking a Professional Headshot that Doesn’t Embarrass You
If you ever miss that special dread that came with taking school photos as a child, just set up some time to take a professional headshot. You’ll get the same feeling of insecurity as you try to decide how to style your hair or which shirt to wear, and stress about whether you’re giving off a professional image that will command respect. While a good photographer can help guide you through these worries, if you’re taking the headshot yourself, you’re going to have to conquer these challenges alone. Luckily, Isa Battaglin, the owner of LillyK Photography, shares a few easy ways to turn your headshot from a nightmare to a personal branding opportunity.
1. Do Your Research
Look at the headshots of your colleagues and competitors to get an idea of what works for them. Look at the overall tone of their photo. Is it bright and cheerful? Dark and serious? Check out specific details, such as how they frame themselves (head and shoulders or full body?) and where the photo was taken (outside or inside?), then think about which details work best for your personal style. Save a few of your favorite images to a folder on your computer to reference during your shoot.
2. Wear Solid Colors
When selecting something to wear, stay away from stripes, wild patterns, or excessively bright colors. Not only do these tend to look unprofessional, but they also have more of a potential to cause camera aberrations if you’re using a consumer camera. Instead, stick to subtle, solid colors on button-down shirts, blouses, or dresses. For women, the same rule applies to frills: pick garments with sleek and simple lines, and leave the ruffles for another day.
3. Get a Friend to Help
Even if you have a tripod and timer for your camera, you should ask somebody else to snap the photos. They don’t need any experience, but they do need to get direction from you. Show them your reference images, so they know how to frame you, then take several practice photos and tell them what’s working or not. The extra pair of hands will help you relax, which in turn will make you look more relaxed and confident in your photo.
4. Use Natural Lighting
Light has a character of its own, so make sure you use the right light source. Florescent lights give you a sickly green tint, and your on-camera flash will make you look washed out, while also showcasing every skin flaw. Instead, opt for indirect natural light. If you’re taking your photo outside, wait for an overcast day when the clouds soften sunlight to a beautiful glow. For inside or studio photos, find a spot close to, but not directly in front of, a window. In either case, make sure the sun is behind the camera and at an angle rather than right above your face.
5. Think Happy Thoughts
The key to not making an awkward face is to keep your thoughts on anything but the photo you’re taking. What you’re thinking shows in your eyes, so if you’re worried about your appearance, you’ll end up looking stiff and nervous. This is where having a friend comes in handy. They can help keep your mind on happy, friendly thoughts. The result? A happy, friendly photo you’re not embarrassed to show off.
About Isa Battaglin and LillyK Photography: Whether she is capturing the faces of children or adults, Mrs. Isa Battaglin uses her camera to echo their spirit for others to see. She is a master of taking headshots in natural light and her artistry in editing beam through her photographs in her clients’ eyes. While her home base is at LillyK Photography in Los Angeles, Isa travels the world taking headshots and fashion photography.
