How comfortable are you in front of the camera?

Unless you’re a model, actor, or influencer, your job probably doesn’t require you to spend a lot of time in front of the camera.

For many of us, getting professional headshots done can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation and the right photographer, your photoshoot can be enjoyable.

After my recent photoshoot with photographer Helen Tansey (whom I introduced to you last week), I told her that it felt like a day at the spa.

We had FUN!

Yes, I was surprised by how much fun it was. I was also surprised about how much I learned.

I’m excited to share what I learned from this experience with you.

3 things to Talk About this week:

1. What (not) to wear at your photoshoot
2. What should I do with my hands?
3. Capturing your unique personal brand on camera

1️⃣ What (not) to wear at your photoshoot

I have a fabulous turquoise houndstooth jacket that I absolutely love. It’s one of my signature outfits, so of course I brought it with me to my headshot photoshoot.

But Helen very politely put it aside and opted for all solids. As she explained, patterns don’t always photograph well. Two reasons:

Patterns can appear pixelated in an image
Patterns can detract from what should be the focal point – YOU!

Here are Helen’s tips on what to wear and what not to wear at your photoshoot:

For everyone:
- Bring multiple options in solid colours.
- Stick with timeless classics and avoid anything too trendy. Trends will date your image!
- Don’t forget accessories! Necklaces, earrings, ties – just remember to avoid anything that will pull focus away from you.
For women:
- Blazers look great for women going for a corporate look, but avoid collared shirts under blazers. All those collars can look too busy!
- For a more casual look, women can consider jeans and a silk blouse or turtleneck.
For men:
- A suit with a crisp shirt (no tie) is a great corporate look.
- A blazer and t-shirt work well as a casual look, as long as it’s not too “Miami Vice”!

Listen to my conversation with Helen for more tips and insights!

2️⃣ What should I do with my hands?

“Where should I look?”
“Should I tilt my head?”
“What do I do with my hands?”

Most of us don’t have professional photos taken on a regular basis, so it’s only natural to feel a little unnatural at your headshot photoshoot.

If you’re feeling uncertain before your photoshoot and need a boost of confidence, use this 3-Point Body Language Scan to help yourself feel less awkward.

And if it still feels like your hands have a mind of their own, remember this: your photographer is a professional. Trust them to direct you.

They’ll tell you exactly what to do with your hands and help you relax in front of the camera so you don’t feel (or look) awkward.

3️⃣ Capturing your unique personal brand on camera

You’ve probably heard the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.”

So how can you ensure that your LinkedIn headshot says exactly what you want it to about your unique personal brand?

I used to think it was all about wardrobe and styling. Perhaps it’s a signature color (hello turquoise!), a style, or an accessory.

But here’s what I learned. What’s more important than your wardrobe and styling is how you feel. Do you trust your photographer? Are you having fun?

There you go – 3 things to Talk About this week:
1️⃣ What (not) to wear at your photoshoot
2️⃣ What do I do with my hands?
3️⃣ Capturing your unique personal brand on cameraThanks again to Helen for so generously sharing her insights with me in the most recent podcast episode! Oh – by the way… what to say instead of “cheese” when you’re posing for the camera? Helen suggests you say “Hey!”Try it now: “HEY!” Do you see how you smile? It works!I hope all of Helen’s tips help you too feel more confident in front of the camera.Have a great week. Please feel free to email me or message me on LinkedIn. I love hearing from you!

Have a great week
Talk soon,