About taking good headshots for business people
A photographer named Alfred Eisenstadt once said, “I like to photograph people before they know what their beautiful side is.”
Today this doesn’t exist. Everyone knows which side is their most beautiful and have perfected the selfie photograph, moving hands slightly above the face to avoid distortion and sending out into the digital universe.
Yet even with the desensitization of our modern age many business professionals still feel nervous about standing in front of a photographer’s lens. However, they surrender begrudgingly because they know that everyone needs good profile picture for websites, social media and dating sites. A picture that represents a beautiful quality and compliments by showing us at our best.
Usually, when I schedule photoshoots with business professionals there is limited time and the calendars are crowded. When the secretary asks how long I need for the headshot session, I answer half an hour to which she offers a satisfied but skeptical response. (In reality, I’m finished shooting in less time.)
Once I arrive to the office of the subject and set-up they take him/her out of a meeting. I have 10 minutes to unfreeze them and create a relaxed atmosphere that will gain me their cooperation. The conversation generally starts with a few minutes of “I don’t look good in pictures”, “My face is crooked” or, “I have one small eye” etc… All this, is due to the awkwardness of the subject to stand in front of me while I watch them with intense, focused eyes. Every manager or CEO feels very exposed. I stand in front of them and the camera does not hide anything.
This is where the photojournalism experience I have accumulated for 25 years comes in handy. When I enter the subject’s office I take notice of the artwork hanging on the walls or photos on the desk to get a general impression and understanding of what they like. I start by asking questions about their interests and at this time I recognize their most flattering side and direct the lighting accordingly [because it is all a matter of angle and lighting].
By this time the subject starts to soften and smile. Once I show them a couple photographs I usually get responses like, “I’ve never been photographed that way.” and then I confirm that success with a few more pictures followed by a thank you and good-bye. The subjects are shocked when the headshot session ends so quickly and smoothly. Both a beautiful picture and a very short time that doesn’t take more than 20 minutes. (30 if they like to select their favorite image immediately after shooting) I leave my clients happy so I am too!
Another part of my service is painless plastic surgery, that is image therapy via photo retouching. I always say, if a model is allowed then I’m allowed too. Basic retouches include: cleaning stray hairs, brightening eyes & teeth, removing blemishes, and softening wrinkles.
Tip of the Day: How to discover your most photogenic side
You will be surprised to discover that our faces are not symmetrical. To see which side of your face is the most flattering and therefore the side you will want to present closest to the camera when being photographed, stand in front of the mirror and photograph yourself once with your face tilted to the right side and once with your face tilted to the left side. The results will speak for themselves.
You are invited to view my site https://hawaiiheadshotphotos.com/
