Blog Gameplan Step 5: Develop Your Tools
Taking great headshots
When it was time for me to have my first headshots done, I was a nervous wreck. I don’t really consider myself photogenic, I had no idea how to “take good pictures,” I instantly spot all of my “flaws” and tend to be relentless with the self-criticism, thinking, Gawd, I hope all these pics don’t end up with fat face. My hair looks so flat and blah, I hate it. That angle makes me look gi-normous!
I know, I know: my headshot looks fine (three good shots out of 100, or so I told myself). And I can’t believe how much I used it … it goes on everything! My articles, books, press releases, websites … for the independent professional, it is a crucial part of our branding. A good picture should showcase your energy, help you seem interesting to your customers, and give off a warm, inviting air.
I didn’t bring a stylist to my first shoot, but I did talk to some of my friends in the entertainment industry (whom I know from my former life doing artist management) and got some fabulous tips that can help all of us get better results from our shoots.