Key Elements For Great Executive Headshots

In a world where first impressions are often made online, it is increasingly essential for business professionals, especially executives, to have high-quality headshots readily available. These will be displayed anywhere your company is marketed. Whether it be your company website or social media account, your executive headshot will be the first impression you make with potential clients.

What Can Executive Headshots Do For Your Company

We quickly wanted to give you two reasons why executive headshots are crucial for not only you but for your company.

1. Headshots garner trust. It's true! Professional executive headshots on your accounts, profiles, and websites that accurately depict your brand are created just for the consumer or other business professionals. When you appear natural and let your charming personality shine through your smile, people are more likely to want to work with you and feel they can trust you.

2. Executive headshots improve your brand image. Displaying high-quality headshots proves your company is professional and respectable. Due to a high number of business interactions being conducted virtually or online, excellent executive headshots create a human connection between you and the consumer or partnering businesses. This connection can prove to be invaluable when it comes to sales and numbers.

Key Elements For Great Executive Headshots

Hire An Amazing Photographer

When you are looking for a photographer to capture the essence of your personality, you are looking for a few things: talent, personality, passion, and experience.

 A photographer should be able to quickly answer how many years of experience they have in the field and what their expertise is. You can check them off the list if they have several examples of business headshots to show you in their portfolio. On the other hand, a bunch of photos taken in nature or costumey clothes will probably not showcase their skills in the headshot realm, so make sure you get examples of precisely what you are looking for.

You want a photographer who has a good personality, can connect with you personally, and has a passion for photography. Our photographer at Bartholomew Photography loves the art of photography. Plain and simple! But they also love making a photo shoot experience enjoyable for the customer. It shows in the final results when you can connect with the photographer and feel peace while taking your photos.

Also be sure to find one with flexible scheduling and the ability to come on-location if needed. Your schedule is always packed with meetings so finding time to drive across town to a studio is not always an option. A great photographer that consistently works with executives will almost always be able to come on-site and take the photographs where your most comfortable.

Last but not least, you want a photographer who has serious talent. Anybody can take a picture, but to do it well is a skill not many have. You can decipher talent in a photographer by checking out their portfolio and seeing how they answer questions about the different angles or insecurities you may have regarding having your picture taken. Point out your "bad side" and see their advice for positioning.

Have The Right Look

This will depend on the industry your business is in on what exactly you will be wearing for your headshots. But you must put in some effort when deciding what to wear for your executive headshots.

For The Guys

It's hard to go wrong with a classic, dark suit. Dark grays, black, or navy are trendy options because they photograph well. We recommend dressing for the job you want (or have in the case of executives). But, if you work in a more relaxed environment, it's ok to forego the tie or even opt for a sports coat with a dress shirt and jeans. No matter the industry, we recommend staying away from short sleeves. This can be awkward in headshots and appear entirely too casual.

For The Ladies

Most women do not like how they look in photographs where they have on flowy or unstructured clothing. This can play tricks on the eye and make you look broader than you actually are. We recommend neutral, solid colors with a fitted dress that defines your shape. Headshots are often from the top of the bust and up, so focus on this area when choosing what to wear. Stay away from flashy jewelry and accessories, and keep it simple for your executive headshots.