Choosing the Perfect Headshot Photographer: What to Look For

Your headshot can show up just about anywhere these days. LinkedIn, your company website, marketing materials, social media, speaking engagements, and even your email signature.

In many cases, it may be the first impression someone has of you before you ever meet them.

So when it's time for a new headshot, how do you choose the right photographer? Here are a few things I think are worth looking for.

Look at Their Work

A photographer's portfolio is a great place to start, but don't just look at whether the photographs are technically good. Look at the people in them.

Do they look confident and approachable? Do their expressions feel natural? Is there consistency from one person to the next?

A great headshot should get your attention because of the person in the photograph, not just the lighting or background.

Choose Someone Who Specializes in Headshots

There are a lot of great photographers out there, but headshot photography requires a specific set of skills.

Yes, your photographer should understand cameras, lighting, composition, and how to photograph different faces. But they also need to know how to work with the person standing in front of the camera.

Most people aren't professional models and don't spend their days being photographed. You shouldn't be expected to walk into a studio already knowing exactly what to do.

Look for Coaching and Direction

This is a big one for me.

You can have beautiful lighting and a technically perfect photograph, but if the expression isn't there, the image isn't going to have the same impact.

A good headshot photographer should coach you through your posture, positioning, head angle, eyes, and expression. For most of my clients, we're looking for that balance between confidence and approachability.

You shouldn't be standing in front of the camera wondering where to look, how to stand, or what you're supposed to be doing.

That's my job as the photographer.

Consider the Value, Not Just the Price

Price is certainly something to consider when choosing a headshot photographer, but it shouldn't be the only thing.

Your headshot is an image you may use for years across LinkedIn, your website, marketing materials, speaking engagements, and other places where you're representing yourself professionally.

So instead of simply comparing session fees, look at what you're getting for that investment. Does the photographer specialize in headshots? Are they going to help you prepare, coach you through posing and expression, and take the time to get an image you're genuinely confident putting out into the world?

There will always be less expensive options, but when an image is representing you and your professional brand, choosing the right photographer is worth considering beyond price alone.

Pay Attention to the Overall Experience

Finally, look beyond the portfolio and pay attention to what it's actually going to be like to work with the photographer.

Do they help you prepare? Do they provide wardrobe guidance? Do they take the time to understand what you need? Will you be able to review your images and choose the ones you actually like?

And don't forget to read the reviews. What previous clients say about their experience can tell you just as much as the photographer's portfolio.

At Matt Young Photography, that's exactly what I focus on. From helping you prepare for your session to coaching you through posing and expression, my goal is to make the experience comfortable and create a headshot that looks professional, feels authentic, and most importantly, looks like you.

Because when your headshot is introducing you before you ever get the chance to introduce yourself, you want to make sure it's saying the right things.

So when it's time to update your headshot, let's make sure you're putting your best face forward. I'd love to get you in front of my camera.

Schedule Your Headshot Session

Schedule Your Headshot Session

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

Choosing the Perfect Headshot Photographer: What to Look For

Choosing the Perfect Headshot Photographer: What to Look For

Look at Their Work

Choose Someone Who Specializes in Headshots

Look for Coaching and Direction

Consider the Value, Not Just the Price

Pay Attention to the Overall Experience

Leave a comment

Archive