I have worked with clients from all walks of life. One group that I have had the pleasure of working with is lawyers. Lawyers often require a great headshot for their professional profiles, websites, and marketing materials. In this article, I will share four key things that lawyers should do to get a great headshot.
1. Hire a professional photographer
The first and most important thing that lawyers should do for a great headshot is to hire a professional photographer. A professional photographer will have the necessary skills, experience, and equipment to create a stunning headshot that accurately represents the lawyer’s brand and personality. While it may be tempting to try and save money by taking the photo yourself or hiring a less expensive photographer, it’s important to keep in mind that the headshot will be a reflection of the lawyer’s professionalism and expertise. A poor-quality headshot can do more harm than good, so it’s worth investing in a professional.
When choosing a professional photographer, look for someone who specializes in portrait photography and has experience working with lawyers. You’ll want to see examples of their previous work and make sure that their style aligns with your vision for your headshot. It’s also important to discuss your goals and the message you want to convey through your headshot, so that the photographer can create an image that meets your needs.
2. Dress for success
Once you’ve hired a professional photographer, the next step is to dress for success. Your headshot is a representation of you and your brand, so it’s important to dress in a way that aligns with your professional image. For lawyers, this means dressing in business attire that is clean, well-fitting, and professional. Avoid anything that is too trendy, revealing, or casual. You want to look polished and put together, as if you’re ready to step into the courtroom or meet with a client.
When selecting your outfit, think about the message you want to convey. Do you want to appear approachable and friendly, or serious and authoritative? Your clothing can help to communicate this message, so choose wisely. It’s also a good idea to bring a few different outfit options to your photoshoot, so that you can choose the best one on the day.
3. Pay attention to hair and makeup
In addition to dressing for success, it’s also important to pay attention to your hair and makeup. For women, this may mean wearing a little more makeup than usual to ensure that your features are defined and your skin looks flawless. For men, this may mean trimming your beard or getting a fresh haircut. The goal is to look your best and feel confident in front of the camera.
If you’re not confident in your makeup or hair skills, consider hiring a professional to help. A professional makeup artist can ensure that your makeup is camera-ready and that your features are accentuated in the right way. Similarly, a hairstylist can help you to achieve a polished and professional look that is appropriate for your headshot.
4. Relax and have fun
Finally, the most important thing you can do for a great headshot is to relax and have fun. It’s normal to feel nervous or self-conscious in front of the camera, but the more relaxed and natural you can be, the better your headshot will turn out. Trust your photographer to guide you through the process and provide direction on posing, expression, and other factors that contribute to a great headshot.
Remember that a great headshot is a collaborative effort between you and your photographer. The more you can communicate your goals and vision, the better the end result will be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, give feedback, or provide input throughout the photoshoot. With the right attitude and a skilled photographer by your side, you can create a headshot that accurately represents your professional brand and personality.
In summary, there are four key things that lawyers should do for a great headshot: hire a professional photographer, dress for success, pay attention to hair and makeup, and relax and have fun. By following these tips, you can ensure that your headshot accurately represents your professional image and brand, and helps you to stand out from the competition.
At my photography studio in downtown Whitby, I specialize in creating stunning headshots for lawyers and other professionals. I offer a white glove luxury experience that includes everything from pre-shoot consultations to styling advice, hair and makeup services, and more. With over 25 years of experience in portrait photography, I have the skills and expertise to create a headshot that accurately represents your brand and helps you to achieve your professional goals.
If you’re a lawyer in need of a great headshot, I invite you to contact me to learn more about my services and how I can help you. Let’s work together to create a headshot that you can be proud of and that accurately represents your professional image and brand.
