Strike a Pose - Tips For a Great Professional Headshot

The lyrics to Madonna's song "Vogue" loop in my mind whenever I think of profile photos. Whether posing for a class or family photo or Glamour Shots, most of us have had our portrait taken. With online social networking sites flourishing, a good headshot can help generate business. Even if you have a stellar professional profile, your headshot is responsible for making the first impression. A great headshot can entice people to contact and hire you for your services, whereas a bad profile photo is well, bad for business.

Here are some tips to put your best face forward:

1) Choose a good and reputable photographer. Like hairstylists, most photographers generate business based on word of mouth. People who have had good experiences are more than happy to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to a good photographer. Many photographers have their own website. I encourage you to logon and review their portfolios online. It is also important to conduct a telephone interview with each photographer. Consider asking the photographer if they will help you choose the final pictures, how much they charge for reprints or enlargements, if they are able to save the photos to a CD, and whether they give guarantees on their services.

2) Choose the right outfit. Many photographers allow 2-3 changes of clothes. It is important that each ensemble fits properly (i.e. not too tight and lays well when you move). Do not wear white or light-colored tops. Instead, choose a dark or bright-colored shirt that compliments your skin tone. Scoop, V-neck and collared shirts flatter most women and will help draw attention to the face. Men should always wear a solid shirt with a collar.

3) Don't make any drastic hair style changes right before your photo session. Give your perm time to loosen up or you'll look like a curly hair Poodle! Simple hair styles are better as they are easier to fix between shoots.

4) Use a light hand when applying makeup. Wear the makeup, don't let it wear you. The idea is to look your best without looking like you're wearing a lot of makeup. For best photo results, use a base, concealer and powder specially matched to your skin tone and neutral toned shadows and lipsticks look best. Avoid glossy eyeshadows and lipstick and heavily lined lips and eyes.

5) The brows have it. It is important for both women and men to wax or pluck eyebrows before the photo shoot. Well-groomed brows help play up your eyes and accentuate your face.
Although photographers cannot make you look ten years younger, you can ask them to retouch your photo. Basic retouch services include removing blemishes, whitening teeth, and eliminating dark under eye circles.

In the immortal words of Madonna, "Don't just stand there, let's get to it, strike a pose, there's nothing to it, Vogue."