Expressing Confidence in your headshot

Headshots are a unique genre of photography, as they need to convey several types of messages with just a single frame. While technical aspects like lighting and composition are crucial, it's your expression that will truly set the tone and make your headshot shine. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the significance of expression in headshots, focusing on the two key elements of confidence and approachability.

Confidence Equals Professionalism

Confidence is a quality that draws people in and makes a great first impression. In professional headshots, confidence makes all the difference.

Why Confidence Matters

Confidence Establishes Trust: When your headshot shows confidence, it instills trust in those who see it. It’s a signal that you are a professional in your field.

It shows Competence: A confident expression suggests that you are skilled and proficient in what you do.
Leaves a Positive First Impression: Confidence makes you memorable in a positive way. We are more likely to do business with people we like and trust and confidence in your headshot does this heavy lifting for you.

Tips for Capturing Confidence

Maintain Eye Contact: Look directly into the camera. It's a simple way to show confidence.
Smile Naturally: A confident smile reaches your eyes. This is something I coach. No fake smiles in my studio. I will almost definitely say something ridiculous to make you smile.
Straight Posture: Good posture is a visible sign of confidence. I have everyone stand tall to project an image of strength and assurance. This is another point that I coach throughout the session.

Approachability Helps To Build Connections

Approachability is the second half of the equation for your headshots. You’ve nailed down confidence with your eyes, now it’s time to open up the smile and be inviting.

Why Approachability Matters

Helps Build Relationships: An approachable expression is an open invitation for interaction. It tells others that you're receptive and friendly.
Encourages Engagement: People are more likely to do business and connect with someone they perceive as approachable. Whether it's a client, colleague, or potential employer, this step will be a game-changer.
Enhances Likeability: An approachable expression naturally makes you more likable. It can lead to positive perceptions and more opportunities to network and connect with your audience.

Tips for Capturing Approachability

Warm Smile: Offer a genuine, warm smile in your headshot. A smile can be a hard thing to fake, so you count on my coaching to elicit a natural smile. You can go full open-mouth smile or a more subtle closed-mouth smirk.
Relaxed Body Language: Avoid stiff or rigid poses. We’ll go for a natural, relaxed posture that invites connection. I will coach your pose to get your posture looking tall, yet relaxed.
Eyes that Sparkle: Ensure your eyes convey warmth and friendliness. The more wide open your eyes are, the more that reads as out to lunch, or vacant. I will coach a more confident expression with your eyes. Start watching some Clint Eastwood movies!

Bring Confidence and Approachability Together

When we combine confidence and approachability together in one professional headshot, great things start to happen. We show people that we know what we’re doing, we’re leaders in our industries. While we’re confident, we’re also friendly and approachable, this helps to be relatable, and after all, we’re more likely to connect with and do business with people that we like, trust, and can relate to.