How To Project Confidence In a Headshot
Simple as A, B, C: The secret to killer headshots is no secret.
The key to making effective headshots is to project confidence and personality. Above all else, those two attributes check several boxes that hiring managers and agents seek.
So how do you get there? The first—and most obvious—is to dress for success. Choose clothing that elevates your confidence. For men, there’s nothing like a suit to make you feel six inches taller. Though a proper suit may not strike the right note for everyone, a quality, tailored appearance will carry the day while enhancing your self-esteem. If it requires neckwear, learn to master the art of the knot. Details matter. Crumpled clothes or a poorly tied tie will torpedo your credibility. (Despite what you may have heard, not everything is a quick fix in Photoshop; getting it right on set will save you money on the backend.)
Dress classically conservative. Don’t give your target objective a reason to question your judgment by insisting on sartorial individuality. The less about your wardrobe, the better. Styling choices should enhance, not compete, only noticed when it’s wrong. Avoid stripes, patterns, radical shapes, and vivid hues. Opt for solid colors that complement your skin tone and provide contrast. If your skin is alabaster, for example, avoid similar pale tones. Or black—unless you’re going for a goth vibe. With pale skin tones, neutral or muted colors in a middle-grade tone work great on white or gray backgrounds.
Conversely, with darker skin, choose colors that augment—not match—your skin tone. If you’re unsure what to wear, we’re here to help.
Second, think positive thoughts. A genuine smile will make you look approachable and confident. But don’t expect to smile on cue. A frozen grin is unconvincing. Instead, breathe normally, exhale slowly, and engage the photographer in a dialogue about a recent accomplishment, outing, or a special memory. Whatever naturally elicits a smile for you. Soon enough, you’ll forget you’re on the business end of a camera lens and lean into the moment. That’s when the magic happens.
Next, use your eyes. The eyes don’t lie. They reveal what’s inside. Make eye contact with the lens as if you’re talking with a friend. Practice the technique of squincing, the narrowing of the eyes by slightly raising the lower lid. (Google it.) A wide-eyed, eager countenance conveys uncertainty and vulnerability compared to a focussed, confident, in-control mien. If you’re an actor, visualize the types of roles you expect to land and channel those characters.
With some preparation and practice, you can capture a great headshot that gets results. Follow these tips to dress for success, practice confident but loose posture, relax, smile with your eyes, and be yourself to make that impressive first impression.
