Top Tips for Perfect Conference Headshots
Your headshot is your first virtual handshake in the interconnected professional world. A glimpse of your personality and competence creates a lasting impression. Whether you're attending a conference to network, learn, or share your expertise, a well-crafted headshot is a powerful tool.
Achieving the perfect conference headshot involves more than just standing in front of a camera and flashing a smile. It's about understanding the nuances of attire, posture, and expression that come together to show your professional identity authentically.
Most conference headshots have a quick turn-around time. Ours is as fast as 30 seconds after taking the professional headshot. With such an efficient photo delivery, it's essential to know that often, the photo is not retouched.
It is up to the photographer to have flattering lighting to make sure everyone looks their best. Still, there are also factors to consider to bring to the table that will make your headshot a great candidate for your updated LinkedIn profile picture.
Let's unveil the top tips and secrets that professional photographers swear by to ensure your next professional conference headshot captures the essence of who you are and what you bring to the table.
Annual conference temptations don'ts
Conferences are an exciting time for many to reconnect with peers, take classes, have business meetings, learn new things, enjoy the pool or beach (if you are in a warm area), and the late-night activities of networking and different parties.
We are not trying to be party-poopers and ask you not to enjoy your time at the national conferences. If you know you need the headshot services offered, you want to look your best in your professional headshots.
Until you get your business headshot photographed, try to avoid unhealthy eating or drinking choices. Unhealthy decisions can affect how your skin looks and make you feel bloated. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest on your first night to have beautiful skin and eliminate dark circles under your eyes.
Dress the part
Whether you are local or traveling for your annual conference, look through your closet ahead of time. Choose professional attire that aligns with your industry.
Usually, at conferences, headshot booths use a grey background or another more neutral color.
Solid colors and subtle patterns work well. Avoid overly busy or distracting clothing that might take away from your face. Even though professional headshots are from the chest up, ensure the attire fits properly.
Iron and hang your clothes up when you arrive at your hotel room. Since the professional headshot will most likely be unretouched, all these small details matter.
On the day of your headshot, ensure your clothes are not wrinkly or dirty. If you sweat easily, change into your headshot outfit at the last minute before taking your photo.
Keep accessories like jewelry simple and minimal. They should complement your look rather than steal the focus from your facial features.
Hair & Makeup
Ensure your hair is neat and well-groomed. A fresh haircut or style can go a long way in enhancing your overall look. If your hair requires more prolonged styling efforts, plan to wake up earlier to have enough time to style your hair.
We recommend getting your headshot taken first thing in the morning so your hair is fresh and styled exactly how you like it.
For makeup, aim for a natural, polished appearance. Your professional headshot should be an accurate representation of who you are. If you wear light makeup daily, don't overdo it for your headshots.
Ensure your skin is not shiny, and avoid using highlighter or any makeup that will make you look shiny. Bring lipgloss with you and apply it right before your headshot.
The line at the tradeshow headshot booth
Headshot photos for tradeshows with unretouched photos, and they are professional and great for Linkedin
Since most headshot booths offer a complimentary headshot, this service is very much in high demand. Don't be discouraged by the lines.
Instead, take advantage of waiting in line and taking the time to fix your hair and makeup. Decide how you want your hair for the photos; some prefer to have their hair up, while others prefer which side to split it on. Think all of this through before stepping in front of the camera.
Take the time to observe the photographer and how they interact with the people in front of the camera. Take note of how each individual is being posed. This will make you feel more relaxed in front of the camera as you will better know what to expect.
How to pose in front of the camera for men and women
A good headshot photographer will guide you while photographing professional headshots. To make the short time you have in front of the camera as natural as possible, here are some pointers to keep in mind when in front of the camera:
Have good posture. Imagine someone pulling you with a string from the top of your head. Proper posture shows that you are confident and self-assured.
Without leaning your body forward, slam the forehead toward the camera and bring your chin down. This will help eliminate any potential and unwanted double chins. It feels awkward but looks incredible.
Make sure to keep your hands at your sides. You don't want to put your hands on your hips. Keeping your hands at your sides gives your body excellent form. The posing for headshots is tiny movements and adjustments.
Be open to the prompts the professional photographer is giving to you. Our goal with the short amount of time we have with each professional is to deliver a variety of photographs. Have some photos with smiling and some with a serious expression. The most important is to have some tension in your eyes by putting pressure on your lower eyelids. Also, if you are going for a more serious look and don't like to smile, you should still put some tension in the corners of your mouth.
Always look into the lens. This is not an 80's glamour headshot booth. When you post this headshot on LinkedIn, you want people to relate and connect with you.
Remember, a perfect conference headshot isn't just about looking good; it conveys professionalism, approachability, and personality. Take your time to prepare, practice, and be ready for your best expo convention headshot.
