Executive Headshots: The Rookie Mistake Series

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Welcome once more to our Rookie Mistake Series, where we look at blunders that even pros can make when taking executive headshots. We’ve seen a headshot that was too casual, one in which it appeared the photographer stood too close, and one in which the subject was turned away from the light, drawing attention away from the face. And now, the fourth in our series …

Rookie Mistake #4: A pose that’s too playful doesn’t portray you as a responsible professional

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How would a mistake like this happen? Many times, our clients tell us that they don’t want to appear stuffy, stodgy, posed. That is a common concern, and an understandable one. You don’t have to look far to find executive headshots that are stiff and formal. They don’t connect well. And because they don’t connect well, they don’t do their job. To combat this, some photographers go to the other extreme – creating executive headshots that are too relaxed. While this isn’t a bad picture of Katherine, who does look natural and relaxed, it is a bad headshot.  

Katherine certainly does look friendly in the photo on the left. Friendliness is a desirable quality to show in executive headshots. The problem is that in the lefthand photo, Katherine looks more like she wants you to come along with her to a beach volleyball game or a great dance club. And while that would, no doubt, be fun, it’s not the message that executive headshots should send. Even if you are in a less conservative profession, you still need show potential clients that you are responsible and reliable. A playful, glance-over-the-shoulder pose won’t do that.

We avoid stiffly-posed executive headshots not with playful posing, but with thoughtful coaching. We allow ample time for clients to relax before they step in front of the camera. And we talk extensively about how small changes in pose and expression communicate friendliness without undermining professionalism.

If you feel like your executive headshot isn’t portraying you in your best, most polished and professional light, give us a call. We think we can help. For more details on all the programs we offer, visit our Executive Headshots page.

Walter Schnecker, CPP

Walter Schnecker is the owner of C1M Photography, LLC, in Amherst NH. He specializes in Executive Business Headshots and crafts hundreds of headshots each year for businesspeople in a wide range of professions.

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