From your social media profile to your website’s “About Us” page, your headshot is often the first time a potential client puts a face to your name. Quality, professional headshots OKC can help you make an ideal impression here, offering a visual statement about your professionalism and approachability.
While the thought of taking a new headshot can be exciting, for many people, the idea of being in front of a camera can be daunting. Feeling comfortable in front of the camera doesn’t always come naturally. However, the secret to a great headshot isn’t about being “photogenic”—it’s about knowing how to feel confident and prepared.
Our OKC photographers have gathered some foundational tips to help you get ready for your next headshot, so you can feel more comfortable while achieving an image that is both professional and authentically you.
Pre-Photoshoot Planning
A great photoshoot begins before you step in front of the camera. Taking the time to prepare yourself can significantly boost your confidence and ensure the images align with your goals.
Think About Your Branding OKC
Your headshot will be used on your website, business-focused social media profiles, and more, so it should be a true reflection of your professional brand. Are you a formal and authoritative expert? A creative and approachable consultant? A new professional ready to transform your industry? The answer will influence your expression, posture, and even your wardrobe. Thinking about your branding strategy before you take your photos can help ensure that your new headshot sends the right message to your target audience.
Choose Your Wardrobe Wisely
Your outfit should complement you, not distract from you. It’s best to choose clothing with solid colors or subtle patterns that you feel great in. For a cohesive look, consider wearing colors that are part of your brand identity (or opt for neutrals that will blend well with your brand’s palette). Try to avoid wearing large logos—unless they are your own. When in doubt, bring a few options with you; your OKC photographers can likely help you choose an ideal look for your headshot.
Headshot Posing Fundamentals
Posing for a photo can feel unnatural at first, but the goal is simply to find a position that is both comfortable and confident. A professional photographer will guide you on the day of, but knowing these basics can help you feel more prepared for your headshots OKC.
Find Your Angles
Standing square to the camera is rarely the most flattering position for anyone. A simple and effective pose is to angle your body about 45 degrees away from the camera, then turn your head back toward the lens. This simple shift does two important things: it creates depth and dimension, making the portrait more visually interesting, and it presents a friendlier, or even more flattering profile.
If you’re standing during the photoshoot, try shifting your weight onto your back foot to feel more settled (instead of distributing your weight evenly). This angled stance feels more relaxed, which translates into a more confident and approachable final image.
Pay Attention to Posture
Good posture is a powerful non-verbal cue for confidence. Standing or sitting tall immediately projects energy and authority (it can also prevent your clothing from bunching up or wrinkling). Whether you are sitting or standing, gently roll your shoulders back and down, and imagine a string lightly pulling the crown of your head upward.
A simple trick to settle into a straighter posture is to take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, let your shoulders relax into a natural but strong position. This not only improves your posture, but also helps release tension, resulting in a look that elongates your neck and creates a strong, confident line.
Connecting Through the Lens
Your expression is how you connect with the photo’s viewer—making it the most important part of your headshot. The key to a great expression is for it to be genuine.
Choosing Your Expression
To smile or not to smile during your headshot? The decision goes back to your brand! A warm, open-mouthed smile conveys approachability and energy, making it great for creatives, coaches, and community-focused professionals. A more subtle, soft smile signals authority and calm confidence, which can be effective for lawyers, financial advisors, or executives. To ensure you get your ideal presence across, your OKC photographers may capture images of multiple expressions.
While Taking the Photo
Whether you smile with your teeth or keep a more neutral expression, the secret to a genuine, confident look is genuine emotion. Just before the photo is taken, think of something that makes you happy—a recent success, a fond memory, or a favorite person. That real emotion will shine through in your eyes and create an expression that is authentic and engaging.
Ready to Make an Authentic First Impression?
Ultimately, great headshots OKC are a collaboration between you and your photographer. While these tips are a strong starting point, the most important thing you can do is relax and partner with a professional that you trust will help you look fantastic!
At myheartcreative, we see quality, professional photography as a key component of any successful brand. We don’t just “take pictures.” We take the time to create photos that truly reflect what makes each brand—and individual within that brand—unique. Our team is dedicated to creating a relaxed and enjoyable photoshoot experience, and we provide expert guidance on everything from backgrounds to posing.
If you’re ready to create a professional headshot that helps you make a confident and authentic impression, we’re here to help. Contact us to get started!
