Before you even step foot into a studio or book a photographer, visit their portfolio and choose someone that matches your vision OR meets your criteria. There’s a ton of photographers out there, ignore the fancy equipment talk or delivery of every single image – what matters is if they can deliver a single headshot that meets your needs or preferably exceeds them.

I always advise my clients to keep it simple. This is a professional headshot. The viewer is likely to be someone looking at your business card, website or LinkedIn profile. They really don’t care if you’re being fashionable (and since fashion is in/out of style – your image will date rapidly). What they want to see is probably smart, clean, positive, confidence and yes, clothes can help with that, but don’t make the clothes ‘better’ than you – don’t allow the clothes you wear to steal the show.

Let’s get the elephant out of the room – don’t be fake with your smile. Your photographer should create a positive environment and allow you to shine naturally. That’s the best expression – nothing too funky – people can spot that a mile off. We’re not going to use our headshot to advertise our dentists amazing work.

For the pose – that will be between you and the photographer. Try different things, see what you prefer, see what feels natural.

The key here is ‘be yourself’ – be your positive, sparkling, connected self and let that show through in the images.